The afternoon sun over Mary Geoise shone brightly, casting scattered patterns of light and shadow across the floor through the carved window frames.
Cassian stretched lazily, then lowered his gaze to the “candidate list” sent by the members of the God’s Knights.
Calling it a list was generous, it was more like a thick album filled with photos.
Every person inside had been selected from slaves who had been captured and brought back, all deemed suitable candidates.
For the sake of his personal safety, every single one of them was female.
And not just that, they were all the delicate, timid type, easy to control and unlikely to resist.
Cassian flipped through the album, a faint smirk forming on his lips.
“Garling, you really are thorough.”
He casually turned another page.
“You even made an album for me, saves me the trouble of going out.”
Behind him, Hancock approached with a plate of sliced fruit.
The moment her eyes caught a glimpse of the photos, her steps halted.
The girls in the pictures were young, soft-featured, and clearly frightened, though their youth still showed through.
“Are you choosing people for chores… or something else?”
She did not finish the sentence, but the tone carried a trace of irritation.
Cassian glanced at her, fully aware, yet deliberately played along.
“For chores, obviously.
What’s the problem?”
He raised one of the photos, pointing at a green-haired girl.
“This one looks smart.
Big eyes too.
She could keep Koala company.”
He flipped to another.
“This one isn’t bad either.
Pink hair, pretty face.”
A loud thud echoed as Hancock set the fruit plate down harder than necessary.
“Boring.
I’m going to see Koala.”
She turned and walked away without another word.
Cassian watched her back and chuckled quietly.
Jealous.
He did not bother chasing after her.
Instead, he continued flipping through the album at his own pace.
Truthfully, he had no real need for servants.
The mansion was monitored constantly by the God’s Knights.
Food arrived on time, cleaning was handled without fail.
There was nothing lacking.
This selection was just an excuse.
An excuse to pull a few people out of slavery.
Picking the better-looking ones was simply a bonus.
After all, anyone preferred looking at something pleasant.
After a moment, Cassian pulled out five photos.
All of them showed girls under twenty, with gentle and harmless appearances.
“These five will do.
Send them over.”
He tossed the rest aside casually.
“As for the others, let the God’s Knights arrange it.
Make sure the Celestial Dragons don’t toy with them to death.”
His tone remained light.
“If these ones aren’t useful, I might pick again later.”
Garling’s voice came from outside.
“Yes, Lord Cassian.”
Not long after, five girls were brought into the room.
They had been cleaned up, dressed properly, and their hair neatly combed.
Even so, their heads were lowered, hands trembling, bodies stiff with fear.
“Raise your heads.”
Cassian’s voice was calm, yet carried an authority that made refusal impossible.
After a brief hesitation, they slowly looked up, their eyes filled with unease.
“No need to be afraid.
From today onward, you’ll stay here.
No one will harm you.”
“You won’t have much to do.
Spend time with Koala, read if you want.”
The girls froze.
This was nothing like what they expected.
They had assumed this would just mean a new master, a continuation of the same miserable life.
Not this.
Not something so… easy.
“Is… is that true?”
The green-haired girl spoke, her voice barely audible.
Cassian raised an eyebrow.
“Do I look like someone who lies?”
He gestured toward the sofa.
“Sit.
Stop standing there.”
Then he called out without turning.
“Hancock, bring them water.
Help them calm down.”
From the next room, Hancock’s voice came, annoyed.
“Can’t you do it yourself?”
Despite her complaint, she walked in carrying a pitcher.
She placed the cups down with unnecessary force, pouring water a little too carelessly, causing droplets to spill.
The girls flinched instinctively.
Cassian noticed and almost laughed.
He stood, walked over, and without warning wrapped an arm around Hancock’s waist.
Her entire body stiffened.
“What are you doing!”
Her face flushed instantly as she tried to push him away, but his grip tightened slightly.
“Don’t be jealous.”
His voice lowered near her ear, carrying a teasing tone.
“They’re nowhere near as pretty as you.”
Hancock froze for a moment.
“I only picked them to help you.
So you don’t spend all your time with Koala… and can spend more time with me.”
Her ears turned red, the color spreading down her neck.
Her resistance weakened, though her words remained stubborn.
“Who’s jealous… let go, people are watching.”
Cassian did not move.
“So what?”
Instead, he leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek.
“That better?”
Hancock covered her face immediately, her expression burning with embarrassment.
She glared at him, but the anger had already faded, replaced by confusion.
The five girls stood there, completely stunned, cups trembling in their hands.
This was the feared Cassian?
Koala ran in at that moment, tilting her head curiously.
“Big Brother, are you bullying Sister Hancock again?”
Cassian smiled and ruffled her hair.
“No.
Just a friendly exchange.”
He turned back to the girls.
“My name is Cassian.
That’s Hancock, and this is Koala.”
“From now on, you’re part of this place.
No need to act so stiff.”
“There are empty rooms there.
Choose one.”
“If you need anything, tell me.
Or tell Hancock.”
The girls quickly stood and bowed.
“Thank you, Lord Cassian!”
He waved it off.
“No need for that.
What are your names?”
The green-haired girl spoke first.
“Lily.”
“Anna.”
“Sophie.”
“Stora.”
“Winona.”
One by one, they introduced themselves, their fear slowly easing into curiosity.
Hancock watched them quietly.
Something in their expressions reminded her of her past.
The fear, the helplessness.
Her irritation faded without her noticing.
“Follow me.
I’ll show you the rooms.”
Her tone was still firm, but no longer cold.
The girls hurried after her, glancing back at Cassian before leaving.
Once they were gone, Cassian exhaled and smirked.
Problem solved.
Koala tugged his sleeve.
“Big Brother Cassian, you kissed Sister Hancock.”
He looked down at her.
“Yeah.
And?”
Koala spoke seriously.
“Kissing means you like someone.”
She tilted her head.
“Do you like her?”
Cassian paused briefly, then laughed.
“What do you think?”
He picked her up and walked to the window, looking out over Mary Geoise.
The Celestial Dragons who once acted arrogantly now avoided his residence entirely.
Even the treatment of slaves had improved.
“I do.”
His voice was quieter now.
“I like her.”
Hancock’s personality, Koala’s innocence… even this life had its appeal.
For now.
Cassian’s gaze sharpened slightly as he clenched his fist.
With Imu backing him, the God’s Knights at his side, and power steadily growing, there was nothing he needed to fear.
When the time came, he would leave this place.
Take Hancock, take Koala, and see the real ocean.
Anyone who stood in his way, Admiral or Emperor, would be dealt with.
For now, though…
This life had its own entertainment.
Especially watching Hancock lose her composure.
Back in the room, Hancock was assigning beds, telling the girls not to touch her belongings while quietly preparing clean bedding for them.
Hearing Cassian’s laughter from outside, her cheeks warmed again.
She tried to suppress it, but a faint smile still formed.
That man…
He was infuriating.