Londor household

I adjusted the belt of my academy uniform, glancing at my reflection to ensure everything was in order. The uniform was perfect, striking that delicate balance between comfort and beauty. I smoothed the fabric over my shoulders, feeling the flexibility it seemed to grant me, yet appreciating how it framed my body and all the curves in right places. 

I wanted to look powerful, yes, but also beautiful and alluring—a girl who could handle anything and stand her ground despite being the most beautiful woman in the battlefield.

Was it hypocritical of me to call myself beautiful and powerful? Maybe but if I didn't believe in myself who else would that.

Behind me, a line of maids stood respectfully, waiting for their morning tasks to begin. Their eyes were on me with that reverent look I'd grown so used to—but today, it felt particularly intense.

I knew the reason why they were so intense today, as it was their payday. All the maids working under me got rather absurd amount of salary with several benefits, so I knew it won't be a surprise to see them looking at me with such reverence, after all, I was there master and benefactor.

With a final tug on my gloves, I turned, each step carrying me toward the most treasured corner of my room: my sword collection. Sunlight from the tall windows glinted off the hilts and blades, casting a thousand tiny sparks of light across the room. The sight alone was enough to make my pulse quicken.

Ah, my swords.

Each weapon in the collection had its own story, its own purpose. I couldn't help the almost fanatical grin that spread across my face as my eyes traced over them, one by one. The smaller blades, elegant and deadly in their own right, led up to my prized and my favourite greatswords—massive, powerful weapons, each chosen with care and precision. They weren't just swords; they were extensions of my will, proof of my dedication. 

I raised my hand to the hilt of my favorite, the one I'd wielded in more duels than I could count.

It was none other than the greatsword called Claymore, which I adored as it had both elegance and power that I desired. 

The feeling of the cold metal under my fingertips filled me with pride. This was power, discipline. And I was its master. 

Putting the Claymore on it's sheath on my back, I turned to the head maid, a seasoned woman in her fifties named Nandi. She'd been with our family longer than I'd been alive and had always run our household with unwavering efficiency. It was a surprise that she decided to follow me leaving our nation to attend our time in Thimoria, but I understood why because she loved us as her own children despite the respect she gave us.

"Is brother ready to leave for the academy?" I asked, holding back a sigh. I already knew the answer. I just wanted to confirm things

Nandi's face twisted into a guilty grimace, her gaze shifting to the side. "Young Master Dilhan is… not yet prepared, my lady. He is still in his bedchambers."

My jaw tightened, though I wasn't entirely surprised. "Is that so?" I muttered, trying to mask my frustration. "And where, exactly, is Anna? She's responsible for seeing to his schedule."

Nandi quickly replied, "She attempted to wake him, my lady. But… it seems Young Master Dilhan does not wish to rise this morning. Anna doesn't have the authority to force her master, so she had no choice but to wait..."

Of course, he didn't. This wasn't the first time I'd heard this excuse.

It isn't Anna's fault, I reminded myself, doing my best to keep my tone neutral. Dilhan was his own obstacle. And despite every privilege, every tool laid out for him, he remained… stubbornly lazy.

I shot Nandi a firm look. "I can't afford to be late, so I'm going on ahead. However"—my tone sharpened—"make sure he's at the academy before classes start. If not, I'll be forced to file a complaint with our parents."

Nandi dipped her head respectfully. "Of course, my lady. I'll ensure he's there promptly."

But I understood that maids completely misunderstood my words, as I told them I would complain to duke. I wanted to correct things, but I knew some kind of a respect and fear would be better with servants, so I decided to keep it that way without getting too close to them.

As I moved toward the door, I couldn't help the pang of disappointment that tugged at me. How did someone with so much potential—a brother with such gifted magical talent and family support—choose to waste it all on sleeping and idling? Yet, no matter how many times I scolded or encouraged him, he refused to change.

Same with mother, but it pains me to think that father had already given up on him. He was even willing to break the norm of having a male heir to as the next family head just because of Dilhan.

I sighed, rolling my shoulders as I took one last glance toward his wing of the house.

He is my brother, after all. For that reason alone, I want to see him rise to something greater, to see him prove himself in ways he hadn't yet. Still, the thought crossed my mind that maybe, just maybe, with a bit of gentle pushing—and a lot of responsibility—Dilhan would one day surprise us all.

After all, I didn't want to see him fail in his life, as he was my cute little brother, my own blood. What can I even do so he can take things serious and start to show his Londor power to the crowd?

***

As usual the bright sunlight poured softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the sleeping figure of Dilhan Londor. He lay sprawled across his bed, a tired expression on his face that showed the intense day to day life of this young man.

