Chapter 16: Amethyst Eyes & Peculiar Shop
Crickets could be heard everywhere. The people were heading back on their home whist some are heading somewhere as time approached deeper into the night, the lamps were beaconing on the street side as carriages were on the side waiting for passengers and some were just passing by the towns.
One particular carriage that has a willow tree leaves carved on its door are passing by the towns and villages. The carriage destination were on the very remote place before one could go in the mountain that's on the west part of the kingdom of Questillia.
The carriage was looking black in color since it's night time, and two people were riding inside: A woman who's a pureblood vampire and a boy. She wore an apron overlapping her expensive dress that has a moon butterfly brooch on its right side, looking outside the carriage window. And a young boy who looked like a pauper because of the way his clothes were similar to one, whose eyes were similar to an amethyst gems while looking at the lady infront of him. Curiously.
"Miss,", called the young boy. He looked at the lady infront of him who keep smiling while looking outside the carriage window. "You seems amused of something... What is it, Miss Lyn?"
The woman turned her attention on the young boy and said politely, "I'm just delighted to have encountered the man whom Lady Priselz mentioned on the letter that she sent. He's really somethin..." She chuckled as she remembered the man's expression.
"Oh, I've heard of that story four days ago after arriving here. Its a good thing that Mr. Leonard was there to prevent massive casualties...", said the young boy. He took something from his side pocket which is a bag of pebbles like small stones with different colors.
When the woman saw what his holding and she couldn't help but smiled. "Is that the reason why you asked me to go on my way as you had some place to be?", she asked while looking at the young boy who nodded and grinned. He took some and put it on his mouth. "Aren't you going to give some of that when we arrive there on the mansion?"
"Of course, I do.", he answered in a matter of fact tone. He pulled a bigger bag that was on his side and showed it to her which make the woman laughed out loud. "Say, I'm prepared if you must know.", said the young boy proudly.
"Indeed, you're prepared Sir. And I'm sure those children will to love such treats, and the young miss would be thrill to have you visit her.", the woman said after she laughed and the young boy nodded.
The boy was from Dylarianion Kingdom which part of the empire. He's there because of his father who wants him to be the one who would represent on the upcoming meeting, and also, to deliver a words to an elder council about their previous investigation which was the elder asked of them to do. Nonetheless, he also wants to go and visit someone there who he acquainted with whenever they would go and visit his homeland, and that was one of the reason why his so thrilled to be on Questillia Kingdom, thus also to look around the place.
The woman sigh in silent and noticed the direction of their carriage that were heading which was not the same way as what she remembered when she last visited the estate as she looked at outside. She wondered if the coachman didn't knew the way or the boy infront of her was responsible for the change of direction. She also wondered where he went a while ago if all he wants was to buy some sweets.
Then after sometimes she asked, "Say, are we heading to the estate directly or do we have to stop elsewhere before heading there?" Turning her head and look at the young boy who has his eyes closed whist leaning back on the carriage seat. "And can you tell me where did you go earlier when the candy shop were just three shops ahead the boutique before we could head on the very last shop to buy the wools?"
"Just looking around.", answered the young boy whose appearance weren't accurate as what other saw of him, he then open his amethyst eyes like gem and sit properly then looked outside the carriage, "It's not everyday I could go and venture here in Central Kingdom, you know. And yes, we'll have to stop and pick those three up at the next village before we head to their mansion as per the lady asked of me."
As for the woman, she was there to accompany the boy on his way to the estate where everyone of the family resides. Also, there are things she needs to deliver on the mansion that was requested on the last letter that was sent two days off the time as one of the elders assistant who lives on the estate, who had asked her to buy the stuffs and send it personally to the mansion. Therfore, she got no choice but to go even though the mansion was far away from the main town.
The carriage took a halt at their destination. The coachman went down and open the door, then a two girls and a young man entered inside the carriage, and after that the carriage went on their way. When the three people got inside the carriage, exchanged their look at the young boy, and confused about his clothes that was tattered as they sat.
The woman who was with the young boy greeted them, putting her left hand on her right chest and bowed her head slightly as she said respectfully, "Greetings and good evening to you Ladies and Sir,", then she rised her head. "It's my pleasure to have this ride and to be acquainted with all of you again."
"Likewise.", said the two girls in unison and looked back again on the young boy who just ignored the stare.
"Still polite as ever, I see.", said the young man while smiling and nodded. He wore a black suit with a blue thread designed on the edge. "So how's the council doing after the event on the village happened, Miss Lyn?"
"Only on the outside, tho."
One of the girl said who wore a commoners dress as they noticed she was in a bad mood and looked at the man who raise his brow at her behavior. In question.
"Just like the one who's with us now. Am I right, big brother?"
The young man just smiled at her and said calmly, "Whatever do you mean, little sister. If you just restrain yourself that night then you won't be having such chasten waiting for you on the mansion, my dear sister. Hence, the punishment isn't my fault." He smirked after.
