BXBX NOVEL Chapter 103 Big Changes In The Little Cottage
Leon couldn't help but feel at a loss towards the enthusiasm of the blades.
Before, they would be so focused on training and improving themselves that once he was already on his way to guide them, they would all fervently look at him like hungry disciples.
Now these same people set aside their precious chance to be guided by Leon just because they are curious about Eli and Little Han.
But then, he still casually answered some of their curious questions before he was able to let them focus on the training ahead.
After some time, Blaze and Olivier went out to aid Leon with the training until the afternoon.
At the end of the training, Leon had the blades assemble again to let Blaze and Olivier announce the groupings.
Olivier, who usually carries a carefree and youthful vibe, now looked terrifyingly serious and dignified.
"Upon carefully contemplating, we have chosen these five blades to be Madame and Little Prince's guards…"
"Blanc, Caster Class B mid level;
Ron, Devourer Class B mid level;
Chad, Caster Class C high level;
Genos, Devourer Class C high level; and
Neal, Summoner Class B, mid level."
All of you will take turns in guarding Madame and our Young Prince until the rest comes back from the clean up operations."
The five blades mentioned valiantly stepped forward and knelt with determined expressions on their faces.
The fire on their eyes couldn't contain the happiness and elation they felt upon receiving this honorable opportunity to guard the people the Third Prince loves.
"We Blanc/Ron/Chad/Genos/Neal receive the orders wholly!" They responded in chorus.
"Uhnn! The reason for the mix was because the Madame was unofficially a class C summoner, with two contracted beasts. Thus, a caster and devourer can make up for the team."
"Neal will be assigned to oversee the team and to further train Madame in improving her summoning abilities and contracted beasts."
Olivier gave a brief explanation why they chose these five people for the mission.
The rest found it fair and good, as these five people were capable without a doubt.
Blaze, with his fiery orange hair and personality, announced with his gruffy voice ,
"The rest of the blades will be divided into three different teams, each will be led by His Highness, Oliver and yours truly!"
Then he proceeded to name the people who would belong to the three groups. Everyone accepted their respective assignment whole heartedly.
After this, it was Leon's turn to wrap up everything and solemnly looked to the rest of the blades.
"Everyone, please exercise extreme caution and prudence. No mission is little and easy. Our enemy is the Spectre, who has claimed countless lives throughout these years."
"Just like before, only when we are well prepared can we be victorious! Twenty three of us will go out on this barracks, it will also be twenty three who will come back victorious!"
Roar!!!
Everyone, including Blaze and Olivier, shouted with passion as they responded to Leon's declaration. Through the years it was always like this, they swear to leave alive and come back alive no matter what.
No man shall be left behind!
This reminded everyone to train and be as prepared as possible in order to come back victoriously.
Soon, everyone settled down. Leon went home with Olivier, only after he instructed Blaze and the five guards to prepare and come to the Forgeworn Territory first thing in the morning.
Leon wanted to introduce the team as well as Blaze to Eli and to help the other five get familiar with the place and prepare for their lodging.
However, he didn't want to startle Eli by bringing them all tonight.
Instead, he had the team prepare for tomorrow while he will go home tonight to tell Eli about them.
Before the sun had settled, Eli prepared to go back to the cottage.
Grandma Brygid was worried that Eli would have a hard time supplying her needs, especially now that she could not yet freely go out to buy what she needs.
Thus, Grandma Brygid assigned a maid for her, Rosea, the young bubbly dwarf maid who escorted Eli yesterday. For anything that Eli needs, from food to clothing, Rosea would be the one to do the errands for her.
As soon as Leon and Olivier entered the estate, Granma Brygid and Grandpa Andi sent off Eli to board a carriage to the cottage, with Rosea in tow.
Along the way, Leon mentioned to Eli that he had assigned five knights to guard her in the cottage, while he and Olivier focused on the upcoming clean up operations.
The little family then ended the day with another warm and happy night as they shared the dinner and welcomed Rosea in the cottage.
Before they retire to sleep, Leon spent time caring for Little Han, while Eli talked with Rosea and Olivier for the materials they needed to accommodate the five knights tomorrow.
