Chapter 349: Guards

Words : 1213 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 349: Guards But while one official was thinking of going MIA, two people’s returns were being celebrated with such absurd enthusiasm that even the heavens might’ve paused to peek.. News of Duchess Amelia and Gisella’s return spread faster than wildfire through the people of the duchy, and even the likes of Theo, Noah, Ada, and Princess Kira celebrated because they just couldn’t help it. The people around them were just too happy, and it was infectious. Especially after hearing that there would be a small homecoming celebration and that they were all invited. Ultimately, this was one of the best news they’ve heard since their Young Lord’s return, if not for the crucial problem it brought about. Who in their right minds would want to stay outside to guard? The maids thanked their stars they weren’t on the roster. The beast caretakers gave each other secret high-fives. Even the gardeners mysteriously vanished into the farms. But the guards? Oh, the guards. They faced a moral, ethical, and logistical dilemma. Everyone wanted in. No one wanted to be stuck outside guarding gates while the duchy partied like no other. So they did what any sensible, battle-hardened military unit would do. They called for a Battle Royale. Yes. A full-on, no-holds-barred, everyone-for-themselves showdown to determine who got party passes and who got stuck babysitting walls. Now, when Luca first heard of that, and Ollie explained what that meant, he couldn’t help but wonder how that would be fair. What happened to just drawing lots? Apparently, that won’t do as some of them attested that they have cursed lucks that couldn’t even be dispelled by taking ten baths. One guard even claimed that their luck was so cursed, not even dunking themselves in holy water could cleanse it. Thus, the Duke approved this mini-event. But really, one reason why he did so was not only because it would be fun, but because he wanted to see the effects of these people’s stay in such an energy-rich place. They just didn’t expect Luca to support their endeavors by offering to build an arena and even a training hall. After Luca mentioned this, everyone looked at him and wondered if the little money-grubber had been replaced at one point. Ollie even thought that his good brother was sick from something and looked mortified. But Luca had a reason—no, a mission. After Cece’s near-death experience, he’d realized something terrifying: if their people weren’t strong enough to survive, it didn’t matter how many resources he hoarded. The experience was too nerve-wracking and heartbreaking, and he felt like his heart won’t make it if he had to go through that again. Also, if he needed to produce thousands of revive pills, wouldn’t that be less economical? Therefore, the golden-eyed money-grubber shocked everyone by volunteering to build an arena costing 450,000 CP, a training hall costing 30,000 CP, and its additional Combat Training Module Plug-in for 30,000 CP. Huh? Now that was odd. Wasn’t the Plug-in just 10,000 CP before? Luca asked D-29, who said that even after turning over the Trove, it could only find that 30,000 CP Training Module. Technically, there were other Plug-ins, but the prices were a bit too high, and considering how they were also saving for a few things, those might have to wait. But it was apparently a good buy, one that would triple the return on investment within a very short time. In fact, the construction alone felt like the main event as everyone witnessed how a system building was created once again. And for people like the Duchess and Killian, it was the first time they would be seeing such a construction. Cece whistled as the building took shape and marveled at how it was even more efficient than the dwarves who were supposed to be good at such work! But how would they compete when this was almost instantaneous?! Not to mention how it was state-of-the-art. And Duke Leander’s ears perked up after hearing praises for his precious son. Obviously, this called for another commissioned statue to mark the inevitable improvement of the soldiers under the House of Kyros. It was a moment that must be immortalized, just like the moment of his wife’s return that had already been set out as an order. He just had to hide it from her. On the other hand, Chief of Staff Killian winced at this, pitying the other houses for the amenities here. In fact, he even felt bad about the military department under the command of Marshal Julian. Hopefully, they won’t have time for that annual tournament this year, or it’ll be good riddance to them. The soldiers of House Kyros obviously thought differently as they even felt the need to genuflect to thank their Young Lord. But who knew that there were more reasons for celebration? For the flustered Luca also asked if they would be satisfied with the prizes he planned to offer. Prizes? Weren’t they just fighting for who would get the right to join the party? Apparently not. Apparently, they were fighting for their right to a bright future as their Young Lord revealed these things called manuals. The top 10 soldiers would receive three manuals plus a gift pack, while everyone participating would receive consolation prizes for joining. Luca gripped his hand at the expense, but he thought 150,000 CP for these manuals would be worth it, as the upgrades were actually permanent. Now that changes things. For when the consolation prizes were mentioned, the air vibrated with restrained chaos. Several maids were suddenly picking up spears. At the same time, beast caretakers started suspiciously flexing their toned arms. And the gardeners? They were grabbing hedge trimmers with deadly intent. After all, how could they not join?! Meanwhile, the Duke was pouting and had to be smacked by his wife because he also wanted to join after hearing about the prizes. "Join your ass. That’s just bullying!" Said the duchess, who was pulling at the duke’s mouth. But apparently, there really was no need to join, because the little money-grubber had decided that gifts were very much in order. It was something he decided on after seeing how his brother’s thoughtfulness helped them so much during an emergency. And so Luca, against all odds, fought with his instincts to hoard and actually spent CP for the people closest to him. 540,000 CP. Luca was going to buy all nine manuals for the twelve people who had cabins in his space. It was going to be costly and would hurt, but this damage was something that his heart would recover from. Provided the people important to him were safe, he thinks he could even recover from losing a few more millions. But maybe he shouldn’t have cursed himself like that. Surely the bill for the energy stabilizers and containers couldn’t be that bad, right? RIGHT?! Heh. Thankfully, that was for tomorrow, for today was the day to prepare for tomorrow’s small celebration! If only a certain highlighter remembered his important schedule. A hard-fought meeting with their prospective new partner, Marquis Osmond Mylor. But what do you know? A certain prodigal son was busy churning for this thing called ice cream!

Chapter 349: Guards

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