"The councilors are still trying to track down the culprits that's responsible for everything,", Miss Brooklyn said slowly after the girl turn her head to look outside the window, watching the houses and people on the road as they passed. "The elders of the empire are working on it as we speak, and the master's finding that was written on the letter which was sent yesterday on the mansion will be discuss overmorrow with the lady.", she informed them as they just silantly nodding over what she said. "The head council and the subordinates that's under her, the master and of course those who are under you three will also part take in the upcoming meeting."
The other girl just keep silent listening to them. She keeps staring at her front where the young boy sat there quietly while listening too.
However, the way the girl keeps staring at him which he couldn't help but noticed the girl intimidating gaze that makes him feel uncomfortable, like she was thinking of skinning him alive, and therefore he asked, "What is it?"
His looking at himself through the girl's brown eyes like she's looking into his deepest part. A deepest secret which he, himself doesn't know about. Nevertheless, the girl didn't say anything and just keep on staring at him that made the young boy feel less comfortable. Afterwards, he saw the girl turn her attention outside the carriage window, and he heard her say in almost a whisper which in turn made the boy's amethyst eyes to also looked outside, and he felt like a veil is being lifted as they were heading towards the mountain top.
"Revelare semita quae abscondita est ex, et conquisitor."
The boy knows and understands little of what the girl was saying, what it means though as he was studying about it at his homeland not long ago, which means: "Unveil the path which is hidden from, and to the seekers."
The girl was wearing a black turtleneck dress and her hair was tied up. She also wore an earing at her right ear similar to the other girl which also at the girl's right side; the shape of the earrings was an eight pointed star that has a ruby gem stone on it center.
"The coachman can't see the path and the path to the mansion when it wasn't lifted.", said the girl to no one in particular, she turned her head on the boy who raised his one eyebrows in question. "I really hate that child face of yours, Ulysses. It kind of reminded me of that certain men whom I really want to kill."
When the other two of her companion heard it they couldn't help but laughed because of the young boy's reaction which was confused, the woman whose with them was shocked over what she heard coming from the girl.
The two of her companion knew exactly who she's referring to, and couldn't help but to chuckled. Controlling their laughter.
* * * * * * * * * *
After Fanies took the letter that was handed by Céllistáh. He proceeded on going to the next town which the second-in-command instructed him to go that was next to the main town where the royalties, nobilities and aristocrats mostly lives, with his horse.
All town folks of the kingdom mostly gather at the center town where the higher-ups mainly resides where they can have their business, and it's quiet more lively these days than usual because of the incoming festival as the other merchants moved their stall businesses at the side streets to accommodate more customers. There's also a traveling merchants from other Kingdoms and Empires which are the only ones who could enter freely.
The town that Fanies should go were not that full of noise, not like the center town. As only the carriages that would stop and go while others would just passing by. The town people are walking on the corner of the road, and some are glancing at the slaves as some nobles brought their slaves with them to help carry some stuff while others just to show they have money to buy slaves, and the merchants mans and womans are entertaining their customers with different things.
At the far end of the many shops. There was one particular shop with a peculiar name which was read "MOON ENDURANCE Shop" on its door. He looked down at the list he had with him to check if the shop name was correct that was on its back.
He frown staring at the door of the shop name which was very weird. Nevertheless, he needs to go and buy the stuffs that was listed on the parchment gaven by Céllistáh on these small peculiar shop. He went down of his horse and tied it on the corner.
He walked toward it wondering why a shop so small was on a place like this whist it still part of the town, but the thing was that its so far away from where the crowds should be and its so small. And for some reason the shop name was a bit odd for him.
"Welcome and good day, Sir! May I know how can I accommodate you?", a voice of an old man was heard when he open the door.
While opening the door of a small shop, he was greeted by a sweet peculiar scent and an old man who greeted him.
He looked around closing the door behind him and saw variety of things; from silk fabrics to wools, from face to feet ornaments and essentials, from highest to lowest quality products could be seen and bought from there.
'For such a small shop, this is really unexpected.', he thought.
Fanies walked on the side looking at the shelves where there's so many glass tubes and bottles with different colours and sizes, looking at the old man who was patiently waiting for a response from him who adjusted his eyeglasses on his nose by pushing it back.
An old man was a human at his late sixties who greeted him. The man walked near to entertain him as the old man could tell based on what he wore that was of a noble.
"Does you already found what you're looking for or do you want me to look for it as you just sit down on the chair over there while waiting?", asked the old man gesturing at the couch on the far center and the seller's table are where he could pay his bills.
He walked to the couch and sat crossing his legs and lift his hand that was holding the small parchment. "Here's the list of things that you need to get for me. Prizes is not a problem."
When the old man took and read what was listed on the parchment he looked back again on the man infront of him and asked, "Does Lady Céllistáh's the one who gave you this?"
Fanies frown staring at the old man because of how he guessed by just looking at the hand writing. He wondered if Céllistáh was his old costumer since the old man could tell by just reading the items on the list whist he nodded and asked to conform his mind, "Does she always come here to buy stuffs?"