They had to buy some quilts and pillows for the knights and Leon as well.
Eli was really guilty that Leon still had to sleep on the floor just to guard her and Little Han.
Upon hearing this, Leon couldn't help but smile in happiness.
Seeing Eli worry about him like this gave him a sweet and warm feeling in his chest. This feeling lingered until bedtime, so much that he still had a good night's rest even in the midst of waking up on random intervals for Little Han's needs.
Morning came and the two very similarly did their tasks to start the day.
With Leon taking care of Little Han for some morning sun, Eli and Rosea prepared for breakfast.
Not long after, Blaze and the five knights came and greeted Leon and Eli respectively.
"Greetings, Your Highness Third Prince! Greetings, Madame~~"
Everyone had an excited look in their eyes, finally seeing Eli and Little Han. However, they still maintained a respectful demeanor towards them.
If they hadn't restrained themselves with all their might, they would have their mouths agape as they actually saw their leader gently holding an adorable baby in his arms, while tenderly looking at the beautiful lady beside her.
"Hello everyone, welcome to our humble home. Come and join us for breakfast." Eli responded with a warm and bright smile.
Blaze and the knights were obviously well trained people with bulky countenance. But the youthfulness in their personality was still evident as they couldn't hide their fervent and curious expression, which is not far from how Olivier was during his stay in the cottage.
As soon as Eli offered them to share a meal, Blaze and the team blushed in shyness as this was the first time a woman had invited them inside. What's more, this woman was none other than their Prince's beloved, they felt like they did not deserve such treatment.
Seeing that the group was about to respectfully decline Eli's invitation, Leon quickly interjected,
"We have been waiting for you for a while. Come and join us, Eli has prepared this breakfast for you."
"I-it's our honor!" Hearing their leader's permission, they reluctantly replied.
Soon everyone shared the meal while Eli casually threw out questions to get acquainted with them, as well as with Rosea.
Blaze and the team observed that Eli was actually similar to their Prince.
She was also someone who doesn't look superficially on a person's status. With a maid, two contracted beasts and several knights, both Eli and Leon perfectly blended with them, making the atmosphere comfortable and warm.
The knights got comfortable enough that they freely shared some stories during their quests at the border.
Of course, they didn't forget to highlight how manly and valiant the Prince had been during those times!
Hearing this Eli actually got curious for the rest of the members of the Crimson Blades, "I wonder when I can meet all of you. It seems like your brotherhood is beyond any blood ties!"
Leon tenderly looked at Eli. He was happy to see her interested in the things concerning him, and the people he cared about.
He smiled and softly replied, "After the operations, I will find a way to let you meet the rest of the blades."
"Uhn! I look forward to that!" Eli replied cheerfully.
After breakfast, Leon had to prepare for the morning session, while Olivier and Blaze instructed the team for the task they will do for today. First, will be renovating Olivier's quarters to accommodate all of them.
Eli also had Rosea to assist them for any materials they needed to procure for the quarters.
"I feel so sad Milady~ I wouldn't be assigned to you starting now.." Olivier uttered in a playful manner.
However, Eli could clearly see the sadness in his eyes even if he tried to mask it with a smile.
He spent quite a few months with Eli, Wisey and Baobao. In fact, the time he spent here was more than that of Leon.
He had come to love the simple and warm life in this cottage. Far from the schemes and ridicule of his family.
This is the second place he would wholeheartedly call home, next to the Crimson Blade barracks.
Eli patted Olivier's shoulders and said,
"You are still welcome here. Baobao Wisey and myself do not look at you as a guard, but as a member of our little family. So whenever you're free, drop by here and spend time. This humble cottage is always open for you."
Olivier choked up upon hearing Eli's heartwarming reply. Hearing someone accept him as a family, he couldn't be happier.
"Besides, there are still a lot of recipes I am yet to cook that you wouldn't want to miss! So be sure to come back with Leon safe and sound!" She encouraged him with a smile.
Remembering the out of this world dishes Eli prepared every time, Olivier's eyes lit up.
"Yes, Milady! Don't worry! During my time in the south, I'll do my very best to look for the grain you call rice!"
"That's more like it!" Eli felt happy upon hearing Olivier's reply.