After finalizing things with Maydeath, both of them were having early morning breakfast while discussing their course of action from hereon. Well, it was mostly Seth talking about the planning and preparation since Maydeath was just watching his profile and sighing in glee from time to time.

Seth didn't have any problem whether Maydeath heard him or not since he just needed her cooperation and her skills in this. The last obstacle he needed to overcome was Anabelle and get her on this with them. Surely, without her, it wouldn't be impossible to search for the old man but with her, it would be a lot easier.

'Now that I notice...every woman in my life is really exceptional... ' If seen from a general perspective, Serena who was a third-tier warrior now, was the only one that could be considered anywhere normal.

With such thoughts, he finished eating the healthy breakfast and thought about going to have a chat with Anabelle first when suddenly the main entrance of the room swung open.

Lara was the first to react followed by Seth and Maydeath.

The brunette maid widened her eyes upon realizing the identity of the person before she immediately planted her left knee on the floor and kept her right hand over the folded knee to greet the person.

Not only did she but every maid in the mansion who was in the dining area took the same stance before they spoke in unison, ""We greet the Commander!""

The blond lady who was receiving such crisp greetings was none other than Duchess Valarie along with two little ladies by her side.

"You no longer serve the army so stop being so manly and behave more like a proper maid." Even though the salute was something that could be called perfect from any angle of inspection, Valarie didn't seem pleased about it.

Valarie has trained many units of the army from Capital from the age of sixteen and the maids serving her son were those whom Valarie had once taught as well. The Duchess has nitpicked every young talent who both were strong and beautiful to serve her son.

"I apologize, my lady." Lara got back on her feet and bowed her head without a single strand of remorse in her tone which implied she would carry the respect and honor of her teacher and greet her like this in the future as well.

Valarie didn't say anything and proceeded toward the young man she had dearly wanted to see.

Seth met her mid-way and gave her a small hug, which Valarie turned into a tight embrace real soon.

"I missed you, my baby..." Every maid's heart melted at the sight of the duo bonding so warmly. Although Seth didn't feel happy being regarded as a baby anymore, he didn't resist his mother as well.

He smiled at his little sisters. One of them waved with a smile and the other one just turned her head away, ignoring Seth like he didn't exist at all.

Seth didn't say anything to Eleanor and separated from his mother who wore a concerned look on her face for some reason.

"Everything is alright, mother? For you to visit so suddenly..."

"Not here, come with me," Valarie told Seth before walking toward the first floor of the mansion where Seth's room was located.

Seth gave an apologetic look to Maydeath as he allowed himself to get dragged by his mother.

"Lara...the ladies haven't eaten anything so take care of them, alright."(Valarie)

Lara bowed in response before she walked up to the two sisters of her master and asked them what breakfast they would prefer.

The little one raised both of her hands and shouted 'Pancakes' with a cheerful smile adorning her pale white face. Liliana was as adorable as ever, Lara noted.

As for Eleanor, "You think I would even drink a glass of water of this place? Please."

Lara frowned at that. Well, she knew Lady Eleanor didn't have a good relationship with her elder brother but still, it was too much for even the lady to say such disrespectful things about her master.

Lara was about to say something, which Eleanor definitely wouldn't like but suddenly someone jumped between them and draped her arm over Eleanor's shoulder in a very familiar manner like they were quite close friends.

"And why is it that you don't trust your brother, Young lady?" Eleanor was startled seeing the red eyes from this close but soon she reclaimed her bearings and yanked Maydeath's arms away.

"How dare you touch me...you mere whor-"

"Cease that word before I do something which you won't be able to revert."

This time, Eleanor was terrified seeing those red eyes glistening with a hue of murderous intent, and the pressure the redhead was releasing was anything but bearable for Eleanor's delicate shoulders.

Lara didn't intervene since she knew it would be pointless...rather she wanted Eleanor to learn a lesson. Surely she would step up if Maydeath goes overboard but for now...

"Let's get you some pancakes, little lady." Holding Liliana's small soft hands Lara urged. Liliana was a little scared of Maydeath as well so she readily nodded and left her sister alone.

"Y-y-you...how dare-"

"How dare I do this..how dare I do that. Don't you get tired of saying the same thing again and again? I mean these lines suit those people who could inflict consequences on those who actually dare to defy their words. But you..." As Maydeath trailed off her words, she approached Eleanor with quiet steps before whispering her following words in a sadistic tone,"...you are a weakling through and through who knows nothing but to blame her brother for every single thing in your life."

Maydeath was naturally aware of what problems Eleanor had with Seth since she had read the plot of this world. But since the person Eleanor was insulting here was not only Seth but Miyuki's beloved Ryuuta as well, it was given that Maydeath wouldn't tolerate this arrogant princess.

That day...after who knows how long... Eleanor Albeck was sighted weeping silently after being scolded like this by someone whom she didn't even know.

****

Back in Seth's room, Valarie sat opposite her son wordlessly for a good while and Seth knew the reason for it.

'Ah, Maydeath...why... ' He felt a headache approaching.

Both individuals have enhanced senses so eavesdropping on what transpired on the ground floor was nothing too difficult for them.

For once, Seth thought Valarie would surely confront Maydeath who was threatening and bullying Eleanor downstairs but when Maydeath seemed to get done with Eleanor, Valarie turned toward her son with a soft smile before saying something completely unexpected.

"You have found another great candidate. I already like her."

****

A/N: - Drop a comment and tell me who's your favorite heroine so far.

My personal favorite is Anabelle tbh.