"Yes, Sir. She does always come here to buy different color of wools for knitting, high quality fabrics for clothes and other necessary equipments for woman.", answered the old man. He's now searching for the things that was listed.
"Is it magnolia flower fragrance that I scents? Why is it like there're something sweet in the air I smelled?", Fanies asked in wondered as he sniff the air.
The old man nodded and replied to him whilst looking through the shelves that was on the left side, "Yes... it's a magnolia flower with honey fragrance on it, M'lord."
Minutes passed and the old man was still looking for the things that is on the list. Fanies who was just seating there got bored and decided to stood up and went out of the shop, and just come back moment later to fetched and paid the things when the door suddenly open as the doorbell rang.
"Hello, Mr. Qatero.", said the lady who just entered the shop. She has dark red eyes and her blonde short hair was style on the side while waring a black long dress with white apron.
Fanies assumed the lady was part of an aristocrats family because of the dress she wore but the apron on her waist tells him otherwise.
But he wondered if she isn't part of an aristocrats why is waring a fine dress, and if she is from an aristocrats family why is she waring an apron.
The old man look at the entrance and saw the lady who smiled at him while she closing the door behind. "Uhh, Miss Brooklyn... Good afternoon. Been a while I guess. What brought you here this time to my humble shop?", questioned the old man named Mr. Qatero.
"I just came to buy wools since the Young Miss wants to make some sweater and gloves as a gift I suppo-", she said and stop midway when she realized there was someone with them and looked at the man who stared back at her.
"Oh, right. I still have customer that need to attend. Miss Brooklyn, if you like you can just go and see the supplies of wools I have at the back?", offered Mr. Qatero.
Nevertheless, the vampiress shook her head and smile. "No, it's fine. It isn't that I need to go back there immediately tho. I'll just choose a good fabric over there for Sir Leonard since his older sister asked me to."
She pointed the shelves where the other fabrics are and made her way like she wasn't bothered herself about the man who keeps staring at her since the time she entered the shop.
* * * * * * * * * *
Birds were singing on the trees whist the other animals at the surrounding were making different kinds of tones that could be heard outside the opened windows as the curtains are being swayed by the wind.
In one particular room of the huge mansion, two maids are attending the young lady who sat on her bed looking outside the window as the sun has begun to go down whist listening to the sound of the forest animals that surround the mansion. One of them are arranging the books that was on the table and some were on the bed, and the other maid was combing the young lady's long wavy hair that was spread in the bed.
"Wonder when will big brother Rai come back and visit me again? I'm kinda bored here.", the young lady said at no one in particular. She hugged her knees and rested her chin on it while looking outside the huge window as she wondered. "And big sister was gone for her work leaving me behind. Why couldn't I just go with her?"
The two maids couldn't helped but smile because of how she's complaining. The one who is combing her hair said gently, "Wasn't it your fault? You went out here yourself without permission, escaped elsewhere the previous week, and involved yourself with danger. We all glad that you're fine after that. However, it didn't set well with your big sister, and thus grounded you up for a month because of what you did."
"But all I did was hel-"
"And if your big brother knows about your little venture last week without any of them with you, which we assumed he got some inkling by now. Do you think your punishment would just last only a month, Young Miss?", said the maid cutting her words. "You escaping here is a good trouble. Why not ask to go? You should know how your siblings feels and cared about you alot about your safety, Young Miss."
"Could it be called an escapes if I ever asked for permissions then you were to agree? And would you all allowed me to?", said the young lady. She looked at her side where the maid was combing her hair who just shrugged because she couldn't answer what was being asked of her. The young lady smiled sideway.
She then took the book from her side and read the title "The Essence Guides To One Life" and she put it aside and continued complaining, "Another thing, why am I being grounded for a whole month really when I was just went out for five hours. And besides, its not that I'm really allowed to go outside without any of them with me. This is so unfair!"
"Your big sister would brought you with her whenever she goes around the towns and when she felt you're safe to come along. Your big brother would let you travel to Dylarianion and McQuaid to visit your friends there with just us. How's that unfair, Young Miss? They even brought you to the council with them.", said the maid on her side.
"Come now, M'lady... We need you to change and freshen up.", said the one who was done arranging the books. She chuckled and went on the bed infront of the young lady, blocking the view outside. "Lady Priselz and the others are coming home and might be arriving this evening before dinner."
When the young lady heard about it she jumped out of bed and hugged the maid infront of her whist both the maid were startled because of her sudden moved. "They're coming home! Yey-hehh!", said the young lady excitedly and take hold both the maids hand dragging them with her to the powder room, "Come, quickly! Riry! Zaza!"
* * * * * * * * * *
At the time being on the shop, Fanies couldn't take his eyes off of the woman as he still keep looking at her.
"You know... It's rude to stared at people like you're accusing them or something."
