Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Just as Cecilia's instruction, every adults woman in South Island gathers on the city hall's kitchen.

Halves of them were cook and the other prepares the ingredients.

All of the man prepares the tables and stages on the town squares. They look so happy because it's been a long time since they never celebrate anything.

It's so sad to know that they stopped having any festivals. Their life was full with bustle, work and labor.

The kids were playing around and everyone seem enjoy the moment.

Meanwhile, Cecilia talk to the carpenters for make a stable for the horse and the farmers to gathers weeds or grass.

She bought all of the fruits, vegetables, meats and seeds from the merchant on the market without even bargain it.

But all of the merchants was surprised when that noble lady asking about the rotten fruit and willing to pay five bronze coins for every ten pounds of it.

"I can give it for free, Young Miss." Said one of the merchants. "But why did you need it?"

Cecilia smiled and answered, "I'll tell you later."

With the money they have and nothing to sell, the merchants will go to the another town to buy the goods.

"Choose only fruits or vegetables which have a long shelf time that you can buy on the lowest price like potatoes, carrots, beets or maybe pumpkins. You can buy anything else when the economics was getting better." Cecilia said it to every merchant she met. She even lends her horse or knights to helps the merchants who need it.

Half of the fruits and vegetables were brought to the kitchen. Then, with Havana and Mary helps, she divides the remaining into sixty packs as gifts for each family in the island. She included the seeds and a handful of chilies too.

"Why did you do this, Young Miss?" Havana asked when she put the package to the table.

"You didn't get any profit for doing this."

"My Lady is good person, Miss Ambrose. She is the sincerest person in the world!" Mary said with a fire in her eyes.

Cecilia giggled, "Don't be exaggerating, Mary. It is not like that. I just want to have a party with them."

Havana ignored the maid and starting to narrow her brows. "Why did you want to have a party with the commoners? I don't understand."

"Because starting tomorrow, this island is going to be my home and they will became my family as well. Thats why, I want to make myself comfortable to live with them."

"Family? With… Them?" Havana doesn't understand the logic. As a daughter of Baron, she always thought that she was different than the other commoners. She made a line, so none of them can reach her. Havana Ambrose is born with class.

That's why Havana feel so happy when she knows that Duke's daughter is coming. Finally an equal friend for me, she thought to herself. Surely, this Duke's daughter can introduce me into nobles world and make me get out from this stupid island!

"Well, we are equally human after all."

Suddenly Havana's stomach felt twisted, "Equally? But you are Duke's daughter, you have higher status than the rest of us! You have expensive jewels, luxurious dresses, lavish carriage, and personal maids and knights!"

"Well, I got it from my father and of course, I'm felt so grateful because of it. But Havana, it is not everlasting. Maybe someday we will get bankrupt and lose every penny we have. We could die because of sickness or anything else and bury into a coffin. Without bringing anything except the bad or good deeds."

Havana rolled her eyes, "Keep that advice for yourself. If I was the Duke's daughter like you, I will go to every luxurious party. Not wasting the time in stupid place like this!"

"Hey, how dare you raise your voice to the Young Miss!" Mary got irritated with her rudeness.

"It must be great to have someone who always protects you. Such privilege as a Duke's daughter. But, that's okay. Since you never know how it feels to be poor and starving!" Havana then rushed to get out of the room.

"Oh my! Why did she become childish like that? Young Miss, please don't listen to her!"

But, Cecilia staring blankly at the door and realized that she was being insensitive to Havana. Her words must be sounded like she was bragging about every privilege she has but chooses to dump it. Right in front of her face.

"Young Miss, you don't have to think about it! Don't worry, I'll be always in your side."

Cecilia smiled but wondering if she was traded a place with Havana, Mary might protected the old Cecilia, despite her rudeness.

Now, she can't help but think if Mary is sincere or simply doing her job.

***

The party was over three hours ago. Cecilia helps the citizen to clean the town square. Tomorrow is a new day and they need to wake up early to work at the farm. With holding a package from Cecilia, they don't need to worry about food for this week.

It was a good time. Everybody ate with happy faces. The citizen dancing and singing together. There are no alcohol beverage, its just water or fruit punch. But everyone were happy because no drunk people ruin the moment.

Cecilia gives a short introduction and everyone greeted her with warm smiles and a big applause. I hope it was a good sign, said Cecilia to herself.

Havana is nowhere to be found and Cecilia misses a chance to apologize. She is feeling so bad after that incident. Maybe, Havana will not forgive her. But, at least she is trying to show her that she regrets it.

Mary was sleeping in her bed. But Cecilia still awakes and staring at the window. Maybe take a stroll can help her. So, she takes the robe and walk to the backyard.

She glads that the knights are guarded on the entrance and failed to notice her who sneak out behind them.

Right now, she just wants to be alone. Her mind was full of so many thought and being accompanied make she has no freedom to think.

She passed the stable and saw that all the horses were sleeping outside.

"Please be patient. I promise that your house will be finish in no time," She said while her hand stroked the hair from one of her horses. The brown hair was so smooth and that horse feels comfortable under her touch. "Sleep well and have a nice dream."

"I never thought that I would get jealous to the horse."

Cecilia almost jumps when heard that voice. Her heart was beating so fast.

But when she saw that voice's owner, she rolled her eyes and sneered. "Duh, you again. Why are you here?"

The mysterious man smile brightly and lightly bowed to her. "Max at your service, My Lady."