"Got you!" Liana's triumphant shout echoed across the estate as she leapt off Pikko and landed deftly in front of Javier, blocking his escape.
Javier, still seated on Buddy, looked around frantically. "Eeeek! Liana! Mercy!!"
"Now you've got nowhere to run, young master…" Liana's eyes gleamed with mock menace as she took a step forward, rolling up her sleeves.
"Eeeek!! Somebody!! Help me!!!" Javier squirmed, trying to maneuver Buddy backward, but the loyal Pekko seemed more interested in preening its feathers than fleeing.
"No one's going to help you now, young master. You've been causing too much chaos this morning!" Liana smirked, reaching out to grab him.
Just as her fingers nearly caught his collar, a calm, familiar voice interrupted.
"Liana."
She froze mid-motion, turning to see Lady Francesca standing nearby with her usual grace, a serene smile on her face.