-- Leon... Wake up! It's already late. You need to learn to wake up early. --

As I opened my eyes, I saw Stella standing in my room, holding my dry clothes from the laundry.

What time is it? - I asked, still groggy.

-- It's almost afternoon. Don't tell me you stayed up late again last night. -- Stella replied, narrowing her eyes at me.

No, I slept on time. - I answered quickly.

Don't worry, Stella. I didn't sleep late yesterday... I didn't even sleep yesterday.

In fact, I'd only managed to fall asleep after midnight.

-- Did you see Ishla? -- she asked, glancing around. -- I haven't seen her since early this morning. I doubt she'd leave without saying goodbye. --

Don't worry about her, Mom. You know that elf—she's probably wandering around the forest, like always. - I replied casually.

-- You're probably right. She's a strange one, after all. -- Stella said with a sigh.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through the main door. Stella turned and walked to see who it was.

Immediately, I used my detection magic. I sensed four individuals standing right outside the door. Alarmed, I jumped out of bed and quickly made my way out of my room.

Stella opened the door, and standing there was Lloyd.

-- Good morning, Miss Stella. -- Lloyd greeted with a polite bow.

-- Good morning to you too, Sir Lloyd. May I know why you've visited us again? -- Stella replied, her tone calm yet curious.

Lloyd opened his palm and spread his arms slightly.

-- May I come in? --

-- Of course, please come in. -- Stella answered, stepping aside to let them in.

She guided them to the dining area. As they walked, Lloyd's eyes met mine, and a subtle tension lingered in the air.

-- By the way, Sir Lloyd, this is my son, Leon. You met him yesterday, didn't you? And thank you for the gold, by the way. -- Stella said, a playful tone in her voice as if teasing Lloyd.

-- Oh, yes, your son is a very capable mage, just like you, Miss Stella. He has the strength of his father and the magical talent of his mother. -- Lloyd replied with a forced smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of irritation.

Two of the soldiers stayed outside while Lloyd and a man who looks like a noble took seats at the dining table.

-- So, what brings you here, Sir Lloyd? -- Stella asked, her tone shifting to a more formal one.

-- Allow me to introduce Lord Diether, the son of Lord Josee and the current baron of this province. We come with a proposal that has been approved by His Majesty, the King. -- Lloyd explained. He tapped the table twice with his finger, signaling Diether to speak.

Lord Diether cleared his throat nervously.

-- W-well, my father has decided to pass down the province and the title of Baron to me. The King has sent word of his plan to sever ties with the Council and the Holy Church, a decision I fully support. A-and as part of this process, Miss Stella... --

His voice faltered, and his words seemed to catch in his throat.

Lloyd stepped in to continue.

-- Lord Diether, allow me to explain. Miss Stella, Lord Diether wishes to offer you 50% of their land in exchange for your service. In other words, half of the province and also a title baroness will be grant to you by your majesty. The Province of Triticum, will be split. One half will retain its current name, while the other half will be yours to govern as you see fit.

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He leaned forward slightly, emphasizing his words.

-- This offer will secure the future of you and your family. It's a significant step up from living in this small village. --

-- Hold on, this is an interesting offer, but I have a lot of questions. First of all, what happened to Lord Josee? -- Stella asked.

Suddenly, the room fell into a moment of tense silence.

Lloyd cleared his throat and began to speak.

-- Lord Josee is getting too old to govern the land, so he decided to... -- Before Lloyd could finish his sentence, Diether cut him off.

-- A lie! That's a lie! Soldiers came to our domain and captured my father! --

The smile on Lloyd's face immediately faded, and his expression turned Frustrated.

-- Sigh... Diether, I told you earlier to shut the fuck up when I'm speaking! -- Lloyd snapped, losing his usual composure.

-- Anyway, Miss Stella, forget about that -- He continued, regaining his smile. -- Lord Josee, I mean the traitor Josee, was captured and will be sentenced to death for high treason against the crown. -- Lloyd said, his voice dark and filled with malice.

-- That's absurd! -- Stella replied, clearly disturbed.

Lloyd leaned forward, sensing an opportunity to push further.

-- Let me change the offer, Miss Stella. The entire province of Triticum will be granted to you in exchange for your services to the crown. -- Lloyd eagerly offered again, leaning forward.

-- And who are you to decide that, Sir Lloyd? -- Stella responded sharply.

-- You don't understand, Miss Stella. The King would do anything to have you and your power. You're the greatest Magus Stella, the mage of the Hero Party. Your skill alone could turn a prosperous kingdom into a barren wasteland if you wanted. -- Lloyd said, his voice dripping with admiration and desperation.

-- This is enough, Sir Lloyd. I think you should leave. Now. -- Stella replied, her tone firm.

-- I understand. Thank you for your time, Miss Stella. -- Lloyd said, bowing once more before turning to leave.

Diether remained seated, his whole body trembling with fear.

-- DIETHER! COME ON! -- Lloyd shouted, frustrated.

Stella stood up and placed her hands on Diether's shoulders to steady him.

-- Leave, Sir Lloyd... Lord Diether will stay here for a moment. -- Stella's voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the authority behind her words.

Lloyd's smile returned, though it was now laced with sarcasm.

