"Well-maintained! Mr. Leonbali, I must commend your architectural talents."

  As soon as Kenley returned, he was greeted by a lush, neatly trimmed lawn, tightly fitted walls, and vibrant new stained-glass windows.

  Inside, the dust-free floors, orderly furnishings, pristine walls, and spacious, well-ventilated layout all contributed to a satisfying result. The two gold coins spent were well worth it. Since Leonbali was only twenty-five, his fees were quite reasonable. Factoring in both labor and material costs, it was an absolute bargain.

  "Haha! Honorable guest, your satisfaction is our highest honor! Thank you for choosing us today. If you or your friends or family ever need similar services in the future, I would be most grateful for your recommendation!"

  With that, Leonbali gave Kenley a respectful bow.

  Truth be told, Leonbali was a decent man—polite and well-mannered. Though he was a devout believer, he harbored no resentment toward Kenley despite Tia being his servant.

  "I doubt someone as talented as you will remain confined within the borders of the Cain Empire forever, Mr. Leonbali. One day, you may step onto an even grander stage."

  Kenley didn't hold back on his praise—Leonbali was truly a remarkable talent.

  "Thank you, honorable guest! Your compliments are more than I deserve! It has been my utmost honor to serve you today!"

  After a round of formalities, Leonbali finally led his workers away. As he departed, his gaze lingered on Tia for a brief moment, filled with a trace of regret and melancholy.

  Perhaps this was for the best.

  Tia, of course, noticed his look, but her eyes remained fixed on Kenley. She wanted to know what her master was thinking—what he truly thought of her.

  "Alright, our new home is settled. We can finally get a good night's rest." Kenley let out a yawn.

  "You scoundrel! Don't rush off to sleep just yet—you haven't finished explaining!" Sylph was clearly displeased.

  Kenley chuckled helplessly."Sylph, aren't you tired of bickering with me all day long? Can't we take a break? I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed."

  He waved her off without a second thought and headed straight for the master bedroom.

  "Oh, and by the way, there are plenty of rooms here—pick one for yourself. And don't start with any nonsense about me having ulterior motives."

  Stolen story; please report.

  "You—you—!" Sylph fumed as she watched him leave, but there was nothing she could do.

  "Alright, Sylph, don't be mad at Master." Tia gently tugged at her arm.

  Sylph huffed."I just can't stand his attitude. And Tia, I'm not questioning his authority over you—he's your contract master, and he has every right to keep you. That's not what bothers me. What I care about is how he sees you. What does he truly think of you? Does he see you as a real person, or just something he can discard at any moment?"

  "You're still worried that Master might sell me?"

  "Of course! You never know what might happen!"

  Tia sighed softly."Sylph, I am Master's servant. How he treats me is his choice. Besides, don't forget—without Master, I might have already died, or fallen into a far worse fate. And you don't know this, Sylph, but Master once shielded me from a paladin's sword to protect me."

  Sylph froze."What did you say?"

  Tia met her gaze."Not only did he protect me, but my servant status was also something he arranged for my sake. He worried that, as an undead, I wouldn't be able to move freely in human cities. That's why he told me to keep wearing the slave collar—it's a disguise, a layer of protection."

  "Moreover, Master is a man of his word—I can feel it. Sylph, before meeting you, he even bought clothes for me. From the moment he saved me, he promised he would, and he never went back on his word after entering Marlen Imperial City."

  "So, Sylph, do you understand what I'm saying?" Tia's eyes were unwavering.

  Sylph was momentarily stunned."So that's how it is... But I still don't believe him! He accepted Leonbali's money right in front of us!"

  "That doesn't matter, Sylph. I believe Master's explanation." Tia's voice was firm.

  "You're too kind, Tia. You don't understand how deceitful humans can be. Aunt Olika once told me—never trust a human's words unless that person is a true hero."

  "But isn't Master a hero's descendant?"

  "That doesn't mean anything..."

  "Alright, Sylph. Just go to sleep."

  "But—"

  "Sleep!"

  …

  Half-asleep, Kenley suddenly felt something sneak under his covers.

  His hand instinctively reached out, touching something cool, smooth, and unexpectedly soft and elastic. What was this?

  Slowly, he opened his eyes—only to see Tia, her silver hair cascading down, pressed closely against him in his bed.

  "Mm…!" Kenley blinked in drowsy confusion before jolting awake in shock.

  "Tia?" He called out.

  "Master…" Tia murmured, her head buried against his chest. Kenley couldn't see her expression, but her voice was as light as a feather.

  "Master, do you… not want Tia anymore?" Her voice was quiet, but the sorrow in it was unmistakable.

  Kenley's heart clenched. He sighed. This girl—was she still dwelling on today's events? It made sense. Women were sensitive, prone to overthinking, and if left unresolved, small worries could spiral into deeper wounds.

  "No. I never thought that."

  Tia instantly lifted her head, her face bright with joy."Really? Master, Tia thought you didn't want me anymore!"

  But Kenley's next words left her stunned.

  "I only wanted to give you your freedom."

  Tia was caught completely off guard."Tia doesn't want freedom! Tia only wants to be with Master!" Her voice rose several octaves, her emotions surging uncontrollably.

  Kenley fell silent. After some thought, he realized today's misunderstanding had gone too far. He needed to clear things up properly—otherwise, it would leave a lasting scar in Tia's heart.

  "I'm sorry, Tia. Tonight made me realize something. Tia, you are a living person, not a tool. I sincerely apologize for how I treated you. I'm sorry."

  His apology was genuine, and he continued,"But when I said today that I see you as family, I truly meant it."