Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Christo felt something cold on his neck. He tightened his scarf and start writing again. His office was almost completely in the darkness because he only used one candle on his desk. But one is enough.

The report of Hongport's shipment almost done and his cup was empty. But, Christo doesn't need another coffee.

"Just one hour," he said to himself.

"After that, I can make a summary of it. Oh, wait, I might as well write another list of the expiration date of the goods. Two copies. One for Father and The Chef."

Most of the shipment was a food supplies like wheats, seasoning, flours, etc. To be frank, the expiration list wasn't needed. Since, they always running out the stock before reached the date.

But, Christo is Christo. He likes to make detailed information. Once he begins, he can't stop.

It was same with his love story. Once he starts falling in love, he can't forget it.

The ink on his pen was drying up. His brow's narrowed when he opened the cabinet. Instead of a bottle of black ink, he found an old photograph. His lip twisted a smile.

Sometimes, he hopes that time machine has existed, then he could back to that time. Being forever young with his dream girl.

But just like another dream, he has to wake up.

His dream girl was gone.

And his young self was dissapeared.

Now Christo is just Christo who destined to be future Buttler of Lancia.

He put that photograph down and start wondering whether to burn it or not. It's useless to keep it since everything has turn into disaster.

Christo deeply inhaled when he found the ink's bottle and continued his writing.

***

Cecilia blinked twice, "Christo is Albert's successor, Mary.

He will be a Lancia's Buttler in the future. So, does his son or his grandson."

"I know it, Miss. But--"

"Now, now, Mary. Let's we play 'what if game'. Do you think Christo will be fine after he got fired? What if he got more deppressed after losing something he good of? What if he got broken because he considered as a stain of Constance's family? What if he got lost and--,"

Mary gasped, "Oh! I'm so sorry, Miss. You are right! I, I didn't think like that. I thought, I thought…"

When Mary's eyes were tearing up, Cecila squeezed her servant's hand, "It is okay, Mary. You must be really care about his health. But, humans have to do something to distract them from their problems. It was the only way to keep their sanity in this world," Cecilia a bit surprised with her own words. She doesn't know where it came. It feel like her mouth is moving by itself, "Or maybe, Christo was punishing himself. Because he thought that he didn't deserve the happiness since his lover was deceased. But we never know unless you asked him the truth."

Mary nodded, "I understand, Miss. I'll try to reach him. Once again, I'm sorry for my stupidity and my rudeness. Please forgive me, Miss."

"It is okay, Mary. I'll forget about our previous conversation. Lets talk about anything else."

"Yes, Miss. Oh, look at there, Miss! We already out of the wood!"

Cecilia turned her head to the window and saw the buildings which standing ahead them.

"This is Dandelion Town. A small yet beautiful town. According to the books, they have a lot of flowers fields. The only weakness of this town was all of their foods was spicy. All of them."

"Spicy? Because of chili?" Cecilia felt excited. It's been a long time after she ate a spicy food. Perhaps, when she was live as Ji Eun. She want to eat tteokpokki, ramyun, sundae jigae, cabbage kim--.

"Yes, Miss. Chilli can grow well at summer and sometime in the autumn. To grow it, you need a warm and sunlit place. It is perfect plant for tropical land. The seeds is cheap since the chili doesn't sell well in another town or anywhere else beside Dandelion."

The idea to open a Korean restaurant is one step closer. She can't help but smile. "Mary, open the small window behind you and tell the coachmen to stop. I need to buy chilies! A lot of it!"

Mary nodded in confussion, but she is still doing her command. "I thought you always hated the spicy foods, Miss."

The carriage then stopped in front of the vegetablea market, "Well, I know from the books that spicy foods can help you live longer, clean your digestion, and make your skin glowing." Of course it was a lie. But, Cecilia has to find a way to keep her out from suspiscion.

Mary jaw dropped, "Wow, is it true? That was so wonderful!"

Cecilia smiled before she took off from her carriage. The ladies then happily searching for the chilies and it seeds.

Failed to notice a mysterious man who watching them from afar. He is wearing a black cape and hiding on the peak of the tree.

Yes, he is Max.

After heard that Cecilia was 'abducted' by Grant. He can't help but upset. Of course, he didn't tell Hugo about this.

One of the Scorpion's rules was never got attached to the clients.

He was the one who made it and irronically, broke it.

"But, I am not completely wrong. We have a duty to protect the clients. Her knights are useless and weaker than me." Max murmured it by himself.

Of course, he want to give a warning to Grant. But failed when he noticed that Armano was talking to him and granted his wish to freely conduct a research on the South Island.

Even Grant promised to not hurt Cecilia, he didn't believe it. That's why he choose to pursued Cecilia and protected her from behind.

Eventhough, he has to neglect the duties on the Capital. But, Hugo is capable underling. He sure can manage the other Scorpion's legs.

The young lady from Lancia was smiling so happily at the vegetables merchant. She looks like trying to bargain and a second later, the merchant's head nodded before opened a large wooden box in front of the store. It was full of chilies.

Cecilia nodded. One of her knights brought that box and put it on the carriage's roof.

"What will you do with it? Oh.. don't tell me that you likes the spicy things too, huh? Why don't you act like any other nobbles, Cecilia?" Max shook his head and found it as amusing thing.

Just like Cecilia, he really like the spicy food. It was so rare on the Capital, but with his power, he could easily obtained it. Sometimes, Hugo sneered at him because he considered chilies as demon's claws and inedible thing.

Having one similarity with Cecilia, Max felt a bit closer to her and he can't help but curious about that lady.

"Now, Princess. Show me what you got."