Chapter 567 126.4 - Evergreen

Chapter 567 126.4 - Evergreen

As we walked toward the mansion, the closer I got, the larger it appeared. From a distance, it had already seemed grand, but now, up close, it felt even more imposing. Its sheer size was impressive, but it wasn't just the scale that caught my attention. There was something about the architecture, the way it blended into the landscape while still standing out with an almost regal presence.

I found myself observing the details more carefully, letting my eyes take in the craftsmanship. The stone walls were smooth, polished, and adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. There was a subtle elegance to the design—delicate embroideries and patterns that wove their way along the edges of the mansion, almost hidden unless you were looking closely. These details weren't ostentatious, but they carried meaning, something beyond mere decoration.

'The style is distinct,' I thought, my curiosity piqued. I wasn't particularly interested in art or architecture, but I was observant by nature. Having been to many different locations, I'd developed a habit of paying attention to the surroundings. And here, I could tell there was something unique about this place.

The design didn't follow the typical patterns I had seen in other estates. The angles, the lines—it all felt purposeful like it had been built with more than just aesthetics in mind. There was a subtle flow to the way the mansion was constructed, almost as if the building itself was part of the land's mana rather than something that had been forced upon it.

As we walked, I found myself tracing the lines of the carvings with my eyes. There were ancient symbols woven into the stone, not obvious, but present enough to catch the attention of someone who knew how to look. They weren't just decorative—they meant something, though I couldn't quite place what.

'This is relatively similar to how things were in the Organization's base, but not exactly the same.'

I thought as I continued to observe the mansion's intricate design. The carvings, the symbols, the subtle integration of mana into the structure—there was an air of something ancient here, something that ran deeper than the surface.

The organization had roots stretching back centuries, filled with ancient knowledge and mysteries. Their base had always carried that weight, a sense of history and hidden power lingering in every corner. But this place, while not identical, had a similar feeling—a connection to something older than what most people could perceive.

"Your home.....It is impressive."

I decided to test the waters. One way or another, I would learn about this more.

'And looking at her like that, I am sure if I just ask, she will reveal things.'

Senior Maya might be someone who knows how to carry herself, but at the same time, she relies on me a lot.

Though I do not want to take advantage of her like that, if there are things that are important to this world that I need to know about, it can't be helped.

Maya turned her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her pink eyes, though still carrying that subtle tension, softened as she regarded me. "I expected you'd notice," she said, her voice warm but knowing. "It's part of why I wanted you to come here."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what exactly did you expect me to see?"

Her smile deepened, and she paused for a moment before responding. "Why do you think it's impressive, Junior?"

I took a breath, knowing that this was my opportunity to explain what I had observed. "For one, the architecture," I began, gesturing to the carvings and symbols embedded in the stone walls. "It's not just decorative. The structure itself is deeply integrated with the land's mana. It feels as if the building is part of the environment rather than imposed upon it. That's rare."

Maya's eyes flickered with something—interest, perhaps, or recognition. She stayed quiet, allowing me to continue.

'He's meticulous, almost obsessively so. No ordinary servant would care this much about appearances unless it was part of their discipline.'

His posture was another giveaway. Straight, shoulders back, but not stiff. There was an ease in how he held himself, the kind that came from long years of training.

'Perfectly balanced... not just for appearances. This man knows how to move silently, without drawing attention. Presence erasing. A hidden aide, perhaps?'

My eyes moved to his hands—clean, unnaturally so, with no roughness or scars. No calluses on the palms or fingers.

'Not a fighter. At least, not with weapons. A mage, then. His hands are too pristine for someone who has ever swung a sword or handled a bow. Magic leaves no visible marks. Smart... keeps himself unassuming.'

The sharpness in his eyes, though, was unmistakable. They flicked over me, quick but controlled, as if measuring me up. The subtle tension in his jaw betrayed his awareness, his readiness.

'This man is no mere butler. He's trained. Disciplined. Everything about him speaks of precision, from his appearance to his demeanor. Combat-ready but not through physical force. That focus... his diet is balanced, his physique lean but powerful, tuned for endurance, not bulk.'

A breeze ruffled the leaves overhead, and I noticed he didn't so much as flinch. He stood rooted, unwavering, yet somehow almost invisible, blending into the serene environment of the garden.

'He's skilled in blending with his surroundings. No wasted movement, no unnecessary action. This is someone who knows how to stay hidden, even in plain sight. A perfect shadow, prepared to strike if necessary.'

I looked into his eyes again, and for the briefest moment, I saw something—a flicker of calculation.

'He's watching me just as much as I'm watching him. Calculating. Gauging if I'm a threat. Every breath, every subtle shift, he's analyzing.'

As I continued to observe the butler, a faint sense of tension settled between us. His posture, his sharp gaze—everything about him exuded an air of quiet intimidation. It wasn't overt, not enough to be obvious, but it was there. I could feel the subtle pressure, the way his eyes flicked over me, calculating. Testing.

'So that's how it is,' I thought, a small part of me amused by the situation. The man wasn't just analyzing me—he was pushing back, trying to gauge how I would react. His ability to slip past my senses earlier wasn't just skill; it was a clear indicator of the gap between us. The fact that I hadn't noticed him right away meant that this man's stats were far beyond mine. And considering how attuned I was to mana and my surroundings, that wasn't a small feat.

But I wasn't surprised. High-ranking families often had people like this—hidden aides, skilled in combat or magic, trained to be both servants and protectors. It was normal. What caught my attention, though, was the faint feeling of hostility. It wasn't personal, but there was an undercurrent of disapproval in the way he regarded me. As if he didn't entirely favor my presence here.

'He's strong, but intimidation won't work on me,' I thought, keeping my expression neutral. This was a test. A way to see how I would respond. And I wasn't about to give him anything to work with. I simply continued observing him, noting his stance, his presence, the way he controlled his breathing. He was sharp, no doubt, but I had seen enough to know when to stay silent.

After a few moments, the silence between us was broken by a familiar voice.

"Alfred," Maya called softly.

The butler—Alfred—immediately turned toward her, his demeanor shifting in an instant. The tension that had lingered in the air dissipated as he bowed slightly in acknowledgment, his face becoming a mask of perfect professionalism once again.

It was clear who held the power here. And with just one word from Maya, the subtle contest between Alfred and me came to an abrupt end.