They all call me Great Master

Hayes and Alvis Hamlet exchanged smiles and embraced with noble etiquette—an act with near-demanding precision, meticulous and flawless.

However, it was highly esteemed by the nobles.

Apart from its genuinely graceful appearance, it was difficult to practice, not easy to imitate, which made them stand out.

As for the effort required?

Is friendship without effort worth cherishing?

The commoners highly agree with this.

Nobles?

Some also agree, especially those emerging nobles who take pride in it.

But more of them scoff at it.

Just like Hayes.

Hayes internally despises such etiquette.

Yet because he despises it, Hayes is all the more determined to practice it well.

He knows it will be greatly useful to him.

In fact, it is—

"Hayes, your etiquette is truly outstanding."

Alvis Hamlet complimented.

"I had no choice; if I didn't learn well, I'd really get beaten.

The first time I learned, I was distracted and got my butt whipped.

Couldn't get out of bed for three days."

Hayes joked about himself.

Alvis immediately laughed.

"Believe me, you're not the only one.

So was I—and the one who beat me was my father.

The cane broke."

The member of the Golden Lion Family shrugged.

Then, the two exchanged smiles and walked side by side towards the estate—there were no further arrangements for today's holiday estate.

Just a simple dinner party.

The food was quite lavish, but there was no band to perform, nor were there enticing dances by the ladies.

It had a feeling similar to a family gathering.

This made Alvis feel satisfied.

He saw it as a symbol of his friendship with Hayes.

The relationship between them had progressed further.

Alvis was not surprised by this.

After all, ever since he was saved by the latter, their relationship became exceptional.

Alvis was wholeheartedly grateful for saving his life.

Especially when he learned the identities of Hayes and the other two, this gratitude grew with a hint of passion.

"Try today's chef's special recommendation: venison and fish."

Hayes introduced the main course.

A dish of venison cooked in fish broth.

A large number of seasonings hid the fishy smell, making the main course delicious and the meat extraordinarily tender.

It was evident that the venison had been specially processed.

"I'd love to know this chef's special recipe.

This venison is absolutely delicious."

Alvis exclaimed.

Hayes nodded in agreement.

Though he had already acquired the secret recipe, which was a ratio of salt and water, Hayes wouldn't say more at this time.

Moreover, the next moment, this nephew of Count Bert restrained his smile.

"What's wrong, Hayes?"

Alvis keenly noticed something was amiss with Hayes.

"I need to return to Bert Territory."

Hayes spoke up.

"Why?

The South County Swordsmanship Competition is about to start.

Are you going to give up now?"

Alvis was puzzled.

"Some issues have arisen, and I must return to Bert Territory—Alvis, I hope we'll have the chance to meet again.

These days in Inner Bay have been the most unforgettable in my life.

Thank you for your company, my friend."

Hayes said with heartfelt sincerity.

But Alvis could clearly see the pain and struggle in Hayes's expression.

'What's happened?'

The young member of the Golden Lion Family felt puzzled.

Just as he was about to inquire, Manta quickly walked in.

This lady, usually composed and elegant, now displayed urgency on her face.

Under Alvis's gaze, she approached Hayes and whispered in his ear.

Alvis could clearly see a change in Hayes's expression.

Soon, Hayes stood up and walked briskly towards him—

"Sorry, Alvis.

Some unexpected events have occurred.

You'll need to hide for a while.

Rest assured, it's quite safe inside."

Saying these words, Hayes directly opened a hidden room behind the tapestry and pushed him inside.

Alvis was left bewildered.

'What happened?'

Once again, he questioned in his heart.

Fortunately, the hidden room was enveloped by a barrier of secret technique, making it safe, breathable, and providing peepholes to observe outside.

Instinctively, the young man leaned forward—

Lady Manta took his seat.

Hayes returned to his original position.

The two smiled and whispered softly.

As if they were a sweet couple.

But soon, this sweetness was shattered.

An uninvited guest barged in.

Gleisa Hamlet!

Upon seeing the Little Lion, Alvis clenched his fists.

Alvis was quite aware of previous events.

With the Little Lion being his enemy, anger and hatred surged.

However, Alvis didn't rush out.

He remained rational.

He began to hold his breath and focus; he watched closely outside—

"Good evening, Hayes, and Lady Manta."

Gleisa strode in as if he were the owner here, directly pulling open a chair and sitting down.

After glancing at Manta, he fixed his gaze on Hayes.

And spoke.

"Lady Manta, may I have a private space to converse with Hayes?"

It seemed like a request, but was actually an order.

The Little Lion, here, displayed his arrogance without restraint.

Manta looked at Hayes.

Hayes nodded.

Manta got up, bowed, and left the small dining room, closing the door behind her.

"A fine woman.

Hayes, you wouldn't want Lady Manta to be implicated because of your affairs, would you?

By the way, there's her sister too."

The Little Lion praised.

Then, the tone shifted, containing danger.

Hayes's gaze changed.

But the next moment, there was only a bitter smile.

"You know everything?"

Hayes asked back.

"Of course!

After all, you snatched seventeen maids from under my care but treated one named Lemo differently, it was hard not to notice.

Lemo made many friends at St. Joan of Arc Girls' College.

She was quite happy."

The Little Lion stated plainly.

The words clearly indicating a thorough understanding of Hayes's movements.

Making Hayes's smile even more bitter.

"I will leave Inner Bay immediately.

Moreover, I am willing to compensate you for your losses."

Hayes stood up, slightly bowed, speaking with great sincerity.

Watching this, the Little Lion laughed heartily.

"Hayes, you're still being cunning till now.

Don't you know why I'm here?

Don't tell me the previous two times when I met privately with Depro, Diliven, and Peigi, the Observers' Guild weren't your people."

"They were my people, but I meant no harm.

I just did it for self-protection.

And..."

Hayes did not deny, but before he could finish, the Little Lion interrupted him—

"I don't want to hear those; nor do I want to pursue your actions, I just hope you can sign a contract transferring Rondohart Port in Bert Territory to me.

As for the rest?

Consider it your reward!"