They all walked out of the guild. As they made their way down the road, Nolan couldn’t help but notice how people moved aside whenever he walked with Linda, Celia, and Lyra. He smiled to himself. Of course, who wouldn’t stare? With such beautiful ladies by my side, I really am lucky.
They finally reached the house.
"Ah! This is so big!" Linda shouted in excitement the moment she saw it.
"Hey, what’s wrong?" Nolan asked, amused.
"Nothing... I just didn’t expect it to be this big," Linda admitted, her eyes wide.
Nolan unlocked the gate and they all stepped inside. Their eyes fell on the large garden, beautifully kept even in the quiet evening light. Nolan’s gaze sharpened for a moment as a thought crossed his mind. Good. If any of those adventurers who once tried to gang up on me are hiding, they’ll regret it.
He immediately activated his Search skill, scanning every corner of the compound and garden. After confirming that the area was clear, he nodded. "Alright. Let’s go in."
He pushed open the massive door, and their eyes widened in awe.
A grand chandelier glittered above the high ceiling. A sweeping staircase curved upward like something from a royal palace. Elegant furniture, polished and luxurious, filled the living room.
"Wow," Nolan muttered, looking around in disbelief.
Even the bathroom gleamed with golden finishes. He blinked, stunned. What the... how? This is unbelievable. Even in my world, you’d rarely find a house this grand. These people’s civilization... it might even surpass my own.
Linda and Celia didn’t bother holding back their excitement. They ran through the halls, peeking into every room, laughing as their voices echoed down the corridors. They rushed to the balcony of their new rooms, throwing their arms wide open as the fresh evening breeze brushed their faces.
"Wow! I can’t believe this," Celia exclaimed.
"Yeah, look at her enjoying life," Linda said with a smile.
"It hasn’t been easy," Celia murmured, her voice softening. "I’m so grateful to Master. If not for him, I’d still be suffering... being whipped for the smallest mistakes."
Linda nodded, her eyes glistening. "I’m grateful too. My heart belongs to Master, and I’ll continue to serve him no matter what."
"Yes... and I also wish, and I also hope, that I’ll stay with Master until my very last breath," Linda and Celia said together, placing their hands over their chests with sincerity.
At that moment, Nolan stepped onto the balcony. "What are you two talking about?" he asked curiously.
Linda and Celia exchanged a quick glance, their lips curling into playful smiles. "It’s a secret," they replied in unison, giggling as they suddenly ran toward him. Each of them grabbed one of his hands, tugging him gently away from the balcony.
As Nolan let himself be pulled along, he felt a strange warmth in his chest. Look at how close they’ve become to me... There was a time when I felt pressured, like I was carrying a burden too heavy for me. I always felt I didn’t belong. But now... now I don’t feel that weight anymore. With them by my side, everything feels lighter.
Just then, Lyra appeared, her golden eyes sparkling as she tilted her head. "What are you all laughing about?" she asked. Without waiting for an answer, she dashed forward and leapt onto Nolan with the grace of a feline.
He stumbled slightly but caught her, and the four of them burst into laughter. Their voices filled the grand halls, echoing like music.
"Alright, alright," Nolan said once their laughter finally began to settle. "Linda, Celia... I told you I would show you something tomorrow. But I’ve changed my mind. I want to show you today."
Linda’s eyes widened. "Eh? What is it, Master?"
"Is this a surprise?" Celia asked, her tone full of excitement.
Nolan smiled, a spark of mystery in his eyes. "It’s better than a surprise. Come on—let’s head to the large garden. I promise it’ll be worth it."
They all stepped outside into the wide garden.
"Are you ready?" Nolan asked.
Celia and Linda both nodded. Nolan lifted his hand, and a brilliant yellow light began to glow from his palm.
"Summon... Summon Wyvern," he whispered.
A glowing circle appeared on the ground. The earth trembled, and from within the circle, a massive shape began to rise. The Wyvern emerged as if climbing out of the ground itself, its scales glistening under the moonlight, its wings stretching wide with a sharp crack of air.
Celia and Linda stumbled back, eyes wide in shock.
"A Wyvern...?!" Linda gasped. "What is a Wyvern doing here?"
"Hey, don’t be scared. Don’t be scared," Nolan said quickly, stepping forward. "It’s my beast now."
"Master, this... this is terrifying. How can it be your beast?" Linda asked, her voice trembling.
"I tamed it," Nolan replied calmly.
Celia let out a shaky breath. "Master... you’re truly like a god."
Linda dropped her gaze, bowing her head toward Nolan.
Nolan froze at her words. No, no, no... why would they think of me that way? He said. A Wyvern... it’s something only legends say a man could ever tame. And the only one ever capable of it was Archangel Michael. That’s why she calls me a god—because of the power. he thought.
"Here, let’s go for a ride," Lyra said.
"Well, yes, that would be great. Even if I’m still a little scared," Linda admitted.
"I hope so, it would be amazing too. I have complete faith in the Beastmaster’s tamed creatures," Celia said.
"Okay, are you two ready to ride?" Nolan asked.
"I would love to ride mine," Celia added.
"No, I don’t want to ride alone. I’d rather ride it with you," Linda said.
"It’s fine. Let’s get started," Nolan said, stretching his hand forward.
As he did, a glowing circle appeared on the ground, and two more Wyverns emerged from it.
"Wow, you have more beasts!" Celia exclaimed.
"Now go, climb on," Nolan said. Celia approached her Wyvern, gently touching its head. The Wyvern nuzzled her hand, and she smiled before gracefully leaping onto its back.
Lyra didn’t hesitate. She jumped from her position, landing lightly on her Wyvern’s back, standing steadily as she balanced herself.