Chapter 99: Boyfriend? Butler?

Chapter 99: Boyfriend? Butler?

“This round of the advancement tournament was simply spectacular! Especially Layton—he really opened my eyes!” A girl put down her cup, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “How wonderful it would be if I could be his girlfriend!”

“Wake up,” her companion scoffed, “he’s already been claimed by Canon. What a shame.”
“So what? Everything she has, I have too—why should I be afraid?” the girl replied, pursing her lips.

“Do you think that if a water mage and a wind mage teamed up, they could create that kind of magical shield?” The boys nearby were more interested in the magic itself; Layton’s shield during the tournament had been dazzling.

“I don’t think so,” a boy with crystal glasses said, pushing his frames up his nose. “I’ve asked around—Layton is actually a mage of all elements, and did you notice? He never used magic above third level. So I don’t think it’s possible.”

“Not necessarily. If two mages use magic of the same rank at the same time, they should be able to combine it,” another handsome boy chimed in.

“What’s your reasoning?” the boy with glasses asked.

“Look, Layton used two types of magic alone, but he must have had a time gap between them. If there’s a time gap, then two people casting magic together is no different from one person doing it.”

“It’s really lively in here!” Ye Tian carefully pushed a plate of pastries toward Arcana. Early in the morning, the girl had come banging on the door, leaving him no choice but to get up and make some snacks for her; otherwise, he knew his day would not go well.

“Feels like quite an accomplishment, doesn’t it?” Arcana said elegantly as she sipped her tea, picking up a slice of fluffy bread. “What’s this?”

“It’s called cloud cake,” Ye Tian explained. “Grand lady, can I go back to work now?”

“What’s the rush? Do you really dislike me that much?” She tasted a bit, and it melted in her mouth—delicious.

“It’s not that, I just haven’t finished my work.” The tournament had ended a week ago, and Ye Tian had returned to his usual role. As for Layton, Ye Tian had sent him off to train himself, so he wasn’t helping with the cleaning anymore; Ye Tian was left to do it all. Arcana hadn’t been coming over to bother him, making him feel pressed for time.

“How about you become my butler? That way, you won’t have to clean anymore,” Arcana smiled.

“No way,” Ye Tian retorted; he didn’t want to be a chef. He’d probably be busier than ever.

“Hmph, you should feel honored to be my butler.”

“Yes, yes, I’m not worthy, alright?” Ye Tian said resignedly. “But I’m really curious—how exactly did you train him?” Arcana asked, sipping her tea.

“Want to know?” Ye Tian beckoned her closer. The girl immediately leaned in. “It’s a secret.”

“Hmph!” She stomped hard on Ye Tian’s foot, making him grimace in pain, but with so many people in the hall, he couldn’t react. “Grey, when you finish your work, how about we go shopping?”

“No,” Ye Tian refused flatly.

“Hmph, stingy. I won’t make you pay,” she pouted.

“Grand lady, you’ve spent all my dowry already. If you keep going, I’ll have to sell myself,” Ye Tian complained.

“Hmph, you’re afraid of having no money?” She pointed at the necklace around her neck, which held a magic core.

“I found that,” Ye Tian lied boldly.

“Do you think I believe you?” She picked up another slice of cloud cake and put it in her mouth. “It’s really good.”

Seeing Ye Tian’s helpless look, she said, “Alright, I’ll tell you the truth—I want to buy a pet, and I want you to help me choose.”

“What made you want a pet?” Ye Tian asked curiously.

“None of your business. Or, you could give me that squirrel?”

“No way,” Ye Tian replied.

“If you give it to me, it's mine,” she pleaded. “I promise to make it fat and happy!”

“It’s greedy, and you can’t cook,” Ye Tian pointed out.

“No problem, I’ll learn!” she raised her hand eagerly.

“Forget it, you’re not suited for it,” Ye Tian shook his head.

“Why not?” she asked.

“You tell me,” Ye Tian laughed.

“Hmph, come shopping with me this afternoon. Just wait—I’ll make my pet fat and happy!” she said angrily.

“Alright, I’ll go. Can I get to work now?” Ye Tian pointed outside.

“Go ahead!” Having gotten what she wanted, the girl stopped pestering him and waved him away.