He heard the woman spoke while looking at her back. She was searching the shelves where there's so many different kinds of fabrics. He wondered if the woman was aware of him and he smirked. He then walked towards the couch. "It isn't rude when one is mesmerised by someone such as yourself, M'lady.", he said and sat down.
"Oh, I see... Then, you won't mind if I sit down with you, M'lord?", said Miss Brooklyn carrying two each of four different kinds of fabrics in her hands and walk to where the couch were.
"That quite a lot.", commented Fanies. He just watched the woman until she sat down comfortably beside him. "Don't you have someone with you to help you out? That's a lot."
"There's no need for that. Woman can do alot of things...", said Miss Brooklyn and look at the old man who's having some trouble closing the five bags full of goods. She pointed her lips before saying, "But it seems you're the one who should needs some assistance. That's more than a lot compared to mine."
Fanies turn and saw the bags. His expression could not be explained as he was lost, shocked and confused about why would there's so much bags.
Miss Brooklyn chuckled at the man's expression. She could tell that the goods ain't belong to him and that he was just tasked to buy it all for someone.
The wools that she needs was already on the table, she was just waiting to be check out by Mr. Qatero; earlier Mr. Qatero son came to deliver his mother's message and because of that Mr. Qatero asked his son to help her out by bringing up their wools supplies out so that she could choose what colors she'd like.
Mr. Qatero look at the wools that was on the table and said to Ms. Brooklyn as he walked to the counter after securing the items on the five bags. "That alot of wools and fabrics... anyway M'lady, it would be twenty-four gold coins and five silver coins." Then he turn and look at Fanies while holding a parchment papers and wrote down something before he said, "And yours, Sir... all would be thirty-two gold coins in total."
Fanies saw the woman pulling something out from her apron pocket and put it on the table which was a two bags of coins. He does the same and though his bag is much bigger than the woman, when he looked inside it has only few gold coins and many were silver and bronze coins. His in conflicted because he already knew it wasn't enough to pay the bills, and he hasn't bring extra coins and tried to compose himself but unknown to him that his face expression gave it all away.
His alright earlier because he thought since the shop was small and unpopular, then the items would cost lower than the other, but who would have expected that it would cost too much higher, and the money he has with him wasn't enough to pay off the bills.
Then he heard the woman whose name and face he remembered just now from the regale he and the Prince attended five months ago. One of the councilman's daughter, her father was a noble blood from McQuaid.
"Give the extra coins to the gentleman here, Mr. Qatero. The man who's so proud of himself hasn't bring enough money, it seems."
Miss Brooklyn suddenly said as she carried three bags and walked towards the door, and glanced at Fanies whose mind was in conflict. She walked out the shop as a young boy opened the door and helps her carried one of the bags.
Fanies gritted his teeth because he was being insulted for not bringing enough money when he was just tasked by the second-in-command to bought it, and who would have thought the items would cost a high priced in such a lousy shop while clenching his hands. But he was too late to decline her as the woman walked out and entered the carriage with the young boy and the coachman helping them.
Chapter 17: Nervous Macaroon
Chervil and Dion walked out of the dinning room to fetch the little human whom they rescued. As they walked towards the girl who seems likely a statue at the corner, because she never moved a muscles like she was frozen in place, it made the Prince to looked at Dion and his friend also turned to him in question.
"Ellah,", called out the Prince as they got near her. "What are you doing standing like a statue in the corner?"
Turning her attention at the two man. "Dion said to stay here and wait, so I stayed.", she replied with her tiny and innocent voice.
Chervil crossed his arms and looked at his side to see his third-in-command's reaction that was saying are you serious expression while looking down at the girl. He shook his head and crouched down.
"I did said stay and wait but I never said she couldn't move, tho.", Dion said defending himself. He crouched down as well and glanced at Chervil.
Ellah looked at them and just stayed silence. She wasn't sure what she did, and how could she know when she was just following the instruction to stay and wait. So that's what she did.
"Dion said you wanted to go back on your room?", asked Chervil softly observing the girl who lower her head. He reached her chin and lifted her head to pair with Ellah's eyes and she nodded her head after sometimes of hesitation. "Don't you wants to have dinner, little Ellah?"
The little one wasn't that afraid of Chervil, and rather she isn't used with the place and the environment that she's into yet. It made her felt nervous; with what happened at her on village she was still traumatized seeing new people, that's one thing why everytime she was contemplated to answer, or at this point she was contemplated on what or who she would be acquainted inside the dinning room.
Ellah shook her head softly. But she could sense Chervil still waiting and wants to hear her answer through her voice and not by nodding nor shaking her head everytime he would to asked a questions. He looked at her patiently, and noticed how she would avert her eyes.
"Umm... I ain't hungry...", she said trying to reason, which was half true and half not. She does ate the porridge Dion gave to her earlier: She wasn't able to finished all of it because when Céllistáh went into the room she felt a little discomfort with her presence, but not long after Céllistáh introduce to her and hearing the woman was asked by the Prince to get them. She, by little was able to have trust Céllistáh's presence and became comfortable with her.
