Now that all 3 rooms upstairs were taken, Haku felt it to be refreshing
He still had to get used to having a woman in the house, especially after he found out she was messy and had never cleaned in her life
Truly, the blessing of the rich
Luckily, Yue was not the only person he lived with; now he also had Alexander, or how Haku always called him Alex. It seems Yue took that as his name, and Alex did not mind correcting her.
Alex was a clean freak, surprising for an orphan. Maybe it's because the curch raised him.
In the morning, as Alex and Haku were eating, Yue sat down, not even taking a bite of the meal Alex had made for them.
"Why are you not eating ?" asked Alexander
"I'm a cultivator that does not need to eat or drink to survive."
Haku, already expecting that she would give such an answer, smiled
"You should still eat what is life without these types of pleasures, if you lose even this
Living forever would be nothing more than a punishment, don't you think?"
Yue was surprised
'So that is why he eats. How long did he live?
Is he implying that he almost lost himself simply by losing pleasure?
I thought cultivators looked beyond that ?'
"I will try some Lord Haku if you insist."
Haku was just about to say not to force herself, but by the first bite, the woman lost her self all reasoning and ate like an animal.
'I know his cooking is good but goddamn women you lost all your aura doing that '
As she finished before the two that started ahead of her, she embarrassingly put one hand before her mouth.
"It was edible, thank you, Alex."
'edible, don't make me laugh, and clean your face before acting cute again'
Haku was holding his laughter, but Alex, not used to the sight, just started laughing like a hyena.
"Hahahahaha clean your face, what are you even trying to act cool again see my cooking is divine no one can resist hahahahahahahaha"
"Why you ...."
As the two started bickering like siblings, Haku felt a warmth in his heart that he hadn't felt for a long time.
'I wonder how my Family is doing. I don't even know if I died in my previous life or if I left a body.
I hope Mom is eating well.
My brother may be young, but I know he will take care of her. he always acted as the bigger brother, even when he wasn't big enough for the roller coaster. He was the one who calmed Mom down before she attacked the worker, hehe, but this isn't so bad anymore.
Meanwhile, within the imposing walls of Duke Maris's estate, a different kind of breakfast was unfolding. The Duke, a man etched with authority and concern, sat at the head of a long, polished table. Kaelen, his steadfast knight, stood respectfully to his side, recounting his recent encounter with Haku.
"…and so, my Lord," Kaelen finished, his voice a low rumble, "while the town believes him to be the last of the Baruga family, I suspect he is far more. The feeling he emanates, coupled with the Saintess of the Yang Sect serving him…it is unsettling."
Duke Maris steepled his fingers, his brow furrowed. "The Yang Sect? That…that is a power we cannot afford to offend. They exist beyond our immediate realm, in a…a connected space. A Bridge, as the cultivators and mages call it. A bridge to other realms." He sighed, a sound heavy with unspoken worries. "Most nobles in my lands don't even know of the existence of another realm."
He gestured vaguely. "It is a secret, Kaelen. A truth known only to those in positions of significant power. The Emperor himself treads carefully around such entities. If some fool were to provoke the Yang Sect…" He shuddered. "The consequences would be catastrophic."
He turned to Kaelen, his gaze sharp. "What do you advise, Kaelen? This Haku…he is a puzzle I cannot decipher. The Saintess in his employ…it suggests power, influence, perhaps even backing from forces we cannot comprehend."
Kaelen remained stoic, his expression unwavering. "My Lord, I suggest we extend an olive branch. Show Haku that we mean no harm, that we value his…presence."
The Duke steepled his fingers again, considering. "And how do we convey such a message, Kaelen? A formal delegation? A gift of…what? Rare artifacts? He seems to have no desire that we can understand."
Kaelen paused, then spoke with a firm resolve. "Send Lord Aron, my Lord."
The Duke's eyes widened slightly. "Aron? My son? Are you suggesting we entrust this delicate matter to…Aron?"
"Yes, my Lord," Kaelen replied, unfazed. "It would demonstrate our sincerity. A gesture of goodwill, entrusting a valuable member of our family to him. I believe this Haku…he strikes me as a man of kindness, one who would appreciate the gesture. Furthermore, it might…benefit Lord Aron to be around someone so different from the sycophants who normally surround him. Perhaps he could learn something."
Duke Maris remained silent for a long moment, weighing Kaelen's words. He knew his son, Aron, was often brash and prone to impulsive actions. But beneath that exterior, he also saw potential, a spark of goodness that had been buried under a mountain of privilege and neglect.
Finally, he nodded slowly. "Very well, Kaelen. Prepare Lord Aron. Tell him he is to treat this Haku with the utmost respect. Let him understand the gravity of this situation." He sighed again, a weary sound. "And pray that my son doesn't make a complete fool of himself."
