Chapter 45: Chapter 45

"Why do I become this stupid?" Max pull his hair in frustration. It is started because of that pudding.

To be honest, Max wasn't angry to Cecilia. He's just getting annoyed about a man that can make his Chili smile shyly like a lovesick girl. Something he was unable to do.

He was angry to himself because let his feeling enraged and lost of it control. Turned everything into such a mess.

Instead of face it, he threw it to that innocent girl. For all day, he tries to found a way to apologize about his rude behavior.

Then, when he watched Cecilia cooking in a wide smile, something boiling under his skin. A bad thought crossing his mind and made his insecurity rate getting higher.

"Those bastard who can taste it. I swear, I will…,"

But it stopped when he can hear her voice clearly. When he knows that this pudding is specialized made for him, Max's surprised. He is that lucky bastard!

But, of course, he can't show up with a red blushing face. So, he waited to enter the kitchen and eat it happily.

The pudding was smooth, soft and tastes heavenly. A spoon full of strawberry jam add some light sensation that tingling in his mouth.

Surely, it was the best dessert he ever tasted in his life. Affected by his compulsive act, Max bought this bouquet in lightning speed.

After put the flowers to the table, he came back to his hidden place and saw her having a conversation with Baron's daughter.

Max can look her sour face, so he thought that their conversations aren't going well.

Cecilia, entered the kitchen and, looking so pleased when took the bouquet. But she didn't even smile after read the note.

That time, Max's realization struck his mind.

How come he casually asked her to go on a date in that festival? What if she declined that offer? What if she terminates the contract because of this awkward atmosphere?

When she left the kitchen without a word, he hit his own head due to the mess he made.

This is why he can't let his hopes high. He must be misunderstanding her action. The happiness that beaming around her face is not because she had the same feeling as his. But, because cooking is her hobby.

Furthermore, it is impossible to her falling in love with him after their last conversation. Cecilia never see him as a decent man.

Probably, in her opinion, Max is just a moody teaser who already has a lover. They have four years age differences and Cecilia might be seen him as an older brother.

"Wait, that Bridgerton must be a lot older than me. He was living and growing up together with Hugo in the past. Perhaps he is twenty-four or more. Practically, I still have a chance."

A second later, he remembered her shyly smile and his heart sank to the bottom. "Or no. Aah! What should I do? This is stupid! I'd rather fight with monsters or group of gangster than this."

While Max want to bury himself in to the ground, Havana read another paper to reveal more about that good-for-nothing Duke's daughter. She already told her father about it. But, Baron doesn't believe it.

"It is such a baseless rumor," he said back then. "I already live for more than forty years old and capable to saw through people. She is a sincere and kind-hearted girl."

Havana rolled her eyes when remembered that words, "Let's see who laughs last. I will expose her crime."

That's when she stumbled upon to the address of the Silver's newspaper. The most trusted news sources in this entire Empire. Havana smirk and without waste any time, she starts writing a letter.

__

Kaleela watch her big black cauldron with proud smile. The dark green water is boiling and create so many bubbles. The red-headed woman put some white powder to it.

PSSSSH!

The purple smokes fill the cauldron for several seconds before change it liquid's color became white like milk.

Kaleela took one teaspoon of the white potion and pour it to her flower pot.

Then, something magical happen. The rose that planted on there became bigger. Slow but sure, the leaves move as if it's dancing and growing taller. It happens at the thorn too.

One minute later, the flower pot, that made from clay, broke. The small rose flower plant, growth immensely and turn into bushes of gigantic beautiful red roses. Vine and filling the half of her house. It was tall enough, until it reached the ceiling. The diameter of each flower is about ten inches.

"Hmm, not bad. Maybe it is enough." Kaleela then give a check on her list, "Okay. So bat's wings is compatible with goblin's teeth. Should I add dandelion's root too? Hmm. How about the pesticide? An ounce of Belladona's powder should be enough."

She moves her hand so quickly until her handwritten was unreadable. Her cherry lip grumbling something as if she was chanting some spells.

"Meow." A black cat pushed it body to her leg.

"Just a minute, Gold. I'm so busy right now."

But Gold, the black cat, is not a tolerant creature. It keeps pushing her legs with it body. That is Gold way to get her attention. More over, what Gold wants, Gold get.

Until one point, it bites her calf muscle which isn't covered with her black knee-length dress.

"Ah! Gold! Don't do that to me!"

But its olives eyes stare at her and suddenly, she felt some chills on her back. It is a danger sign.

"Meow!" Gold's voice getting louder, and it is not because of hunger of food or craving her attention.

"You should tell me sooner!" She grab Gold into her embrace and flick her left finger.

Nothing happened.

Kaleela getting panicked as she sensed something dark approached her.

She ran to her closet and the portal to escape isn't working.

Whoever her enemy now, they must be a strong opponent.

"I should have make the barrier. Cih!"

"Meow?" Gold licking it hand when saw Kaleela bit her thumbs and chanting some spell before let the blood dripping in the floor.

Suddenly, a yellow blinding light filled her house for several seconds.

After that, a golden small frog came.

"Bob, help me out from here."

"Don't wanna," the frog blurted before spread out it red blackish tounge. "Beside, my name is Rana Ranidae. Please be respectful to the older one."

"Do it! Otherwise, I will kill you."

"Fiiiiine. Don't look at me with your wicked expression. That's why you stay single forever."

"BOB!"

The golden frog closed it eyes but feel nothing except a confusion. "Hmm, my power doesn't work here. Kal, could you summon my brother now?"

Before Kaleela can answer, she can hear the sound of the opened door. Bob and Gold suddenly gone make her whispered in desperation, "Traitor."

She draws her dagger from her pocket. Kaleela is one of several witches who have an exceptional skill on physical combat. She tries to breathe slowly to reduce her nervousness. Still, it's been a long time since her last combat.

Slowly, she walked to the front door and gasped when she found the infiltrator. The uninvited guest is Grant Lancia.