-- Well, Miss Stella, you don't want to sully your name by associating with the family of traitors, do you? -- He said with a mocking tone, While taking a few steps back toward the door.

-- This is the last time, Sir Lloyd. Leave. -- Stella repeated, her tone now filled with anger.

Lloyd's face twisted with irritation, and he turned on his heel, storming out of the house as he slammed the door

He has an attitude problem…

As Lloyd exited, Ishla entered the house, her sharp gaze following him.

-- What were those maggots doing here? -- she asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

Stella sighed, clearly exhausted.

-- Long story. Anyway, Ishla, where did you go? --

-- Just roaming outside... -- Ishla replied nonchalantly.

-- Well, it's already noon. Let me prepare lunch, and then I'll explain everything. And Lord Diether, don't go anywhere. -- Stella said, glancing at the shaken man still seated at the table.

Ishla frowned, her disgust evident.

-- Who's this Lord Diether? -- she asked, her lips curling slightly.

-- He's the new baron, or so Lloyd claims. -- I replied.

Diether remained seated, staring at the table, frozen in the aftermath of Lloyd's outburst.

Ishla, unbothered by the tense atmosphere, turned to me.

-- By the way, brat, come with me. I want to show you something. --

-- Don't go far! Lunch will be ready soon. -- Stella called out from the kitchen.

-- Yes, yes... -- Ishla replied dismissively as she headed outside.

I followed her, curious but wary.

Where are we going, anyway? - I asked, keeping pace with her quick strides.

She led me to a spot far enough from the house, glancing over her shoulder to ensure we weren't being followed.

-- Well, I think this is far enough. Stella won't hear us here. -- she said, stopping abruptly.

I frowned, folding my arms.

Hold on, what are we doing here? Wait... You're not planning anything weird, are you? You're such a perverted elf. I'm just eight years old, you know. - I teased with a smirk.

Her expression darkened as she snapped at me.

-- Shut up! I'm not interested in you humans. You're nothing more than bipedal flies to me. -- she shot back, crossing her arms in annoyance.

-- Anyway, I investigated what happened yesterday. I visited the soldiers' camp and interrogated a few of them... --

As Ishla spoke, I checked the System's quests.

*/System: Main Quest: Kill the Knight Lloyd [1 Day and 21 Hours Remaining]

*/System: Main Quest: Kill Demon Lord [1270 Days Remaining]

*/System: Side Quest: Annihilate Lloyd's Platoon: 92 Soldiers Remaining [1 Day and 21 Hours Remaining]

From 105 soldiers down to 92. "Just interrogated a few," huh?

-- Hey! Are you even listening!? -- she snapped.

- Oh, I'm sorry. What did you just say? - I replied, snapping out of my thoughts.

-- I said I interrogated some soldiers. Most of them don't know anything about the attack last night. But I found out that Knight Lloyd isn't the mastermind behind it. The one responsible is a soldier named Dilo. So, I beheaded him and left his head under Lloyd's bed. He'll have a nice little surprise when he finds it. -- she explained, grinning darkly.

This woman is terrifying. I'm scared of her.

-- Anyway, does the name Dilo ring a bell? -- Ishla asked.

- Yes, actually. I fought him yesterday. That's where I got the bag of silver. -

-- I see. That explains why they're targeting you. Though it's still odd how he convince those soldier to attempt to kill you. --

-- But I discovered something even more interesting. Do you know what this is? -- Ishla asked, She pulled out a strange amulet with a shiny red gem embedded in it.

- No. What is it? -

-- Look inside the gem. This is a Curse Petal Amulet. The Curse Petal originates from the ancient Orc Continent. This particular amulet was crafted by the infamous orc witch doctor Guz'Dar. Now listen carefully: this amulet disturbs the mana flow of its target. Once activated by the user, it prevents the target from using magic for five seconds. Five seconds may not seem like much, but it's more than enough to kill a pregnant woman who relies on magic for protection. -- She explained.

- That Means... -

-- Exactly. And here's what's worse: I suspect the King is afraid of Stella. She's closely tied to both the council and the Holy Church. Not to mention her fatherly figure, Enchu, is a council member. If the kingdom can't secure Stella's loyalty, she'll be considered a threat to them. In their eyes, she's better off dead. -- Ishla continued

- That's insane. Even if the kingdom cuts ties with the council or the Holy Church, it's not like the council would attack them... right? - I asked

-- You're correct. Kingdoms can cut ties if they wish. However, if a kingdom plans to expand its territory by invading others, that's when the council intervenes. --

- I see. Well, at least you stole the amulet. Now they won't have a way to neutralize Mom's magic. -

Ishla's expression darkened.

-- Not quite. There's another amulet, worn by a soldier named Anthony. I tried to kill him, but... my senses were screaming at me not to. If I fought him, I'd definitely die. His aura is immense—overwhelmingly powerful. I believe he's the true leader of the entire platoon. There's also another one, a man named George. Big guy with a mustache. His aura is strong, too, but not on Anthony's level. I think Llyod is nothing but the King's lapdog. --

- So what do we do? They might come for my mom. -

Ishla's eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a chilling tone.

-- We have two options. Either we steal the amulet from Anthony and escape... or we kill them all. Including Anthony. --

Her cold, serious face sent a shiver down my spine.