Lyriana thought,
*I wonder why he's asking so many questions all of a sudden.*
She said, "Forgive me, Young Master, but might I inquire as to why you ask?"
"I'm just asking. I don't think I really have any particular reason. So, how old are you?"
"I'm 131 years old, Young Master," Lyriana replied.
Draven thought,
*131? I guess it's not that surprising.*
*I didn't even think she'd tell me. I thought she was going to start talking shit about how you should never ask a woman her age.*
Draven glanced at her.
"So, why do you want to work as my personal maid?"
Lyriana fell silent.
The two continued walking down the hallway.
"Young Master—"
"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it," Draven interrupted.
*I was just asking. I don't really care anyway.*
They continued walking in silence.
---
The scene changed.
Draven and Lyriana entered the dining room, where his mother and father were sitting and eating. Aldric was also there, standing in the corner.
Seeing him, Draven thought,
*Why the hell is that bastard here?*
He sat down at the table.
"Ah, honey, I see you've chosen Lyriana and dismissed Aldric," his mother said. "I had hoped you'd consider both of them before deciding, but I suppose your mind is made up."
Draven thought,
*I guess Mom really did send them after all.*
"Yeah," he replied.
His mother looked at him.
"You don't like him?"
Draven continued eating.
"Yeah."
"That's fine. I didn't assign him to be your friend. What about taking him as a guard instead?"
Draven swallowed his food before answering.
"Mom, I don't think I need a guard. I'm capable of protecting myself, and he's not even that strong."
Aldric, who was standing in the corner, heard his words.
*I'm not strong? Damn brat! How dare you consider me weak when I was clearly holding back?!*
Draven's father spoke up.
"Son, even the weakest guard can serve as a shield at the right moment. It's better to have someone protecting you than no one at all."
Draven continued eating.
"Yeah, I guess so."
He turned toward Aldric, who was still standing in the corner.
"Hey, I guess you're gonna be my guard from now on."
Aldric bowed respectfully.
"It would be an honor, Your Highness. No harm shall come to you while I stand guard."
However, inwardly, he thought,
*Damn brat! Why do you sound so reluctant, as if you're being forced to accept me?*