"What take you so long?" Duke Lancia sit on his chair with intense gaze.
Cecilia slightly bowed, "Please forgive me for my carelessness."
"Sit down. However, due with all respect, I don't remember to invite you to this boring conversation, Your Highness."
Max casually sitting beside Cecilia, "Don't mind me, Duke. I just want to have some lunch. Besides, it feels so lonely to eat by myself."
Armano look uncomfortable, but he didn't have the choice, since that second prince play a big role in this confusing confession. "Cecilia, do you want something to eat?"
Doesn't expect that question, she flinched and take a look at the menu book. All of them was written in weird language.
Max cleared his throat, "You are holding it into the wrong direction."
"Ah! I see." She answered and reverse the menu's position. But, it is still unreadable.
Armano didn't say anything after Max tell him the whole story about the rebellion of nobles faction.Actually, he knew that the faction is planning something. But, never crossed in his mind that they will do such a nasty plan.They were talking in Duke's study room. Cecilia isn't awake yet. But, several maids already guarded her.Max slowly drank his red wine. "I heard everything about Cadia. Too bad, honestly, I'm rooting for your slow burn plan."Armano's gray eyes fixed on him." It was her idea. The one who found the cure of that pandemic was my daughter.""She is wonderful person, isn't she?""May I ask about your relationship with her?"The young man smiling and out his empty glass on the table, "Like I said, she is my destiny. We already passed the dragon's trial, too."The Duke's forehead wrinkled. His brother's warning was
Baron Ambrose can't believe what he heard, "Miss Lancia was collapsed and Duke bring her to the Capital?"Grant shrugged and put his back to the chair on Baron's workroom. "Yes, but don't worry. Her condition is getting better. She was under Doctor Herald's care. One of the most reliable doctors in this Empire.""I'm relieved, then. Please tell me if I can do something for her. I'm feeling guilty because Young Miss already do so many things to this island and my family. I owed her my life.""Don't worry too much, Baron. She will visit you after everything is settled.""But, I saw that Lancia's knights and maids already made some preparation to leave this island.""Yeah, I don't know why my brother do that. We still need so many hands to help the island."Grant crossed his arm while throwing his gaze to the starless sky. The first opening day of South Island's resort
"Did you, by any chance, has a toothache? Should I call the doctor?" Hugo asked after he notices that his employer was holding his cheek all day with closed eyes.But it still surprised him since Max never get sick before.That young man keep silent, so Hugo shrugged and continue to read some books.Seven minutes later, Max opened his green eyes. With a serious look, he said, "Being young is the best.""You are barely twenty, Boss." Hugo answered and try to not rolled his eyes."But, lately, I feel so much younger around Cecilia. Not to mention, everything look so beautiful today. Look at the bright sky and radiant sun. A perfect weather to do a picnic!"Hugo threw his gaze to the window and wondering if they were watching the same scenery.The sky was dark, and it can get rain in anytime. He can see a lightning hiding through the cloud. "I p
"I greet the stars of the Empire, Your Highness, the second prince." Cecilia bowed and smile gently to the guest."Are you mocking me, Chili?" Max pouted and crossed his hand."I'm just doing some manner, Your Highness." She said when sitting on her chair. A maid prepares the tea and cookies to the table before leave them alone.Max rose from his chair and walk to sit beside her, "Just greet me as usual. Besides, I will step down from the throne, next year. So, don't do it again. And, why you didn't cook again? These cookies look boring.""But, it's tasted great since our kitchen staff are great, Your Highness. Anyway, I was forgetting the rice wine for my father on Aunt's house. So, I will go there at the noon."Max's eyes sparkling so brightly, "I'll escort you.""No need. I want to go by myself.""How mean! You break my heart after kissing me! S
Duke Lancia slowly shake the white liquid on his tall glass before take a sip of it.The sky, outside his study room, already getting darker because it is almost midnight."It's tasty. Too bad, this has a short shelf life."He said to Albert, the Butler, who still reading the rice wine's recipe which Cecilia made.He already tasted it and kind of like that liquor.Never crossed in his mind that a mere grain can be made as a refreshing beverage. It almost looks alike with milk, however has a slight viscosity that tastes slightly sweet, tangy, bitter, and astringent.The alcohol rate was lower than regular beer and tasted more refreshing than it. For Albert, it is a revolutionary culinary invention."It will be a great idea to sell the rice wine across this empire. We can use a pasteurization technique to prolong the shelf life. Same like as we do while produce b
