In front of Alex's house stood a luxurious black carriage adorned with the golden crests of the Montamer family. Beside it stood a young maid dressed in a proper uniform, who politely greeted Alex and his family as they stepped outside.
"Greetings to you, Mister Alex, sir, and madam," the girl said quietly, lowering her head in a respectful bow. "My name is Alpha, and I will be escorting you to the estate of our esteemed family. I hope the journey will be as pleasant as possible for you."
"Thank you, Miss Alpha," Gabriel replied, noting the maid's refined manners. "We truly appreciate your concern for our comfort."
Alex glanced at the maid and smiled.
"Pleasure to meet you, Alpha," he said. "If I may, I'd like to sit up front with you, next to the coachman's seat."
"Oh, son, are you serious?" Emma said, slightly surprised by his request. "What's wrong with sitting inside the carriage?"
Alex just smiled and gave his mother a mischievous wink.
"Mom, someone has to make sure the road is safe!"
Alpha seemed a bit flustered but managed a composed smile.
"Honored Mister Alex, forgive me, but I would not advise sitting in the front. The journey will be much more comfortable and safer inside the carriage."
"But I was hoping you'd tell me something interesting about the Montamer family along the way," the boy continued in a disappointed tone. "Oh well, I guess I'll have to tell Cyril that his maid refused a guest's request. I wonder how he'll react, considering his fiery temperament?"
"Alex, how dare you," Emma said, her voice indignant. "Apologize at once and—"
Alpha sighed softly and lowered her gaze with a hint of embarrassment.
"If you insist, Mister Alex, then I must fulfill your request," Alpha interrupted Emma. "Forgive me for disappointing you. Allow me to invite you to the front seat."
"Please excuse his behavior," Emma added quietly, bowing her head. "This isn't like Alex at all."
Alpha sighed again, though she kept her tone kind and composed.
"No need to worry, madam," she said with a gentle nod. "Well then, if Mister Alex truly wishes it, I will not deny him."
What are you planning, son? flashed through Gabriel's mind as he took his seat inside the carriage.
The parents settled inside while Alex took his place beside Alpha, who took the reins and prepared for departure.
"Allow me to remind you, Mister Alex, that our family is very proud of the trust you've shown by accepting this invitation," Alpha said softly, never once breaking her composed, well-trained demeanor. "Please don't worry. We will do everything in our power to make this visit leave you with only the most pleasant memories."
The carriage began to move, and Alex looked down the road, already feeling the anticipation of the meeting to come.
For several minutes, Alex and Alpha rode in complete silence.
"I apologize for my words before the trip," Alex was the first to speak. "I didn't mean to offend you, but it was the only way to speak with you privately."
Alpha nodded, offering a reserved smile.
"Well, Mister Alex, thank you for your apology. However, I must admit I'm curious—what is so important that you went to such lengths to have this conversation?" Her voice was calm, though there was a hint of curiosity in her gaze.
Alex didn't respond right away. He raised his hand, and a small magical ring appeared on his palm. Upon seeing it, Alpha pressed her lips together ever so slightly.
"Does this magical ring look familiar to you?" Alex asked, his gaze steady.
Alpha examined the ring, then slowly shook her head.
"No, Mister Alex, I'm seeing it for the first time," she said, but her eyes studied every detail of it closely.
"And what do you think would happen if I pointed it at you and began channeling magic into it?" he asked softly, without looking away.
Alpha's expression remained composed, but a flicker of tension passed through her eyes. She didn't answer, but seemed to take a deep breath in an effort to stay calm.
"Not going to answer? Well, I don't need one. I already know exactly what it does." Without breaking eye contact, Alex opened his inventory and pulled out a small vial filled with liquid.
"Please, drink this," he said, holding it out to her.
Alpha shook her head.
"Mister Alex, I… I can't do that," she replied calmly, though there was a note of concealed anxiety in her voice.
Alex leaned in slightly.
"Are you sure?" he asked, gripping the vial. "Think carefully."
Alpha hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly reached out and took the vial. After a brief pause, she uncorked it and drank the contents down to the last drop.
"Excellent," Alex murmured.
He raised his hand, and the ring on his palm began to glow more brightly as he infused it with magic. Alpha held her breath, but after several seconds, it became clear that nothing was happening to her. Alex smiled with satisfaction.
"Just as I expected," he said, and the magical ring dissolved, disappearing from his hand.
Still visibly surprised, Alpha looked at him with suspicion.