She saw the Prince still had his eyes on her like he doesn't believe what she said, and more like he's still waiting for her honest words like he could see through her lies. She got no choice but to tell the truth and try to reason again when her stomach suddenly mades some noise for the second time of the night. Ellvinah bite her lower lip closing her eyes while blaming her stomach for making such a sound because she certainly couldn't make a reasonable excuse anymore.
The two man glanced at each other when they heard the sound of her stomach. And Dion couldn't hold it back and chuckled lightly. "Looks like your stomach tells the truth.", said Chervil ignoring his friend chuckled.
'Oh great! Thanks so much almighty stomach!', the girl thought.
Dion stop his laughed and said, "Both of you could become really alike sometimes." The Prince couldn't help but to glance at Dion in question, however, Dion never elaborate further.
Chervil sometimes think Dion knew him personally before they even introduced and met each other: not that he gave it a thought since his a Prince but he just felt that way. Then he let go of it and look at the girl.
"Let's go inside. I asked them to prepared something that you might like,", Chervil said pairing his dark red eyes with the girl's hazel-brown eyes that's reflecting his own. "But you must have dinner first."
"Hey, can I have some...", Dion intermeddle. He stood up and put his hands on his pockets then went back inside the dinning room. "Ellvinah, I would love to have some of those if you don't mind."
Chervil looked at his back with a raised brows. The girl also looking at Dion's back with a confused expression and back at Chervil whose attention was already on her which she doesn't realized, and it gives her a little intake of breath. He opened his hand infront of Ellah for her to take and smiled, "Shall we?"
Ellah looking at his opened palm and then back
at his face and saw him smile. The girl was contemplated at first whether she should take it or not as his giving her a choice; nonetheless, she took his hand after sometimes of hesitation. And she saw him stood up, then they both went inside guiding her. Side by side.
As they walked, Chervil looked down at her when little Ellah squeezed his hand unknowingly due to her nervousness. He put his other hand on her squeezing it lightly that made the little girl to looked up at him. "Don't be scared." she heard him say.
Once they got inside, the people on the table went quiet instantly looking at the Prince, then their eyes went down on the tiny thing that following Chervil whist holding his hand like it's a treasure.
Dion was already at the table talking to a young maid named Daisy who nod at him and went back inside the kitchen with two other maids following her.
'Is that a human child?', they all thought at the same time while looking at the girl.
"A human child?", Duke Vower said confused.
They were confused seeing how Chervil holding and guiding a child to the dinning table. Earlier they thought his going to introduce a very important person in their society when Céllistáh said they are having a very important guest which in turn made them excited and curious at the same time. But who would have thought that it turn out to be a lowly little human girl which somehow made them disappointed and confused.
"Is that lowly human child is our guest?", Lady Rosie asked to no one in particular and turn to Dion, but she was just being ignored.
"Who is she?", Céllistáh was asked by lady Lyah and lady Meridetch curiously in which she didn't give any answer and just kept smiling.
"WOW! You brought us foo-Awww!", Maxxille said excitedly when his gaze landed on the young girl. Hence, after saying so he felt pain at his side like pinching him hardly. He turned his head to the woman beside him. "Ouch! Is this the reason why you sat too close to me, now? Ouch!"
"Not exactly. I just thought of having company beside me now aside His Highness and Dion for a change.", whispered Céllistáh nonchalantly and grinned at him.
"This change does not suit well.", he said.
Maxxille did it to woken up everyone in the table as they seems not expecting it to be a human child, and he could sense the girl being nervous. His already aware of who the girl was because Fanies has told him about it the day after he alone came back from their investigation; thus he know about the girl being a sole survivor of the massacred village.
Dion clapped his hand to gain everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen, she is our guest and she shall be staying here for a while. Her name's Ellah.", he said gesturing at the girl who walked with Chervil whist holding his hand. "And we hope she'll be treated well."
"What?!", exclaimed lady Rosie. "Are we having a joke here?"
Chervil lead and helped Ellah to have a seat next to Dion while ignoring his guest's comments before he walked to his side of the table, at the head. He could feel their confusion and disagreement about having a human child who doesn't have any status in society, who doesn't know about anything- to be with them and have a seat, be of some sort special guest to the table of the Arch-Crown Prince. He agreed to Dion giving him a heads up of his actions towards little Ellvinah earlier when they were outside, telling him that he risks the girl's life for such like a special treatment he would show with others around which he also thought. But Ellah is not a prisoner to keep and hide; to him, the girl must know how to communicate and she, a little girl's life of her age should be. He could only hope the girl would be able to survive with the cruelty of the world she were in.
Ellah's heart was pounding fast as she sat down beside Dion. She could feel all eyes were on her. She was now looking at her plate like it was a very interesting thing to look. She didn't dare to raise her head and have a look around as she's too nervous and afraid to even move herself with the way everyone keeps staring at her.
