Last night's farce had only ended after Cui Ciyou agreed to a series of unequal treaties.
Only then had things barely settled down.
The price was that Alice and Sylphy would get first pick of all the spoils on their future travels.
Of course, that was only the price on the surface.
The real price was that Cui Ciyou had been "sandwiched" between the two girls that night, one on either side.
He had been forced into a "three-person chat, nothing more" that lasted half the night...
The next morning.
When Cui Ciyou appeared in the dining room with dark circles under his eyes.
The old butler, Alphonse, greeted him with a respectful expression.
"Young master..."
Cui Ciyou raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Why are you calling me young master?"
Alphonse looked as though Cui Ciyou already knew the answer.
"Young master, aren't you the future head of House Boreas?"
"There's nothing wrong with calling you that."
Cui Ciyou couldn't be bothered to argue.
"So, what is it, Alphonse?"
Alphonse said, "Young master, a great many residents have gathered... outside the estate."
Cui Ciyou was a little puzzled. "Residents?"
"Yes."
There was a trace of excitement and shared pride in Alphonse's voice.
"They heard that you had returned safely and came here of their own accord."
"They wish to thank you in person, as the 'hero who saved countless people from the Displacement Incident.'"
A "hero," huh...
Cui Ciyou smiled inwardly in self-mockery.
He hadn't exactly been selfless to begin with.
He had simply kept at it, and somehow ended up becoming a hero.
But Cui Ciyou also understood that a powerful source of hope, a heroic figure.
Was necessary for the people of Fittoa Territory.
"Have them wait a little while. I'll go over after breakfast."
Half an hour