“I’ll find you this afternoon!” Ye Tian waved back and left. Arcana laughed as she enjoyed her tea and pastries, occasionally letting out a joyful giggle.

“I’ll do it,” Ye Tian said, seeing Layla cleaning the stairs for him. He quickly took over.

“It’s fine, I finished my work anyway,” Layla said, wiping sweat from her face.

“No, go rest for a bit,” Ye Tian handed her a handkerchief from his pocket and took the rag from her.

“Thank you,” Layla blushed.

“Actually, I should thank you. You’ve helped me with my work for the past month,” Ye Tian said.

“It’s nothing,” Layla replied softly.

“By the way, Layla, where’s the barbecue?” Ye Tian asked. “I haven’t seen it in days.”

“It’s in my blanket,” Layla blushed.

“Thanks!” Ye Tian said.

“No, I really like it,” Layla smiled, remembering the furry creature. “When do you think it will wake up?”

“I don’t know,” Ye Tian shook his head. “I asked Arcana, but she doesn’t know either.” He wrung out the rag. “But I think it’ll be soon.”

“Grey, why don’t you go check on Layton?” Layla asked.

“What for? He’s not a child, and it’s not my concern anymore,” Ye Tian replied without looking up. “My work is done; the rest is not my problem.”

“Oh, but he’s really amazing now!” Layla said.

“Maybe I should train you, guarantee you’ll be even better than him,” Ye Tian said, turning to smile at her.

“No,” she said, her expression darkening. “I don’t have any magical talent.”

“I’ve always wondered what magical talent really is,” Ye Tian said, wringing out the rag. “Where I come from, we say ‘the early bird catches the worm.’ It means if you work hard, you can become a master. Isn’t that possible here?”

“I don’t know, but I do know that students with high magical talent learn magic much faster than others,” Layla mused. “Maybe they’re favored by the gods.”

“Who knows. I don’t have it either,” Ye Tian laughed. “Later, I’ll give you something—put it in your bath, it’ll strengthen your bones and tendons.”

“What is it?” Layla asked curiously.

“An easy way to train, though the effects aren’t great. But it won’t hurt to try,” Ye Tian replied.

“Alright, thank you,” she said.

“Silly girl, I should thank you,” Ye Tian stood up. “Without you, I’d be dead from exhaustion.”

“No, you’re really skilled,” Layla said quietly, lowering her head.

“I’ll go with Arcana to buy a pet later. If you like something, I’ll get it for you.”

“No need, those are expensive,” Layla shook her head gently.

“It’s fine, I could always sell it back to the pet shop,” Ye Tian joked.

“No,” Layla said, “I don’t want anything. I just like Snow.”

“I can’t give you that,” Ye Tian smiled. “To me, it’s not a pet—it’s a partner. So, sorry.”

“It’s alright, I just like holding it. I never meant to take it,” Layla was perceptive and understood Ye Tian’s feelings.

“Grey, are you done yet?” As they talked, Arcana ran over. “Come shopping with me!”

“Grand lady, we just parted a short while ago—am I Superman?” Ye Tian turned with a helpless look.

“I don’t care. Either finish later or come now,” Arcana insisted.

“Let’s just go this afternoon, alright?” Ye Tian suggested.

“No, now! We don’t have time!” Arcana said anxiously.

“Why don’t you accompany Miss Arcana? I can finish the rest,” Layla offered.

“No, I can’t keep making you help me,” Ye Tian frowned.

“It’s fine, I’ve finished my work anyway,” Layla took the rag from him. “Go, have fun.”

“Hurry up,” Arcana was genuinely anxious.

“Alright, thank you,” Ye Tian said, resigned.

“Go on,” Layla said.

Ye Tian sighed and turned to leave. “Grand lady, is it really that urgent?”

“Very urgent!” Arcana insisted. “Go change clothes.” She handed him a paper bag.

“What’s this?” Ye Tian asked.

“Never mind, just hurry up or I’ll get mad!” she said.

“I could get mad too,” Ye Tian muttered, planning to head to his dorm to change.

“No need, I know there’s an empty classroom nearby,” she said, dragging Layton upstairs, kicking open a door, and rushing inside.

“What is this place?” Ye Tian asked.

