Chapter 27: Jeni's request
Jeni watched as Lily carefully held a wooden spoon to her mother's lips, helping her drink the medicine. The older woman's face was pale, her breathing slow but steady. Jeni hesitated before asking,
"Did you find someone who can treat her?"
Lily sighed, placing the bowl aside. "I heard about a priest in the capital," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "He treats wealthy merchants and nobility, but..." She trailed off, her lips pressing together.
"But?" Jeni prompted.
Lily let out a small, dry chuckle. "He's expensive. Very expensive."
A heavy silence settled between them. Jeni could see the worry in Lily's eyes, the weight of her mother's condition pressing down on her. But then, as if realizing the mood had become too grim, Lily suddenly shook her head and smiled.
"Anyway, enough about that! What brings you here, Jeni?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
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Jeni hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you for a favour."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "A favor? That's rare. What is it?"
There was another pause. Jeni fidgeted, looking down at her hands before finally speaking. "If possible... I want you to help Shennong find a job at the mansion."
Lily blinked in surprise. "Shennong? Are you serious?"
Jeni nodded.
Lily studied her for a moment, then smirked. "Wait... is that what you really want?"
Jeni frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lily leaned in, grinning mischievously. "I can see it."
"See what?"
"You have the hots for Shennong," Lily said bluntly.
Jeni let out a deep sigh and slumped her shoulders. "...Yeah, I do," she admitted. She crossed her arms and muttered, "He's amazing, okay? He's strong, kind, and just—ugh, he's incredible!"
Lily chuckled. "Wow, you sound like his biggest fan."
Jeni huffed but then grew serious again. "But this isn't just about that. My mom and I... we decided this together. After what happened before, we don't want anyone harassing Shennong because of us."
Lily's expression softened. She nodded in understanding. "I see... Well, I can try talking to the head maid about it."
Jeni's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
"But no promises," Lily warned. "It depends on if there's a position available."
"That's more than enough! Thank you, Lily!" Jeni said, smiling gratefully.
Lily smirked. "Don't thank me yet. If this works out he will be no longer with you, you better not spend all your time staring at him like a lovesick puppy. Go for it and confess your love."
Jeni groaned. "I do NOT do that!"
Lily just laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah! Yeah! You don't..."
***
The heavy iron gates of Baron Percival's mansion loomed before Shennong, their intricate engravings shimmering under the midday sun. He took a deep breath, feeling the thrill of victory in his chest. This was it. His plan had worked.
Inside the grand halls of the estate, laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. Shennong stood near a window, watching the nobles revel in their own world. He allowed himself a smirk.
"So simple," he murmured under his breath, recalling the steps that had led him here.
He had planted the seeds carefully. It started with Lily. Getting her to recommend him for a job at the mansion wasn't difficult once Romina voiced her concerns. Shennong had ensured that Jeni and Josie overheard Romina's worried whispers about how the adventurers had been harassing him. It didn't take long for the two to approach Lily, suggesting that she find a way to help him.
And just like that, the idea was set. Lily, wanting to assist, recommended him for a position at the mansion.
Now, here he was, standing at the entrance of Baron Percival's estate. The main gates were reserved for nobility and important guests, so he entered through a smaller side gate where a servant led him toward the back entrance of the mansion.
"Soon I would enter this mansion through that front gate." Shennong muttered to himself, knowing he was not going to be a mere servant in this mansion. He had goals. He had desire to own everything.
As he stepped inside, his eyes wandered over the pristine architecture. The marble floors gleamed, the chandeliers above cast golden light, and the halls stretched wider than he expected for a mere baron's estate. But Percival was no ordinary baron. The wealth from his mines made sure of that.
Waiting for him near the entrance was Lily, her face lighting up with a smile as soon as she spotted him.
"You actually made it," she said, looking him up and down. "Your clothes are neat enough, but remember to keep your posture straight. The head maid is very particular about discipline."
Shennong nodded, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she sees me as the perfect candidate."
Lily let out a soft chuckle but still looked a little concerned. "You're not just looking for a job, are you?"
Shennong simply smiled. "I have my reasons."
Before Lily could press further, a stern voice interrupted.
"Is this the boy you spoke of, Lily?"
An elderly woman with sharp eyes behind thin-framed glasses approached them. She wore a perfectly pressed uniform, exuding authority. Lily straightened her back instantly.
"Yes, Head Maid. This is Shennong."
The head maid turned her gaze to him, scrutinizing him for a moment before nodding. "Come with me."
Without hesitation, Shennong followed her. As they walked through the mansion's garden, the head maid wasted no time.
"Where are you from?" she asked.
Shennong answered smoothly, "I come from the outer regions. My family were farmers, but I sought my own path."
The head maid hummed in acknowledgement. "And what did you do before coming here?"
"I worked in a tavern, managing supplies and handling customers."
The head maid nodded approvingly. "Why did you leave?"
Shennong gave a slight smile. "Opportunities were limited. I wish to work in a place where I can grow."
She studied him carefully, then continued walking. It was clear she was assessing him, and Shennong knew he had to impress her. His answers had to be firm, confident, and polished.
As they passed by a marble fountain, Shennong noticed movement from above. A woman stood on the balcony, observing them. She had long black hair and carried an air of quiet authority. Her piercing gaze met his, and he immediately knew—this was Lady Percival.
The head maid gave a slight bow toward the balcony, whispering to Shennong, "Bow your head. That is Lady Cassandra Percival."
Shennong did as instructed, his movements measured. But before he could lower his gaze completely, he saw Lady Cassandra subtly motioning with her hand. It was a beckoning gesture.
His heart quickened. This was perfect. He had aimed to get close to the Baron, but catching Lady Percival's attention so soon was beyond ideal.
His lips curled slightly as he lowered his head once more.
"Yes," he thought to himself. "This is exactly where I need to be."