Anna, his personal maid, stood at his bedside with a gentle, sad smile. Her hands were folded in front of her, and she sighed softly, her thoughts drifting as she looked at him.

Master Dilhan… if only they knew, she mused, watching the rise and fall of his breathing. Everyone sees you as idle, careless… but no one else understands how much you truly work.

She couldn't quite understand why he insisted on hiding his efforts, his endless work that left him exhausted each morning. And even now, she wondered what drove him. Why does he keep all this secret?

A pang of worry nudged at her as she thought back to last night. Out all night again, she thought, a hint of exasperation in her inner voice. Doing jobs like some common laborer… what do you need so much money for, Master Dilhan?

"For a moment, she wondered what kind of odd jobs a noble son like him could possibly do. However, with Dilhan's request not to tell anyone about his strange activities, she knew it would be impossible for her to find out, as a faithful maid who always respected her master.

It wasn't that his family lacked funds; the Londor name held wealth beyond the imagination of most. But no one else knew of his midnight ventures. Anna alone kept his secrets, carefully concealing the reality of his efforts from the head maid and other staff. 

And the crystals—so many mana crystals, she thought, recalling the endless orders he'd ask her to place at different shops, often disguised in ways that left her bewildered. Is it for some research? Or… no, it couldn't be for anything… shady does it. She shook her head at the thought, knowing he wasn't the type to fall into anything illegal or dangerous.

"I know my master better than anyone! So no, why would I even think of that?"

Lost in thought, she nearly missed his faint stirring. His eyes cracked open, and he squinted up at her, a sleepy smile breaking across his face.

"Good morning, Anna," he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning, Master Dilhan," she replied warmly, already reaching for his dressing gown to help him start his day. She knew every bit of this routine by heart.

As he began to sit up, the door swung open, revealing the head maid's tall, imposing figure. Her face was a mask of patience stretched thin, though there was a flicker of annoyance in her gaze as she looked at him.

"Good morning, Head Maid Nandi," Dilhan greeted lazily, offering a tired but polite nod.

Nandi crossed her arms, her disapproving gaze shifting from Dilhan to Anna. "Anna, kindly see that the young master is ready quickly. Lady Mesuna has already left for the academy, and she expects him there on time as well."

"Yes, of course," Anna replied promptly, bowing her head. She took Dilhan by the arm and led him toward the bath. He stifled a yawn as she led him forward.

Once inside the washroom, she helped him undress and began to wash his back and shoulders with practiced ease. Her thoughts drifted back to when they were both children, and she had only recently started serving him.

You've grown so much, she thought, noting his height and the broader line of his shoulders. But you need to eat more; you're too thin for your age.

Then her eyes automatically travelled to the penis that was already erect and felt rather embarrassed because she knew it was rather embarrassing for her to see young master's penis.

'Woah! This size and girth doesn't match his body at all,'

She worried about him, more than she could express. As she gently scrubbed his arms, she thought of her mother, who now worked at the main Londor estate. Anna had taken over the duty of caring for Dilhan after her mother's departure, and it felt as natural to her as breathing. She had watched over him since she was young, sharing many of his burdens even as he kept most of his struggles to himself.

He was drifting off again, his eyes half-closed as he relaxed in the warm water. She gave a soft chuckle. "Still daydreaming, Master Dilhan?" she teased lightly.

He snapped back to attention, smiling sheepishly. "Guess I can't hide that from you, Anna."

Once his bath was finished, she helped him into his academy clothes, smoothing down the fabric and making sure each button was perfectly aligned. He barely seemed aware of her presence, lost in thought as she dressed him, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. When she was finally done, she handed him a warm roll and some sliced fruit to eat.

"Thank you, Anna," he murmured, his eyes softened with gratitude as he bit into the food. The look on his face stirred a familiar ache in her chest. There was a tiredness behind his gaze that most people would have mistaken for laziness, but she knew better.

"You're welcome, Master Dilhan," she replied gently, brushing a crumb from his sleeve. Why do you keep going like this, pushing yourself to the edge every day? she wondered.

As he finished eating, she inspected him one last time, straightening his collar with meticulous care. When she stepped back, she saw a slight smirk cross his face.

"Well, how do I look?" he asked, putting on a small but playful grin.

She rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "Like a young master who should sleep more and work less. But yes, handsomeas always."

"Perfect, then," he replied with a yawn, stretching. "You're a miracle worker, Anna."

He made his way to the carriage waiting outside, offering her a final, sleepy wave as he climbed in. She watched him go, her chest tight with worry and affection.

As the carriage disappeared from view, Anna stood at the entrance of the Londor household, sighing deeply.

"Take care, Master Dilhan," she whispered, hoping he'd find some rest, even if only for a moment.