Chervil was about to sit on his chair when he noticed a heart that's pounding fast, enough for his kind to hear. He turned and looked at little Ellah who was just keeps staring down at her plate, like the plate was her enemy. His a bit amused of her concentration and walked back towards her side again.
'Such a nervous child she is.', he thought while walking towards her, glancing at his guests who were quiet and has their eyes at the girl. His eyes swiped across the room and landed at the head maid who understood instantly what he's conveying to her.
Daisy nodded and went to get his belongings with the two other maids and transferred them beside young Ellah's empty seat whose not aware of her surrounding that shocked everyone except Dion and Céllistáh who's enjoying their guests reaction.
"Children like you should eat more for you to grow up. Eat it up now!", Céllistáh putting some vegetables and meat into the girl's plate. Ellah took a glanced at her which she smiled at the girl who lower down her head instantly.
"Alright everyone!", Dion clapped his hand that brought their guests to their senses again. "Shall we start digging the foods now?", he said not caring about everyone else being a vampire and start putting food in his plate. "And oh, Céllis, could you pass me the one on your side."
Céllistáh gave the plate that has food in it to him without a words while on her mind, 'What kind of appetite does he have now?'
She took a glanced at the others who seems not that happy with the girl, except Maxxille, Lylah and Meridetch whose talking with Dion. She took a quick glanced at Chervil as he picked up his glass and sip the wine from it, her eyes then went at the girl who's eating her food silently. She could feel how nervous and frighten the girl was with their presence.
"Who could these human child be?", asked lady Qallzan in whispered.
"I don't know. I never saw her before.", said Sir Larzo and shrugged, turning his glance at the Lady and the Duke, "How 'bout you both?"
"Bits me.", replied the Duke and lady Rosie in a whispered while having their meal.
"For such lowly being who doesn't know how to pay respect to royalty and nobility by bowing when sees one, I'll have to say the punishment is fifty lashings.", then lady Rosie said out loud that made everyone turned their attention on her.
Ellah looked at the woman with a scared expression, except Chervil and Dion who knew who's she aiming it to.
With Chervil not on his usual spot and away from them, they couldn't discuss what they would like to, and with the young ones whose just talking among themselves. They were becoming irritates with the Prince gestured towards the young lad that they never seen of him before which they don't understand. They had known him as a man of seriousness, aloofness, strictness and hard to approach person, and not like his father and other siblings or relatives who they can easily talk to and get along with. So they were shocked and confused when they, the aristocrats and nobles heard a news before that the Prince allowed a human to be his third-in-command and even befriending when they know he despise human for what happened of the past, and now this...
Lady Qallzan second the woman proudly and was cut short and startled when she heard a shout.
"That's my favorite thing to do with my slave as dan-"
"Hey!", exclaimed Dion before the lady could finish her words. He looked at her while covering Ellah's ears with both his hand who was also startled while eating her food because of his sudden action. "Can any of you consider what you say M'lady. We have a child here."
Duke Vower who couldn't stand it anymore, decided to have his word on the matter, "With all do respect, Your Highness. I think you being on that human child isn't appropriate, after all you are a royalty. They're only trouble. You shouldn't have bothered yourself with such a low life."
"Duke Vower is right on the matter, Your Highness.
Human child is just a trouble in your part, and besides she doesn't have any stat-", said Lady Rosie and was cut off by the Prince.
"Pardon. Status, you say?", Chervil said calmly. His looking at the woman with a cold smile playing on his lips. "Just who are you again without any of your husband's influence and wealth when you yourself were the same before as the one whom you look down now."
'Right...', thought Maxxille in a trailed way while listening at them. With the Duke saying those words without any thoughts on the matter and the other nobles second him; he shook his head, 'Are these people having a death wish? Didn't they noticed his smile?'
Ellah was just continuesly eating her food silently and never raise her head on anyone as she's afraid to look up. And Dion who was still covering her ears, thus she could not hear what they were talking about.
The moon outside the mansion are shining brightly, but not as bright as it was the previous months like the moon this month is agonizing thought Chervil looking outside. He doesn't know why but he thought and felt like he could understand the moon just by its brightness.
Maxxille then felt a light kick coming from below which he knew who it was and look at his front to see Dion secretly gesturing his thumb under his neck like slitting it. And Céllistáh also noticed Dion with his thumb and thought the same thing but she just ignored it, playing innocent was her key to analyze the situation because when things goes wrong she would be the one who would be in trouble. Therefore she stayed like ignorance while her eyes were looking at everyone at the table, and just listening to them.
"Oh right, M'lady...", Sir Larzo said to Lady Meridetch and Lady Lylah, which broke the silence atmosphere. "May I suggest that you two ladies should go and visit the forest behind the palace at night when you have a chance. At Dylarianion... There's a primeval Willow Tree that believes to be an entrance to the world of elfin-faiè and enchantress, and around it- was like a paradise they said, as the forest would illuminates lights at night- especially when the moon was present that came from the tree itself."
