Gloria, frustrated by her parents' incessant public displays of affection, disguises herself as an elf for a mission. Her dramatic mother, Genevieve, laments Gloria's perceived rejection of her human heritage, while her father, Sythaeryn, indulges them both. Gloria's eldest brother, Edwyrd, appears and they discuss family life and the benefits of the alliance with Armand, which has improved communication and trade.
Meanwhile.
Elven Northern Border.
"Cuquawked!"
Javier, whose body was reclined on the cold stone tiling near the ornate fountain, using his hands as a makeshift pillow, cast a glance upwards at Buddy. The enormous, fiery-hued pekko creature was perched right beside him on the same floor, its head tilted in a gesture of keen expectation.
"What is it now, Buddy? Don't tell me you're craving sustenance once more?" Javier inquired with a wide grin.
"Cuquawked!"
Javier's eyes narrowed slightly, and a chuckle escaped him. "You literally just consumed a substantial portion of a massive cut of meat when we ventured into the nearby forest earlier."
"Cuquawked!" Buddy mirrored Javier's narrowed gaze, a self-satisfied, beaky smirk dawning on its features.
"Yes, yes. As always, we'll hold out until dusk, and then I shall replenish your stores. You are indeed fortunate to count such a steadfast friend as myself, you insatiable eater~"
"Cuquawked!"
"But truly, man..." Javier sighed, directing his gaze toward the heavens. "I've become quite bored. My desire to innovate is palpable, yet I must refrain from revealing such endeavors, especially while on active duty. Blast it all, those scoundrels have yet to materialize. Their current level of caution is truly telling. I'm quite certain that fellow named Vane has arrived and alerted them to exercise greater vigilance."
Javier's eyes swept over the expanse of the azure sky, the atmospheric conditions being utterly perfect – a pleasant warmth without excess heat, complemented by a gentle zephyr that carried the sweet fragrance of blossoms and verdant grass.
"Heh~ I'm certain that if Liana and Gloria were privy to my current activities, I'd be in a tremendous predicament~"
"Cuquawked?" Buddy cocked its head, its gaze shifting towards Javier with an expression of curiosity.
Javier's grin widened, a flicker of roguish intent dancing in his eyes. "Well... how might I articulate this endeavor... I had communicated with Lyzia, Liana's younger sister, and Gloria's brothers, enjoining them to ensure that both ladies remained ensconced within the confines of the palace. My request was for them to devise stratagems to keep Liana and Gloria thoroughly engaged, enjoying their familial interactions, while I undertook this mission solo."
"Cuquawked~" Buddy emitted a low, understanding sound, a knowing squawk.
"Heh... I understand, Buddy. Indeed. The moment they both discover the truth, their fury will be unleashed. However... I don't particularly mind enduring a blow to the eye from them if it ensures their safety from peril. This mission carries significant risks. I would far rather confront their indignation than jeopardize their well-being."
Buddy's beak curved into a smirk, its eyes fixed upon Javier with a blend of mirth and comprehension.
"My initial intention was certainly not to involve them in this undertaking, yet their insistence was unwavering. I ultimately acquiesced, recognizing this as their ancestral home, and I surmised my future in-laws would adeptly ensure they were occupied and diverted. Familial reunions, reconnecting with siblings, all these elements combine. It presents the perfect pretext to safeguard them while I execute my necessary tasks."
"Cuquawked!?" Buddy voiced a questioning sound, its head tilting.
"Oh? Should they inquire? Heh~ Fabricating a plausible explanation will be effortless. I could simply utter a statement designed to ensure their inability to depart the palace, perhaps something along the lines of..."
Just as Javier was about to elaborate, his mana communicator emitted a crackle, and a melodious, gentle voice emanated from it.
"Young Master?"
"Hmm?" Javier channeled his mana, responding, "Yes, Liana?"
"What are your current activities?"
"Nothing much~" Javier replied with a grin, his tone light and unburdened. "Simply appreciating the vistas of this locale and enjoying Buddy's company. If you harbor any distrust, you are at liberty to consult the mana-lenses I provided to both you and Gloria previously."
"Mm... I am aware..."
Javier's smile widened as he detected the sounds of excited chatter in the background, Liana's siblings calling her name. "Are you currently with your siblings?"
"Mm... yes. However, I shall make my way to you this evening."
Javier gently shook his head, his voice conveying a tone that was both tender and resolute. "No, that is unnecessary. You ought to spend time with your family and remain in their company. It has been a considerable duration since your last reunion."
"But..."
"No 'buts'. Furthermore, I am quite certain that those reprobates will not arrive for at least a week, perhaps even two. My certainty is not absolute, but based on my ongoing surveillance via my mana-lenses, there has been no discernible movement towards the Elven border, and the routes leading here remain unobstructed. Consequently, there is no imperative for haste."
"Are you certain, Young Master?"
"Indeed, I am certain. I shall contact you the instant any activity is detected or upon their sighting, comprehend? For the present, please savor your time with your esteemed family."
A brief pause ensued before Liana's voice returned, a subtle undertone of playful suspicion coloring her tone. "You are not offering this advice simply because there is another female in your vicinity, are you?"
Javier let out a soft, amused laugh. "Oh, there is. Her designation is Buddy~"
"Cuquawked!!!" Buddy's eyes narrowed as it looked down at Javier, then it sharply nudged him with its wing, causing Javier's body to shift slightly to the side.
Javier chuckled softly, returning the nudge with his arm. "Observe? She is exceedingly affectionate."
Liana's voice softened, a clear smile audible in its cadence. "Perhaps I should journey forth and behold this 'female' whom you affectionately refer to as 'Buddy~'"
Javier chuckled again. "No... just spend time with your family, alright? Keep them in your thoughts. You haven't seen them in years. Cherish this moment with them. I'll be alright here."
"Mm... very well, Young Master."
"Don't fret about me, okay? If you're truly concerned, you can always check on me using the mana glasses. You know everything is visible from there, as it's connected to the mana satellite view and the Sky Eyes view, especially with the newly implemented function."
"Mm... understood, Young Master," Liana's voice softened, imbued with a tender, affectionate tone. "I shall contact you again soon, Young Master. Please remember to eat, won't you?"
A warm smile graced Javier's lips. "I will. You too, Liana. Enjoy your reunion with your family."
Once the call concluded, Javier smiled and once more directed his gaze toward the heavens.
"Cuquawked?" Buddy tilted his head downwards, regarding Javier with a curious chirp.
"No..." Javier shook his head, his smile morphing into a cunning expression. "I won't inform them of the arrival of those scoundrels. I'll make certain to notify the Armand personnel to dispatch the mana helicopter to escort them back to Armand once I depart this land and lure those villains into Armand's territory."
He looked at Buddy with a roguish grin. "We don't require all of them. Capturing one or two will suffice. But those scoundrels who previously attempted to assassinate the silver armor guy?"
Javier's smirk widened. "He won't even make it to Armand."
He turned, his gaze returning to the sky, his expression becoming pensive.
"Given that I anticipate Father will deploy the knights I presented him to lure out that individual, Gorak, and his contingent. I'm certain he is already privy to Gorak's nature. He resembles those summoned heroes from the Human Nation of the past, Kenjirou and his associates, whom I already dispatched. Arrogant, reckless, and fueled by conceit. Father comprehends how to exploit such traits. He will employ the silver knight as bait for them, and once they take the lure... they will step directly into our prepared snare."
