“How did you know to do that?” Carl Evarez’s bodyguard asked in shock.
“I learned it from you.” Genevieve said innocently.
“From Me?” Carl Evarez’s bodyguard asked in confusion.
“You came out of the shadow’s before so when I saw nobody here, I thought the shadows were linked to you somehow.” Genevieve said sheepishly.
“So you chose to burn it?” Carl Evarez’s bodyguard asked in an unimpressed tone and Genevieve blanched as she began to sputter.
“Don’t tease her, Malachi.” Carl Evarez said to his bodyguard and Malachi looked at Genevieve before turning away with a humph.
“Did I do something wrong?” Genevieve thought as her mind reeled.
Noticing Genevieve’s gaze on Malachi, Carl Evarez smiled and said “Don’t let him bother you.” “He is always whining about someone or something.” Clark said flippantly and Malachi looked at him with a playful glare.
“Now that we have settled that.” Carl Evarez said as he straightened up.
“Can you three, tell me what you are doing here?” Carl Evarez asked with a smile.
“Uhm.” Clark began before telling Carl Evarez everything, from what he did, to what his dad has been doing to him since his mother’s death and by the end of his story Carl Evarez was livid.
“I gave you a choice before but this time I am not giving you that chance anymore.” Carl Evarez said coldly and Clark’s expression plummeted.
“What?” Genevieve thought as her mind raced.
“Did I change the plot too much?” Genevieve thought in fear.
“Malachi.” Carl Evarez called and Jacob and Genevieve became on edge.
“Wait-” Genevieve tried to say but Carl Evarez waved her off.
“Get him a uniform.” Carl Evarez said to Malachi.
“It’s not his fault-” Jacob tried to protest but Carl Evarez raised his hand to silence him.
“Give him a uniform.” Carl Evarez repeated as the children held their breath.
“So everyone knows that he is under my protection as my apprentice.” Carl Evarez declared and the children took a collective sigh of relief.
“For where you will stay-” Carl Evarez thought with a hum.
“I can sleep behind the counter.” Clark said quickly, determined not to cause anymore trouble.
“I am small so no one will notice if I sleep behind the counter.
As for bathing, I can go to the stream every morning and-” Clark tried to say but Carl held him by the shoulders softly.
“You don’t have to do any of that.” Carl said, emphasizing each word.
“The top floor of Elaris is rarely used.
I created so that I can have a place to nap but now that I have a much nicer house in the capital that room is now yours to keep.
you can sleep there and you can also have a bath in the small room attached to it.” Carl said with a soft smile.
“Are you sure?
I could-” Carl tried to say but Carl reassured Clark with a smile and once Clark saw his room, tears welled up in his eyes.
“I can’t take this.” Clark said softly.
“How can I pay you back?” Clark asked sorrowfully and Carl hummed.
“Since you can’t accept it as a gift, accept it as part of your payment.” Carl said calmly.
“Payment?” Clark asked as if the words payment was a high class magical item that he hadn’t seen in his life.
“I was originally going to pay you for taking care of the shop while still being my apprentice, but how about I turn your paycheck into a free room, three square meals a day, and some light pocket change?” Carl said with a smile.
“I promise to work hard.” Clark Elson said with a bow and Carl Evarez patted him on the back with a smile before going down the stairs with his bodyguard in tow.
“How can I repay you both?” Clark Elson asked Jacob and Genevieve.
“It’s here.” Genevieve thought as her eyes flashed mischievously.
“You don’t need to.” Genevieve said in tandem with Jacob.
“I insist.” Clark said firmly and Genevieve grinned discreetly.
“The both of you changed my life, practically over night.
I would like to help you both somehow.” Clark said with earnest eyes that made it impossible to say no.
While Jacob thought of what to say, Genevieve took her chance.
“Have you heard of the whisper peach?” Genevieve asked and Clark Elson shook his head.
“It’s flesh is known to enslave the mind and confound your senses while it’s stem is known to cure even the most dire of mental manipulations.” Genevieve said grimly and the two little boys watched her in horror.
“I have recently been exposed to it you see.” Genevieve said sadly and the two boys gasped in surprise.
“When did this happen?!” Jacob and Clark asked in outrage.
“It doesn’t matter now.” Genevieve said with a shake of her head.
“All that matters is I managed to get a stem.” Genevieve said as she brought out the stem of a whisper peach.
“Eating it might be the fastest way to survive but what do I do if I am attacked again with the same tactics.” Genevieve said sadly and the two boys stared at her sadly.
“That is why I need you to brew it into a potion.” Genevieve said softly.
“Brewing it into a potion, might weaken the effects but it is a better option than waiting to be harmed by the same tactics.” Genevieve said firmly and Clark nodded.
“I will try my best.” Clark said as his eyes blazed in determination.
The Palace.
The Day of Princess Evelyn’s tea party.
“Presenting the first daughter of the former Queen and the only niece of the Grand Duke of Evertis, Princess Evelyn Maria Montigue.” A servant called and Princess Evelyn walked into the room in a beautiful blue and white gown.
“Wasn’t this a tea party for children?” Genevieve thought as she glanced at the numerous adults in the room.
“House Valemont, House Bellecourt, House Orlaine are seated the closest to the Queen.” Genevieve thought as she gave an innocent smile to all the guests.
“And the Grand Duke seat is empty.” Genevieve thought as she did a curtsy in the center of the room.
“To be expected.”Genevieve thought as she said “I welcome you to my humble tea party.
“The Grand Duke can not leave his position without an official summons.” Genevieve thought as she said “I am delighted that so many people have honored me with their presence for today.” “I wonder what they have planned for me.” Genevieve thought as she said “I hope everyone will have a good time.”