Home/My Youngest Keeps Bringing Me Male Leads/ch 29

Chapter 29

"I came because I was worried about the intrusion last night."

"How did you know?"

Cesenor answered calmly.

"I set up a barrier around the mansion. It alerts me when there's a hostile intrusion."

"Pardon?"

Agnes was startled and raised her voice.

He always had a way of surprising people.

"And when did you set that up?"

"What else would I be doing here?"

Cesenor asked with a smile, and Agnes had no answer, so she just laughed.

"So you already knew about last night?"

"Yes. There were quite a few of them—were you alright? I was worried since I couldn't come."

"Actually, a giant came yesterday as well..."

After hearing the full story, Cesenor made a subtle expression.

First the elf, and now another one—a giant.

If it went human mage, then elf, then giant, perhaps the next would be a dark elf.

It occurred to him that the Seeds of the World Tree might be given one to each race.

"More than that, it's strange that the city guard attacked."

"Yes. So Sir Silmare went to investigate."

"So only that giant remains here? Is he trustworthy?"

"Silmare didn't seem to doubt him."

"You can't be certain about someone you've just met. In any case, I'm glad things worked out."

With a hint of urgency, Cesenor took something from his pocket.

"I actually came to deliver this."

"This is... a bracelet! I can't accept something so valuable!"

In Cesenor's hand lay a bracelet—a thin gold chain adorned beautifully with colorful jewels.

It wasn't flashy, but even to Agnes, who knew little about accessories, it looked very luxurious.

As if soothing the horrified Agnes, Cesenor shook his head.

"First, hear me out. The jewels set in this are all mana stones. If someone attacks you, a defensive barrier will activate automatically."

"Oh, it's enchanted."

"Yes. You're a very important person to this world, Lady Agnes, so you can't be harmed. I requested this from the Celestial Tower a while ago, and it's finally finished, so I brought it."

Unlike Cesenor's words, the mana stones on the bracelet looked like ordinary gems.

Had they been made that way intentionally so she could wear it all the time?

Pulling her arm toward him and fastening it himself, Cesenor whispered.

"If you're in a truly dangerous situation, tap this red stone three times. You'll be teleported to a safe house that only I know about."

Agnes looked back and forth between the bracelet and Cesenor.

According to Silmare, helping someone was like opening your heart to them.

She thought she understood what that meant.

More than the valuable bracelet, she was happy for his thoughtful consideration.

Stroking the bracelet on her arm, Agnes smiled brightly at Cesenor.

"Thank you for worrying about me so much."

"It's nothing. I'll be collecting a hefty fee, after all."

"Really, how should I pay you?"

"An hour or two of conversation probably wouldn't be enough, but I have to leave soon, so I'll save it for next time."

"You came all this way even though you're busy!"

"Actually, a Crack appeared in my territory."

Because he spoke of such a huge matter in a casual tone, it took Agnes a moment to process it.

After staring blankly for a moment, she was startled and covered her mouth with both hands.

"Good heavens! And yet you came here?!"

"Didn't I say I'd be back soon? I couldn't break my promise. I came to tell you in person that I'd be delayed."

"You could have just sent a letter!"

"I thought you might be in danger."

Rising from his chair as if to leave immediately, Cesenor suddenly picked up the papers spread on the desk.

Seeing that, Agnes hurriedly reached out to grab them, but—

Cesenor held them high above his head, and Agnes flailed in the air.

Her face flushed red with embarrassment.

"Give them back, Marquis!"

"What are you so embarrassed about?"

"Because I must have made a mess of the calculations!"

"That can't be. Did you study mathematics separately?"

"When I was young, I liked studying, so I learned a little from a tutor. But calculating interest is so difficult..."

"Honestly, I was impressed. You did well."

"Pardon?"

His expression seemed genuine, and Agnes was surprised.

Looking at her with a gentle gaze, as if watching a child who'd solved a difficult problem, Cesenor continued.

"I'd consider taking you as my disciple."

"But I don't have any magical talent."

"That's true. A pity—I've found a brilliant mind, but I can't use it."

"Really, how long are you going to tease me?!"

Agnes jumped lightly to snatch the papers, but Cesenor lifted them even higher.

Annoyed, she glared at him, and Cesenor laughed out loud.

"I'm serious, though. Of course, there are a few things that need correcting, and as it stands, it'll take quite some time."

"I figured. ...I need to finish it quickly so I can pay off the debts."

"You need someone reliable, but your connections are probably cut off. We mages can handle basic mathematics, so I'll send a mage from the Celestial Tower to help you."

"Pardon? You can't use someone like that for such a trivial task!"

"It's fine. Mathematics is fundamental to performing magic. Working together will help you finish faster."

"Would they really come to a place like this?"

"If the Tower Master asks, would they refuse? For now, I plan to send my adjutant. Her name is Ascer. She's a rather insolent one, but I can vouch for her skills."

As if it was truly time to leave, Cesenor spoke in a rush.

There was no time to react.

"I'll return as soon as possible. If anything happens, leave a letter on my desk—it will be automatically sent to me."

After making the promise with a gentle expression, Cesenor gave a brief bow and vanished with a golden pentagram.

Perhaps the time Agnes had been asleep was all the time he had.

There seemed to be many things she wanted to ask and confirm.

'He let me rest quietly so I could sleep well...'

She wondered what was happening in the Celesta territory, but since Cesenor said he'd send his adjutant soon, she could probably ask her.

'Is the Marquis safe? He must not be hurt.'

All she could do now was finish the calculations she'd left half-done.

Somehow, the daunting calculations felt a little easier.

'The world's greatest mage acknowledged me, after all.'

Even if her skills were lacking, they weren't bad.

Agnes repeated her calculations until late into the night. She wanted to have them mostly finished so that when Ascer came, she could check for any mistakes.

The night quietly deepened.

---

Because she'd worked late into the night, she woke up a bit late the next day.

After washing with the water Lilia had brought, and getting ready by herself since Marta was busy, she came out to find the mansion bustling.

Construction was still ongoing in the backyard, and the household was cleaning up the mess from the intrusion two days ago.

Today, materials to repair the door had arrived, and Ignitan was fixing the gate he had torn off.

While the workers made repairs, Ignitan held the gate firmly in place.

"Isn't that heavy?"

Since he hadn't grown to the size of a house like last time, the gate was larger than Ignitan's body. Seeing him hold it so easily made her feel like everything she knew was crumbling.

Could one person really do that?

Seeing Agnes's wonder, Ignitan silently nodded.

"Even when you shrink, is your strength the same?"

Again, he only nodded.

Somehow, Agnes felt she was beginning to understand how to converse with Ignitan.

It had been the same when she asked about Amy last time.

Since he never spoke first, if she was curious, she had to ask in detail.

Seeing that he answered her every time, she didn't think he disliked her, so Agnes tried asking a slightly cheeky question.

"Are giants generally quiet, or is it just your personality?"

She asked with a smile, but Ignitan's expression remained unchanged. It was almost embarrassing for the one who asked.

But again, he answered.

"It's just me."

Agnes smiled.

For some reason, he reminded her of a shy boy. Combined with his enormous body and terrifying strength, it felt oddly endearing.

Just then, Alfred passed by and whispered quietly.

"He helped with various things yesterday too."

"Oh?"

"He helps without being asked. But is he really a giant?"

"That's what he says."

"Why would such a person come to our house?"

That was difficult to answer, so Agnes just smiled.

"I don't know. Maybe Amy will tell us when she comes back."

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