Chapter 60: Chapter 60
"What? One gold coin for this is too much! Are you trying to rob me?" Havana can't believe what she heard. How come a dress can be so expensive!
Helga, the tailor, shrugged. "The silk alone cost fifty silvers, Miss Ambrose. I can make a substitute by using the finest linen if you want to get the cheaper one."
Havana frowned. Linen is the common fabric, aside of cotton, to make daily wear for commoners.
It doesn't matter if it is the finest quality or not because linen is linen, she thought to herself. Even that Witch use luxurious silk for her daily wear, it is so unfair!
Then, Havana flinched after realize that. An idea crossed in her mind. "That okay, Helga. I'm changing my mind. Thank you and see you later!" She said as she dashed out to the exit door.
Havana walks faster to reach her home. With a sly smile, she said, "That witch is currently away, and she won't be notice about one missing dress. But first, I have to deal with that servant."
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Cecilia doesn't know about the ancient time of Korea. But, perhaps, it must be look alike with Hongport.
Most of the buildings were made by log and have curved roof with tiles.
The citizens have the same characteristic too. Small black eyes, oriental face and pale skin. All of them wear clothes which look alike with kimono.
They are walking through the nights market. Everybody talking in strange language, and she knew nothing about it. Even the word that written in there is like the mixing of Kanji and Hangul.
"What do you want to eat?" Max asked. He held her hand tightly and suddenly, Cecilia's hunger faded away.
"Hmm, I don't have any... ideas." Max raised his brow and snickered,
"It's weird to see you confused about the food."
"I can't read the word written in every stall." She shook her head while pointed a board in one shop.
"It's roasted duck."
"Eh? You know how to read this?"
"Kind of. I learned their language for business purposed."
"Can you teach me? I want to know everything about this place."
"It's okay. But I am a strict teacher."
Cecilia giggled and feel almost comfortable to tease him. She wants to stop the time, enjoying this moment for a bit longer, "Don't worry, Teacher. I will try my best to be your student!"
"We will see. Anyway, Chili, I know a popular restaurant which cook so many delicious food. Let's go!"
Cecilia nodded. However, something catch her attention. There is a stall which selling some weird food.
"Don't tell me you like that kind of meat?" Max narrowed his brow when he knows what Cecilia looking at.
"No. But, it was bringing me back to the memories."
"Pardon me. How could baked snake and fried frog make you feel nostalgic?"
In her past, it was common food that sold on the hidden back alley of her city. People said that snake's meat can heal several skin problems like rash or redness. Meanwhile, frog almost tasted the same as chicken.
She never ate that, though. However, it reminds her of the loneliness feeling. Walking all alone in the street just to entertain herself.
Now, Max is beside her and hold her hand. Shared the warmness. He made a big difference in her life.
"I'm so grateful, Max."
"To come in Hongport?"
"To meet you. I'm so blessed to have you around."
Max locked his gaze to Cecilia's purple eyes. They are surrounded by the crowds. But, the presence of Cecilia make everything seem blurry. He can't focus on anything but her.
"Then, I'll treat you to a delicious food, Max! Considered it as accommodation cost. Wait, did they use the same currency with us?"
He smiled and chose to make her happy for today. Instead of rushing to make a love confession. Max doesn't want to ruin this day because of his arrogance. "Unfortunately, no. Let me pay this time."
"Wow, you seem in a good mood."
"Of course. An ordinary man like me, able to treat the Duke's daughter! Perhaps my name will be written in the history book."
Cecilia laughed brightly. For him, it was the most beautiful music in this world. Her eyes sparkling, "In your dream, Max."
"Yeah, a man like me surely know how to dream."
Several minutes later, they arrived it huge building made with wooden which painted in red. The roof curved beautifully. It reminds her of the setting of historical drama.
Several bamboo plants standing proudly in front of the restaurant.
There are some red koi fishes on the pond. Near with those bamboo plants. The water is so clear and Cecilia feel relaxed just to see their movement.
"They look so cute, aren't they?" She asked him.
Max wants to answer, 'No, you are cuter'. But, he can't find any courage to say that. "People think that they are a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and courage."
"And longevity."
"Yes, you are right. How did you know that? From a book?"
"Just a lucky guess." She shrugged.
"Hmm. Well, let's go in, Chili. You should taste their noodles. It's tasted like heaven!"
He gently holds the entry door to let her in first. Max said something to a man, probably the waiter, who stand behind the entry door.
He smiled widely and escort them with kind face.
The interior of the restaurant look so elegant. The bamboo plant was there and several paintings about scenery, hanging on the white wall. It is so quiet because they didn't meet any guest.
Instead of the table and chair, there are so many rooms with sliding wooden door. It's like a fancy Japanese restaurant.
The waitress open the door on the most cornered room and left after he bowed.
The room was so huge. A screeching voice was heard when Cecilia walk to the wooden floor. There is nothing there except the long brown table.
Max opened the door beside her, and she can see the night view of Hongport's mountain that located far away from them. The full moon shine so brightly.
"It's so beautiful."
"Yes. We can wait here until the food is ready to serve."
"What did you order?"
He shrugged. "It's secret."
"What? You must be kidding me."
"Don't worry, Chili. It's really worth to wait." Somehow, Max's smile look so mysterious.