Chapter 44: Chapter 44

(Dear Cecilia,

I already received your letter, and I'm glad you made it safely. Tell me about your activities in there. Have you made some remarkable progresses?

If you ever face any difficulty, don't be hesitated to asking help.

Cecilia, I'd like to inform you that my younger brother will come to visit the island. However, you don't have to worry about anything. I'm certain that he will never lay a hand on you. So, rest assured about this matter.

For Cadia's kingdom case, everything was according to your plan. The hospital is almost done and half of the patients were on their way. The king seems furious about this situation. But, everything is under control. Someday, I will tell you about that.

Doctor Hambbel, already made some progress on his experiment. Of course, it is because of your amazingly knowledge. You are my daughter, after all.

Just as you said, the disease you called as scorbutic wasn't contagious by touch, air or anything else. It is purely because of lack of vitamin C. He already found that vitamin was playing important roles in our lives. That's why I send you some fruits and vegetables. Please enjoy.

Lastly, I want to inform you to send a reply to my temporary house on Blackthorn. The address written on the back of this paper. I might visit you on the next month.

Then, that's wrap everything. Take care of your health.

Sincerely,

Armano)

Theo put down the last wooden box from the carriage. Cecilia froze for a second when she noticed the massive amount of packages which is sends by her father. It might be more than enough for her to open a her own grocery store.

Indeed, she touched when knowing that he were worrying about her health.

However, refrigerator is not yet to be found, so she has to find a way to preserve this.

For carrots, turnips and she can make a mixed kimchi with it.

But how about strawberry, oranges and wild berries. Can she pickle them?

Fortunately, Mary came as her savior, "How about to make some jam, Young Miss? It easy and have longer shelf life. Miguel, the chef, once tell us, the maids, how to make a delicious jam. You can trust this matter to me."

"Thank you, Mary. I'm saved. Then let's make it and give some to everybody on this island. You know what? Everything taste better if you share it you anyone else!" She said with a delighted face.

Suddenly, she remembered Max's face. After their 'fight' yesterday, she felt guilty even have no idea why did he become angry. Is it because of her words, or he can't spend some more time with his lover due to his work?

Cecilia always thought that Max wouldn't get angry over a trivial matter. But, people who are in love can be more sensitive more than before.

Then, when Mary and Theo still checking the goods, Cecilia grab a handful of the strawberries and wrap it in her handkerchief without being noticed by her employee.

She cleared the throat and notify them that she will be in her kitchen to preparing something.

"Then, I will escort you, Young Miss."

But, she rejected her offer politely. She wants to be alone for a while.

That why she let a relief sigh when arrived at her kitchen.

She washed the strawberries before grind it with the fork. Mary gave her an inspiration to make a something for Max. It is a perfect snack for him, who doesn't like sweets.

After that, she boils the crushed strawberries to make a jam. This is the first time she made it, but she is certain that it was the right step since Yuutube cooking channels showed it once to her.

While the jam is being cooked, she made something which always she made in the past as Ji Eun, steamed egg pudding. Since it easy to make and doesn't require many ingredients.

Just beat an egg before adding the mixture of milk and sugar, which already cooked. With a deft motion from her hand, she strained the egg mixture through a sieve to remove bubbles formed through mixing.

After that, she put it on the hot steamer for fifteen minutes.

She took a bite of spoonful red jam and proud of it taste. It's the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.

At that time, Cecilia never realize that she was smiling all the time while cooking it. She really wants to saw him enjoy this pudding, and they can make  up.

This is the first time for Cecilia to had a 'fight' with her friend. That's why, she kind of clueless about things like this. But for her, one thing for sure. Food is medicine for the empty heart. To touch someone's else heart we need some delicious foods.

She smiles so brightly after carefully put the pale yellow pudding on the plate. In a small glass jar, she put all the jam into it.

"Max, please eat this to ease your anger." She said while turn her gaze into all direction. But, he is nowhere to found.

It is weird, she thought. I can't sense his presence anywhere. Well, I should make some notes for him

Then she exits the kitchen and go to her room to find an ink pen and paper before start writing.

[Please eat well, Max.]

Cecilia read it again and found nothing to add.

However, when she left her room, her eyes catches a glimpse of Havana who was walking to the library. It is their first encounter after that 'incident' and Cecilia chose this is the right time to apologize.

"Good afternoon, Miss Ambrose." She greets her in polite way.

Havana nodded and look uncomfortable when said, "Yes, Young Miss."

"Miss, I want to apologize about my poor capability to choosing word in our last meeting, and you got hurting because of that."

She rolled her eyes, "Yes. In the future, we shouldn't greet each other. Just pretend you don't see me."

"Why?" Cecilia's eyes widen like saucer. Failed to hide her puzzlement. "Is there something wrong? To be honest, I want to get along with you."

"No need. Please don't bother me with that I'm-a-good-girl-lets-be-friend charisma. I know everything about you, Fake Noble. You are not as good as your look." Havana crossed her arms with chin up.

She already read several papers about her reputation in Capital. It makes Havana certain that her faking kindness must have something to do with her election as crown princess.

Just sharing some air with her make me sick, she thought to herself.

"Then, please excuse me. I've so many things to do." Havana was walking away and didn't even look back.

Disappointed, Cecilia walked back to the kitchen with a weak move and heavy heart. She let out a sigh and realize that even in this new life, making friend is not easy like ABC.

When she enters the kitchen, Max's pudding is nowhere to be found. Instead, there is a small beautiful bouquet of pink carnation and white baby breath. It must be fresh and handpicked because it smell so nice. There was a note on here.

(The pudding was good. I heard Holk City doing some festival. Want to come?

P.s : Don't be silly, I'm not angry to anyone. Just tired. Yes, just tired.)

Cecilia smiled, and her heavy feeling were disappeared. Suddenly, she has an urge to dance. But she can't.

Even she can't sense his presence, Max must be watched her from afar. So, she washes the plates and leave the kitchen with this bouquet. She tried her best to hold back her smile.