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
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtrespect, “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
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJagoan 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