Max staring at a small box, which come from Cecilia, with mixed feeling. He was happy when saw his fiancé's face, however, a hint of hesitation and awkwardness still lingering.When she entered the room, he realized that he was missing her. It's weird because he didn't realize it sooner.Her smile was bright as usual. He noticed a dark circle around her eyes. Dragon's bless should make Cecilia understand his feeling.Unfortunately, it didn't apply to Max's case. Her true feeling is still a mystery for him."It shouldn't be a problem, though. We are destined for each other." He said while holding her gift.Hugo was come abruptly when she enters his office and 'kidnap' her in front of his eyes.Now, the two of them was visiting the school together. Meanwhile, Max was lonely in his office.He wants to swapping place with Hugo. But, he wasn't su
"So, that's what happened." Gillian said after heard her story about the secret meeting in Ligaya's Island."But, it's still hard to believe. I mean, the black cloud came into your dream, warning me about the unknown punishment and grant you anability to paint. It just--,"Gillian shook his head, "I can only paint my hyung's faces. Other than that, it as bad as before. Perhaps it's a bliss for me. To keep them alive in my memories. I want to treasure it.""Han Ki Jung." Her face getting worried when she notice a longing feeling in his eyes."Nah, forget it. Anyway, how's your relationship with that masked man? I still remember how he asked me to write your name in Hangul. Ah, it still scares me."Cecilia shrugged, "Well, that's good.""Eh? What happened?" He asked while raising his brows. "You look dissatisfied of something.""Just in your im
"Did you see that? I wonder why did she here." "Not to mention, she was here with a strange masked man." "She must be seeking attention after stepping down from the election." "To think that an unmarried woman have a meal with an unknown man. Did she want to make another scandal? The future of Lancia's family is getting darker." "I thought she was exiled to that barren land." "Do you mean it's South Island? My husband said that it already changed into tourism spot." "Ah! Really? Are you sure it wasn't a rumor?" "My, my. Duke Lancia must have so much money and power to defend his daughter." "He will do everything he can to protect her. Honestly, it's scary." Max looking at her calm face with worried look. He wondered why did Cecilia didn't react to the whispering behind her back and focused on the scenery outside the glass window of this dessert café. "You should've angry with them." Cecilia's hea
“It’s done. Young Miss, you can open your eyes, now.” Mary’s voice sound like she was excited. More excited than the bride-to-be. Cecilia saw her reflection in the mirror. She was smiling when said, “Thank you, Mary. I like this! You are doing a great job. Like usual.” “I can’t believe that you will be married this sooner! Young Miss, please be happy forever!” The purple-eyed girl takes Mary’s trembled hand, “Thank you, Mary. For everything. I hope you will be happy too.” But, the poor maids can’t answer because she tried her best to hold her tears. Cecilia handed her a silk white handkerchief with a small giggle, “Don’t cry. People will think that I was going to the funeral.” “Th-thank you, Young Miss. It’s so.. rare for you. I mean, I mean for bring this cloth.” “Well, it’s Max who taught me to bring any. He said that a noblewoman c
“We were sorry to trouble you.”Max and Cecilia bowed deeply to everyone in that room. Desmond, Gregorio, and Helga didn’t even bat an eye when the young couple confessed. Both of them didn’t wear any makeup anymore. After they know that Grant and Kaleela already spill their secret, the young couple thinks that they have to confess even the project is still ongoing. But, the harm is done and Cecilia didn’t think that she will be forgiven. Helga sighed. No matter how many times she create a scenario to make them felt embarrassed, she didn’t have the heart to prank them. But, the show must go on, “Yes, we understand. Can’t you guys just go home, now? And you don't have to come again.” “Miss Krueger..,” Cecilia’s purple eyes widen and she looks like a puppy. Max pat his fiance's shoulder, “Then, we bid you
Callisto blow his soup slowly before eat it. He like it a lot and has no complaint to eat the same soup for eternally.That young wolf man look in a good mood and it make Chris who eat beside him feel curious, “Did something good happened?”A hint of red colour tinted in his cheek when answered, “My father is getting better.”“That’s good news! Congratulations! You should visit him again this week.” Chris smile widely to that boy.“Yes, I know.” He ate the last spoon before drink water and look at his empty plate. “If you done, I will wash your plate, Sir.”“Okay. Thank you.” Chris said when Calisto’s thin hand took that white plate away.The restaurant’s owner raised his brow as if he remembered something and left the kitchen to his room.When he came back, he put a brown paper bag on the table, “Cal, give it to
