Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Cecilia tighten her dark hooded robe when walked down to the empty street. Theo followed her back and look a bit nervous.

Mary, who didn't know her journey, was cleaning in the house.

"Be careful, Miss. This place is known as an evil nest."

"Yes and when will our self defence class began?"

Theo gulped and choose to keep silent. Not sure about what to say since Duke's Lancia didn't say anything to him except a cold stare.

The only pub which named 'Shooting Star' is located on the Gordon Alley, far northeast from the Capital.

The street was empty but Cecilia's can feel that someone is watching her back. She keep walking until stopped in front of  a shabby pub and the sign is unreadable. But it is, undoubtly, Shooting Star.

The pub interior look the as shabby as the outside. The floor creaked when she walked in. Mosses was eating the wall. A hanging candle's lamp is the only light source in this place. The wood chairs was almost broken and the table looks so old.

There are only five guest on the pub.

Now, Cecilia feel a bit unsure whether this Hugo is talking the truth. What if he is a liar? What if it just a trap?

But it is too late to turn back.

"Can I help you, Miss?" A middle aged man with funny mustache greet her. He was polished a tall glass.

"Show me your oldest wine." She whispered it to the bartender.

"What kind of wine?" He asked without showing any interest.

Cecilia wrinkled her forehead. This is different than she thought, "I'm sorry. Hugo did--,"

"Ah, Hugo's wine is in the back door. Turn left until you find a door. But, the cellar are so tiny. So, just fitted with one person on a time."

Theo stepped in to the conversation, "I can't let My Lady all alone."

"Then, it can't be helped."

"That's okay, Theo. I'll be fine." But Cecilia isn't sure either.

"But, it is dan--,"

She raised her hand to make him silent and turned her head to the bartender, "Give him a beverage that didn't contain any alcohol."

"Miss, I don't think he is a real bartender." Theo said with suspicion look.

"Look at the racks bottles behind his back or the glass on this bar, Theo. It's shining though his place is dusty.  Even if he isn't the real bartender, he must be really good at taking care on his utensil."

The bartender smirked, "That was a good observation, Miss. As a reward, I'll give a free drink everytime you are here. Of course, it's including one for your loyal guardian."

Cecilia awkwardly grinned when heard 'everytime' word from the bartender's mouth. She really hope that it is the last time being in this kind of place.

Cecilia walked to the backdoor and turned left to the corridor which smell so musty. The paint of the wall was peeled off.

She exhaled when saw a door and before opened the door, she said, "Well, here goes nothing."

"Oh, a guest?" Said someone in that room. In the contrary, the room was beautiful and have same vibe with Duke's study room.

The wall was painted in lightning blue. It was same colour with the carpet. The room only have a large black wooden cupboard, shining oak desk and light brown couches which made with the finest leather.

The man who greet her is not Hugo. Cecilia knew it even that man was wear a black crow mask.

He has fair skin, a pair forest green eyes, dark chocolate hair and red cherry lips.

If Hugo seems a man who like to playing around, this man look so serious and cold.

"Take a seat, Miss. Do you want coffee or tea?"

"No, thanks. I just want to meet Hugo."

"Unfortunately, Hugo isn't available right now. But, I can help you too."

"Oh really? Are you Hugo's friend?"

"Ah, where is my manner," He rose from the chair and bowed, "My name is Maxwell, Hugo's friends. Everybody called me as Max."

He streched out his hand, waiting to hold Cecilia's and kiss it as a part of courtesy.

But, Cecilia misunderstood and friendly shake his hand, "Hello, Max. Nice to meet you."

That man is smiling. In this Capital, a woman only shaking hand to the man who have higher or same status with her.

And this Duke's daughter is shaking his hand with beaming smile and treat him as colleagues in equals status. She is indeed an interesting woman, he thought.

"Hugo said he is the best informant in the world and I'd like to asking about South Island. I need so many information about that place. Of course, you don't have to worry about the payment."

Max laughed and said, "Keep your money, My Lady. I already got the payment."

"Huh? You did? But this is the first time we met."

"Not really. I really enjoy your performance. You've a great talent in act."

Cecilia crossed her hand when she understand that he talked about the meeting with Miss Jenkin and her 'friends', "It's basic talent to survive. And, why don't you help me? That was one of frightening moments in my life."

"I don't think you need my help," He said with a sly smirk.

"I'm starting dislike you now."

"Oh, dont be harsh like that, Miss Lancia. Hugo will got angry at me."

Cecilia pouted when she his playful smile and choose to silent. Shouldn't he acted like a cool man?

"I will sent the document tomorrow at your residence."

"Yes, thanks. I'll go since my bussines is done here. Have a good day, Sir." She walked to open the door.

But Max was faster. He already blocked the door. Prevent her to get out.

"I'm sorry if I was wrong back then," he said.

"It's okay. I know you must be have a good reason to do it."

"Really?"

"You must be afraid too. To fight with a pack of deliquents will hurt your pretty face."

Max hold his laugh, "So, you considered my face as a pretty one?

Cecilia exhaled in heavy sigh, "Sorry, I was exaggerating. But, it's okay. I should've forgive you since it was  my fault in the first place. It wouldn't happen if I treated Miss Jenkin with kindness."

"You are wiser than I though, Miss Lancia." Max rubbed his chin with his fingers, "In fact, you are better than the rumor I heard of."

"Thanks. So, I think I should go. Please move aside."

But he approached her and let their face was close to each other. His hand take a part of her black hair and gently kissed it. Cecilia gulped and suddenly her heart beat faster. The temperature in the room raised.

A seducing smile escape from his lips. Max looks very tempting now, "Why don't we play a game, My Lady?"