The Female CEO's Personal Bodyguard

Faced with Zephyra’s probing, Carson Flores pondered for a few seconds before speaking his true thoughts.

"I have some sympathy for the flower maiden community, but then again, flower maidens are different from each other. Some may have long abandoned their yearning for freedom, willingly working here in exchange for cultivation resources. After all, for them, it’s risk-free and provides a comfortable life."

"Zorvyn Harrison is somewhat different; she still retains her yearning for freedom, hoping to take control of her own life. I sympathize with her and admire her, so I came to ask. If it is within my power, I hope to take her away and give her freedom."

"I am not captivated by Zorvyn’s beauty nor do I intend for her to be my maiden for a lifetime. Once she leaves Immortal Gathering Island, she will be free and can go wherever she desires. I will not impose any restrictions on her."

Zephyra widened her eyes, looking at Carson with surprise: "You purely sympathize with her and wish to help her?"

Carson nodded: "Yes, if I want to help, then I will. Cultivation is about having a clear intent, and by doing this, I feel happy and fulfilled. That’s enough."

Zephyra’s eyes shimmered with an unusual color: "She seems really lucky to encounter a gentleman like you..."

Carson replied with a smile: "I am no gentleman, Steward, please tell me what price I need to pay. Maybe once I hear it, I may just back down."

Zephyra hesitated for a few seconds: "This matter is beyond my authority, I must report it above and let them decide."

Carson asked in surprise: "I asked Island Master Hartman before, and he said you could make the call directly, telling me to ask you."

Zephyra glanced at Carson, her gaze subtle: "Perhaps you can choose someone else, I can offer a price right away."

Carson spread his hands, a look of helplessness: "If I had the ability, I wouldn’t mind giving all flower maidens a chance to choose their fate, but I lack such ability. I can only save one if I can. Among so many people, I’ve chosen Zorvyn, and that’s fate between us, naturally, it can only be her."

After pausing, Carson looked a bit peculiar: "Zorvyn isn’t particularly outstanding among the flower maidens, right? Why is it that Steward can directly price others, but you can’t decide for her? Does she have some special traits?"

Zephyra chuckled lightly: "This matter concerns some island secrets, which are not convenient to disclose. I ask for your forgiveness, Young Master."

Carson nodded helplessly: "Alright, then please check with Steward. I’ll wait for your news."

Zephyra smiled and stood: "I’ll go now, please wait."

Carson calmly enjoyed tea in the living room, waiting as Zephyra elegantly departed. Shortly after, Zephyra returned.

"Steward Schneider, how did it go?"

Zephyra sat across from Carson, smiling ruefully: "Young Master Flores, I’m truly sorry. I reported this matter, and the response was that Zorvyn cannot leave."

Hmm?

Carson widened his eyes, feeling a surge of irritation: "No way, didn’t the Island Master say it was possible before? How come suddenly it’s changed? Are you all thinking someone wants to help restore their freedom, so you’re planning to raise the price, asking for a lot, and charging me heavily?"

Zephyra sighed apologetically: "Young Master Flores, we’re truly sorry. It’s not about raising the price, it’s genuinely not doable. If you choose another flower maiden, regardless of who you select, I’ll offer you a discount. You only need to pay half the price to take her away. How does that sound?"

Carson furrowed his brow: "It’s genuinely not possible, not an excuse to raise the price?"

Zephyra nodded, her gaze sincere: "Young Master Flores, I have no intention of deceiving you. As a steward, I understand each of them. Zorvyn indeed longs for freedom, and personally, I hope she can live freely, but I am not the Island Master. I’m only a steward so I have no say in this matter, which is genuinely impossible."

The anger that had risen in Carson’s heart slowly subsided. From Zephyra’s eyes, he sensed sincerity and could tell she was speaking the truth. He even seemed to notice a hint of regret in her words.

"You’re saying this decision was made by the Island Master?"

Zephyra nodded with a wry smile: "Yes."

Carson was silent for a few seconds: "Alright, I understand. Then can I meet Zorvyn?"

Zephyra smiled: "Of course, while she cannot leave with you, she is free here."

A free bird in a cage?

Carson sighed inwardly, yet wore a smile on his face: "Then I’m causing you trouble."

Zephyra laughed: "Please follow me."

Carson followed Zephyra, and they walked together, eventually arriving in front of a small building.

Standing at the door, Zephyra chuckled lightly: "Zorvyn, Young Master Flores is here to see you!"

"Wait!"

Zorvyn’s voice echoed from inside the house, seemingly carrying two measures of unexpected alarm.

Zephyra turned back with a light laugh: "Please wait a moment; before a lady meets her beloved, she always needs to tidy up..."