Chapter 4: The Noble

The crackling sounds of the carriage wheels echoed outside the doors of the orphanage. Its gem-studded wheels crushed the scattered pebbles blocking its path. It was time. The patron of the orphanage had finally arrived again to take the children at the right age to help in his business. A pudgy man wearing an English mustache stepped down from the luxurious carriage.

The old mistress was already waiting outside for the great noble. She wore a fake smile as she stared at the carriage.

He came a bit earlier, but they had already expected it. The boisterous little kids were already out, studying in the nearby building.

The old mistress bowed towards the pudgy man and said, “Thank you for visiting, noble. We welcome you as always.”

“It’s been a long time, Anna.” The pudgy noble nodded, eyeing the old mistress with satisfaction. His chin raised to the heavens, a smile filling his face. He threw a glance at Lili, making the lass flinched. “Name of the beautiful lady?”

“She’s Lili, noble,” said the old mistress, her words drier than usual. “She’s one of my assistants. The one helping me in taking care of the younger orphans. I can’t do this without her.”

“Please do your best.” The great noble said. He then shifted his gaze away, curiously looking around the orphanage. “Let’s go to the kids. Please lead the way?”

“They’re all waiting for you inside,” answered the old mistress. She moved out of the way, opening the door for the noble. “If you may, great noble.”

The noble strode forward, accepting the invitation of the old mistress. He moved inside, followed by his attendants and guards, marching straight to the meeting room. He had been here many times and was already quite aware of every nook and cranny of the orphanage. The noble and his entourage finally reached the room where the kids were waiting.

Seeing the trio waiting for him, the noble smiled and waved. The gesture calmed the fidgety trio. It seemed like they had sensed the friendliness of the noble. He was not as scary as they had thought.

After seeing the eye-signal of the old mistress, Lili immediately strode out of the room. She walked straight to the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks for the guest. The warmth of the kitchen calmed her down. Lili had already met the noble several times. Still, she still felt frazzled and scared every time they met. Her senses tingled. The noble had his eyes on her, and she knew it was not some good news.

Her thoughts drifted. She wondered what the leaving children felt after meeting the patron of the orphanage.

“Wonder how they feel?” Lili whispered as she busied himself with the tea and a few pieces of newly baked cookies, condiments. She pulled a few pieces of cubed sugar, putting it in an ornate pewter sugar bowl. The old mistress bought it for her after visiting the capital. Soon enough, the tea had already reached the right temperature. The scent of luxury filled the kitchen as a gulping sound echoed from her throat.

“No, this is for the great noble. Control yourself, Lili.” Her golden eyes shook, trying to hold her desire to taste it. Even though the great noble and the old mistress wouldn’t know, she refused to risk it.

Along with cookies, she placed the tea in the cart. It was costly but was necessary according to the old mistress - something only prepared for the great noble’s visit.

Lili checked everything before she pushed the cart slowly towards the meeting room. Carefully entering the room, she heard the conversation of the old mistress and the great noble. It was all about the delivery of the next goods and supplies for the orphanage.

The great noble seemed to be quite happy that he’ll be able to bring three new helpers for his business. The last time he came here, he could only bring one. Surely, there’ll be extra supplies for the orphanage. Not now, but considering the ways of the great noble, it’ll be coming after he brings the children away. Their patron was on the pleasant side of the nobles. As compared to those war freaks she heard from the people in the slums, he was a rarity. He will take care of the orphans, feed them, raised them, and even give them work once they grow up.

She took a deep breath, entering the room. She looked around and saw the children jovially laughing as they talked with the noble. For some reason, it made her sigh in relief. It seemed like she doesn’t need to worry too much about them. Waltzing towards the table, she gently put the few snacks and the tea. She carefully added the hot tea into the cup.

Unfortunately, she made a mistake.

Lili felt a gaze landing on her and shuddered. It was the gaze of the great noble. She felt a bit stifled and retreated unconsciously. Yet, her feet slipped, accidentally nudging the cup of hot tea.

The hot tea splashed on the noble’s lap, making him jump out of his feet. His face slowly turned dark, a storm brewing in his eyebrows.

The gazes of the noble guards narrowed, turning into slits. A few even held the hilt of their swords. It forced even the old mistress to stand up from her feet, paling as she gazed at the drenched patron. The lady with the golden eyes couldn’t help but release a hiccup as the atmosphere in the room changed for the worst.

“Stop.” The voice of the noble echoed. There were no emotions in his tune. His once-friendly tone vanished.

Lili rushed to his feet, bowing repeatedly. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose, sir. I just slipped, I didn’t mean to spill the tea.”

The three little kids stood but were blocked by the noble's guards as they eyed them coldly.

The old mistress also stood from her seat, paling. She lowered her head along with Lili. “Please forgive her, sir noble. I know her, she’s a bit clumsy, but she’s a good kid. This one is an accident. She didn’t mean it.”

The noble’s cloudy face receded. For some unknown reason, light mirth formed on his face before disappearing again.

He raised his hands, gazing at the guards. “I’m alright. Don’t pull your swords.”

After uttering those words, the guards retreated. Still, their sharp gazes remained focused on the quivering young lady.

Lili looked around and saw the children trembling. She smiled wryly, realizing the mess she had made. The rapid movements of the guards had also shaken the young ones.

Lili lowered her head again. She feared her mistake might affect the prospects of the children. She was also scared for the old mistress. Despite the kindness shown by the great noble, he was still among the ruling class.

Thus, she took all the blame. She dropped to her knees on the floor with her head held down. “It’s all my fault. Please punish this commoner, great noble.”

Yet, the pudgy noble’s reply wasn’t what she had expected.

“What’s your name again?” The noble asked in a kind tone.

All as if nothing had happened.