System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 985 - 290: March With Me (10,000 Words) (Part 4)

Rand arched his brow slightly, posing a question to the imposing man before him.

"Walter Rick, Captain of the Guard, returning to the manor so late – is there some urgent matter you need to report directly to the master?"

The burly Walter rotated his large eyes, casting a glance at Rand, and replied in a deep, resonant voice.

"I have important affairs that require presentation to Master Zock; please inform him of my arrival."

Upon hearing Walter's decidedly impolite words, Rand did not display any anger.

Instead, a slight smile touched his lips. "Captain Walter, your timing is rather unfortunate."

"The master has just retired to his chambers with the newly acquired maid."

"He is unlikely to entertain visitors anytime soon."

"If you don't mind, you could perhaps confide in me what requires reporting, and I shall relay it for you..."

Before Rand could conclude his sentence, Walter cut him off.

"There is no need."

"Since the master has just retired, I shall wait outside the manor."

"As soon as the master finishes his rest, ensure you notify him immediately that Walter awaits with urgent matters to discuss."

Having spoken his piece.

Walter swept his linen cloak over his shoulders and strode directly towards the main entrance.

Observing Walter's retreating form as he exited the manor's front door, Rand, who was seated on the wooden logs by the distant bonfire.

The smile on Rand's face vanished in an instant, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Time continued to tick by.

Until approximately half an hour had elapsed.

The distinctive sound of a door opening, followed by footsteps, echoed from the second floor.

Awaiting downstairs, Rand promptly ascended the stairs.

As he reached the second floor, Rand's gaze briefly fell upon a maid with a flushed countenance and unsteady gait passing by him.

Drawing his gaze back, Rand proceeded towards Zock's private chamber.

Upon arrival at the chamber door.

Rand tapped lightly on the slightly ajar wooden door and announced,

"Master, the hot water for your bath is prepared. Would you like me to arrange for a maid to assist you now?"

A brief pause of two seconds followed its utterance.

From behind the partially open door, Zock's somewhat weakened voice responded.

"I shall rest a while longer, then I will come over."

Rand arched his brow once more and replied with a smile, "Very well, Master."

After conveying his assent, Rand stepped back.

He descended the stairs, returning to the ground-floor reception hall.

Before he could even catch his breath, Walter's imposing figure re-entered through the manor's front door.

His stern gaze swept across Rand, his voice retaining its low timbre.

"Did you inform Master Zock of my presence?"

Perceiving the unfriendly undertone in Walter's query, Rand maintained his smile.

He responded with an expression of feigned helplessness, "My apologies, Captain Walter."

"You are aware that the master has always maintained excellent health."

"Furthermore, having just acquired a young and attractive maid, how could the master possibly conclude his activities so swiftly?"

Walter's thick eyebrows drew together in a tight furrow, and he stated in a deep voice.

"I shall seek him out myself!"

In the very next second, Walter began to move towards the staircase situated in the reception hall.

However.

Before he could take more than two steps, Rand positioned himself directly in his path, blocking him.

Impatiently, Walter extended his right hand, intending to shove Rand aside.

Feeling the unyielding force on his shoulder, Rand locked eyes with Walter and exclaimed with a near-warning tone.

"Walter! Have you lost your mind?!"

"I have already informed you that the master is resting."

"To barge in like this to see the master is highly disrespectful!"

Walter's right hand, which had been gripping Rand's shoulder, abruptly froze mid-air.

Rand felt a momentary wave of relief wash over him.

Although an ordinary individual, he was naturally no match for the formidable Guard Captain Walter.

In actuality.

With a mere casual flick of Walter's right hand, his own body would likely be sent careening into the nearest piece of furniture.

His personal standing might not garner Guard Captain Walter's respect.

Possessing the authority of military command, Walter naturally held a high opinion of himself.

Nevertheless.

He was Rand Ramsey, the esteemed butler to Master Zock!

If respect could not be earned, then he would devise a method to secure it.

Just as Walter appeared to hesitate.

A questioning voice sounded from behind them.

"What is transpiring here?"

Both Rand and Walter swiftly turned their heads towards the source of the sound.

They observed Zock, clad in a light robe, standing at the railing on the second-floor landing.

His gaze swept over the two individuals below.

Walter was about to voice his report.

Rand, however, interjected with a deferential, servile smile, answering,

"Master, Captain Walter stated he has urgent matters requiring your attention."

"I was merely attempting to ascertain..."

Walter heard Rand's words and furrowed his brows.

His eyes remained fixed on Zock, awaiting his pronouncement.

Zock cast a glance at Walter and then spoke.

"I am about to proceed to my bath. If you do not object, come inside and state your business."

Walter immediately bowed slightly and responded, "Of course, Master Zock!"

Zock gave a slight nod and proceeded towards the bathing area.

Having previously obstructed Walter, Rand now shifted his body, clearing the path.

Rand's face still held a smile as he addressed Walter,

"Captain Walter, indeed the master was resting just moments ago. As his butler, my duty is to consider the master's well-being and schedule first..."