011 My Young Master Can't Possibly Be This Adorable

As they were speaking, suddenly, all the lights in the hall went out. Under the only beam of light, the head of the Lyon family finally made his entrance. Someone tried hard to see the patriarch’s face, but, drunk and bleary-eyed, her legendary 20/20 vision had devolved into being unable to distinguish man from beast at five meters. Well, they were all round anyway.

The rotund head of the Lyon family was followed by his eldest daughter and youngest son. The eldest daughter, Nock Lyon, had always been away handling family business and rarely appeared in public. This banquet marked her first public appearance, signaling to all that the Lyon family was likely preparing for a transfer of power. The crowd buzzed with speculation. The beautiful younger sister, undisturbed by the murmuring audience, boldly blew a passionate kiss to the single young men present.

The young men erupted with enthusiastic cheers, rescuing the party from its earlier stiffness. The beautiful sister winked playfully, her golden, wavy hair and bright blue eyes accented by vivid red lips. She’d chosen a form-fitting cocktail dress that further accentuated her stunning figure.

“I am Nock, the youngest daughter. I’ve been away these past years, trying to help my family’s business, but to no avail. Today, I thank you all for attending. I am unworthy, unable to assist my father with the family affairs. There’s nothing for it but to find a worthy husband and entrust my future to him.” No sooner had she finished displaying her charms than she tossed this bombshell into the crowd, sending the young men into a frenzy.

“Haha!” The Lyon patriarch clapped merrily. “That’s right! Time passes so quickly—my little Nock is of marrying age. Although I’m reluctant, it’s always been my wish to help choose a good husband for my daughter. Everyone here has a chance!”

Trailing behind the pair, the youngest son of the Lyon family seemed entirely uninterested in the matter of his sister’s marriage; he broke free from the servant’s grasp and darted away, disappearing from sight.

The banquet hall was nearly overturned by the excitement of the single young men. The Lyon patriarch watched the scene in satisfaction, but his eyes remained fixed on Jun Yan, who stood quietly to one side. Ada had vanished to boast about her beauty, leaving Jun Yan alone in the main hall to handle all the greetings and pleasantries.

The patriarch, eyes set on Jun Yan, strode over with easy familiarity. “Jun Yan, how is it? Are you enjoying our family’s banquet?”

Jun Yan, seeing the patriarch’s approachability, returned the courtesy with a respectful bow. “No banquet could compare with that of the Lyon family. I am humbled.”

The patriarch laughed heartily, slapping Jun Yan on the shoulder. “How could you say that! The Grant family is the foremost purveyor of magical goods in the land; our little trinkets can hardly compare.”

Jun Yan had seen the new products displayed in the exhibition hall. The styles of the wands and accessories were strikingly similar to this year’s Grant innovations. Evidently, Nock’s undercover work had been rather fruitful. Raising his glass, Jun Yan replied, “Not at all. Grant’s products are few and costly; how could we match your…foresight?”

The Lyon patriarch, unfazed by Jun Yan’s polite rebuff, downed his wine in one gulp. “Jun Yan, we’re all family, in the same business—no need for formalities. Give me a straight answer tonight: what do you think of my daughter Nock? If you find her agreeable, I’ll make the match myself and give all the new products in this room, plus everything to be auctioned tonight, as her dowry!”

What was this, giving him back his own goods as a dowry? Jun Yan set down his glass and looked past the Lyon patriarch, fixing his gaze on someone behind him. “This isn’t up to me alone, is it?”

Still tipsy, she responded to the cue without thinking, “Now that’s hardly fair, patriarch!”

The Lyon patriarch turned to see a young woman in an ivory cocktail dress with short red hair, swaying unsteadily toward him. Despite a clear scent of alcohol, her speech was surprisingly lucid and coherent, giving one a sudden urge to smack her into orbit. “Our young master Jun Yan is the very picture of handsomeness, nobility, and potential. Look at that face—he could pass for a superhero!”

“And it’s not just his looks—our young master is renowned for his intelligence, learning, and martial prowess. Since he was of an age to start courting, our home has been besieged by young ladies vying to be his concubine. Yet he remains steadfast, refusing them all. Even our hens laid fewer eggs for two days in protest!” She wiped away imaginary tears. “Still, since you’re so sincere about marrying off your daughter, and since your young lady is so bright and beautiful, how about this: you increase the dowry a little. We’re not asking much. After she marries, each year she’ll receive ten percent of your family’s annual profits as her dowry. Grant will also have first access to any new products you launch. And of course, tonight’s goods, as you suggested, will all accompany her to the Grant family. What do you think?”

