Chapter 355: Show-and-Tell

Words : 1156 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 355: Show-and-Tell Ollie prayed for salvation the entire time they walked from the dorm to the guild base. But it wasn’t just him, for two mountain giants were roped in accidentally after catching strays. First, Jax had mistakenly maintained eye contact with the petite yet intimidating Marquise Julienne and found himself promptly terrorized into compliance by those unnerving smiles. Next, Kyle made the tactical error of glancing over at Ollie precisely when he was making frantic, pleading gestures for help. It was pitiful. But more importantly, they were pitiful, as that was how they ended up practically parading towards their base. See, Ollie actually offered to go straight into the space, but was rejected when the Marquise insisted on going through the entire process. If anything, she needed to see if the place would even hold up against attacks and if these kids even considered security. On the other hand, the father was thinking it would be better to show that they were being treated like everyone else, or this might result in accusations of unsavory business practices. But maybe his concern should be his son’s odd habits, as the walking disaster started pulling out clothes from someone else’s drawers? Huh? "Son, is this actually your dorm room? Did we get the wrong information from the staff?" Asked the confused Marquis. "Oh! I’m rooming in with them! I-well...I’ll tell you why later!" Ollie almost said something about being able to teleport in and out, but thankfully managed to gag himself. Although maybe he wouldn’t have to for long, as the revitalized tour guide was sure that he would be able to convince them better once they’d at least seen the daycare. He really hoped so. Because he may survive the lack of money, but they collectively needed his house’s help for the materials. So, taking a deep breath, Ollie put on his brightest smile and began enthusiastically explaining every little detail he could. But surprisingly, what was more impressive for the mother who was used to the shadows was how they got themselves such a shabby shack. A marvelous idea. She mused, eyes narrowed approvingly at the deceptively decrepit shack. If she only knew. But in her mind, this was the fastest way to get underestimated, likely allowing them to catch their enemies off guard. Kyle was actually nervous the entire time, and was only glad that the line of their usual customers could help alleviate doubts about the existence of that "paradise." It wasn’t something they coined, but with a family deep in commerce, it would be impossible not to have heard things about this place. And while they were sure they had things to offer, it was best not to turn them off right at the door. But maybe he should be nervous about himself instead, as Ollie’s mother kept looking at him like he was the one they were examining. He couldn’t shake the strange sensation crawling up his spine after realizing that the Marquise had been watching him closely, her expression calculating, amused, and slightly terrifying. And every time he would try opening his mouth to question her intense scrutiny, her smile would widen, effectively silencing him into confused submission. Odd. But okay? Thankfully, they finally got through the entrance after much fanfare, as several nobles actually tried gathering around them, only to be dragged around by their pets toward the counter. Now this was interesting to the Marquise, who managed to recover after seeing that out-of-place door. Strangely enough. It seemed like certain people were unable to see the double doors, for when the receptionist would say, "Please proceed to the door," they looked like they were grasping at straws. Ohhh. Her son looked proud when someone was escorted out of the base while screaming about injustice. But maybe injustice wasn’t that far off, as the gilded door did not disappoint. And for those who couldn’t get past it, well, it might even be worse than just injustice. For behind the door could have been someone’s only hope and salvation. The spiritual energy that washed through them alone was enough to get her to look at her very proud son, who was back to looking like a proud toddler. She knew this face very much, one where his nose looked like it could extend as far as his rounded belly could when he was far younger. So this was why he was confident, huh? Marquis Osmond, on the other hand, somehow wanted to grip the collar of his son once again as he was being ridiculous! Did they seriously just open this place to the public? Or well, at least to this many people?! And look at all those pets?! They sure look like they were living better lives! In a sense, the father was sure he made the right decision to leave the distraught Owen behind, for their family dignity might just go down with how that boy would react. It was already enough that they had this other son here who looked so determined to get a pat on the back. And at first, he didn’t. But when the food was served at the lounge, the hard-earned pats came down. Maybe even a little too hard. Because while they were dying to be able to get their hands on these goods, the prodigal son was actually out there living the life! No wonder he was going to fight tooth and nail to stay here! Sigh. They couldn’t even speak about it and just stuck to conversations about how the food was great and how relaxing the place was, but with how their son’s eyes shone, they knew he was waiting. Only for their answer to be interrupted as a voice came from the side. It was Luca, shy and gentle as always, stepping forward to greet the parents of his best brother. His expression was anxious but earnest, clearly hoping to leave a good impression despite being nervous about causing trouble for Ollie. "I’m sorry I couldn’t greet you sooner," Luca murmured softly, sincerity shining in his eyes. "There were just some last-minute preparations...I apologize—" Oof! But the shorter boy didn’t get to finish as Ollie rushed towards Luca, clinging desperately as if he’d found his lifeline, initiating a heartwarming, pitiful hug. The Mylors exchanged glances and soft sighs as they watched them almost tumble. Did they really even have a choice when it’s already like this? "Is there somewhere private we might talk?" the Marquis asked gently. Ollie lifted his head immediately, eyes wide. "You mean it?" They both sighed again, resigned yet smiling warmly at their foolishly earnest son, grateful he’d found friends who accepted him exactly as he was. And what if they didn’t say yes, and they shipped him back to them? Won’t that be worse? Especially now, when it seems like their little menace has got a pretty good handler.

Chapter 355: Show-and-Tell

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