SWNOVELS Chapter 5514
As Jagoan and Maria cruised from Eastcliff Airport to the Jagoan family’s ancestral home, a rendezvous awaited them. Waiting
at the old house was none other than Jagoan Jagoan himself, flanked by a faithful companion, Jagoan.
Jagoan Jagoan had entrusted his affairs to Jagoan and upon returning from the Lama Temple, he hastened to the Jagoan Family
estate to retrieve the Old Jagoan Jagoan and bring him back to his cherished home.
Jagoan Jagoan had always yearned for more opportunities to strengthen the bond with his grandson, Jagoan, who had taken up
the mantle of the Jagoan family’s stewardship. However, despite his newfound responsibilities, Jagoan had seldom visited
Eastcliff in recent years. For the old man, the chance to see Jagoan a few times a year was a rare and cherished privilege.
So, when Jagoan Jagoan received news of Jagoan’s impending arrival, his heart brimmed with joy. In anticipation, he had the
estate chef prepare a sumptuous family dinner for Jagoan, even before his arrival.
As Jagoan stepped out of the car at the old estate, both Jagoan Jagoan and Jagoan were there to greet him. Jagoan Jagoan’s
eyes sparkled with excitement as he exclaimed, “Jagoan, what brings you to Eastcliff today?”
Jagoan replied truthfully, “Grandpa, I’ve returned to the old house to reminisce and sort through my parents belongings left
behind.”
Jagoan Jagoan nodded in understanding and replied without hesitation, “Your parents room remains untouched, just as it was.”
As they conversed, the car’s passenger door opened, revealing a young woman who appeared no older than seventeen or
eighteen.
Maria, the epitome of classic beauty, emerged gracefully from the vehicle and addressed Jagoan Jagoan with respect, “Hello,
Grandpa. My name is Cathy Jagoan.”
Jagoan Jagoan couldn’t conceal his surprise upon seeing Maria. He hadn’t expected Jagoan to bring a young woman with him
on this visit. Moreover, this young lady was neither Jagoan, Jagoan’s wife, nor Stefanie, who was engaged to him. What baffled
him even more was Maria’s age. Jagoan was nearing thirty, while Maria appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen, presenting
quite an age gap.
The identity of this young lady intrigued him further. As Jagoan’s grandfather, he was well aware of Jagoan’s many female
acquaintances, yet Maria was the first to be brought to the old estate.
Curiosity piqued, Jagoan Jagoan inquired about Maria’s identity and her relationship with Jagoan. Jagoan, sensing his
grandfather’s curiosity, explained, “Grandpa, Cathy is a friend I met in Aurous Hill. She had some free time, so she decided to
accompany me here.”
Jagoan Jagoan, though not entirely clear about the situation, smiled warmly at Maria and said, “Miss Jagoan, consider this place
your home. No need for formalities.”
Maria nodded graciously, replying, “Thank you, Grandpa.”
Jagoan Jagoan glanced at Maria and asked cautiously, “Miss Jagoan, you appear quite young. Are you twenty years old?”
Maria replied, “I turned eighteen this year.”
Jagoan Jagoan breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that society had two significant age thresholds for women, the legal age
of fourteen and the moral age of eighteen. While legality varied, respectability demanded crossing the moral threshold.
Jagoan Jagoan had been concerned that Maria might be under eighteen, which could have adverse consequences for Jagoan
and the Jagoan family. However, when Maria confirmed her age as eighteen, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
Jagoan, who had been silent until then, stepped forward and respectfully stated, “Master, I’ve prepared a family banquet. I
suggest that Miss Jagoan and the others dine first.”
Jagoan Jagoan quickly concurred, saying, “Indeed, Jagoan, you seldom visit Eastcliff. Upon hearing of your sudden arrival, I
immediately arranged for some food and wine. We can enjoy a couple of drinks later.”
Jagoan agreed, “Very well. Let’s go in and dine and catch up.”
As Jagoan stepped into the old house, memories flooded his mind. The house remained unchanged from his childhood, but it felt
both familiar and foreign.
During his time here, the house had bustled with activity. Back then, his father, Bruce, had held great sway in the Jagoan Family,
unofficially steering its course. Though Jagoan Jagoan had yet to pass on the official family headship, Bruce had effectively
become the family’s steward.
Under Bruce’s leadership, the Jagoan family had thrived, achieving unprecedented unity. Corran and Cynthia Jagoan were
content to support Bruce, recognizing that standing beside him was more profitable than taking the lead themselves.
However, Bruce’s untimely death had disrupted this harmony. The family had lost its anchor and each member had started
pursuing their own interests. Corran desired the family headship, while Cynthia and others sought to secure their own interests
by splitting the family’s assets.
The Jagoan family had never been as united and prosperous since Bruce’s passing.
In recent years, with the completion of the new family manor, the Jagoan family had largely abandoned the old house. Only a few
servants remained to maintain it, lending the place an air of solitude.
Upon reaching the dining room, the table was already adorned with a lavish spread of food and wine. Jagoan Jagoan invited
Jagoan and Maria to take their seats and Jagoan, standing nearby, promptly poured wine for the grandfather and grandson.
Jagoan gestured to Jagoan and said, “Butler Thompson, please join us for the meal.”
Jagoan hesitated but eventually accepted, saying, “Thank you, Young Master. We haven’t seen each other in a long time, so I
thought we could have a drink and chat. I won’t impose further. Besides, it’s against protocol for a servant to dine at the same
table as the Master and the Young Master.”
Jagoan waved off his concerns, insisting, “Butler Thompson, there’s no need to be so formal. I recall my father often inviting you
to share a drink with us. You played a crucial role in my life and I’ve been wanting to express my gratitude for the past twenty
years. Please accept this gesture.”
Thompson spoke with genuine emotion, “Young Master, you’re too kind. Back when I helped transport you to the Aurous Hill
Orphanage twenty years ago, it was all arranged by your father, Master Bruce. I was merely following his orders.”
Jagoan sighed, reflecting, “It seems my father foresaw that one day, the Warriors Den would come knocking on our door.”
Jagoan motioned to the empty seat beside him, addressing Jagoan, “Butler Thompson, please, join us. I want to share a drink
with you.”
Jagoan Jagoan chimed in, encouraging, “Jagoan, there are no outsiders here. You need not be so reserved. Jagoan grew up
under your watchful eye and your dedication deserves his appreciation.”
With the support of both the Young Master and the old lord, Jagoan finally took a seat beside Jagoan.
As they conversed, Jagoan detected a subtle fragrance in the air.
He turned to Jagoan and casually inquired, “Did you visit the temple today, Butler Thompson?”
Update of The Charismatic Charlie Wade by Lord Leaf