Chapter 4: One Of The Valler's

"I-I'M SORRY, what?!" My voice cracked. 

Say what now?! What kind of solution is that? Are there loose screws on their head right now?

"You heard me right, he'll be a part of the Valler Organization. Particularly as a part of your Elite team. Since he's a Prince, he'll be a valuable asset along with his capabilities. This is the perfect momentum to finally shut down that syndicate." Ah, I underestimated him. 

"You're saying that Caspian is the perfect bait to lure Claire, or any other girls part of their syndicate. Since he doesn't have background and they are unaware of his existence and prowess, we'll be using that to our advantage. And before we get to that, I have to teach him in a day and a half. Understood, Brother." I deduced right on the spot. 

Heh! I'm a genius.

"Spot on observations, Navier. You exceed my expectations every time." Of course! I'm not a Valler for nothing, duh.  

"I've learned from the best." I replied curtly.

Yeah, I was like a baby duck that always my Brother, a.k.a the Mother duck, when I was younger. Probably because I had the talent to detect beautiful creatures around me, and no doubt that my Brother takes the top seat. 

"He'll be staying in our Mansion and the Valler family will provide for his needs in any means necessary. Caspian, do you have any objections?" Brother then glanced in Caspian's way and eyes him. 

"None, Sir. I am much obliged to your unbounded generosity."  He replied firmly and my Brother smirked. 

Nani? (What?) Did he j-just smirk?! Ack! What's my Brother doing with such a deadly smile?! It's glowing. It's so bright. That smile could prevent a whole war!!

"Very well. Then the two of you are dismissed." 

Well, that was surprising. I can't believe my Brother found him a promising prospect. That smirk told me everything! It means he has taken a liking of him and is expecting great results from him. Gosh, I really can't read him. 

Mr. Ambroise then went inside my Brother's Study after we left, he must have been called to explain the situation.

"You're Brother is very sharp, he saw right through me. But.. nevermind." What?! What?! He's keeping something from me?! I have the right to know, suckers!

"What? What? Did something happen? Did my Brother do something to you? Don't be so stingy!" I hissed like a cat.

"It was nothing." He averted his gaze and it was like he was teasing me. Now I really wanna know!

"Come on, tell me!" I insisted and pouted. Gosh, he's really playing hard!

"All right. Your brother asked me in detail what happened between us inside your room, I complied and he warned me not to do any funny business. Whatever that meant." 

Pfft. Haha! My Brother warned him not to make a move on me! Is his identity as the only man allowed in my life in danger? Haha! This is so freakin' funny! But to be honest, if he did make a move on me, I'm accepting it sista'! I mean, this man received all of the magnificent god-Author's blessings when it comes to beauty, brains and brawn, I ain't lettin' go of this hunk! That would be my life's greatest mistake.

"Ah, I see. Don't mind what he said and just be comfortable around me." Since he's confused, I'm using that to my advantage. Hehe, I'mma fangirl all I want. 

"Sure..?" He shrugged and we went up my room. I dived right into my bed and covered my face with the pillow, "Mr. Ambroise will probably give you a tour of the Mansion since you'll be living here. You've got nothing to worry about, you have the Valler family and if necessary, the government behind your back." I said and sat properly. 

"What does your family do, exactly?" I'm glad he asked!

"Before I answer that question, I first have to give you a brief overview of the government. In our world, there has been Kingdoms and Empires ruled by Royal families hundreds of years ago, but was overruled by democracy or the government in the 16th century. Their reign was then ended but there are still a few countries with Imperial families but their influence and power have decreased because of the government. The government is the governing body of a nation which is lead by a President. This allows the citizens to choose their own rulers over a period of time. Now, in our country, the President has a confidential group of trusted people who are given tasks ordinary officials can't handle. Thus, the Valler Organization which has served the government for generations now, is being lead by my Brother and at the present, we were tasked to shut down the Rohas Organization. Does that answer your question?" I explained concisely.

"I see, so in your world, the President has the most power in the government and his term is only short since the people get the right to choose." He observed.

"That's right. But aside from the President giving the final verdict, he also has a cabinet of officials who each lead an agency that helps the economy and the society. It's like a huge spiderweb because of all the connections and branches." 