The Lyon patriarch’s hand tightened around his wineglass, which trembled like a lamb before slaughter. “A bold proposal! Marrying off my daughter would cost me half a lifetime’s effort.”

“No, no, you mustn’t think of it that way,” she continued, her head clearing as she spoke. “This is a long-term investment. Think about it—after your daughter marries, our young master, so devoted and single-minded, will never take another wife. The Grant and Lyon families will become long-standing partners, advancing and retreating together, shoulder to shoulder. All it costs you is a small present investment. Isn’t that a bargain?”

The Lyon patriarch burst into laughter, his anger turning to amusement. “A bargain indeed! The Grant family knows how to talk—I like it. May I ask, young lady, what position you hold in the Grant family?”

He’s checking my background! Her internal alarm bells went off. She bowed her head. “I am unworthy, with no special talents. I am merely favored by the master and young master, good for little more than a clever tongue to amuse them. Marriage is a matter for the master; how could a servant like me dare speak out of turn?” With a few words, she deftly shifted all responsibility onto the never-seen head of the Grant family, feeling quite satisfied.

“Very well. Children will make their own fortunes. I, as an old man, will say no more. Jun Yan, do as you please; I’ll take a stroll elsewhere.” Downing another glass, the old patriarch finally departed.

Done! She flashed a victory sign and prepared to slip away for food, but, turning around, she found Jun Yan staring intently at her. His brown eyes seemed to analyze her chemical composition.

His scrutiny made her skin crawl. “Um, is there anything else, young master?”

Jun Yan, expressionless, brushed past her. “I never would have guessed—you’re actually useful.”

What did that mean? Was that a compliment? She gazed after him in confusion. Lightning, strike me down! You’d be better off giving me a raise!

She shook her fist at his retreating figure in protest. Suddenly, her wrist grew warm, and a child’s voice piped up, “Got you!”

What? She looked down to see the Lyon family’s youngest son—the very boy she’d tricked out of his pocket money!

The little boy beamed. “I caught you! You’re the one who took my allowance!”

“Young master, you must be mistaken,” she said, crouching down to meet his eyes. “I’m a Grant family guard. How could I possibly have taken your money?”

“I don’t care! It was definitely you!” The boy puffed out his cheeks in indignation.

“All right, even if it was me, you have to give a reason!” She spread her hands helplessly.

“Brother Su Yi said so, and he’s always right!” The boy looked delighted.

“Su Yi? Which Su Yi?” Her mind flashed through countless familiar faces, trying to match the name. Suddenly, a light dawned. “Ah, you mean the guy always dressed in black, with black hair and eyes, playing detective all day long?”

“What’s a detective? Is it something you can burn?” The boy looked puzzled, but as soon as his beloved Su Yi was mentioned, his spirits revived. “Brother Su Yi is the most amazing person I’ve ever met—no one can beat him! He always catches the bad guys without fail!”

Ah, hero worship can be fatal, Su Yi. Since you’re not here, I’ll do you a favor and guide this young master back to the straight and narrow!

“Young master, you have to understand—everyone makes mistakes, right?” she said gently.

The boy looked at her in confusion but didn’t refute her.

Got him! She pressed on, “Think about it—the person bad enough to steal your allowance must be a ruthless and cunning villain. Otherwise, how could he get your money, right?”

The boy nodded vigorously.

“And such a villain, after harming so many, wouldn’t dare show up in such a public place, would he?”

The boy hesitated.

“And then, consider why he’d take your money. It can’t just be for fun, can it? There’s only one reason!” She raised a finger mysteriously. “He needed the money! But I have a job—why would I need your money?”

The boy wavered even more.

“Finally, did the thief look like me?” She widened her eyes, playing the picture of innocence.

“Hmm…now I remember! He was a man!” The boy was suddenly enlightened.

“Exactly! Do I look like a man to you?” She batted her eyes.

Crash! The boy’s idolization shattered. She patted his shoulder with sympathy. “Brother, don’t take it too hard. Everyone makes mistakes. You should forgive Su Yi—he’s worked in your house for years and must be worn out. It’s time he took a long vacation! A real man can weather both fame and adversity!”

The boy’s eyes brightened again. “Sister, you’re right! Brother Su Yi should have a vacation—he’s worked so hard!”

She nodded approvingly. Yes, give him a vacation! The farther away, the better! Never come back, even in the next life!

“But you still have to come with me,” the boy said, grabbing her hand with determination. “It’s dangerous here. Someone wants to kill you!”

Stardust Chronicles 011_011: My Young Master Can’t Possibly Be This Cute—Update Complete!