Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Hugo was unlucky today. Started from this morning, he almost died because of food poisoning, attacked by a stranger, and just when he wants to get rest, his employer, Max, is going away.

Hugo has no choice but to stay at the base to greet the guests. Scorpion has no closing time. They loyally served for 24/7 non-stop.

Duke Lancia was sitting and elegantly crossed his leg. He keep silent since came to this room but Hugo feeling so small under his gaze.

'I hate this man,' Hugo thought to himself. 'He didn't do anything and suddenly I have an urge to peeing myself."

"What are you doing to my daughter?" Just like usual, he is a straightforward man.

Hugo raised his brows and collected the remaining of his courage, "It's such an honor for me to meet a man like you, His Highness. However, I don't understand about your question."

"How did my daughter get a copy of the South Island's information?"

"Because she asked it?"

"Don't beat around the bushes with me, Mr-I-don't-know-your-name. I have no intention for wasting my time."

Hugo's lip is twisted. He tried to make a fake business smile, but failed. "To tell you the truth, we just pay back her kindness."

"And broken your vow to not take a same request on the same time? Do you think I'll believe it?" Now his gray eyes pierce him. Ready to unveil the truth.

But Hugo is not that stupid to telling a lie, "It was the truth, His Highness. We are in the debt to My Lady. After all the South Island is under Lady Lancia's name too. So, technically we didn't broke the vow. We both know that Scorpion is men of their words."

"Then, tell me. What kind of debt do you have with her?"

Hugo shook his head. "It is confidential. I can't tell you unless you are a part of Scorpio.."

"What?!"

"A secret makes a man man, High Highness."

"Did she paid it? I mean, the information."

"I'm sorry. I can't answer that too."

The Duke crossed his arms and  wondering if Cecilia got it for free. Since there is nothing suspicious from her monthly expenses report. But who know that she sold off her jewelries. Even though, they owe her but Scorpion isn't doing a charity. "I'm starting to dislike you. Where is the masked man?"

Hugo bowed to hide his smirk. For the first time, they have a similiarity. "I'm teribblly sorry for this inconvenience. But, Lord Max is currently away."

"So, it is only you for now?"

"Hugo at your sevice, His Highness."

"I need an information about the  Hagrav. Everything and tell me if you found something fishy. Even it just a rumor. Are we clear, Hugo?"

Hugo raised his body, "Yes, I understand. We will contact you later."

Armano threw a big pouch of gold coins and Hugo's hand quicky snatched it. "That's for the down payment. I need to go now."

Once again, Hugo bowed this body. But now, his smile look sincere. "Have a safe trip, His Highness."

Cecilia felt so sleepy because found nothing to do in the carriage. Her loyal servant was focused on her knitting scarf.

They already left Pine Town for six hours ago and still stuck in the dark forrest. There is no sign of the nearest town.

Bored, she chose to have a small talk with Mary. "Do you make it for your boyfriend?"

Mary looked up and smile faintly. "I have no boyfriend, Miss."

"Huh? You are dating with Theo, aren't you?"

"I can't be dating with my older brother, Miss." Mary giggled.

"Really? But you guys have a different last name?"

"Yes. Because our parents were divorced. My mother, who took care of me, remarried to another man and change our last name."

"Wow, is that possible?"

Mary nodded, "I made this for Christo, Miss. He is my childhood friend and I'm worried about his health."

Cecilia smiled when she noticed that her servant's cheeks was reddened. "It must be great for falling in love, right?"

"It's not like that, Miss! Christo was, was, in love with another girl."

Suddenly Mary stopped her hand's movement and put the half finished scarf to her bag. "Miss, can you help me? It's might not an important matter to you. But, I, I mean I am just lowly maid. That's why I--,"

Quickly, Cecilia grabbed Mary's hand. The Lady almost lost her balance, "Why are you saying that? Aren't we friend?"

"Friend? But, I am your maid, Miss. A lowly servant didn't deserve this."

Cecilia shook her head. "It's true that you are working as my underling. But, as a woman, you are my friend, Mary. You help me to choose the clothes, give advices about how should I behave and caring so much about me. I'm trully grateful to have you around."

Mary's brown eyes teared up, "You are so kind, Miss. Thank you! I'll serve you diligently until I die!"

"No, don't say like that," Cecilia faintly shook her head. "You can retire once you get married. You have to think about your own happiness. Starting a family and live happily ever after like fairytales. Isn't it sound good?"

"But, serving you make me happy too, Miss! My family is my second priorities."

Cecilia gasped. "No, please don't do that, Mary. For the sake of your family and your children too. Never neglect your family, Mary."

"For the sake of my… family?" Suddenly, Mary felt touched. Her employer is an adult! She gotten wiser in the very young age.

"Actually, Christo is in love with my step-sister, Miss. But she died when she was seventeen. And then, Christo started isolating himself and drowned to his work. Everybody praised him as a hardworking man like his father.

But for me, he was killing himself. He often passed out due the exhaustion and gradually losing his weight. That's why I need your help, Miss."

"I'm not sure if I can help you because his happiness is out of my control."

Mary breathe deeply and exhaled it before said, "Please fire him, Miss."