"What did you make me drink? And why didn't that magic affect me?"
"You still haven't figured it out, Alpha? It was just an antidote that neutralized the toxin, Miss Lorina. Which means you are now completely free from the Montamers' influence."
Alpha's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly composed herself, regaining a serious expression.
"May I ask, what is your true purpose in visiting the estate?" Her voice now sounded entirely different—more serious, more resolute.
Alex gave a brief smile.
"Nothing too dramatic. Just the complete destruction of that family and the rescue of the rest of the servants," he answered calmly.
Alpha looked at him again, as if unsure she'd heard him correctly.
"And how do you plan to accomplish that?"
"Quite simply," Alex said in a quiet tone, leaning a little closer. "By using their own weapon against them."
Alpha listened intently, not interrupting.
"All it takes is to serve the Montamers a poisoned drink. That's where I'll need your help. While I distract the infamous trio, you'll distribute antidote vials to the other servants and supervise the drink preparations. Can you handle that?"
Alpha thought for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"You can count on me. I hope your plan works, Mister Alex."
"It will," Alex replied with quiet confidence. "No doubt about it."
The carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the luxurious Montamer estate. Tall wrought-iron gates and the majestic façade of the building emphasized the family's wealth and status. As Alex and his parents stepped out of the carriage, they were met by three people waiting at the entrance.
The first of the group was a lean man of middle age, with a piercing gaze and a cunning smile. This was Count Remil, the head of the Montamer family, known for his hunger for power and deceit. Beside him stood his wife, Lorina, a woman with delicate features and a cold stare that felt almost inescapable. Slightly behind them stood Cyril, who immediately lowered his eyes upon seeing Alex.
"A warm welcome to our modest estate," Count Remil spoke first, inclining his head slightly with feigned friendliness. "I am Count Remil von Montamer, and this is my wife, Lorina, and our son, Cyril. I trust the journey was pleasant and not too exhausting."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Count Remil," Gabriel replied with a reserved nod. "I am Gabriel, this is my wife, Emma, and our son, Alex. We were honored to accept your family's invitation."
Lorina offered a graceful smile and nodded in return.
"We appreciate your visit," she said coldly. "This is indeed a wonderful opportunity for our families to grow closer."
After a brief silence, Remil placed a delicate hand on his son's shoulder.
"Still, I must ask your forgiveness," he began, addressing both Alex and his parents. "Unfortunately, my son behaved improperly during the examination. He still has much to learn about aristocratic manners and restraint. Please accept our sincerest apologies."
Cyril glanced at Alex and gave a short bow.
"I apologize for my impulsive behavior," he said, almost reluctantly, trying to maintain the proper composure.
Alex responded with a slight nod and a casual smile.
"Apology accepted," he said. "I hope that after tonight, we'll be able to find common ground—and maybe even become friends."
Remil raised an eyebrow slightly and exchanged a look with his wife.
"Certainly, we hope so as well," he replied with feigned warmth. "We'll be glad if tonight's dinner helps bring us closer."
"Please, come inside," Lorina added with a smile. "Dinner is almost ready."
Remil gestured for the guests to follow, and the entire group made their way toward the mansion's doors, which opened graciously before them.
Alex stepped over the threshold of the manor, and a sense of discomfort immediately washed over him. The spacious halls with marble floors and high ceilings felt far too cold, lacking even the slightest hint of true coziness. Everything here seemed alien, hostile, as though every corner was saturated with the poisonous atmosphere of its masters.
"Even in a dungeon, surrounded by monsters, I'd feel safer than here. At least monsters don't hide their intentions." The tension inside him only grew stronger, and each step he took through the manor deepened his disdain.
Count Remille, noticing how Alex was curiously observing the hall, turned to him:
"I hope our manor leaves a pleasant impression," he said with feigned friendliness.
Alex forced himself to smile.
"Oh, it's wonderful, Count Remille," he replied with rehearsed admiration in his voice, though inwardly he thought, "It would be even more enjoyable if I could burn the whole place to the ground."
"If we still have a bit of time before dinner, might I ask for a little tour of the manor? Who knows if I'll ever have the chance to visit again."
Remille, clearly pleased with his guest's reaction, turned to his son.
"Cyril, show Alex around the manor," he said, casting a commanding glance at the boy.
Cyril, clearly unenthusiastic about the idea, nodded reluctantly.
"As you wish, Father."
