Chapter 32: The Upright Gentleman Mashang, the Honest and Kind-Hearted Klath

The Old Mage stared fiercely at me, panting heavily. I glared back without flinching. After a moment, he seemed to lose all strength and slumped into his chair.

"If Nana wishes to seek revenge, I... won't stop her. But if she refuses, I don't care if you're the Goddess's chosen savior—I'll never let you force her!"

"My words were harsh just now, Master. Don't take it to heart. I'd never pressure Nana. Everyone lives their own way. I respect her choice. However! If she won't dirty her hands, I'll wipe out those beasts in the Imperial Capital myself—not a single one spared!"

"You? Why go this far for Nana? It's none of your business!" The Old Mage eyed me up and down with disbelief.

"Hard to grasp? But I have unbreakable lines I won't cross. Even if it didn't happen to me, I won't let it touch my friends." I turned and slammed the door behind me.

Standing at the doorway, I gazed up at the bright moon and sparse stars. So much had happened today. Helle had mentioned long ago how Monaluna's parents were framed and killed by Imperial Capital nobles when she was young, burdened with false shame. But I never guessed it tied to the empire's throne struggle. No wonder the Old Mage only killed minor scum while the mastermind stayed unscathed. Even legends can't meddle freely in worldly fights—strength has its chains.

"Sigh~ The enemy's the Crown Prince? And that Mister Bai—he rattled the Master, so he must be weighty. But no matter. Those meant to die will die. If needed, I can lend a... small hand." I muttered to myself.

"Brother! Brother!"

"Oh~ Little Bobo!" My thoughts shattered as Little Bobo floated over.

"Brother, your face just now was so scary!" Little Bobo peered at me timidly.

"Uh... Brother was just remembering lunch made by your sister Nana..."

"Oh! Bobo knows! Sister Helle gave Bobo yummy snacks this morning. She said if Sister Nana brings food, I must absolutely not eat it."

"Absolutely not! Good Bobo." I added quickly, determined to shield innocent Little Bobo from that terrifying food—never! I'd protect Bobo's smile!

Chatting and laughing with Bobo, my gloom vanished completely. As a seasoned mature-woman lover, I finally grasped Zhang Dapao's lolicon praise: "Destroyers are amazing." Yet I won't betray my faith. At worst, I'll raise the little girl into a mature woman first, then win her over~

But staring at Little Bobo—who wouldn't reach adulthood for another century or two—I doubted I'd live that long. The mature-woman lover's path is truly harsh!

I took Little Bobo to the dining room, waiting for Helle's dinner. Soon Monaluna came down, oddly insisting on helping cook. I risked my life to stop her, dragging her and Bobo to hear my stories. The Old Mage joined us shortly after, relaxed, his mood seemingly reset.

"And so! The young woodcutter and river god lived happily ever after~" I finally finished "The Farmer and the Snake."

"Sob~ So moving~" Monaluna wiped tears while sighing.

"Big brother, what about the fisherman waiting by the tree for Rabbit Sister to return?"

"Oh! Rabbit Sister beat Bowser the Great Demon King in the race and came back to him!"

"Your tales reek of malice!" The Old Mage set down his Magic Evening Post, eyeing me warily.

"Huh? How? I tell stories seriously, Master. Slander me and I'll sue for defamation!"

"Actually, I care more about Snail Maiden and Mr. Dongguo's first child's name." Cindira had slipped into the chat unnoticed.

"Dinner's here! Unwashed hands, wash now!" Helle entered from the kitchen, cotton-gloved and carrying a steaming pot. She glared at Cindira and Monaluna. "Miss Monaluna, Miss Cindira—wash up!"

"Okay, okay~" Monaluna reluctantly ended the name debate with Bobo and Cindira.

"Mm. No one touches the after-dinner pudding! I'm watching you!" Cindira marched off, vigilant.

Watching them leave, the Old Mage crossed his arms, scowling. "Tch~ Monaluna didn't even cook!"

"What, Master?! You want me to eat Monaluna's 'creations' for you? Wish me dead?"

