Chương 534: Chapter : 534

Ira stood perfectly still by the doorway. Her pale face showed zero emotion.

"Statistically speaking, spontaneous trips to the ocean result in sunburns ninety percent of the time. It is a highly inefficient use of our time." Luna lay flat on a long wooden bench. She snored very quietly. A knitted blanket covered her shoulders. Risa sat on the floor. The sweet pink-haired healer drew a picture of a smiling cat. The estate felt totally safe. They enjoyed the quiet morning together. Suddenly, the front gates of the estate swung open. Loud footsteps echoed across the courtyard.

Zinia looked out the window. She crossed her strong arms.

"We have visitors. It is the 16th Unit." The front door opened. Princess Hestia walked into the living room. She wore a flawless, pristine white silk dress. Golden embroidery lined the edges. Her auburn hair fell perfectly over her shoulders. She looked very proud and totally arrogant. Zaima walked right behind her. The scowling servant wore a spotless white and gold uniform. She glared at the dusty living room. She looked absolutely disgusted by the mess. Elma walked in last.

The blonde swordswoman also wore her pristine white uniform. Her golden curls bounced perfectly. But she did not look arrogant today. She looked incredibly nervous. She held a small, beautifully wrapped pink box in her hands. Elma spotted Ken on the sofa. Her cheeks instantly turned a bright, vibrant shade of pink. She gripped the pink box very tightly. Princess Hestia stopped in the center of the room. She looked at Princess Iris. Princess Iris walked out of the strategy room to greet her sister.

"Good morning, Iris," Princess Hestia said smoothly. Her voice dripped with fake sweetness.

"I came to discuss the recent political events. The capital is completely chaotic right now."

"Welcome, Hestia," Princess Iris replied calmly. She stood perfectly straight. Her violet eyes were focused.

"We can speak in my study." The two Princesses walked away. They left the servants in the living room. Zaima scoffed loudly. She looked at the 13th Unit.

"Your house is a complete disaster. You people have zero discipline. You just sit on the floor like beggars."

"Shut up, Zaima," Laxmi grinned fiercely. The orange spark in her hand grew larger.

"We like our house. If you do not like it, you can leave. I will gladly show you the door." Elma completely ignored Zaima and Laxmi. She took a slow, deep breath. She marched straight toward the sofa. Her blue eyes locked onto Ken. Her face burned hotter with every step. Naomi saw Elma approaching. Naomi's warm smile completely vanished. Her green eyes narrowed into sharp slits. She felt a massive spike of intense jealousy. She immediately sat up straighter. She slid closer to Ken on the sofa.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Elma stopped right in front of the coffee table. She refused to look at Naomi. She stared directly at Ken.

"Hello, Ken," Elma stammered slightly. She cleared her throat. She tried to sound very strict and proud. She totally failed. Her voice pitched up.

"I was walking through the Inner City this morning. I visited a very exclusive bakery. I bought these premium strawberry tarts. I have too many. I decided to give them to you." Ken blinked his sleepy dark eyes. He slouched his shoulders even further. He looked at the pink box. A huge, goofy smile spread across his face.

"Strawberry tarts?" Ken cheered lazily.

"You are an absolute lifesaver, Elma. I was just thinking about dessert. You are the best delivery person ever." Elma's blush reached all the way to her ears. She felt a huge flutter in her chest.

"I am not a delivery person! I am an elite warrior! Just take the box!" She reached out to hand him the box. Naomi instantly moved. The fierce vanguard leader stood up from the sofa. She stepped directly in front of Ken. She completely blocked Elma from reaching him. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest. She glared at the blonde girl.

"He does not need your tarts," Naomi stated coldly. She projected a massive aura of protectiveness.

"He is already eating potato chips. He has plenty of snacks. You can take your fancy box back to your mansion." Elma gasped softly. She glared right back at Naomi.

"Excuse me? I did not buy these for you. I bought them for him. Step aside."

"No," Naomi refused flatly. She stood her ground.

"I am his vanguard leader. I monitor his diet. He does not want your food." Before Elma could argue, another person joined the blockade. Ira walked silently across the room. The water mage stopped right next to Naomi. Ira stood perfectly straight. Her pale face showed zero emotion. She stared blankly at Elma.

"Statistically speaking," Ira stated in her deadpan, robotic voice.

"Consuming a high amount of refined sugar after a salty snack causes a massive spike in blood glucose levels. It leads to extreme fatigue. I will not allow Ken to experience an energy crash. The tarts are a biological hazard. You must remove them." Elma dropped her jaw. She stared at the emotionless girl.

"A biological hazard?! It is just fruit and pastry! You are completely insane!" Sayma walked over from the dining table. The intelligent Vice-Captain joined the defensive wall. She stood on the other side of Naomi. She pushed her thick glasses up the bridge of her nose. She offered a polite, but incredibly firm smile.

"Ira is absolutely correct, Elma," Sayma noted smoothly. She clicked her pen.

"Furthermore, accepting unverified food from a rival unit violates basic security protocols. We cannot accept your gift. Please return to your designated waiting area." Elma was totally outnumbered. Naomi, Ira, and Sayma formed a solid, unbreakable wall of girls right in front of the sofa. They completely shielded Ken from the blonde rival. They all shared the exact same jealous, protective motive. They did not want Elma flirting with their lazy friend. Ken slouched on the couch.

He peeked his head around Naomi's waist. He looked at the pink box.

"Guys, come on," Ken complained lazily. He let out a loud yawn.

"It is just a strawberry tart. I am totally willing to risk the sugar crash. I am a professional at taking naps. A sugar crash just helps me sleep faster."

"Be quiet, Ken," Naomi, Sayma, and Ira commanded at the exact same time. Zaima stood across the room. The scowling servant watched the entire interaction. Her face twisted into a mask of pure, unfiltered rage. She could not believe her eyes. Her own teammate was blushing and handing out gifts. The elite girls of the 13th Unit were fiercely protecting a messy commoner. They were treating him like a massive prize. Zaima stomped her polished boot on the wooden floor. She marched forward.

She pointed a sharp, angry finger directly at Ken.

"This is completely pathetic!" Zaima screamed at the top of her lungs. Her voice echoed across the living room.

"I do not understand this at all! You are all absolutely out of your minds! What do you possibly see in this lazy bum?!"

The living room went totally silent. Laxmi stopped tossing her fire. Risa stopped drawing. Luna snored quietly.