At this point, Lorina interjected with a quiet smile.
"Perhaps it would be best if you took a walk alone with Alex, dear. It may encourage your conversation and, hopefully, bring you closer."
Alpha cast a quick glance at the guests before heading off toward the kitchen. Alex nodded to his mother and father, and they responded with calm looks of their own.
Lorina turned to Gabriel and Emma with a gentle smile.
"And in the meantime, please follow me. Dinner will be served shortly, and my husband and I would be happy to keep you company."
"With pleasure," Emma replied, giving her son a parting glance before following Lorina and Remille with her husband, leaving the two young men alone.
Cyril pressed his lips together slightly but maintained the formal tone.
"I'll show you my room," he said with a curt nod to Alex. "It's on the second floor. I hope you'll find it interesting."
Alex, maintaining a polite smile, offered no objections and followed him up the stairs.
Cyril opened the door, and Alex stepped into a spacious room overflowing with luxury — the kind that all too clearly reflected the status of its owner. Furniture made of carved redwood was perfectly arranged. The floor was covered by an ornate carpet in warm tones, and above the tall, grand headboard hung a tapestry bearing the Montamer family crest.
"So, what do you think? How do you like my room?" Cyril asked with a satisfied look.
Alex glanced around, feigning mild disappointment.
"Nothing special, to be honest," he said with a mocking tone. "Sure, it's different from mine, where I've got just a bed, a table, and a wardrobe. But honestly, I feel like Adam's room probably has more of an aristocratic air to it. And I bet it's more interesting, too."
"You pathetic commoner. All you ever do is get on my nerves. As if humiliating me during the exam wasn't enough, now you're mocking me on my own territory. Laugh while you can, bastard. Soon, both you and your precious family will be gone — and I'll be the one laughing."
Cyril clenched his teeth, barely containing his rage. After a few seconds, he spoke again aloud, masking his irritation well.
"Well, everyone's entitled to their opinion. Come, let's continue — I'll show you another room."
Alex, noticing the calm demeanor, smiled inwardly.
"No matter how hard you try, Cyril, I can see your true emotions. Be angry all you want — it won't help you."
Enjoying the thought, he followed him.
Cyril led him to another room, one arranged comfortably for guests, then turned back to Alex.
"Let's head downstairs. Dinner's probably getting cold, and the adults are likely waiting for us," he said with forced politeness.
"Of course," Alex agreed, but just as they reached the door, he asked, "By the way, what's the room at the very end of the hallway?"
"That's my father's study," Cyril replied briefly. "But unfortunately, I can't show it to you."
"That's a shame," Alex said with mock regret.
Suddenly, Alpha ran up to them, slightly flustered, and quickly addressed Cyril.
"Excuse me, Master Cyril, but I need you to come with me. It's… about dinner."
Cyril didn't even look at her and snapped aggressively,
"I have my own affairs, Alpha! Can't you handle it yourself?"
Alpha remained calm and composed, though she kept insisting,
"Forgive me, sir, but it truly is important. Please, just for a moment."
"Useless servant," Cyril hissed. Then, turning his back to Alex, he added, "Alex, wait for me in my room. I'll be back shortly."
As Cyril and Alpha disappeared around the corner, Alex smiled, satisfied with how things were unfolding. He quickly moved to Remille's study, carefully opened the door, and stepped inside. Pausing for a brief moment to take in the richly furnished room, he swiftly created a magical ring in the center — one meant for transporting Astarion and Adam.
After ensuring everything was done properly, Alex quietly closed the door and returned to Cyril's room.
"Everything is going according to plan. Now all that's left is to finish the job."
A minute later, Cyril entered the room. Alex, feigning surprise, asked,
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing important," Cyril replied, irritated.
"Glad to hear it," Alex said calmly, and the two boys headed off together to the dining room, where the adults were already waiting.
As soon as Alex and Cyril entered the dining room, Remille immediately turned to Alex:
"So, Alex, I hope the rooms on the second floor made a good impression on you?" the Count asked, with a barely noticeable smile.
"Yes, of course, Count Remille, they're wonderful," Alex replied with a polite smile, clearly impressed by the luxurious rooms.
This comment slightly threw Cyril off balance — after all, Alex had told him something entirely different not long ago.
"Excellent," Remille said with a satisfied nod. "Please, boys, join us."
Alex took a free seat at the table, then glanced briefly at the adults.
"I hope we didn't interrupt your conversation," he asked courteously.
