"So, what do you want to talk about? Please make it quick because I'm busy." Cecilia said while both of them were in the library. She wants to reply her father's letter about the banquet in the palace.
"Don't be so cold to me, Niece. You are really broke this old man's heart!"
Cecilia sighed heavily. After what happened in the past, how could Grant say something irresponsible like that.
However, as if he can read her mind, he said, "Consider it as my token of apology after the previous incident. I will lend my power to help your projects."
Cecilia raised her brows. Even it was a good idea, but she doubts that Grant didn't ask something in return. Is he want to trade it with Kaleela's information?
"Don't worry, I'll go home after finish your job. Seem I already left Hagrav for a long time. And, what do you say?"
There is an old saying, keep your friend close, but keep your enemy closer. Cecilia snort softly, "Well, if you insist. However, don't cause any trouble."
Grant blinked twice before he laughs so loud. "Oh, my! You are truly that Armano's daughter. My hair standing to an end and I can't stop trembling!"
She rolled her purple eyes. "The builder men will come in several days. So please don't make any trouble."
"Don't worry. Can I see the draft of the building?"
"It's more like a rough sketches rather than draft." She said after looking for a large book in the shelves.
When Grants saw it, he was amazed about the every picture that drawn in that book. The one which catching his attention was a tall building like tower but there are so many windows on it.
"What is this?"
"Skyscraper."
"Pardon?"
"Skyscraper. People can see the scenery from whole direction. It should be nice if we have a telescope."
"Ah, you mean to see the stars?"
Cecilia's eyes widen. "You know about it, aren't you?"
"Yeah, kind of. I never know that you are interested in this thing." Grant said while his eyes still glued on the book he was hold on to.
"What do you mean?"
"To predict the future, the wizards or the witches read the stars movement by using that tool. Although, the accuracy was about ninety percents, I don't believe that. To thought that our fate was written in the stars, makes me feel insulted."
Cecilia nodded. Just like in her past, shaman and fortune-tellers are considered as con artist. But there are always a handful people who believe them. Ji Eun never trust the zodiac or any other crap about clairvoyance.
"I agree. But, the dark sky which filled in shining star is a spectacular scenery."
"Hmm, I never thought that you are a romantic person. May I ask about the person who draw this?"
"I did. Do you have any problems?" She asked while crossed her arms.
Grant's smile widens, "Wow. As expected from Lancia's inheritor. You can do everything with those small hand."
"Flattery doesn't bring you anywhere, Uncle."
"No, no. Don't get the wrong idea. I honestly admire your ability. Can I borrow this book?"
"Why?" Cecilia doesn't mind because it just her sketches which she made when she got bored. But, Grant's smile make her feeling anxious.
"Don't worry. I only use it for a good thing. Okay? Then, it settled. I'll be back before dinner. See you later, Niece." He said before disappearing into the mist.
Cecilia shook her head and even she's wondering what will he do with that book, she chose to trust his word.
Her attention change to the letter from Armano. It is about Emperor's birthday in the next month. She still gets light shivering when remember about Aileen Silver and her group. They are too intimidating.
Talk about awkwardness, of course the crown prince already included on her problem list too.
Perhaps she can stick out with her father. But, what if his friend approaching, and they start talking about politics. Cecilia can't help but wonder that it must be nice to have someone in her age that can be her partner in that party. Suddenly, Max's face popped out on her mind.
"No, I can't."
"You look so troubled, Chili. What happened?"
It was Max who suddenly sit in the edge of her desk. She blinked twice to make sure that he is real. Not a projection from her mind.
"Max?"
"At your service." He slightly bowed and when he takes a glimpse of her letter, he smirked. "Ah, I almost can read your mind, Chili. You must be nervous to meet with His Highness. What a beautiful love story."
"Don't be so mean, Max. You know it was a false accusation."
"Then why did you daydream just now?"
"I don't know why I have to telling you this. I was thinking about my life. As you know, I have no friend in the Capital."
"Ah, yes. I heard women's friendship are complicated." He nodded and rubbed his chin with a finger.
Cecilia put her palm in her head. Her free fingers knocking on the table." Not really. If you can meet their requirements, it is not a big deal. As for me, well, let just say I didn't pass their audition."
"That's harsh, Chili. Did you forget about what I sa--,"
"Wait a minute! This and that are different. I just want to have a friend to talk in that party."
"Don't look like that, Chili. The party is only for several hours."
Cecilia pouted because Max seems doesn't understand. Just a thought to breathe in the same room with those people, made her feel uncomfortable. "It must be nice if you are my partner on the ball."
Max's jaw dropped, "What?"
"Yes, yes. I know it impossible. Well, might as well, I will read some politic books."
"It was a good idea."
"To read a politic book?"
He shook his head. But a small smile escaped from his lip, "To make me as your partner. Then, you should improve your dancing skill, Chili."
Cecilia, who think that Max was joking, let out a sigh and took a book about basic of politics. But, she chose to play along. "I have no problem with it."