Thunder handed over the 29,000 gold coins to Maria for safekeeping, keeping it a secret from Sisi and Eric. The siblings had no immediate need for money; their earnings from mercenary missions were enough to last them a while.
According to Maria's estimate, the magic and warrior classes wouldn't return from their external training for at least half a month. This meant that Thunder's lightning class would have nothing to do during this time.
Sisi, the invincible beauty, suggested going shopping. With her newfound wealth, she felt as if the coins in her pocket were calling out to her, begging to be spent.
Unfortunately, her suggestion was mercilessly shot down by the other three members of the lightning class.
"Why don't we visit Thunder's house?" Eric proposed after some thought. "We've known him for so long, but we've never seen where he lives."
Maria looked at Thunder with longing eyes. Sisi, having been denied, pouted silently to herself.
"Sure," Thunder agreed. "I haven't been home since returning from Breton Forest. It's been almost a month since I saw Tifa. I miss that clingy little girl."
The four of them fetched their horses and set off, strolling leisurely through the streets of Faeril City.
Thunder occasionally stopped to buy snacks and fruits from street vendors, stuffing them into his spatial bag.
Sisi followed behind, her face glowing with happiness. She twisted her fingers nervously and said shyly, "Thunder, you're buying so much. I can't possibly eat all of it."
She thought to herself that although Thunder had refused her earlier shopping request, his actions now were surprisingly considerate, making her feel touched.
"Oh, this isn't for you," Thunder replied, picking up a durian and handing it to the vendor. "How much is this?"
"Then who is it for?" Sisi asked, looking puzzled and slightly hurt, as if struck by a hammer.
"It's for Tifa, my little maid," Thunder answered, immediately regretting his words. He turned to Sisi and Maria, laughing awkwardly.
Maria shot him a reproachful glance, thinking that men were all the same. Despite his serious demeanor around her, he still had someone else on his mind.
Sisi bit her lip, her eyes welling up with tears. She looked as if Thunder had committed an unforgivable sin. "Thunder, am I not allowed to eat any?"
"No, no, we'll share!" Thunder felt sweat pouring down his back, sensing the murderous intent in Sisi's eyes.
After paying for the durian and tossing it into his bag, Thunder hurried away from the stall.
They rode their horses out of Faeril City, galloping through the countryside. Soon, they arrived at Thunder's estate.
Unlike the metallic smells of the city, the air here was filled with the scent of earth and nature.
Farmers working in the fields greeted Thunder respectfully, bowing and offering vegetables and fruits. Thunder returned their greetings warmly, accepting their gifts graciously. His classmates were moved by the farmers' kindness and simplicity.
"We're here," Thunder pointed to a sprawling complex in the distance. "That's my place."
"Wow, Thunder, is all that yours?" Eric's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Pretty much," Thunder admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. The grandeur of his home wasn't something he had sought; it was entirely due to Colin's father.
"Ah, decadence!" Sisi sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "But this is what a baron's estate should look like!"
Though Sisi and Eric were now technically nobles, granted the title of baron by the mayor, they lacked land and assets, holding only honorary titles.
"I've decided," Sisi declared, clapping her hands. "When I'm old, I'll retire here. Thunder, when you take care of Maria, please take care of me too. I just need a bit of food every day."
Maria giggled behind her hand.
As they approached, several maids lounging outside the door spotted Thunder and hastily stood up, retreating inside as if fleeing from danger.
"What are they running for?" Thunder muttered. Ever since buying them, these maids had avoided him, fearing he might act improperly.
"That's the aura of a master," Eric remarked enviously.
As they dismounted, Uncle Oak emerged from the house, his face rosy and smelling faintly of alcohol. Despite the smell, his steps were steady, and his eyes clear.
"Young Master, you're back?" Uncle Oak took the reins, leading the horses inside. He glanced at the others and asked, "Who are these guests?"
"These are my classmates and teacher," Thunder introduced everyone. Uncle Oak greeted them warmly and respectfully, treating them as esteemed mages.
"Drinking in the daytime?" Thunder asked, brushing off the dust from his clothes as they walked inside.
"Not really. Just checking on the wine-making process in the cellar. The smell stuck to me."
Thunder's eyes lit up, about to ask Uncle Oak something, when a small figure dashed towards him, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Tifa's voice, tinged with excitement and tears, came from his chest. "Young Master, you're finally back."
Sisi glanced at Maria, who smiled calmly, showing no reaction.
*Silly fairy, silly fairy!* Sisi thought, though she hadn't seen Tifa's face yet, her graceful figure and porcelain skin were striking. *Teacher, you're in emotional trouble now.*
Will Thunder manage to balance his relationships with both Tifa and Sisi? Or will jealousy tear apart the harmony of his household? Only time will tell.