Lorina only smiled gently.
"Not at all. We've just started talking about the children, and we're very glad you've joined us. By the way, Alex, what are your plans after graduating from the Academy?"
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly, replying calmly.
"I've just entered the Academy, so I haven't really thought about such distant plans yet."
Lorina smiled faintly, though her tone remained friendly.
"Well, I hope Cyril will also enter the Academy next year. That way, he can continue our family tradition, which means a great deal to us." Lorina cast a patronizing glance at her son, who immediately tried to look interested and proud.
"Of course, Mother," Cyril smiled, nodding slightly. "It would be an honor."
God, how much longer do I have to keep playing the nice guy? I'm getting sick of this charade, Alex thought.
Patience, My Lord, came the voice of the Siren. You're about to bring this to an end.
Lorina, still smiling, glanced at the other guests.
"Well, I suggest a toast to new acquaintances," she said, signaling to one of the maids standing nearby.
Finally.
A young girl entered the dining room in the same elegant maid outfit as Alpha's, carrying a tray with crystal glasses filled with wine. She carefully placed a glass before each person at the table, then stepped back slightly.
"This wine comes from the angelic lands," Lorina said with a hint of admiration in her voice, emphasizing her words. "It's rather difficult to obtain, but worth it. I hope you all enjoy it."
Remil raised his glass of wine, looking solemn and dignified.
"I have a toast," he said, glancing at Gabriel and Emma. "To new acquaintances and future friendship between our families."
Gabriel nodded in agreement and also raised his glass.
"I support you, Count Remil. May this meeting mark the beginning of mutual support and prosperity."
Everyone raised their glasses, exchanged brief glances, and drank.
Attention. The wine contains poison. You are poisoned, the Siren's voice echoed inside the minds of Remil, Lorina, and Cyril. The stern, emotionless voice of their Sirens sent them into instant panic, and shock and anxiety flashed in their eyes. For a moment, they looked at each other in confusion, quickly shifting their gazes to the guests to avoid revealing their weakness.
Lorina, keeping her composure, set her glass down and stood up, trying not to lose her calm. She slightly bowed her head to the others.
"Excuse me, but I need to step into the kitchen for a moment," her voice was steady, but a slight tension slipped through her cold words. "Please, continue dining." She hurried toward the exit of the dining room.
"And where do you think you're going?" Alex spoke up mockingly, no longer hiding his amusement. A magical ring flared on his palm. Lorina, feeling a sudden surge of pain, clutched her chest and let out a wild scream as she collapsed to the floor, writhing in agony.
"What is this… how is this possible?!" Her voice was filled with torment and disbelief.
Remil and Cyril, weakened by the poison, could take no more. They summoned two streams of water, but before they could use them, a powerful wave of pain stopped them. The magic dispersed, and they too fell to the floor, unable to move.
"Alex! What is going on here?!" Gabriel asked anxiously, glancing between his son and the Montamer family members.
Alex turned to him, his voice turning suddenly serious.
"I'll explain everything later, Father. For now, you and Mother should head to Remil's study. Count Astarion and Adam are looking for evidence against this family there, and your help could be useful."
Emma looked at her son in confusion, trying to ask more.
"But Alex, what are you talking about? What evidence...?"
Before she could finish, a magical circle lit up beneath her and Gabriel. As they exchanged startled glances, the light enveloped them, and they instantly vanished from the room.
Alex turned his gaze to the Montamers, who lay helpless on the floor, still in pain.
"Finally, we're alone and can talk peacefully," Alex said with a smile. He dispersed the magical ring on his palm, and the Montamers stopped writhing. "You're lucky I'm not a monster like you, and I prefer conversations in a calmer setting. Get back to your seats—it's unseemly for noble aristocrats to be sprawled on the floor."
Lorina, Remil, and Cyril, clutching their chests and trying to suppress the lingering pain, slowly got up. They exchanged grim looks with Alex, filled with hatred, yet tinged with helplessness. Knowing physical resistance was useless, they carefully returned to their seats at the table.
"That's better," Alex began calmly. "So, tell me—how does it feel to fall victim to your own poison, Miss Lorina?" He turned his gaze toward her.
"Pathetic commoner," she growled. "It's far too soon for you to celebrate. Delta, deal with him now!" she shouted with her last strength to the maid who had served the drinks.
"Deal with him yourself," the maid replied mockingly.
