"Why you look so sad, Chili?"
"No reason. I'm just thinking."
"Like I said before, just do what you think is right. You can't control their reaction toward yours. But, you can control your reaction toward their action."
Cecilia stares at his interlocutor, "How old are you, Max?"
But he shook his head, "It is not wise to asking someone ages. But, since you are the exception, I will tell you. It's nineteen next year."
"Oh, you're matured well! I thought you were in mid twenties."
Max smirked and Cecilia wonders what kind of face which hidden under his mask. "Let's just say I handle so many things in the guild."
"What is the strangest thing you ever face at your guild?"
Max tilted his head, "I got a request to take a stone from a dragon who stays deep in the cave."
"A stone from a dragon?" Cecilia gasped and closed her mouth with both hands. "Thats amazing! And how do you manage that?"
He scratches his scalp, "It is not that amazing and did you know? The one who ordered me was your uncle."
"Ah! That old man! How could I forget about him? Do you know that I got a problem because of you?"
Max giggled. "Sorry, Chili. Your father was ordered me to protect you after that accident. So, please don't blame me."
Cecilia wrinkled her nose and punched his shoulder, "You think it wa funny? I thought I almost died back then! He interrogated me like a villain who ruins his plan. But, his face was priceless when I said… Oh. Oh, forget it. I'm just glad that it was over!"
"Hey! You can't pause and left me on the cliffhanger!" Max protested when he saw Cecilia bit her lip with hesitation.
"Well, it is not important. I just blurted out because he made me mad."
But, Max seems doesn't let it go easily, "No, no. You have to tell me since he always put me on the edge. It's just you and me, but he is kinda worship me."
"Indeed." Cecilia nodded with agreement. "He looks like an angry girlfriend for me. That old man always talk highly about you."
"Yes, yes. I know that my charm was irresistible. Unfortunately, I'm not into man."
"Ouch! If he heard you, he would be died because of broken heart." Cecilia laughed until her eyes were teary. "First of all, I have to apologize to you. Because I said that I will make you swept your feet on me."
He rubbed his chin with an index finger, "That's a good idea. If I pretend to be mesmerizing on you, maybe he can stop bothering us."
"Hey! I don't want to have any business with him ever again!"
Max's eyes staring at her, "Huh? You don't know? Duke Lancia granted his wish to access the island."
"What! No way! I'll write a letter to Father!"
"South Island was under his name too. Technically, he can do anything. But, don't worry your uncle already made a promise to not hurt you or anyone else."
Cecilia sighed heavily, "You are right. However, he was doing something weird to me. I mean, he put me on an unknown place with a smoke and after that, he put me back to my room. Oh, I remember he asked me about these Scorpion thing. Do you know about it?"
Max reaches out his hand, "Please hold my hand, Chili. I'd like to show you something."
"Huh?" She looks confused but take his hand anyway.
And then something magical happened. The lake and it surrounding were changed into a crowded place.
It was Capital's Square! And they were doing a night festival.
A second later, a firework was exploded in the dark sky with deafening sound.
"Oh, My!" Cecilia raised her head in awe. Everything was beautiful in her purple eyes. The crowds gives a big round of applause and shouted their happiness.
Meanwhile, Cecilia whistling so loud to celebrate it.
Max laughed when saw it. "You were really something else! Let's go, Chili! I'll show you about Scorpion."
Cecilia holds his hands and they moved into different place.
It was the Shooting Star.
The bar was empty and the bartender look so bored while he wiping the glass.
"Gale, make some apple cider for us. I'll wait on the cellar."
The bartender's hand shakes the bottle without saying anything.
"So, the Scorpion is your guild?" She asked when they were on the corridor.
"Yes. I am the member of this guild."
"Who are the leader?"
Max shrugged and plays dumb, "No one know. He must be a man who full with a secret."
"And might be the strongest human being." She whispered but he can hear it.
"Why?"
"Because the members were exceptional! Hugo can jump from the second floor right after he wakes up and you can do that magic too. Move from a different place in a flash!"
Max's heart feeling a bit flutters, "Heh, you might be right. He must be a great man."
"It's so rare to hear your compliment about another man."
Max smiles and open the door to let Cecilia comes in.
Hugo, with uncombed hair, was studying the pile of documents on his desk. A black circle was under his eyes and he looks a bit skinny.
"Mister Hugo! How have you been?" Cecilia smile so bright while slightly bent her body to greet him.
"Oh? Young Miss! What a surprise!" And then his smile faded when saw Max who walked behind him, "Ah, you..,"
"Is there something wrong, Mister Hugo?"
"No, nothing, Young Miss. I just feel tired because someone gave me so many workloads. I got ten years older every day!"
"Hi, Hugo." Max said with gleaming eyes. His lip twisted a smile.
Before Hugo answers him, Cecilia asked, "You look thinner than the last time we met. What's the matter? Is it because of the accident?"
Hugo threw his gaze to his employer. An idea was crossing on his mind. Then, he looks at the Duke's daughter and start complaining, "No, Young Miss. I can only eat once a day. My boss was an evil man. He neglected his responsibility and playing around with a girl."
Cecilia narrowed her eyes, "What? How come he do that? Did he know that you need a recovery time after that accident? You should have quit, Hugo. I can give you a recommendation to work at Lancia's household!"
Hugo's eyes tearing up,"You are so kind, Miss! I hope that you will end up with a good man unlike my boss!"
Max's eyes shooting dagger at his minion. But, Hugo pretends to not see it.
"I should have to make you some food, Hugo. To cheer you up."
"You don't have to. We have no kitchen either." Max said with gritted teeth.
"What? Your boss must be a cheapskate for not able providing food for his employer! He is the worse!"
Hearing this, Hugo tried his best to hold his laughter. His employer face was amusing to him!
"I know it's not much, but you can use it to buy something to eat at the Square." Cecilia gave him a handful of silver coins. Change from the South Island's merchants.
Hugo accepts it with gratitude,"Oh! I must be seeing an angel! Thank you so much, Miss!"
Before she said something, a door was opened. Gale brought a tray with two tall glasses and casually put it on the table. "Your beverages are ready."