"Really?", said Lady Meridetch who never heard of it, and received a light nod from the man. "I'm sure make a visit to that place when I have a chance. Thank you."
"Though I didn't saw it myself.", said Sir Larzo and shrugged. "Only my daughter who saw it, and just told me."
Everyone became quite for a moment that only the sound of their utensils could be heard, not until Sir Larzo spoke to Lady Meridetch and Lady Lylah about where they should visit when they go to Dylarianion asides from the main attraction there.
Dion then added, "It isn't surprising that you don't know about it M'lady, since only the royal house there and some nobles are aware of such phenomenal happening inside the forests. And whist they made it like a sacred ground."
Lady Rosie didn't uttered another words and just continued with her foods. She doesn't like it when she was being reminded about her past that she's trying to erase. And Duke Vower who couldn't take it anymore stood up and walked out of the room followed by Lady Qallzan who couldn't keep herself in there with the others. Then after that Lady Rosie went out as well, leaving the others behind as they couldn't believe what the others were doing.
Dion noticed Ellah's food were almost finished while talking to Maxxille, and he stopped to have his full attention at the girl. "That's great, Ellah! I see that you're excited to have those treats that His Highness promised to you.", he said with a smile and winked at Chervil whose gulping the last of his wine who raised his brow.
"You're the one who's eager to have those treats, and not her.", Chervil put down his glass while looking at Dion who chuckled. His eyes went at the corner where Daisy and the other stood who bowed her head and went inside the kitchen. "You even asked Daisy if the kitchen staff did made plenty of those."
He just ignored and never bothered with his other guests who walked out. He wasn't that found of them, and besides he doesn't need them to dictate himself of what he should and would do. Chervil doesn't need any of them to achieve what he wants, but they were the ones who needs him the most to achieve what they wants, so they should be the ones who would make an adjustment, and not him.
"Oh right, Your Highness... I've heard one of the elders will be hosting this years Lanterns Fest which would be starting two weeks from now. Who would be of the three elders is it?", Sir Larzo said to Chervil and wondered. He remembered his daughter whose excited talking about it as there will be a huge difference this year to those who would attend. "I wonder what will be the different now? It made me intrigued."
"I've heard it is the Hibiscus family who will be hosting, but when I met Elder Rose last week she never said or mentioned anything, so I'm guessing the news was wrong."
"I think it's Elder Avis. As I remembered I over heard Charlette saying two days ago that Lady Ara was busy preparing the regale.", said Maxxille.
"And the third elder who's rumor to be non-existing will be invoke if it's true or not at that regale. Well, since all are in good terms.", Sir Larzo said. "As I've heard the third elder is the only one who never takes side between the two line-age."
Daisy came out of the kitchen with two other maids. They walked towards the dinning table carrying big plates full of different treats, placing them on the table. And to Chervil predictions, Dion was the first who took some then put it on his mouth before giving Ellah a fruit muffins which she never tasted yet in her life.
Dion said while chewing his food, "You think so, Sir Larzo.", and Larzo nodded his head. "I think that elder just wanted equality.", he added.
Upon hearing about the regale that would start in two weeks. Céllistáh asked Chervil with an intriguing voice, "Is it Lady Ara is Elder Avis only cousin who survived the massacre happened on her own residence two years ago, and whose one decade and a half older than your sister Charlette, right?"
"Indeed. That was her.", answered Chervil. He took some of the macaroon that Daisy brought out from the kitchen, put it on Ellah's plate who's looking at the colorful macaroon who seems she doesn't want the muffins which Dion put on her plate. "It's alright Ellah, I will have the sweet fruit muffins.", he assured the little one who looked up at him as he get the fruit muffins on her plate.
Ellah did try the macaroon before but this was the first time she sees a colorful one like rainbow, and ever since she tried it before because of her big brother who bought some of it for her as a gift on her last birthday, it was now her favourite treats.
However, it was so expensive for them to buy. And so she could only have those whenever her brother had some extra money from his work.
She took and eat the red color macaroon while she almost forgot about her nervousness earlier. Ellvinah seems enjoying the treats as she ate another one which is blue in color, then yellow, and then green; and she noticed how every color has a different taste of fruits, in which she never tasted before, and thus she enjoyed it very much.
"Does it taste good?", asked Chervil while he looked at her, and the girl just nodded her head without looking at anyone else other than the food on her plate. "Ellah, use your voice, dear."
"Yes,", she said hesitates. "It is good..."
Ellah tense when she lift her eyes after she spoke because everyone was now looking at her. She wasn't used to be staring by many pairs of stranger eyes. She lowered her head quickly.
"Is she the sole survivor, Crist?", asked Lady Meridetch curiously glancing at the girl. And Chervil just nod- not wanting to elaborate more. "She looks lovely."
"Oh my... She's so shy.", observed Maxxille looking at the girl with amusement. "Nevertheless, it makes one intrigued to know what kind of persona she would become, when a little buds will to bloom. Uniquely."