"Do your servants often speak to you like that?" Alex asked, amused, watching Lorina's bewildered expression.
Lorina said nothing. Summoning her remaining strength, she conjured a magical ring and aimed it at the maid. Alex remained calm, not even attempting to stop her. He simply looked at the girl, who still stood in place.
"How are you feeling? Anything hurting?" he asked.
"I'm fine," the girl replied calmly.
"What the… What did you do?" Lorina glared at Alex furiously.
"You still don't get it? Alpha, come on in."
Alpha entered the dining room, followed by eight more girls, all dressed in maid uniforms.
"Want to try using your magic on them too? Maybe it'll work on one of them."
"Enough of these games," Remil said harshly. "It's already clear Lorina's magic won't affect the girls. What I want to know is—how do you know about this magic, how did you learn it, how did you find the antidote recipe, and what the hell is Astarion doing in my study?"
"So many questions. Is there any point in answering them? You won't be alive much longer anyway."
"Then answer just one—what do you want?"
"From you? Absolutely nothing. You've already told me everything I needed—though you don't realize it."
"Then why all this? Why didn't you just kill us right away instead of inviting us to the table? This whole conversation is pointless, so finish what you came to do."
"That was the original plan. But I promised Alpha not to end you right away. Besides, the girls needed to make sure you were no longer a threat," Alex stood up from the table. "Well then, I must leave you now. Alpha, girls—they're all yours." He turned his gaze to Alpha.
"Thank you, Lord Alex. We'll take it from here," her voice remained composed, though a note of joy could be heard.
"Wait!" Cyril suddenly shouted just as Alex was about to leave the dining room.
"What do you want?" Alex stopped but didn't even glance in the boy's direction.
"I beg you, save me." Cyril fell to his knees. Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice trembled with fear. "I'm ready to do anything, just please, don't leave me to die."
"Ahhh... Cyril, Cyril." Alex walked up to the boy and crouched down so their eyes met. Then he leaned in closer and whispered,
"Knowing how much trouble you'll cause in the future, and how many innocent lives you'll take, I simply can't save you. And to be honest, I don't want to."
Then he continued, this time less calmly,
"If it weren't for Alpha, I would've given you a real taste of hell. But an agreement is an agreement, so your fate will be decided by your own servants. I hope you treated them nicely… maybe they'll grant you a quick death."
With those words, Alex stood up and headed to the second floor, while Cyril remained on his knees, staring after him.
Alex opened Remiel's office door and immediately spotted Astarion, Adam, Emma, and Gabriel, all engrossed in the documents they had found.
Emma, noticing her son, instantly stood up and rushed over to embrace him tightly.
"Alex, are you alright?" Her voice was filled with worry.
"I'm fine, Mom, don't worry," he replied, smiling gently to reassure her.
Gabriel approached them, gave Alex a firm pat on the shoulder, and said,
"Glad to see you in one piece."
Astarion, watching the scene, stepped closer and addressed Alex.
"How did it go downstairs?" he asked.
"Just as planned, Count," Alex replied with a faint smile.
"Glad to hear it." Astarion nodded gratefully, then lifted the documents and showed them to Alex. "Take a look. Just like you said—everything's detailed: the Montamers' actions, the names of the aristocrats they killed, and all their financial manipulations. We also found Lorina's diary, though we haven't read it yet."
Alex skimmed through the documents.
"Same as before. Nothing new to find here."
Gabriel, who had been watching everything with growing confusion, finally asked his son,
"So now, would you kindly explain what exactly is going on here?"
"Ah... about that. Heh..." Alex hesitated, trying to find the right words. "How do I even begin to explain?"
Astarion, noticing his hesitation, stepped in.
"This was all my idea," he said, drawing everyone's attention. "I asked Alex to delay the Montamers downstairs so we could collect this evidence. He merely helped me execute the plan."
Adam, surprised at first by the twist, quickly recovered and backed up his father's story.
"I share some of the blame too. After the exam, I jokingly mentioned it'd be nice to get rid of the Montamers. Alex agreed and started asking how it could be done. Then Father shared his long-standing idea with him—one he hadn't been able to realize because we lacked a key element: someone to distract the Montamers while we searched for the evidence."
Astarion continued, turning to Gabriel and Emma.
"I'm sorry for involving you in something so dangerous. It was a risk, and I never intended to drag you into such trouble."
Gabriel sighed and smiled.
"The important thing is that it all ended well, Count. But next time you're planning something like this, please let us know in advance."