Back at the Baruga Bar, the sounds of playful bickering filled the air, a stark contrast to the weighty decisions being made in the Duke's manor. Haku, Alex, and Yue continued their morning ritual, an unlikely family bound together by circumstance and a shared sense of belonging. Little did they know, a privileged young Lord was about to disrupt their newfound tranquility, sent as a pawn in a game of political maneuvering they were only vaguely aware of.
Three days later.
Haku leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips as he watched Alex and Yue squabble. "Just like clockwork," he murmured to himself, taking a slow sip of the lukewarm tea Alex, the new waitress, had served. He knew this peace wouldn't last forever. Information didn't stay secret for long, especially when it involved a Nascent Soul cultivator pretending to be a simple waitress. The Duke finding out about Yue was all part of the plan, a deliberate move in this game of survival. He just hadn't expected the Duke to make his move so soon.
The bell above the bar jingled, announcing a new arrival. Haku's smile faltered as he looked up. Standing in the doorway, bathed in the morning sun, was Lord Aron Maris. Not some high-ranking official, not a seasoned knight, but Aron himself. Haku was genuinely surprised. Of all the possibilities he'd considered, sending the spoiled, arrogant heir was nowhere on the list.
Aron, decked out in finery that screamed wealth and privilege, seemed to deflate slightly under Haku's intense gaze. The bravado he usually exuded was noticeably absent. He shifted awkwardly, his eyes darting around the bar, taking in the humble surroundings with thinly veiled disdain.
"I see the rumors are true," Aron drawled, attempting to regain his composure. "The peasant turned this dump into his palace." He spotted Alex, who was wiping down the counter, and a sneer twisted his lips. "Oh, and look who it is. The old man made you a suit, I guess even peasants can clean up well."
Before Haku could react, a fist collided with Aron's jaw. Alex, fueled by years of pent-up frustration and a fierce protectiveness of Haku, had launched himself across the room. Aron stumbled backward, clutching his face in disbelief.
"Don't you dare talk to Haku like that!" Alex snarled, his face flushed with anger.
Aron, more shocked than hurt, sputtered, "You...you dare strike a noble?!" His eyes narrowed, spotting the familiar fabric. "...and aren't you wearing a suit from the old man I was talking about you you dimwit?"
Haku sighed inwardly. This was mostly as he'd predicted, but he hadn't anticipated Aron's involvement. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder. "That's enough, Alex. Let him speak." He turned his attention to Aron, his expression friendly.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Lord Maris?" Haku asked, his voice cool and controlled. He knew Aron hated him, hated the fact that someone like Haku, a 'commoner' with a strange charm and a confidence that bordered on arrogance, could command attention and respect. He had seen the glares, heard the snide comments whispered behind his back. But now, standing here, in his establishment, Aron seemed…afraid.
Aron straightened his posture, attempting to regain his lost dignity. "My father…Duke Maris…sends his greetings. He has heard…rumors…of your presence in our lands and wishes to extend his hospitality. He invites you to…discuss matters of mutual interest."
Haku raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Matters of mutual interest? How intriguing. I was under the impression that a humble bar owner had little to offer a powerful Duke."
Aron visibly bristled. "My father…he is a generous man. He believes in…understanding all who reside within his domain." He paused, searching for the right words. "He also…is aware of your…associates. And wishes to…ensure their well-being."
Haku's gaze narrowed. He knew what Aron was saying. The Duke knew about Yue, and he wanted to know what she was doing here. He wanted to assess the threat, to gauge the power she wielded. It was a clumsy attempt at diplomacy, delivered by a messenger wholly unsuited for the task.
"I see," Haku said slowly, his mind already racing, calculating the angles, anticipating the Duke's next move. "Tell your father that I am…touched by his concern. I will consider his invitation." He paused, a wicked glint entering his eyes. "And perhaps…we can discuss those 'matters of mutual interest' over a plate of something delicious. Alex is quite the chef, you know."
Aron's face contorted in disgust. The thought of eating peasant food in this rundown bar was clearly abhorrent to him. But he couldn't refuse. He was trapped, a puppet dancing to the tune of his father's ambitions and Haku's cunning.
"I…I will relay the message," Aron stammered, turning to leave, his face a mask of suppressed rage. As he reached the doorway, he paused, glancing back at Alex with a look of pure venom. "You haven't heard the last of this, peasant."
Alex simply smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Bring it on, pretty boy."
As the door slammed shut behind Aron, Haku turned to Yue, who had been silently observing the exchange. "Well, Yue, it seems our little secret is out. Time to play our hand."