We then had an even more complex talk about the government and political differences between our world and his world. It was fun exchanging ideas with him. Mr. Ambroise then arrived and showed Caspian around.

My Brother then visited my room and told me the 'excuse' about Caspian. So from now on, he's not a fictional character from another world, but a childhood friend living in the States who's come to live with us. Brother also said that he'll forge a fake identity and background for him using his connections so that we'll have less complications in the future.

As expected, my Brother is to not be underestimated.

That night, Brother introduced Caspian to my Aunt and to Ecklis. He didn't tell them about who he really is, but his fake identity. He also told them that he'll be staying with us since he's my childhood friend and he'll be studying in my school. 

Dinner was quite the battle since Aunt kept on asking him about me. It was obvious that she's matchmaking me to Caspian. She also kept on teasing us on how a wonderful couple we'll make, she was getting ahead of herself and even talked about a wedding. Gosh, her youthful side is showing!! 

Brother warned her not to get too ahead of herself but Aunt insisted that the future has a lot in store for the youth. I mean, she's not wrong, but it's gonna get me blushing! Ecklis on the other hand just kept on glaring at him as if he was a threat. I should have told them that I don't have any intentions of getting a boyfriend or even getting married any time soon. I'm still in highschool, duh!

As of tonight, Caspian rested in his room which was next to mine. I on the other hand just finished taking a good bath and changed into my night gown. Thank goodness I was wearing my pajamas earlier this morning! 

"Miss, is Sir Caspian your boyfriend?" Lucy asked out of the blue while fluffing my pillows. 

I almost dropped the glass I was holding, Is it that obvious that I like him? Kidding!

"Of course not! W-What's gotten into you that you asked that? He's just my c-childhood friend which I haven't seen for so long! Haha! He is definitely NOT my boyfriend!" I stuttered and I felt uneasy for some reason. 

"Miss, the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or heard, but must be felt by the heart. This is your golden chance, Miss, don't miss it." She advised. 

Gosh, is she shipping us?! Like Master like servant, eh?

"Are you crazy? Since when were you a Love expert? Hmph! Don't tease me just because you have a boyfriend!" I retorted and pouted. But she does have a boyfriend, so she has the right. 

"Miss, that's right. I have a boyfriend, you do not. So I have experience, please trust this love guru." She winked and smirked. 

She's seriously flaunting her love life! Fine, I'm so single!!

"Haha, fine! I'm such a single pringle! The world hates me, kyah!" I complained.

"Since Sir Caspian is the Miss' childhood friend, you two have known each other for a long time, so it is possible that he has hidden feelings for the Miss. He must be praying for all your love that you will finally notice him, that must be why he came back. Doesn't this sound like a beautiful love story?" She giggled, she didn't realize she's hugging and patting my back now. I rolled my eyes.

Yeah, if only. That's a HUGE only since we're two different strangers from two different worlds. But on the bright side, this is like one of those webtoon stories I've read where they were two different people from different dimensions but because of fate, they met and their love blossomed. Could it be that my life is now a fantasy story? Does this mean I can fly?!

"Yeah, whatever you say Lucy." I shrugged and prepared myself to go to bed.

"Of course, Miss, the maids and I believe it too." Wait, the maids?!

"What did they say? How did they see him?" 

"Ah, Mr. Ambroise was giving the young Master a tour earlier this afternoon and we happened to be blessed by the young adonis. He was kind and gentle, very charming like a Prince. Aah~ He was such an eye candy just like Master Aden." So they were admiring my Brother and Caspian's enchantment?! A.K.A, as expected.

"Naturally, my Brother is ve~ry gorgeous, there's no doubt that his beauty beguiles us all. I mean, it runs in the family, right?" I bragged feeling so high. 

Yeah, you better get used to this sight, suckers!

"Then I hope that the young Miss and the young Master will fall in love. Kyah!" She said before completely leaving the room. That brat! She reminded me again! Now you're just making me so confused! 

Gosh, this is driving me crazy! Please don't tell me I'm going to fall in love with my favorite character!!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

THE next day, I since it was a Sunday, I woke up early and decided to do some exercises. I changed my night gown and headed to the our Mansion's gym. Time to get ripped! 