“Never mind, no one will come. Just hurry and change,” Arcana approached to help him undress.

“No, no, I’ll do it myself,” Ye Tian pushed her hands away and took off his coat.

“First, tell me what’s going on,” Ye Tian eyed the luxurious clothes—it was obvious Arcana was hiding something.

“Why so many questions?” she complained. Seeing Ye Tian staring at her, she pouted, “Some annoying girl is coming to show off her new boyfriend. I want you to help me save face by pretending to be my boyfriend for a day.”

“No,” Ye Tian refused immediately.

Arcana crouched down and began to cry, and Ye Tian panicked. “Hey, hey!”

Her wailing grew louder, and Ye Tian glanced at the door, feeling frustrated.

“Alright, alright, just this once!” he relented. “But I won’t wear these clothes—I’m not used to them.”

“Fine!” Arcana instantly smiled through her tears. Ye Tian flicked her forehead in protest.

“I don’t know any aristocratic etiquette, so if I embarrass you, don’t blame me,” Ye Tian said, quickly changing into his own clothes.

“It’s fine, as long as you’re there,” Arcana said happily. “Let’s go, we’re running late!”

The Pearl of Bilivia—a standard four-star restaurant. Every guest here was of notable status. A blonde, blue-eyed girl sat bored in her chair. Beside her stood a handsome young man, calm and composed.

The bell rang, and immediately a beautiful waitress greeted, “Esteemed Miss Arcana, this way please!”

The girl turned, spotting Arcana smiling at her. “Here, here!” she called out.

“Rebecca!” Arcana ran over, excitedly grabbing her friend’s hand. “It’s been so long! How are you?”

“I’m good—how about you?” Rebecca was equally excited. “How long has it been?”

“Two years! I’ve missed you so much!” Arcana said, bumping her head against Rebecca’s ample chest. “Hmm, you’re even bigger than before!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Rebecca blushed. “By the way, this is my butler, Kardo.”

“Esteemed Miss Arcana, greetings!” Kardo bowed with the elegance befitting a butler.

“Very pleased to meet you,” Arcana replied politely.

“Who’s he?” Rebecca poked Arcana. “Don’t tell me…”

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rebecca. I am Grey, apprentice butler,” Ye Tian greeted Rebecca gracefully.

“You scoundrel!” Arcana hadn’t expected Ye Tian to play this card and was so angry she nearly stomped her feet.

“Miss Arcana, please have a seat,” Ye Tian pulled out a chair for her.

“You just wait!” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but Ye Tian heard and smiled wryly. “Would you like something to drink, miss?”

“Oho!” Rebecca’s eyes sparkled. “Something’s going on!” She winked at Arcana, who pretended not to notice. “Hehe!” Rebecca took a sip of tea, her eyes swirling as she plotted how to get the little lady to talk.

The bell rang again. “Esteemed Miss Moia, this way please!” the waitress said warmly.

Arcana snorted. Ye Tian looked up and saw a beautiful blonde girl striding over, radiating arrogance.

“Oh ho ho, Miss Arcana, you don’t seem very lively lately!” the girl said, her manner haughty.

“Miss Moia, is there something you need? Otherwise, I have to get back to training,” Arcana replied disdainfully. “Years have gone by, and you haven’t improved at all.”

“That’s not necessarily true. As for you, you haven’t changed a bit,” Moia said, glancing pointedly at Arcana’s chest.

Arcana shot Moia a look, cursing her inwardly, then lowered her head, sipping the tea Ye Tian had handed her.

“Can you two stop bickering every time you meet?” Rebecca sighed.

“I have nothing to say to her,” Arcana snorted.

“That’s my line!” Moia said, elegantly sitting down as her butler poured her a cup of tea.

“So, why did you call us out today? If there’s nothing, I’m leaving,” Arcana said.

“Oh ho ho ho! What’s the matter, esteemed Miss Arcana? Ready to leave already?” Moia sipped her tea with a smile.

“Alright, Moia, just say what you want. We haven’t seen each other in two years—we can’t just part ways as soon as we meet,” Rebecca said helplessly.

“Oh ho ho ho!” Moia crossed her legs. “Did you know? Her Highness the Princess—no, Her Majesty the Queen—is coming to our town!”