Unexpectedly, Desmond nodded and said, “I know.”“HUH?”Helga turned her head withwideneyes. “WHAT?”“I know who they are. But, it doesn’t matter since my axe accepted them.”“Ah, I see. The axe of judgementmust be sense something… How can I forgot about it?” Helga feel her shoulder gotten lighter. As if someone already take the burden that weighed her for all the time. She feeling glad that she choose to talk with her brotherrather thankeeping it by herself. “I’m relieved then. Actually, I’m afraid that you getdisappointedif I didn’t tell you this sooner.”Desm
“Even in my wildest dream, I never though that I can meet with the great magician as you, Miss Kaleela.” Helga said with a friendly smile. Her blue eyes gleaming into something that make Kaleela annoyed. "Welcome to the Frozen Magic Land. I hope you can enjoy your visit in this humble island.” Kaleela crossed her arms, “Long time no see, Krueger. Fifteen years, isn’t it?” “Yes. After the graduation, we separate ways. So, how are you, great magician?” “Please stop being sarcastic. Ah, please let me introduce my husband to you. Grant, this is my underclassmen, Helga Krueger. Krueger, this is Grant.” Helga threw a warm smile to Grant before she looked at that red-headed woman, “I thought you will never get married.” “Things happened.” “Ah, I see. Anyway, the world is narrowe
“Ah, I'm glad that these cookies is still edible! Thanks, Max! You have a sharp sense of smell.” Cecilia said after she put out the fire on the stove. Fortunately, only a bit part of the cookies which already burnt. She put them to the plate to let them cool.“Talk about the smell, I want to make a confession.” Max said after he took a bite of the chocolate cookies. “Actually, the reason why I don't want you to go on the Icicle Island because of the… dog's smell.”Cecilia tilted her head. Tried to remember her encounter with that four legged animal, “I'm not sure if I met any.”“Callisto. He is the one who smell like that.”“Callisto?” Cecilia usually spent some time with him because he work at the restaurant, and she often cooked some food along with Callisto and Chris too.He squeezed her sho
Winter almost left from the Empire. Even tough the sun shines brightly, it didn't mean that it's not cold!The snow still falling from the cloudy sky and everybody still wears long coat when they were outside.Cecilia, takes a sip of her tea in guild's office. Hugo was reading the monthly report, but he can't help to asked her, “It's so rare to see you here, Young Miss. For past three months, Boss and you always go to Icicle every day. Did something happen?”“I don't know. Max told me to rest for this week.”Hugo raised his brow, “Rest?”“But, he wants to have a date with me after he back from there.”“My, he is so weird. Then, what happened to the Icicle? Did the progress of snowman's project doing fine?”Cecilia smile warmly and sip her peppermint tea again, “Yes. To be honest, it's better than the South Island. Max worked really hard and Desmond wasn't bad as I heard
Max almost threw his dagger to Desmond. But, Cecilia stop his movement by holding his hand tightly.With a firm voice, she said, “How can you say something stupid like that in front of my husband?”Cecilia's purple eyes look so intimidating. It never crossed in Max's mind that his little, cute fiancé can act like a brave yet sexy woman like this.“Something stupid?” Desmond knitted his brows before he started laughing. “HAHAHA! My, my. It's seemed you are misunderstanding, Kitten. I'm not into a married woman with acne in her face. In short, you are not my type.”Cecilia didn't drop her guard. She looked as cautious as a wild animal, “Then, what did you mean?”“Cook a dinner for me.”“What?”“Huh?”The young couple exchange their glance and wondering if they heard it right.“Yesterday, we catch so many rabbits, and I'm so tir
Cecilia carefully holding the old hunchback man's left arm when they are walking on the frozen road. “Please be careful, Mr. Grande. It is a bit slippery.”The old man nodded and walking more slowly. His hand, which holding on wooden cane, trembling slightly. “Thank you for helping me, Dear.”“It's nothing, Sir.” She replied it with smile.Max, who walked beside her, took a glance on his fiancé. Never crossed in his mind that the fictional name is really existed.Mikaela Montgomery used to be working on the coal factory. That building already abandoned for a long time and that poor woman was dead because of disease.This old man, Derek Grande, remember her as a kind and an energetic underling. She was gone when she was 20. Then, Derek kindly tell them the location of her graveyard.Cecilia let out a heavy sigh and wondering what kind of expression she has to wear on this man who lo