Usually, by this morning, my Brother is swimming laps in the pool to build endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. He'll be able to have a great workout since he gets to move his whole body against the resistance of the water. It also has lots of benefits and it clear the mind as well. It is an enjoyable exercise but also a very competitive safe sport. 

Come to think of it, I took swimming classes 5 years ago but since I was a total rock in the water I hated it and tried other physical sports instead. The water.. just doesn't do it for me. Tch! Just because it works for Brother doesn't mean it works for me, hmph!

After an hour of lifting weights, resistance training and what-not. I should call Ricardo to practice fencing with me. I guess I can ask Caspian later to practice my swordsmanship since he is a Master Swordsman, but what the heck! Let's just kick poor Ricardo's butt and tire him out as much as possible!!

"Lucy, do you know where Ricardo is?" I asked in a sing-song voice while she's wiping my forehead with a towel. 

"Miss, Ricardo and Mr. Finral are currently overseeing Master Caspian's endurance training outside in the back." So he's up now too?

"Thanks, Lucy. I'll be going now, just tell my Aunt and Ecklis that I won't be able to join them for breakfast." I ran out at back and saw them training in the vast grounds of our estate. It sure is a relief seeing how everyone is comfortable around Caspian, he sure is fitting in pretty impressively for a guy from another world. 

Caspian Tassel De Leon's POV

"INCREDIBLE job Master Caspian, you're the second person to beat Sir Finral." Ricardo complimented in awe.

I woke up earlier than usual since I'm still finding adjusting in this world rather complex because of how advanced they are. This is far beyond compared to my world, they are superior in every aspect as of what I have observed. Sir Finral is a strong opponent, and if only he didn't make such a rookie mistake, he would have beaten me. And that is saying something since I'm the Leonhart Empire's greatest Master Swordsman. 

"Second? Who was that first?" I implored and took a seat in a bench to catch my breath. A maid named Tina who was assigned to me by Sir Aden gave me water. 

"Miss Adharia, of course. She's a very quick learner who can perfect a move or technique just after seeing it once, she can create her own combinations from what she's learned. But aside from her agility and adept in the environment, she also has monstrous strength and a cold gaze every time she faces her opponent that she rarely fazes. Miss Adharia is an exemplary swordswoman." 

Then that means she's on the same level as I am on swordsmanship? Unbelievable!  It's beyond belief that a female could pick up a sword and be incredibly skilled. 

"That's right, but isn't that what is to be expected of the Valler family? They're all brilliant individuals." Sir Finral brushed as if it were an everyday occurrence. 

The Valler family, all brilliant individuals? Reminds me of the Imperial family. 

"But of course, Master Caspian knows of the Valler family's prowess as well." Oh right, the forged identity made by Sir Aden. "Indeed. Ria is the best!" I agreed and smiled. "Then shall we end today's morning training? As I recall, you haven't had breakfast yet." Ricardo said when I heard a loud yell coming from the house. 

Oh sh*t. R-Ria.

Adharia Navier V. Valler's POV

"RICARDO! You punk! How dare you skip my morning practice?! You even used Mr. Finral and Caspian as an excuse! You jerk!" This single 30 year old Master of mine is as rowdy as a 10 year old. He doesn't act his age and it's more like I'm babysitting him every time our lessons end.  That punk! 

"A-Ah crap.. M-Miss Adharia, it's not like that! I thought that Mr. Finral will need some assisting in overseeing Master Caspian's endurance training." That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard. 

"I can assure you, Miss, he insisted on coming. I have nothing to do with this. I am innocent." Very good, Mr. Finral! As expected, you're on my side.

"It seems that it's only you who thinks that way, Master Ricardo. If you're so lonely, then just get married already!" I hissed at him. 

"M-Married? H-How could I? Miss Adharia!" He flustered. 

Aww how cute!

"It would be a shame if BROTHER found out, right?" I teased with a playful smirk. Caspian behind him was trying his best not to burst into laughter, Mr. Finral on the other hand just kept averting his gaze and coughed a few times to hide his chuckles too. 

"Miss Adharia! O' great mighty Heiress, please spare this lonely and pathetic teacher of yours, it was a grave mistake, o' great one! Please show me your mercy, I'll forever follow you, even to your grave! O' great one! O' great one!" Now he's just being sarcastic! This hillybilly! Hmph!

