Setting sail was no easy feat, but fortunately this route was second nature to Eren and his companions. so the risks weren't too high. Especially this time, with the knight squadron funded by His Lordship Edward. Edward had redeployed half of York's forces, assigning Deputy Captain Azexi to lead Jace and the others alongside Alan. Their mission was to explore and stake claims on the New Continent, take over port rights, and construct new castles and roads.
Nate, this coastal port, was predominantly inhabited by wealthy sea merchants. Their opulence was evident along the shoreline, where numerous seaside villas stood, most claiming their own private beaches. The wealthier among them chose to build small estates halfway up the hillside—and this time, they were staying at Allen's own estate.
The entire mountain belonged to Allen, mostly covered in freely growing forests and lawns. The brand-new roads and facilities along the way astonished Tang Feiliu. Upon arrival, the servants unpacked their luggage. Feeling unwell from the long journey, Tang Feiliu didn't enter the house. Instead, she took a leisurely stroll in the large garden by the entrance, enjoying the fresh air.
Young Master Rogers, however, had never ventured far from home. first brought weeping to the imperial capital, then hurried straight to the coast without lingering. Though physically robust, his delicate nature prevailed. Now, supported from the carriage, he watched Tang Feiliu strolling and, for some reason, felt a pang of rivalry. He forced himself to walk briskly through the garden, dreading that Allen might perceive him as less vigorous than Tang Feiliu.
Such was the prevailing sentiment of the era: the more delicate one appeared, the more noble and pitiable they seemed—but that standard applied to noble ladies!
The more Alan understood Rogers' mindset, the more he found himself both amused and exasperated. Still, he played along perfectly, carefully supporting Rogers as the young man indulged in dramatic displays of exhaustion from the journey.
Meanwhile, Tang Feiliu murmured to Edward with a sigh, "Alan managed to renovate this estate so quickly... He never intended to stay in Nandeng Township forever..."
"He's a man with a keen sense of urgency." Whatever Lord Edward and Alan had discussed lately, the once-reserved Edward had grown remarkably warmer toward him. Clearly, their shared conspiracies had forged unexpected common ground.
Though it could also be that Lord Edward was thoroughly pleased with the blueprints Alan presented... Tang Feiliu mused, choosing not to pry further. Instead, she sighed softly and stole a glance at young Master Rogers, who was throwing a tantrum and pouting nearby. He was currently complaining to Alan, "These garden pebbles are so sharp! My feet hurt."
The garden stones were smooth and attractive, deliberately chosen for their larger size—quite different from the modern pebble paths designed for health benefits. Tang Feiliu found the garden itself exuded an elegant, modern European charm reminiscent of the late 19th century. Like the estate itself, it embodied her favorite style: comfortable yet refined. She hadn't expected Young Master Rogers to be so critical.
"This estate is far too small. It's barely this big. Won't I hear the horses neighing from my room?" The land in Nandeng Township could never compare to port areas. Country gentlemen could meticulously plan their main houses, servants' quarters, and stables. Typically, they only saw the senior servants, while the lower-ranking ones weren't even permitted to appear before their masters. The senior servants, trained to perfection, adhered to impeccable etiquette and protocol, maintaining a rigid class hierarchy.
Yet Alan's villa, though not enormous, boasted nearly thirty rooms according to his description. Its complete U-shaped layout placed the separate servants' quarters at the rear, with other utility buildings further away—a residence no less impressive than those of Nandeng Township's gentry.
"Shall I have someone show you inside?" Alan knew the young master was in a foul mood and nitpicking. Usually, he'd just listen to his endless complaints, but today felt different. He quickly dismissed Rogers, then apologetically tipped his hat to Edward and Tang Feiliu, who were strolling further away. "My apologies. Perhaps I could show you both around your temporary quarters?"
"Certainly." After his stroll, Tang Feiliu now breathed in the sea breeze, feeling his chest tightness ease. He was also intrigued by the architecture, which aligned with his aesthetic tastes, and followed Alan toward the rooms.
Upon entering, the house revealed a light-filled garden with an open ceiling. Sunlight streamed down, casting an orderly glow over the neatly arranged outdoor furniture and greenery, creating a particularly gentle atmosphere.
Alan led them left from the entrance porch, up to the second floor. They passed the guest waiting area and entered the large reception living room. Beyond that lay a smaller sitting room and three bedrooms arranged in a loop—a spacious master suite connected to the adjacent bedroom for the spouse. A short distance away was a smaller room furnished with a coat rack and wardrobe—clearly a dressing room.
The servants had already tidied everything. The walk-in closet was packed full—Tang Feiliu hadn't expected Ivan to pack so much for just a short trip. Perhaps because he hadn't come along himself, Ivan feared forgetting anything.
"My apologies, the space is indeed a bit cramped," Alan admitted, clearly embarrassed. This was his resting place, so while it had ample rooms, the specifications weren't extravagant. To Tang Feiliu, the rooms resembled those in modern villas—not like Edward's previous castles or estates where the master bedroom felt overly vast and open, sometimes even unsettling.
"This place is beautiful!" Tang Feiliu leaned against the old, carved white wooden window railings, gazing out. In the distance lay the azure sea, faint sounds of waves and seabirds drifting in. Below the window was a neat, immaculate lawn, and beyond the matching white picket fence lay freely growing greenery.
Tang Feiliu couldn't help but stare in awe.
Sun, sand, and a seaside villa—back in the day, a room of this caliber in such a location would have cost him at least several thousand a night!
So Tang Feiliu was genuinely overjoyed.
Seeing Tang Feiliu's joy made Edward even happier than his own satisfaction. He nodded to Alan, who promptly stepped outside. Tang Feiliu stood smiling, gazing dreamily out the window. Behind him, Edward crossed his arms, watching him with delight—a scene where you gaze at the view from the window while the big cat behind you swishes its tail, watching you.
Blue sea, blue sky, sandy beach, and sunshine. The blond angel sat by the carved window sill wearing only a white shirt. The sunlight cast a halo around him as he laughed happily, making one want to kneel down and offer him the whole world just to beg for a single glance of his favor.
Edward slowly approached, silently encircling Tang Feiliu.
Tang Feiliu leaned warmly and tenderly against her boyfriend, feeling as if this moment could last forever.
After waking from sleep, Tang Feiliu rose to find Edward and Alan had already left early for the beach to check sailing arrangements. A wave of relief washed over him. Humming a tune, he descended the stairs, intending to savor a leisurely vacation brunch. But upon reaching the ground floor, he spotted Rogers in his morning robe, sipping milk. His face glowed like a rose bathed in morning dew, so tender it seemed one touch could squeeze water from it.
Tang Feiliu was utterly mesmerized. He couldn't help but think to himself—if they had internet, phones, and computers in the modern world, this pair would become internet sensations just by standing together, blinding everyone with their radiant glow. They could open a shop and rake in millions in monthly profits in no time.
Of course, that would be the absolute worst-case scenario.
But though Rogers possessed an angelic appearance that made even Tang Feiliu drool, the moment he spoke, Tang Feiliu snapped back to reality. He glanced at Tang Feiliu and said, "Hey, did you have fun yesterday?"
Great. He started with the one topic Tang Feiliu least wanted to discuss.
Tang Feiliu: Deep breath. I've lived nearly thirty years in the modern world! Can't get worked up over this immature brat!
He turned to leave. Rogers, his provocation unanswered, grew even angrier—he couldn't fathom why Allen was friends with this guy who looked like a tub of cream. So infuriating!
Author's Note:
Thanks to Tangyuan Nuonuo for the landmine.