Chapter 31 - The Don and The Second Root 4 (2/2)

His servant tilted his head, ”Do what?”

The young Don halt, pointing four times the place where they left, ”That... That... That - that.”

”Aah, don't worry, boss. It is just a simple transaction for a bright future,” he thumbed up.

Hermes grabbed his collar, ”Are you selling your boss to that woman?” His servant dumbfoundedly replied, ”Eh? Don't worry, boss. As your butler, I have to make sure that you have a bright future. I mean the Archnemesis clan should always take an initiative and advance preparation. Who knows, she might give you a male heir if you choose her.”

”Ay yahay yahay,” Hermes released him and covered his eyes in disappointment.

”My Don, you need to remember that you're still the boss of our organization. I don't know how long would it take for you to realize the possibility of being alone in this world. Being a loner is never an answer. You're still a young and healthy young lad, so you've got to enjoy your youth to the fullest. You need to take measures and also, you need to prepare for your own future. A future where you will stand firm with your family, friends, and subjects.” His butler explained, briefly.

”I don't need a lover and I don't need friends in this place. Who are you to say that to me, huh?” He pressed his index at his butler's c.h.e.s.t three times.

Justin stood firm and gravely replied, ”I'm your butler, attendant, and ―”

”― And, what?” Hermes insisted.

His butler declared, firmly.

”The Consigliere of Archnemesis Clan. It is my responsibility to make sure you won't fall on the wrong path. Some unfortunate beings who fail to receive a good blessing from God are all living in hell, and they have to work so hard to survive in this world. To be specific, living alone won't make you happy. I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone. That's why I want to make sure you won't end up like your father and elder siblings.”

Hermes bit his lower lips after he got reminded by his position. His servant spoke a good explanation based on his past experience.

He clicked his tongue and turned around.

”Nevermind. I don't know what you're planning, but believe me or not, I don't like that girl. Let me remind you again. Never ever do somethin' behind my back. Or else, I'll whack you out, personally. Capiche?” he commanded.

”Yes, my Don.” he lowered his head in respect.

Hermes clicked his tongue.

”Let's go. The clients are waiting. This place ain't safe for talking about more shits about our organization,” said Hermes.

Two hours later, the meeting was over. Hermes and his servant excused themselves and went home. The Priestess invited him for dinner with Ylla, however, he reluctantly refused her because he had some business to take care of. This made her sad a little bit, but she fully understood his position for a while, so she let him go. But the truth behind his refusal was, Hermes didn't want to increase her affection rate any further.

Before Hermes walked away from the Church, Chief Zamor called his name. And, he invited him to talk to him, privately.

The young Don accepted it, and he gave a signal to his servant to stand by for a little bit.

”Sir. Aljen, I know it's a little bit too late to ask you for this, but please hear me out,” he asked, anxiously.

”Okay. Tell me what you want to say.” Hermes folded his arm across his c.h.e.s.t.

Chief Zamor coughed once before he spoke, ”I want to apologize in advance for this one big 'favor' of mine. I know you're a busy person, and you've got some business other than this. I know it fully well because you always go outside of our village for quite some time.”

”No, you don't need to apologize, chief. You're a good client of mine, so it's not a big deal at all. What you do expect me to do now?” he asked, smiling.

The old man rubbed his neck and pulled out a cigar from his c.h.e.s.t pocket. He ignited it and blew a smoke after he gulped it.

”Sir. Aljen, I know this will be a difficult task, but I'll make sure to pay you 'double' for this.”

Hermes' ears twitched after he heard the word, double.

”Oh, good, we're now talking somethin' nice to hear.” he rubbed his hand happily. ”Spill it out, chief. I'm excited to hear it.”

”Umm, here it is. On Monday, my twins would go to the Dark Scily Forest to gather some herbs. Our stocks are minimal and it is not enough to support our market to supply our clients in other provinces.” he hesitated to continue.

Hermes recalled the time when he saved the twins from the demon beast five days ago. He understood that the chief wanted to make sure his kids were safe to return home, however, there's somethin' he wanted to hear from him.

”So, what's this all about then? You want us to act as the bodyguards for your kids?” Hermes asked.

”Exactly. That's why I want you to do me a favor, Sir Aljen,” the chief scratched his cheeks.

”Oh, wait. How about your men working in the village hall? There's gotta be some tough guys who would volunteer for that job.”

Chief Zamor shook his head and he corrected, ”Sir. Aljen, I know that, alright. But I don't want to risk my kids' life and put them under someone's protection. Remember, there are some village guards who hated me so much. And, I don't have anybody besides my friend Ubert.”

”Oh, yeah. The fat and the smelly old man? The one that almost got cut off by my butler? Oh, I remember him fully well. I hope he's still okay.”

”Umm, I don't know I should tolerate that or what. But yeah, he's the fat and smelly old man you know about. But, he's a difficult man, and he's my old friend who recommended me to hire Mattia, in the first place. Oh, may he rest in peace.” he signed in the crux. ”Y'know, I don't want to entrust my kids to this man after I learn about his friend's true personality.”

”Ah, I get it. But why me? You got those representatives on your back, and some jackass village guards to keep them safe. So, what's gotten you to entrust your kid's life to this small-time and young lad the merchant like me?” Hermes quizzed.

”I don't know too.” Chief Zamor closed his eyes before he continued, ”To be honest, I don't fully trust you.”

”Oh, thanks. That's too sweet to hear. I'll call you later. I gotta go now then.” he snorted.

Chief Zamor opened his eyes wide and stopped him before he could turn around.

”W-w-wait, that's not what I meant. Please, please, I'm beggin' you. Hear me out. I don't mean to disrespect you, Sir. Aljen.”

”Okay. So, answer my question properly or else.” Hermes folded his arms across his c.h.e.s.t, menacingly.

Chief Zamor heaved a sigh.

”I admit I don't trust you, yet, because you and I are strangers. We've just met for less than a week. Both sides have their own business to take care of. But the difference between us is huge. I'm a single parent of three kids. The eldest is working abroad to someplace for God's knows I don't know. While she's out of town, my twins are following our family tradition to keep it alive. To be honest, my children are the only reason for me to keep living in this village. They are my strength and also, my weakness.”

Hermes kept his mind focus on his explanation.

”Sir. Aljen, you're still young. Your very talented man who's trying to act like an a.d.u.l.t, but you cannot hide the fact that you're still a teenager. Y'know, you're in the same age just like my eldest, so for some unknown reason, I'm very attached to your presence. That's totally the fact why I'm very fond of you, to be honest. You're the opposite version of my child.”

The young Don's body shivered from the cold breeze, but for some reason, he felt warm or somethin' genuine to his words.

The chief blew some smoke before he tossed away the stick of his cigar.

”I hope you accept my favor. Please, guard my kids on Monday. You're the only one who I could trust. So, please. Help me.”

”What time?” he asked.

”Time? Don't tell me. Oh, my goodness. I'm very grateful, sir.” he hung his head in front of him.

”Don't do that. We're outside. Someone will misunderstand this. Lift up your head before someone sees us.” Hermes insisted.

”Around 7 in the morning.”

”Copy, I'll meet you up before 6:30 a.m. Tell the kids to prepare themselves. I'll keep in touch.” Hermes noted.