Sylph was furious. What if Leonbali had actually agreed just now? What if Leonbali was serious about it?

  Faced with Sylph's questioning, Kenley could understand her frustration. However, besides Sylph wanting to know Kenley's true thoughts, Tia also surely wanted to know.

  Tia stared intently at Kenley, hoping that he would refute Sylph's accusations and prove that their master was merely joking.

  "I wasn't joking." Kenley, whose mind was in chaos, blurted it out before he could stop himself. The moment he said it, he wanted to slap himself—how could he slip up at such a crucial moment?

  "What?!" Sylph was shocked.

  "Master, you—!" Tia was also taken aback.

  Seeing their astonished expressions, Kenley hurried to clarify his words."No, what I mean is that what I just said to Leonbali wasn't a joke."

  "Oh really?! And how is that any different from agreeing to Leonbali's request? You were only after the money!" Sylph's eyes were filled with doubt and anger.

  Tia's face turned pale. She hadn't expected that their master was actually considering Leonbali's offer because of the terms...

  "When have I ever done anything just for money?!" Kenley's mind was in complete disarray.

  Not for money? Tia was stunned.

  "Then tell me, what was your reason? Say it!" Sylph was seething with anger. Just when she had started to change her opinion of Kenley, she realized that her initial suspicions were right—he was just a greedy man. Someone who would even steal a cup—how could he have any grand ambitions? What justice or honor could he possibly possess?!(This misunderstanding arose because when Kenley was viewing the game interface, the others, unaware of his ability, assumed he was aware of what was happening.)

  "I already consider Tia as my family. How could I possibly sell her off?!" Kenley's voice rose in volume.

  "?!" Sylph was stunned, while Tia's eyes immediately lit up!

  "Sylph, from the moment I signed the contract with Tia, we have been bound together!" Kenley declared, his emotions surging.

  The force of his words left Sylph momentarily speechless. She couldn't find anything to refute him with.

  "Tia, let's go. Mr. Leonbali will need about one to two hours for construction. We'll come back after we've eaten." Kenley, his face slightly flushed, gently patted Tia's shoulder—the same familiar gesture, the same familiar warmth.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  That simple action snapped Tia back to her senses.

  What just happened? She was still processing everything.

  Tia's gaze fell on Kenley. That sudden outburst of his… it felt like she had discovered something—like she had realized something.

  "Then why didn't you say so earlier?!" Watching as Kenley prepared to leave with Tia, Sylph finally came to her senses.

  Kenley turned back with a frustrated tone."Come on, big sis, if you had just taken a moment to think about it, you would've understood. I could never—would never—treat Tia as a mere commodity."

  With that, he left with Tia without looking back.

  "You! Wait for me!" Sylph, flustered and furious, hurried after them. No way—she wasn't going to let this go! And he had the nerve to call her‘big sis'?! Was she really that old?! This was infuriating! She had to set things straight with him!

  …

  "Sylph, don't be mad at Master anymore. He was just joking with you, but you took it too seriously…" Tia gently patted Sylph's shoulder.

  On the way back after dinner, Sylph was still sulking. She wasn't someone who held grudges, but she couldn't stand the way Kenley treated Tia. It was obvious how much Tia liked Kenley—even Sylph could see it. And yet, what about Kenley? How did he act?

  "I'm not mad at him. I just wanted to get a proper answer for you. Tia, be honest with me—do you like that guy?" Sylph turned to her, seizing the opportunity while Kenley was walking ahead.

  Tia's face instantly turned red. She hadn't expected Sylph to bring up such a question at a time like this.

  "Sylph!" Tia gasped softly, immediately glancing at Kenley in fear of being overheard.

  "Sigh! I just don't understand—what exactly do you like about him?" Sylph let out a deep sigh, truly baffled.

  "When did I ever say I liked Master…" Tia denied repeatedly, but her face was as red as a ripe apple.

  Seeing Tia's blushing face, Sylph suddenly burst into laughter."Still saying you don't? The moment I brought him up, you had such a big reaction. Tia, even I can see what's in your heart."

  Tia huffed."Sylph! You haven't even been in a relationship yourself—what gives you the right to lecture me?"

  "Uh…" That was true. Sylph had never been in a relationship. The question instantly silenced her. But she quickly recovered."But, but… I've read plenty of literature! In those stories, the prince and princesses—every one of their romances is epic and moving! The princes are always gallant and noble, true knights filled with justice!"

  "Tia, you're a proper princess yourself. And that guy? Even if he has a hero's bloodline, he has none of the awareness of a hero's descendant! What kind of hero's heir is that?! Honestly, even that Holy Knight from the church today seemed more noble than that scoundrel!"

  Tia rolled her eyes."That's just empty theory. If you have the ability, go experience a relationship for yourself first. Once you've got real experience, then you can give me advice!"

  She emphasized the last part of her sentence.

  "Tia, don't do this to me! I'm only thinking about you! If I don't stand up for you, that guy will just keep bullying you every day! After tomorrow, when I return to the Elven Forest, there won't be anyone left to care for you like I do! Tia!" By the end, Sylph's voice carried genuine emotion.

  Tia immediately understood—no wonder Sylph had been so worked up tonight. It was all for her sake.

  "Sylph, I will always, always cherish the time we've spent together today. If we ever have another chance, please don't forget to come find me." That's right—Sylph would be leaving tomorrow. The thought filled Tia with sorrow.

  But Sylph simply smiled."Alright, don't make the mood so heavy! Look at that scoundrel—he's walking ahead without a care. Let's hurry up and catch up to him!"

  "Mm." Tia forced a smile and followed along.