"Ahh..."
*Crash*
A gasp left my lips as the glass slipped from my hand and fell on the ground before splitting into several fragments.
"Young master?!" My maid rushed towards me, pulling me away since the shards might have hurt me.
"It's okay, Tia. I am okay." I assured her but my voice was gloomy.
It wasn't my favorite glass nor was it the last one I had. Rather, something came across my mind.
My mother always believed that a broken glass always brings bad omen.
And today was a special day for me.
I know what my Mum said wasn't a proven fact, but still, it struck me more profoundly than I could have ever expected.
"Young master, are you really okay?" The brunette maid asked, her eyes round in concern.
I chuckled before telling her, "Something like a glass harming a dragon slayer? Do you wish to taint my name, Tia?" I asked jokingly.
She shook her head with a breath of relief.
She brought the broom and dustpan before collecting the shards.
I decided to not pay attention to it anymore.
Like what bad could happen today?
This was my forty-fifth raid as a member and seventh raid as a captain.
We have been met by accidents, but under my command, I have never let anyone die. So why should I get nervous today?
It was another mission where we needed to hunt solitary-ranked dragons.
They are usually found alone or in a small pack. They are slightly larger than infants but not enough to start a family.
I have hunted a few all on my own before so it should be no problem with a party.
"Lord Hades, what do you wish to have for a birthday?" She asked as she rearranged my armor.
I allowed her to do so since she was my caretaker who once was my teacher too. I was used to her presence around me. Just like an older sister.
After a brief thought, I asked, "It's day after tomorrow, right? I don't need anything actually...maybe a chocolate cake or something?"
"From your favorite shop? Understood." She isn't a good cook so she instantly decided that the cake should be bought rather than uselessly putting herself under pressure.
I chuckled, "How are you going to get married like this?" I don't believe that women should know cooking as a part of their virtue, but society has been built on these ideals.
Tia smilingly said, "I don't want to get separated from my master, so I won't get married."
I looked warmly at the woman. When she joined, she wasn't paid anything by my father since he didn't have any hope in me.
But this lady before me saw me training one day at the guild's ground and decided to become my teacher and later, mother hired her as a maid so she could accompany me to the school.
Cupping her cheeks, I told her, "I want you to spend some years for yourself too. You deserve happiness, Tia."
She brushed my hands away, and changed the topic, "Miss Kayla must be waiting for you. Meet her before you leave."
I exhaled a sigh, "Right," I told her not to wake up so early since today was the weekend, but she surely must be waiting to see me off.
I took my blade and hung it to the side before turning towards Tia, "Wish me luck. I need it today."
She smiled warmly at me, "I know you will succeed. I am more confident in you than you are in yourself."
Slightly embarrassed, I walked out of the room.
For nobles and those who can afford it, the academy provides them with separate cabins, like the one where I live.
And not only am I the son of a Count, but I also earn a lot because of my regular operations.
As a dragon slayer, I earn like five hundred to a thousand gold coins per raid. It all depends on the class of dragon and the condition of by-products after being hunted.
So yes, I can afford this luxury without depending on my family.
Stepping out of the cabin, I half closed my eyes because of the piercing sunlight.
As my gaze adjusted to the sunlight, my eyes fell on a certain midnight indigo-shade-haired girl standing there.
She was looking at me with a soft smile.
"Told you not to come," I said as I stepped down the stairs and instantly was pulled into a hug.
"I can't sleep at all...thinking about you and what you will achieve today."
I chuckled, she was excited.
"I haven't even stepped into the field, yet you are sure about my victory?" Does confidence run in the blood of the people around me?
She separated from me, her arms still resting on my shoulder as she said, "I know that you will hunt those lizards today and will get the license before your birthday."
The license in question was the certificate that would give me the official post of a dragon slayer.
I was still halfway through my third year, yet I was going to receive my license today. This exception was made because of my clean record of seven consecutive successes in all the raids I have led.
The headmaster is making the exception for me since he also believes that my potential is wasted here and I should join the military and serve the nation more actively.
So yes, today's operation is quite important for me.
I looked at my love before asking, "So what should I expect for my gift?"
She inched higher, going on her toes, as she whispered, "If you bring me a dragon's head, I will show you something amazing tonight."
Saying so, she gave a light kiss at the corner of my lips and dashed away, her giggles reaching my ears.
Smiling, I shook my head.
Another reason to win today.
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Please add the book to your collection.