"Astarion, Adam… I love you guys," Alex thought, then exhaled with relief.
"Don't worry. No more reckless schemes," he promised out loud.
Suddenly, Alpha entered the room, followed by a group of maids who politely bowed.
"Lord Alex, the Montamer family has been dealt with," Alpha reported calmly.
"Glad to hear it. And what do you plan to do now?"
The maids exchanged glances, and Alpha, as their spokesperson, replied,
"We've decided to serve you, Lord Alex. You saved us from the Montamers, and now we want to stay by your side."
Alex, a bit surprised, tried to politely decline.
"That's very generous, but you all deserve a peaceful life after what you've been through…"
"This is our final decision," Alpha said firmly, refusing to back down. "You saved us, and we wish to serve you for the rest of our lives."
Adam, smiling as he observed the scene, couldn't resist teasing his friend.
"Looks like you've landed quite well, Alex. Got rid of that annoying family and earned yourself ten loyal servants!"
Alex cast a pleading look at his parents, silently asking for help—but they just smiled and said nothing.
"You've got to be kidding me. Sirena, please tell me you've got some idea how to get out of this."
"You must take responsibility for the consequences of your actions," Sirena answered calmly.
"Thanks a lot."
"Alright," Alex finally gave in. "But… I'm afraid our home might not be big enough to fit all of you," he added, glancing at his parents.
Astarion, holding back a smile, said,
"No need to worry. For helping take down the Montamers, I've decided to gift you a new estate."
Gabriel, surprised by the generous offer, asked,
"Isn't that a bit too much of a gift?"
Astarion laughed and explained,
"Just keep in mind the estate will be purchased using the Montamer family's money." He winked at Alex.
Gabriel and Emma exchanged glances, then Gabriel said,
"Well, if it's with those bastards' money, we have no objections."
"Perfect. In that case, I'll visit you tomorrow, and then we'll head to your new home. A friend of mine recently put his estate up for sale, so finding a place won't be an issue."
"We'll be waiting for you, Count," Alex replied gratefully.
"Then have a pleasant evening." A magical circle appeared beneath Astarion and Adam, and they vanished from the room.
"Well, it's time for us to head home too," Alex said, and together with his family and the maids, they left the office.
"Finally home," Alex said as he collapsed onto the bed. "Playing the role of the good guy is so not my thing."
"However, I must admit you carried out your task brilliantly, my Lord," Sirena said.
"Thanks for the compliment. But now it seems I've somehow ended up with an entire army of maids moving into my house. I definitely didn't see that coming. And I don't even remember the Montamers having that many maids. Could it be that in the future they…"
He paused.
"With them, anything's possible."
"You shouldn't dwell too much on what could have happened," Sirena replied. "What matters is what did happen. Alpha and the other girls have recognized your authority and are grateful for your rescue. Besides, this might serve as an additional reason not to risk yourself so recklessly in the future."
"So now I'm supposed to accept the role of 'the master with a personal harem,' huh?"
Alex chuckled and closed his eyes.
"Is that what you're getting at? And tell me, Sirena… are you okay with this?"
"As your loyal companion, my Lord, I support your decisions. And if you've already decided to take responsibility for the futures of these girls, I will—as always—help you with the organizational aspects. However, we mustn't forget about matters of greater importance. Do you already have any ideas about your next steps?"
"Why are you rushing so much?" Alex exhaled with a tired smile. "It's only been three months and a few days since I was sent back in time. In that span, I've already: reached level thirty-three, met Adam and Astarion, taken down the Montamers, and as a bonus—gained ten maids. Remind me again—who was it that said my luck had run out for the foreseeable future?"
He stretched and continued,
"Right now, I have absolutely no grand plans. At the moment, I need to: figure out the move to the new estate, settle the situation with the maids, inform everyone I planned to about the coming war, and then we can start working out a proper strategy together. So, I've got more than enough on my plate for the next couple of days. And I'm going to need your help with all of it."
He opened one eye and looked at her.
"Over the last few years, I've only gotten used to daily battles. But now, if these girls have truly chosen to entrust their lives to me, I want to be a good master to them. I want you to help me keep the household in order… and to look after our new residents. I can't leave them without support."
"I understand. I'll gladly help. For now, enjoy your triumph, my Lord."
"Thanks for everything, Sirena," Alex murmured, his voice heavy with sleep as he closed his eyes. "What would I do without you…"
The boy drifted off.