"Why have you come downstairs?" Lila inquired with great curiosity.

Pernas's status was distinct from theirs. As a noble, she was assigned to a superior class and had more proficient teachers at her disposal.

Of course, in this not - overly - prosperous town, such superiority was relative; in reality, the difference wasn't all that significant.

Nevertheless, the academy was obligated to uphold the special treatment befitting nobles.

Otherwise, certain parents who placed great importance on social status would voice their discontent.

"I noticed something from upstairs just now and decided to come down and take a look," Pernas explained casually. Then she continued, "Tell me quickly, what were you discussing just now? Classes are dreadfully boring."

Lila exchanged a glance with Bonnie, who imperceptibly shook her head.

Lila was aware that due to family circumstances, Bonnie had always been disinclined to associate with Pernas. The last time Pernas had offered to let Bonnie take refuge at her home, Bonnie had declined resolutely.

Similarly, Bonnie didn't want Pernas to be involved in this matter now.

Considering the potential risks, Lila felt even more strongly that there was no need to inform this noble friend.

She waved her hand and said, "It's nothing. Bonnie merely invited me to her home as a guest."

Pernas glanced at the two of them and then at the group of boys surrounding them. She was skeptical that it was such a mundane matter.

However, since Lila was reluctant to elaborate, she refrained from pressing the issue.

"I see. Oh, I recall that my uncle visited a few days ago and brought the latest cakes from the Gonidi Bakery. Would you like to come to my house tomorrow and give them a try?"

At the mention of cakes, Bonnie's eyes briefly lit up, but she quickly masked her reaction.

She surreptitiously tugged at Lila's clothes, signaling her to decline the invitation.

Although Lila, being of commoner origin, was also eager to taste the so - called new - style cakes, she still declined, saying, "We have prior engagements tomorrow, so we won't be able to make it. I'm sorry, Pernas."

There's definitely something they're hiding from me... Confirming her suspicion, Pernas feigned regret. "What a pity. Even the most delicious food loses its flavor without friends to share it."

"Hey, hey, I'd love to go, Pernas. Let me have a taste," Myer interjected eagerly.

Pernas gave him a mild look of disapproval. "You're a boy. How can you be so bold as to come to my house?"

Myer's face flushed instantly.

But Pernas added, "However, I can bring some out for you."

"That's wonderful!" Myer exclaimed.

"Remember to share them with Pock and the others."

"I promise I will!"

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

After conversing with Myer, Pernas turned back to Lila and said, "I'll also set aside some for you two."

Lila didn't respond but instead stepped forward and gave her friend a gentle hug.

Bonnie, on the other hand, remained standing in place, turning her head to look in another direction.

Pernas seemed unperturbed by this. Ever since she joined this small group, Bonnie had been cold towards her, yet she had never shown even a hint of impatience towards Bonnie.

The others in the group had attempted to improve this relationship, but to no avail.

Both Lila and the other companions had asked Pernas why she was so patient with Bonnie.

Each time, Pernas would merely smile and change the subject without providing an answer.

Observing their interaction, several male students nearby were filled with envy.

They desperately wanted to integrate into this group but had been unsuccessful despite numerous attempts.

They engaged in a bit more conversation until the class bell rang, at which point they went their separate ways.

...

In Bayek.

It was uncertain whether it was due to his werewolf constitution, but Glen, who had stayed up all night, awoke at noon after sleeping only from morning.

Feeling no discomfort in his body, he descended the stairs and greeted Tia, who was lost in thought.

On one occasion, noticing that Tia's hair - tying routine was overly elaborate, Glen had suggested that she simply tie a ponytail, as there was no need for excessive formality in his household.

Tia took his advice and opted for a simple ponytail, which, combined with her innocent and youthful appearance, gave her a somewhat schoolgirl - like charm.

Upon seeing Glen, the young maid hastily adjusted her dress and greeted him. She also explained, "Good afternoon, Mr. Glen. I wasn't slacking off. It's just that there wasn't much to tidy up at home, so I..."

Glen waved his hand, signaling for her to relax, and asked, "Has Ravel gone to work?"

"Yes, young master got up, had breakfast, and left shortly after you returned yesterday."

After parting ways with the old cat the previous day, Glen had come back home once and instructed Tia on where to place the ingredients, asking her to prepare dinner on her own if he didn't return in time.

"He's rather diligent," Glen remarked, nodding in approval. Then he asked, "Was breakfast prepared for me?"

"Yes, but it might have gone cold by now. Let me heat it up for you."

As she was about to turn and enter the kitchen, Glen quickly stopped her. "No need. I'll just have a quick bite."

Tia was about to say something more, but Glen had already walked into the kitchen alone.

After casually satisfying his hunger, Glen was on the verge of going out to check on Ravel's situation.

However, upon noticing Tia, who was wiping an already spotless table with a cloth, he paused.

I wonder if this young girl might develop some psychological issues if she stays cooped up here?...... He pondered briefly and then said to Tia, "Tia, would you like to accompany me to Dude?"

"Huh?" Tia was taken aback by the question. Then a look of obvious surprise appeared on her face, which quickly transformed into a timid expression. "Mr. Glen, are you jesting with me?"

"Of course not. Judging by your reaction, it seems you haven't been out much. Did your master give such an order?"

Glen first nodded in affirmation and then became intrigued by Tia's response.

"I'm not sure about the servants in other masters' households, but our master was extremely strict and prohibited the servants from leaving the manor. Ever since I was sold to the master, I've never been anywhere else until the day you arrived."

Tia didn't hold back and recounted her experiences.

"I see," Glen said, comprehending the situation. "Then I'll take you to Dude town for a stroll today."

Tia's face flushed with excitement, and she didn't know what to do with her hands. "Should I... change my clothes? I'm a bit dirty after finishing the housework..."

"Come on. It's not a grand banquet. Let's be on our way."

With that, Glen headed out the door, and Tia hurried to follow.

They hadn't gone far from the house when Tia suddenly exclaimed, as if she had remembered something. "Mr. Glen, there's still someone at home. Is it safe to leave her alone?"

"It's fine. Don't concern yourself with her," Glen replied without slowing his pace.

Since the master of the house had said so, Tia wasn't overly worried and quietly trailed behind Glen.

Although she had been living in this place for a few days, Tia still felt a sense of unease when walking in this eerie atmosphere. She quickly moved closer to Glen to feel more secure.

They first made their way to the pigsty. At this moment, Ravel had already gone to the depths of the forest to cut pigweed, accompanied by NightRoar, so he wasn't present.

Gazing at the unattended pigsty, Glen let out a sigh. "With such a substantial family property, yet no one competent to manage it. It's truly exasperating..."

Tia looked at the pigsty, which was even smaller than the maid's quarters in Lord Chanis' manor. She wasn't certain whether the "family property" Glen referred to was this.