Chapter 473: Forgiveness (2/2)
”Don't just run out without a plan,” said she.
”Mother, these contacts would be more useful on your hands…”
”Don't look at me as if a stray,” she poked his cheeks, ”-it's related to Éclair, and only the spirit has the right to see a fitting host. He'll take good care of you in my absence. I won't force the duties of a noble-birthed boy on you, go out and explore, live the world for yourself. You imposed your condition, and it's now my turn. Never take off the contacts or earrings. There's a special slot on the phone that manages the contacts. Put them when you sleep or don't need them. The phone needs, and I repeat, MUST be on you at all times, is that clear?”
”Yes lady mother, I appreciate it.”
”Good, then feel free to mess around with the AI. After all, it's a creation of Phantom, a gift from my brother. You're back to our family, don't cause too much trouble. Else lady Haru is going to be angry.”
”By lady Haru,” a frightful possibility flashed, ”-did you speak to her?”
”Obviously,” she laughed at his timid face, ”-she knew it all along. Now, what will you do?”
”Don't know,” he shrugged, ”-I guess I'll head to the Trader's Guild and start working. I did promise lady Haru to do my best… I mean, I did sort of get kicked out of the lady Yuki's favors.”
”I won't be so sure,” without realizing as he kept on scouring the phone for more features, she sneakily brought the car to the town square. Twilight laid out the window, the stone-road ambered with street-lamps until a nicely lit, 'Loron's Restaurant'.
”Lady Mother, are you sure?” asked he bewildered at her decisive stare.
”Yeah, I heard from Lord Lordon earlier. It's part of the reason why Elvira return. The Lordon's were very apologetic, mostly Yuki, she grieved the most at her attitude. Here,” the speakers came to life. ”-Lady Elvira, I beg of thee, I never knew my actions would end in such a scandal. I'm saying this not as the owner-chef of Loron, but as the lady who endeavored to teach a young boy. I know my personality is very toxic at times, I've acknowledged it for years… habits are hard to change. I pledge from this moment forth to care for Igna with all my might. I thought he would have come for revenge. Those sympathetic eyes that turned to comfort and love, I want them back, they are the reason I stepped in the kitchen. I want the best for him, please, give me a chance.”
”I don't have a say in the matter,” said she strictly, ”-the decision is master Igna's alone. Lady Courtney shall bring him to the restaurant later. Don't get me wrong, I haven't forgotten the way you treated a potential heir to the Haggard's. If word of this got out, the Lordon's might be vanquished and squandered like the feasting ants you are. That goes double for you, Lord Lordon. My sources say you've engaged in rendezvous with the Five conglomerates of Alphia, must I remind thee of thy stature? Thou art part of the nobility of Hidros, scandals can break a nation's peace. Let this be a warning, any more of those secretive meetings and I swear,” a heavy object dropped onto the table, ”-the DG might get involved.”
”I apologize, lady Elvira, I was naught but an exchange of food talk with another gourmet. I meant no harm.”
”What is done is done, don't stand out too much,” the recording ended. The pause of silence amplified the terrifying nature of the cheerful Elvira.
”She's a totally different person,” he stepped out.
”That's the leader of Phantom for you,” winked Courtney, ”-go on and decide. Tis thy future. there's a gift waiting inside. Don't take long,” the windows rolled.
'Off she goes,' back against the speeding car, he walked slowly towards the opened restaurant. Many o' couples went to and fro. The night-life had begun, the atmosphere had a sophisticated air to it. No longer were teenagers and mothers gossiping, it replaced for one quiet and peaceful.
”What did she mean by surprise?”
”Lady Courtney sent a bike, a gift for quicker movement. Anything else you'd like to know?”
”I was wondering, are you Éclair?”
”Yes, I'm your assistant from today onwards. There's no particular thing to be worried about. Make sure the phone is charged, that's about it.”
”Are you sentient?”
”Yes, I'm a living being in all the sense of the word except in physical form. Remember, if you need anything, just speak, I shall come to thy aid without delay. The interface before is my view on the world. In other words, we've merged for you see what I see, and I see what you see. The danger levels are self-explanatory, you can configure the settings later,” it zoomed onto a strange figure hidden behind a curtain.
”That's lady Yuki, isn't it?”
”Yes,” the visual changed to the inner-camera, ”-lady Yuki.”
”You can access anything?” asked he with a cheeky expression.
”Affirmative, I can even get into an actress's bedchambers and leak a few explicit videos and photos, granted there's digital gadgets present.”
”A nice invitation,” he laughed, ”-Éclair, thank you for the help.”
”No worries. I'll configure the current settings for cooking. Lady Elvira uploaded a summary of preferences and such.”
”I don't have any idea of what you speak, but thank you.” The voice turned mute with small pop-ups in the corner, he took to speaking in word.
'This is awkward,' he stood at the door, ”-excuse me, may I come in?”
”Igna?”
”Manager Jola,” he entered the emptied restaurant, ”-where's lady Yuki?”
”In the kitchen,” she stopped mid of cleaning the tables as he walked by, ”-psst.”
”Yeah?”
”Come here,” she gestured, ”-do you know anything about the lady's strange behavior?”
”No, maybe it's the weather.” Not only was Jola cleaning the room, but the other chefs were also spotted here and there replacing glasses and plates. They nodded as hello and resumed. 'Interrupting them is not that good an idea,' he figured and pushed the wide-double doors of the kitchen.
”Lady Yuki,” she stood strongly with a wandering gaze.
”Igna,” her half-smile felt confusing and on edge, Joe paused to lean into the would-be exchange. Emma and Emmy were cat-like in their espionage to crouch blatantly behind flour. Something was wrong, they felt it first-hand. ”You've come?”
”Yeah?” he shrugged, ”-about the restaurant.”
”It's fine,” she interrupted, ”-I won't be sad if you leave us now. I mean, it's partly my fault. I mean, you're from a noble family, I can't expect to have you cutting vegetables for a living,” the words sped, ”-so, so, I'm…”
”Lady Yuki,” he chuckled, ”-I came to work. My lady mother sort of dropped me here and left.”
”You're not leaving?” the tense cheeks eased into her resting face, ”-I'm glad. We don't have time to speak, go get dressed, service starts in half an hour.”