The other two were on the verge of bursting and I decided to make this comedy into a tragedy. You're really asking for it, Ricardo! 

"Mr. Finral, if you would be so kind, hand me a REAL sword." I emphasized the word 'sword' to scare him.

"As you wish, Miss." Hehe, Mr. Finral is the best!

He handed me a sword and I gently caressed the blade of this sword and smirked. That's right, suckers! Bow down to the villainess, you crackheads! 

"W-W-Wait! Hold up! Please don't kill this old man, I'll do anything! I'll get married!" Ah, that's it. 

"All right. Lucy, bring in some fine marriage candidates for Mr. Ricardo. He'll be getting married soon, so let's help him as much as we could." I instructed and she smiled, "Of course, Miss. Excellent decision as usual." She joined my crackhead idea.

"A very wise verdict, Miss. I'll await the day when Ricardo gets married." Mr. Finral clapped and smiled playfully, he also glanced at the speechless Ricardo kneeling on the ground.

"Now that, that's settled. Let's have breakfast, Caspian." I pulled him and he nodded. We then returned back to the Mansion, leaving poor Ricardo in Mr. Finral's teasing. 

I salute you two! Friendship goals!

"You're really hilarious, Ria. You have me a good laugh bright and early in the morning," Caspian said as he kept on chuckling. Oh no! His chuckle is very attractive, crap! I'm gonna go mad!

"You seem to have enjoyed my little scene. Haha!" I laughed too on our way to the Dining Hall when I heard a familiar bark coming for me from behind. 

"Achilles! Hi baby, you're so cute! Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy? Yes you are, yes you are~" I patted him and gave tummy rubs. He just kept on barking. 

"Achilles? That's a unique name," Caspian bent his knee and patted my dog too. "I guess. Achilles is a Greek name which originated from the greatest warrior among the Greeks and the one who slayed Hector. So when my Brother gave me him, I named him 'Achilles' since I was very interested in Greek Mythology's Troy." I explained.

"I see, his name definitely fits him," he replied when I noticed the maids whispering and squealing.

"Look, it's Master Caspian. Isn't he handsome?"

"Yeah, like an Adonis! Kyah!"

"He looks like he came out of a magazine!" 

Looks like the maids are very fond of him, particularly his looks. Well, what can I say? He was showered with every blessing from the gods when he descended from the heavens. He's a head turner. I feel kinda proud..?

"What are you snickering for?" He asked and I frowned, "Isn't it obvious?" I replied with a question. Seriously? Isn't he aware of how dead gorgeous he is?! "Uhm.. It is?" Gosh, he's so dense. "You're very handsome, dude. The maids all stare and feel high every time they see you," I explained and he chuckled. 

"Then you think I'm handsome too?" He asked in between his laughter and I blushed. Oh please, don't ask me 'cause, I might regret it. "Well.. yeah. I mean, who wouldn't? They're blind if they say you're ugly." I blushed and looked down to avoid his eyes since I know he'll tease me again. He then lifted my chin to meet his eyes which I was hoping he wouldn't do, crap! 

Why the heck is this happening?!

"Are you.. blushing?" He asked with a snicker. He's enjoying this, no?!

"W-What are you talking about? Of course not! Anyway, look at that! Achilles needs to eat," I diverted and pushed him away. Gosh, he's really driving me crazy!

"You're cute when you're flustered, Ria!" I heard Caspian yell out after I hurried to the Dining Hall first. Just why the heck did this happen?! Argh!! This is NOT what I was expecting when I befriended a Prince with SUPER high standards. Adharia, remember that we are two different people from two different worlds. Two different people from two different worlds!! Gosh, this is driving me crazy!!

I then looked at Achilles. He tilted his head and whined, Achilles, you're the only one on my side. 

"Achilles, you're the only one who truly understands me." I sighed and hit my head in the table. Wah! I'm even talking to a dog, I'm so dumb. I'm so dumb. I'm so dumb. I'm so dumb! 

"Understands who?" Speak of the devil. If you weren't so good-looking, I would have beaten the life out of you! Hmph!

"Ah, nothing. Anyway, shall we eat?" I asked instead instead. Gosh, this is gonna be a long day!