"Would I do that? Tonight, I'll have Monaluna make me a giant midnight snack~"

"I declare! You court death—I won't eat it for you!"

"Morning, President!" Martin, bright-eyed, stood at the Hengduan Mountains jungle entrance, greeting us.

"Oh. Morning." I replied, dark circles under my eyes.

"President? When did you become president?" Monaluna whispered.

"Adult matters. Kids shouldn't pry."

"Hmph! You're younger than me."

Our trio approached Martin.

"President, your eyes—what happened?"

"Nothing. Slept poorly again last night."

"Huh? Why 'again'?"

"Tch! So many questions. Won't you greet Monaluna?" I dodged fast.

Martin flushed crimson seeing Monaluna.

"M-Morning! Good morning, Miss Monaluna!" He forced the words out, voice cracking from nerves.

"Good morning, Young Master Sebers~" Monaluna replied softly, curtsying with a polished 'business smile'.

Cindira, startled by Monaluna, reached to tug her sleeve. I blocked her, pulling her forward. "Martin, meet Miss Cindira Amodeir. She leads the mountain village. Cindira, this is my friend Martin Sebers—the mayor's son. He secured our supplies."

"Young Master Sebers, Klath spoke highly of you. Thank you for the supplies. On behalf of three hundred mountain residents, I'm deeply grateful!" Cindira bowed in ancient noble style, flustering Martin.

"No thanks needed! Helping Miss Cindira and Miss Monaluna is my honor! Anything later, just ask!" Martin thumped his chest.

Was I ignored? Skillfully, splendidly ignored by Young Master Martin Sebers? Ouch~

"Enough chatter. Let's move supplies up—the mountain folks wait." I cut off their endless greetings and headed uphill. Cindira, knowing the path, led. I followed close. Monaluna held Martin back, trailing behind, asking about the Gentleman's Advance Association. Soft giggles floated over, paired with teasing glances pricking my back. Ruined. I'd never lift my head before Monaluna again.

The rugged trail eased with Cindira guiding. We reached the village gate, those god-like wooden signs greeting me again. Annoyance shot through me.

"Wow! Such a majestic plaque! Oh! A layout map sign too—so thoughtful! The villagers must be kind!"

Kind? They're the type who'd ask if you're free before robbing you. Martin loved this design! Perfect village match. Should I trick him into being acting head?

"Damir! Zephyr Damir!" I called to Damir near the gate.

"That voice—the Strategist?! The Village Head and Strategist?!" Recognizing us, Damir whooped with joy and dashed inside.

"Popular, huh?" Monaluna smirked at me.

"Naturally. I'm the one who gave their village new life!"

"Everyone out! The Strategist returned the Village Head he eloped with!" Damir's tearful cry echoed.

My smile froze. Damn it. "Eloped"? You think I wanted your Village Head? Last night, no magic recharge needed—she barged into my room, hugged me half the night! I'm not a teddy bear! Sleeping hugged by a gorgeous older sister is nice, but a 14-year-old boy's heart overreaches his body. Life's cruel~

"President! You have Miss Helle—now deceiving Miss Cindira too?" Martin frowned.

"No, Martin! I treated her illness. Do I seem like that kind of president?"

"Mm. Your character's well-known—honest, kind-hearted, upright. You'd never do such things!" Martin trusted me.

"Oh~ Honest, kind-hearted Mr. Klath, with Miss Helle, would never have improper thoughts about others~" Monaluna's hand landed on my shoulder. Bone-shattering pain exploded. My bones!

"Yes! Mr. Mashang's an upright gentleman~ How could he cross lines with patients? 'Eloping' is pure rumor~" Cindira's hand crushed my other shoulder. More cracks echoed.

Martin watched, thoughtful. "Is this... a gentleman's trial? So harsh! President truly earns his title! I'll observe closely!"

Observe my ass, culprit! Today, I die by your face-fruit ability. No! My Left and Right, companions of twenty years—don't abandon me!

Crack! Crack!

Noooooo~!

Today, the Hengduan Mountains roared as usual.