The polished mahogany doors of the dining hall swung open, revealing a room bathed in the warm glow of a grand chandelier. Arden stepped inside; his strides steady yet cautious as he took in the lavish setting. The dining table, an imposing piece of craftsmanship, stretched almost the length of the room, adorned with pristine china, silverware, and arrangements of fresh flowers. The air carried the faint aroma of roasted meats and herbs, mingling with the light hum of conversation.

At the head of the table sat the General, his commanding presence softened by a welcoming smile. Beside him, Leigh, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, glanced up as Arden entered. Her breath caught for a moment, her gaze lingering as she took in his transformed appearance. She couldn’t help but notice how the crisp white shirt and tailored trousers emphasized the sharp lines of his features, giving him an air of refinement, she hadn’t expected. A flutter of admiration stirred in her chest, mingled with curiosity—who was this man, really, and how could someone so rugged adapt so seamlessly to elegance? She quickly looked down, feigning interest in her plate as a soft blush crept across her cheeks.

The General’s voice boomed across the room, breaking the silence. “Well, look at you, boy! Almost didn’t recognize you without the dirt and leaves.” His eyes twinkled with humor.

Arden managed a faint smile, gesturing to his attire. “I’ll take that as a compliment, sir. Though I think the credit goes to your staff.”

The General chuckled heartily. “Good answer. Now, come on. Have a seat. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Arden took his place near Leigh, feeling the weight of curious gazes from the others at the table. He moved with quiet confidence, unbothered by the scrutiny. The clinking of silverware resumed as dinner was served, revealing an impressive spread. Arden stared at the array of dishes, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the platters of roasted lamb, its golden-brown crust glistening with juices, and bowls of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a drizzle of truffle oil. A vibrant salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and candied walnuts added a burst of color, while baskets of freshly baked pandesal sat at either end of the table, their warm, buttery aroma mingling with the rich scent of a savory beef stew. Steamed vegetables, perfectly seasoned and glistening with olive oil, completed the feast, alongside an array of condiments and dipping sauces neatly arranged in small porcelain dishes.

He hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. The dishes were far more intricate than anything he had eaten in the mountains. Picking up a piece of pandesal, he tore off a small bite, savoring its warmth and softness. "This... this is really good," he said, his tone laced with genuine surprise.

Lucia smiled warmly. "Try the lamb, Arden. It's one of Papa's favorites."

Taking her suggestion, Arden carefully cut into the tender meat and brought a piece to his mouth. The flavors exploded on his tongue—rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned. His eyes lit up, and he nodded appreciatively. "We never had anything like this back home. You could say our meals were... simpler," he said with a faint grin.

Beside him, Leigh stifled a giggle, watching him with amusement. "Simpler? Like what? Roasted roots and boiled leaves?" she teased lightly, unable to resist.

Arden smirked, his humor kicking in. "Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Boiled leaves are an art form where I come from."

The family chuckled, and Leigh shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Well, if you ever decide to cook for us, Arden, I’ll be sure to set my expectations... accordingly."

"Just wait," Arden shot back with a grin. "One taste and you might never go back to this fancy stuff." The light exchange drew more laughter, further easing his nerves as he explored more of the lavish spread.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“So, Arden,” Manuel, the General’s son-in-law, began, leaning forward with an intrigued expression. “Leigh told us you’re from the mountains. I imagine life there must be very different from... all this.” He gestured vaguely to the opulent surroundings.

Arden nodded, his tone light. “Very different. Back home, there’s no electricity, no running water, and definitely no chandeliers.” His words drew soft laughter from around the table.

“So, how did you get by?” Lucia asked, her voice warm with genuine curiosity.

Arden leaned back slightly; his expression thoughtful. “It’s simpler, really. You learn to work with what you have. The forest provides everything—food, shelter, even medicine. My Lolo taught me how to live off the land. If you listen to nature, it tells you what you need to survive.”

The room grew quiet as Arden shared stories of his mountain life. He, spoke of hunting under the stars, crafting tools from bamboo, and using herbs to treat illnesses. His words painted vivid images of a life far removed from the modern world, and even the General seemed captivated.

“Sounds like you’ve been through a lot boy,” the General said, his voice carrying a note of respect. “Not many your age could survive like that, let alone thrive.”

Arden shrugged modestly. “You do what you have to. Besides, it’s not all that bad. There’s a certain peace in the mountains that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Dr. Santillan, who had remained mostly quiet until now, leaned forward with a curious expression. “Peace, perhaps. But what about your health? Living off the land sounds admirable, but wouldn’t it take a toll on your body over time?”

Arden met the doctor’s gaze calmly. “Not if you know what to do. Lolo Lando taught me how to use herbs and roots to stay healthy. The forest is full of herbs if you know where to look.”

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. “Interesting. I’d like to hear more about these remedies sometime. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two.”

Arden smirked. “I’d be happy to, Doc. But only if you teach me about all this modern medicine you rely on.”

The light exchange drew a chuckle from the General, who shook his head. “Looks like we’ve got the makings of a good team here.”

Lucia smiled warmly. “Well, you’re more than welcome to find peace here, Arden. Consider this your home for as long as you need.”

Before Arden could respond, the General leaned forward, his tone turning serious. “Actually, I’ve been thinking. If you’re going to stay, you might as well make yourself useful.” Arden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you have in mind, sir?”

The General’s gaze shifted to Leigh, who was now watching him with wide eyes, her lips slightly parted as though searching for the right words. She lowered her fork, her fingers brushing the edge of her plate, a subtle gesture that betrayed her unease. While she understood her grandfather’s intentions, the idea of having a bodyguard—especially someone like Arden—felt both unnecessary and oddly comforting. A flicker of defiance crossed her expression before she softened, her gaze flickering to Arden briefly before looking away. “I want you to work for us—specifically for Leigh. As her secret bodyguard.”

Leigh’s fork clinked softly against her plate. “Lolo, I don’t need a bodyguard—”

“Don’t argue with me, Leigh,” the General interrupted, though his tone was more playful than stern. “You’re young and active, always running off to events and gatherings. Having someone like Arden by your side would give me peace of mind.”

Lucia chimed in, her voice soothing, her expression gentle and encouraging. “And if you’re staying, Arden, it would be a good idea for you to study as well. You’re about Leigh’s age. Why not enroll at the same school? It’ll be good for you.”

Arden blinked, taken aback. “School? I’ve never been to one before.” Manuel grinned. “Then it’s about time. We’ll handle the enrollment and paperwork. Just say yes.”

Arden hesitated, his thoughts racing. Memories of the mountains flashed through his mind—the simplicity, the freedom, the solitude. Could he really trade all of that for this new life? Doubts crept in: Would he be able to fit into their world? Did he even belong here? But then, a spark of hope pushed against the hesitation. Perhaps this was the chance to discover something greater—to honor Lolo Lando's teachings and make a difference beyond the forest. Slowly, he exhaled, grounding himself in the moment. The idea of staying here, working for the family, and even going to school was overwhelming. But it wasn’t as if he had a better plan. With a slight smile, he looked at the General.

“Okay then,” he said. “I’ll be in your care. Thank you.” The General clapped his hands together, clearly pleased. “Good! You’ll be a fine addition to this family.”

Leigh glanced at Arden, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Well,” she said quietly, “welcome to the chaos.”