Chapter 6

"Not that much of the matter, Miss Lyle. I just feel a little ill," he responded.

"Where do you stay? What do you do around this house, Simmons?" I inquired.

"Mr. Lyle let me stay around here ten months ago. Sorry for your loss, miss. He got me from Frosthaven, where I used to work among the Dimwharf army. I don’t really do anything around this house, and ever since his passing, I’m rarely fed."

I fell silent for a moment, listening to him speak. He was dressed in a beige shirt that clung to his body and a pair of gentle pants. His hair was a little longer than that of the other boys I had seen before. I noticed his stance in a few blinks, but what caught my eye was his voice. He spoke in a rather feminine tone that prompted me to inquire.

"Why do you sound very feminine if you don’t mind my concern?" I asked, and he responded bluntly.

"Is it bad if I may ask?"

"No, not really. It’s not a bother. Where do you reside around this house? I remember asking."

"Here and there. Sometimes around the field," he answered, gazing at his hands.

I kept silent for a while, studying his body. He blinked more than expected, never once looking into my eyes. His hands were paired together, fingers moving.

“I would like it better if you stayed around this house. There is a bedroom right next to mine. In return, you will be my caretaker and informant. Can you take that?” I asked hesitantly.

“Do you mean that?” he questioned, excitedly at first, then faltering. “But Mr. Edward,” he mentioned.

“What about him?”

“He wouldn’t be happy about me living inside the mansion.”

“Well, that’s up to me. Respond to my requests and report only to me. I will see what to do about Mr. Edward’s acceptance. Be around the mansion effectively today. I don’t want to ask more,” I commanded.

I wouldn’t say that I valued Simmons' stay at my house, but there was an urge in me, a commanding voice that insisted on ensuring his safety. The same voice that had my eyes fixated on him at the field and led me to demand a word.

We both moved out of the room, him leading me as I observed his walk.

“Hello, Simmons,” greeted Mr. Edward, passing him to me. “Can we have a word?” he demanded.

“Diana, please show Simmons the room next to mine, and I will be joining him there after I’m done,” I requested, heading back to the study with Mr. Edward.

“Are you moving Simmons inside the villa?” he questioned.

“Yes! Is there a problem with it?” I asked.

“How do you trust a random stranger in your house like that?” he forequestioned.

“How long has Maximus Simmons stayed around this Villa, Mr. Edward?” I asked.

“About nine to ten months, if I’m accurate,” he said.

“First, he is more accurate than you are, Mr. Edward. He’s lived in this villa for ten months. Second, you can’t let some random stranger roam around the whole house. You say he is a stranger, right?” I asked, and he nodded. “Well, you don’t let strangers sleep anywhere around the villa. If he is really not good company, then having him close to me will help monitor him. Don't you think?"

He gave me a gaze and briskly walked out of the room. I didn't reckon the way I talked back at him about anything concerning young Simmons. But I couldn't help the feeling that something was pushing me hard to command anything that concerned him.

I did know how to treat Mr. Edward - with respect. Not only because he demanded it, but also because he was someone I would trust with others when out of my hands.

The fact that I was the new boss and owner of the Lyle villa didn't really bother me. Despite the weight on my shoulders, I knew I would try to manage. I had been through the responsibility of caring for many things back in Oxfall town.

"What is it you wanted to tell me, Mr. Edward?" I inquired politely, watching my tone.

"You need to write that response quickly back to the king. I do believe, at this point, you will need the royal support," he implied.

"You can help me with that, right? You, more than anyone, know how to make better decisions," I responded, giving him a moment of silence before continuing. "I'm really sorry for how I spoke to you back there at the table. I didn't intend to."

"It's alright, child. Please, sit," he turned, coming back.

"You know the way you give privilege to that child, Simmons? It's the same way your father did. I never liked that boy from the very start. I tell you honestly. But your father would give his life to keep him safe. I do think that he would want you to do the same. So, I won't stop you at it, but if ever he misbehaves, don't run it to me."

"Did you tell that to my father too?" I asked.

"Yes, I did tell him. Just the way I'm telling you. The royal messenger will be setting off early tomorrow before sunrise. You can think of a date and let me know by tonight."

"Of course, Mr. Edward. I did think about it already. Two sunsets from tonight is my choice," I reckoned.

"Two sunsets from tonight, you say. It's a weekend, though?" he mentioned.

"Is there a problem with it?"

"Yes, of course. Every weekend, your father would set off with his men to Eklane town."

"And what does his routine have to do with me?" I asked.

"There is an orphanage in that town. He provided supplies every single weekend."

"Okay. Make it a Monday then. I shall be meeting the King on Monday. Is that better?"

"Yes. Better," he smiled.