"Theo, is it okay to continue the journey now?" Cecilia asked after read the letter from his father.
That letter only contains two short sentences.
[Dear Cecilia,
You can continue your journey without any worries. I'll take care everything.]
"The sky is getting darker, Miss. In my opinion, it safer if we go tomorrow morning."
"Okay. Then you can check the carriage or any preparation for tomorrow's departure."
"Very well, Miss." Theo said before he walked out from her room.
"Miss, do you want to eat dinner?" Mary politely asked her.
"Wait, Mary. I need to ask you a question. How long did you work in Lancia's?"
Mary tilted her head and her index finger touched the chin, "Hmm.. It's about five years. I was fifteen when Duke hired me. Is this something wrong?"
"Well, did you know my uncle? I mean a man called Grant?"
Mary looked shocked when she heard that name." Ah, I see. To be honest, I never meet him in person. But, I heard a lot gossip about him from my seniors."
"Really? Is it good or bad one?"
"He was quite popular, Miss. Since he was a noble man who often flirt with the maids."
"What?"
"But, that behavior stopped after he met a woman called Kaleela. They said she was a beautiful but his family didn't like their relationship. They broke up and your uncle was ran away. It is indeed a sad story, Miss.
But for us, the maids, it was like fairytale. That's why his love story was considered as a legend for us. A tragic love story of rich and a pauper! That's so touching, Miss!"
Cecilia blinked twice and look confused. Failed to understand her exitement, "Ah, well. Okay, then.. Please bring me the dinner here, Mary."
Her servant bowed before leaving.
Now, Cecilia closed her eyes and tried to think about the conection of Scorpion, her uncle, South Island and Max, that flrirter.
***
Albert was suprised when he saw Armano walked into the study room that night. He thought that something bad must be happen since his face looks so weary. But, as a profesional buttler, he can't casually ask him.
So what he can do now is bowed and warmly greet him, "Welcome home, My Lord. Do you need something?"
"Bring me a cup of tea. Make sure it still hot." The Duke walked and sit on his chair. His black hair was messy and carefully massaged his temple.
"As you wish, My Lord." Then he came to the kichen because he was the one who made the tea.
Because his employer might be tired for long journey and feel a light headache, he prepare a fusion of lemon and ginger tea. It is always be his favourite.
"Father. Why did you prepare the tea?" His son, Christo, asked him with curiousity. He was making a cofee for himself. Seems like he will be staying up tonight. "Duke is away and it is too late to accept a guest."
Albert glanced at his only son. Christo is in his twenty. He have a charming face and childish smile. His hair is light bronze and have a pair of brown eyes.
But, his dating life isn't good. Because he was so focus on his work and have no interest for woman. For him, woman is just an obstacle of his career.
Of course, Albert always pushed him to get married and 'make' a dozen of child as his succesor. But, that young man isn't budge.
"The Duke is back, Christo."
"Eh? Really? It is good, then! When did His Highness back? Ah, I need his sign on the legal document of Hongport shipment."
"No, not now. His Highness is not in a good shape. Just go back and talk about it tomorrow."
Christo frowned, "Ah, too bad. Then I have to go to my room. Good evening, Father."
Albert nodded and let his son dissapeared behind the kitchen door.
He pulled the trolley which contained the tea and biscuit for snack to the study room.
When he open the door, he saw Armano was in a deep thought.
He gently knocked the door and when The Duke's attention is on him, he said, "The tea is ready, My Lord."
"Yes. Albert. By the way, I met Grant today."
The buttler carefully pouring the tea eventhough it was a shocking news for him to heard. Albert is one of several people who knows the truth about Lancia's brothers and their not-so-triangle-love story.
So what he managed to said was, "Is it a terible encounter, My Lord?"
"He tried to disturbed Cecilia. So, I need to warn him."
Albert nodded and he now can connected the dot about Kale's arrival and Armano's today departure. Grant must be the main culprit of this commotion.
"He didn't change at all, Albert. Still playing around and doing that silly magic experiment. Hagrav was so unlucky to have him as their governor."
"Lord Grant maybe have... his own way to lead that place, My Lord."
Armano shook his head in despair, "He still in love with that woman, Albert. And he choose her over his people. What a shame! My father will rose from the grave if he know about it."
Albert's face remained calm as if he know about this, "And what are you planning to do, My Lord?"
"I need to hire someone for doing an espionage on Hagrav. It's will be a great problem if they planning a rebellion war. Since he made me have a bad headache, I will let Grant doing whatever he want."
"Then, I will contact our regula--,"
Armano raised his right hands, "No. I will go by myself. There are so many question I want to ask."
"Is there something wrong?"
"Cecilia knows the Scorpion."
"Pardon me, My Lord. Is that true?"
"Yes, Albert. My daughter know about that organization. Despite her geniousity, it was impossible for her to find them. Except they are the one who contacted Cecilia first."
"I understand, My Lord. When will you go to their base? I need to reschedule since you have so many activities these month."
"No need, Albert," Armano rose from his chair and said, "I'll be back before dawn."