Chapter 10: Olivia: She Absolutely Couldn't Disappoint the Young Master! |
Olivia's face flushed slightly, her eyes revealing a trace of panic as her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, betraying her nervousness.
"Not having bathed yet works perfectly. This is a medicinal bath I specifically had the pharmacist prepare for you. It can enhance your physical constitution after absorption."
He paused before adding, "Otherwise, after today's training, you won't even be able to lift your arms tomorrow."
"Ah? Oh..." Olivia looked up, then relaxed slightly, pursing her lips.
A medicinal bath?
Yet an inexplicable sense of disappointment welled up in her heart, as if she had been expecting something but dared not think about it.
She raised her head, gazing at Jonas with complex emotions.
These past two days, she had experienced unprecedented care and respect.
She was merely an Albino—how could she possibly deserve such generous treatment?
"Soak properly and absorb the medicine well. Work hard again tomorrow."
His own improvement depended on Olivia—he had to treat her well.
"I... understand, Young Master..."
...
Inside the bathroom, steam filled the air.
Olivia soaked completely in the tub, her fair skin tinged pink from the heat.
Lying in the bathtub, she felt more relaxed than ever before. Closing her eyes, she sensed the medicinal liquid gently sliding over her skin—warm and comfortable.
"So nice..."
She had never imagined that someone like her could enjoy a medicinal bath in such luxurious surroundings, just like nobility.
If her younger sister could wake up and soak here, given her personality, she'd be happier than ever before.
Thinking of this, Olivia couldn't help but reveal a sweet smile.
...
After a while.
She remained submerged in the tub, only half her head visible above the water.
She blew lightly, creating ripples across the surface.
"Gurgle gurgle—"
Her white cowlick stood slightly upright as her gaze wandered.
Earlier, she had overheard the maids gossiping outside—this was the first time the Young Master had ever brought a woman back to Thunderkeep.
Even if rumors claimed Young Master Jonas was promiscuous outside, due to the Lord's influence, he had never dared bring anyone home.
Yet he had brought her back—an Albino at that—and treated her so well.
The Young Master said it was because of her talent...
But they were clearly from different worlds, having just met—how could he possibly know about her talent?
Olivia's small head grew increasingly confused until she could only shake it helplessly and murmur: "Never mind... no matter what, I can't disappoint the Young Master..."
....
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Jonas picked up Frostclear—the sword his father had once given him. Its blade gleamed coldly under the lamplight.
Standing by the window, moonlight spilled over him, casting a tall, straight silhouette.
He began practicing his sword forms—each movement sharp and fluid.
Jonas's once frail body now moved with strength.
Had Asher been present, he would have been shocked to discover that Jonas's current sword techniques surpassed Olivia's by more than a tier.
After finishing, Jonas sheathed his sword and exhaled deeply, his eyes brimming with barely concealed joy.
In just one day, with Olivia's help, he had progressed from knowing nothing about swordsmanship to breaking through to Ordinary-rank Swordsman.
This speed could astonish anyone in the world.
While ordinary people needed two and a half years, he required only a single day.
And this was merely the 8-fold return from 40% loyalty.
If he could raise her loyalty to 100%, it would become a 20-fold return.
Combined with Olivia's S-rank swordsmanship talent, his future cultivation speed would be unimaginable.
Olivia was truly his treasure.
.....
Soon after, Olivia emerged from the bathroom.
She had changed back into her maid uniform, the black lace collar clinging to her still-damp skin, carrying the faint herbal scent of the medicinal bath.
The corset accentuated her slender waist, and thanks to the bath, Olivia's face glowed pink and white—exceptionally adorable.
Jonas had been waiting outside and couldn't help but brighten at the sight of her.
With a trace of imperceptible gentleness, he asked: "How do you feel now?"
"I've recovered a lot... I feel much stronger now."
Olivia clenched her fist.
Jonas: "This is a body tempering potion prepared by the pharmacist. The more exhausted your body is, the more it can rebuild your physical functions and gradually enhance your constitution."
After Olivia absorbed the medicinal liquid.
Jonas could clearly feel his own physical improvement as well.
Somewhat embarrassed, Olivia said, "Young Master, you... you gave this potion to me..."
Even she understood that such potions meant for swordsmen must be extremely valuable, yet he had unhesitatingly used it on her—an Albino.
"It's not for free."
Jonas's voice was gentle yet firm. "I not only hope you can win the bet ten days from now, but also that you grow stronger.
Use your strength to convince my father to let you stay.
This is for your future, and also for your sister.
Of course, it's also so you can become the sharpest sword by my side."
"I... Young Master, do I really have such high talent?"
"Don't worry, I have a good eye for people.
Come, your sister has improved quite a bit.
Though the Black Toxin disease remains severe, she's still unconscious."
...
In the physician's room, Phil looked much better compared to two days ago.
Her pale face had regained some color.
Olivia couldn't help but feel joy—before, watching her only relative grow weaker and approach death had been torture comparable to death itself.
Nearby, the pharmacist wore a complicated expression as he said to Jonas: "Young Master, if the City Lord learns you've brought an Albino back and are treating her Black Toxin disease, he'll be furious."
The most useless son bringing back the most discriminated-against Albino, infected with the most despised Black Toxin disease—anyone would rage.
"That's none of your concern." Jonas frowned slightly.
"Sigh..."
....
Observing the two, Olivia also felt somewhat distressed.
Biting her lip, her eyes filled with guilt and worry—she didn't want to cause trouble for the Young Master.
But only here could her sister receive treatment.
She had to work even harder—she absolutely couldn't disappoint the Young Master!
Olivia clenched her fists, her gaze growing more determined.
[Loyalty: 50%]
[Ability Return: 10-fold]
Seeing this, Jonas couldn't help but rejoice internally.
To jump straight to 50%—this was taking off!
Such returns made all his efforts worthwhile.