* * *
After their done eating their evening meals. Ellah was being escorted to her room to rest early for the night while the others are still on the table talking.
"Children of your age shouldn't stay up late the night-", Dion said and broke off as he remembered. His trying to fix the bed which was already been fixed by the maids. "Then again... When I was about your age I did alot of crazy things, and that includes sleeping at dawn or almost dawn."
"Oh, please Mr. Anus.", said Daisy. She was helping the girl to get charge to a night gown behind a changing divider. "Do not encourage that "crazy things" on Ellvinah."
"Oh hardly, my dear Daisy.", replied Dion into a dramatic tone that made Daisy roll her eyes. "I was just remembering a very fond memories which long pass the time now."
He asked Daisy to accompany them in the room and to help little Ellah with what necessary. And Daisy left after attending the little one into a night gown saying she needs to make sure the maids is doing their chores right.
Ellah was now sitting in the bed silently feeling a little bit relax than she was at the dining table. Taking in the view of the moon outside her window, and with her night dress like reflecting the radiance of the moon light. Then she smiled faintly looking at the moon. The first genuine smile she had since she woke up realising that her life wouldn't be the same again. The first genuine smile Dion saw in her face. Even if it is just a faint one.
"Come Ellah, let's get you into bed.", he said and help the little one with the quilt to cover young Ellah as it is cold. He sat down by the edge of the bed, he then showed her a book and said with glee, "I've got a nice story for you. Want me to read it for you?"
And she nodded.
Dion then open the book which Ellvinah saw the front that has the title engraved, thus she couldn't read it yet as she didn't know how. And when Dion turn the pages, and read it aloud until the girl fall in to sleep.
"Once, there was a girl who lives in the swamp with her aunt, not realizing her true identity which was a secret, and her aunt also has a secret; in which she discovered later that her aunt was and is a fairy..."
Chapter 18: Troubles
A week had passed since the time Ellah was brought to the mansion where Chervil and his subordinates are staying inside the palace ground when he doesn't want to go to the main palace. A white mansion which was a gift to Chervil from his grandparents when he was fifteen on the day of his coming-of-age ceremony.
Thus, these passing days Dion watched over Ellvinah: walking her on the garden, telling her stories, talking to her about anything so she won't feel lonely, but it was Céllistáh who became so attached to the girl as she would looked and spend her time playing with Ellah when she wasn't busy, and the little girl became attached to her as well.
And three days after Ellah arrived on the mansion Dion left as his butler sent him a letter concerning about his father leaving the little one to Céllistáh who gladly accepted it to look over the girl for a day or two until Dion went back.
Whist Chervil left the other day with Dion and Céllistáh accompanied by his aid to check things out on the council, and expected to be back in four days leaving the little one to Daisy who would provide her with food.
Hence, now the little girl was left unguarded in the mansion with some of the guests who decided to stay while Chervil and his aid so does his second and third-in-command left and went out to the council week later to discuss things over concerning the issues on MacQuíd Kingdom, and the overlook trials to the Western Empire that would be proceeding in the coming years.
Ellah spent most of her time on her room or in the kitchen, and sometimes she would stay in the stable where the horses are taking care as none of the guests would go there where she feels more comfortable as the palace ground are full of vampires; whist she doesn't want to be in trouble with the other guests who stayed and spent most of their time on the garden or in the drawing room gossiping and drinking teas.
Mrs. Rophia saw the little one in the stable one afternoon as she walked pass to go inside the mansion through the backdoor whose playing with a kit fox, and she wonder where did the little girl found it; nevertheless, she just let the girl be and enter the mansion as she needs to prepare their guest afternoon meal. And the stable workers doesn't mind that little Ellvinah is there as they work because she just sat there silently under the trees whist they too were wondering where did she get the fox pup.
"Lord Copeland, what are we doing here? This place is so not for us.", said Lady Rosie covering her nose because of the smelly air, "It full of dirt in here."
"I thought we're going to Light valley?", wondering Duke Vower.
"That can wait. We'll be going there afterwards,", said Lord Copeland while looking at the nearby hourse shade, "Prince Chervil said that he had a new horses which just arrived from Dylarianion four days ago before we arrived here, thus I would want to have a look?"
And they follow him to the horse shade. There are three new horses inside which is being attended by the stable workers. They got near and pat the horses but the black one was so aggressive and doesn't want to be pat that it started moving and humping on it place.
"What's happening to him?", asked the Duke. He was the one who pat the black horse. Duke Vower is confused as to why the black horse behaved that way which was unusual.
Lord Copeland upon seeing the horse behavior, "What did you do?"
"He doesn't like you, My Duke.", said Lady Qallzan teasingly and gave a light giggled.
A man whose attended one of the white horses said, "Sir Dion and His Highness were the only ones who could tame that horse."
"Why would that be?", Lady Qallzan asked.
The man shrugged, "We don't know, M'lady.", he replied respectfully knowing who his talking to. "We are being instructed by Prince Chervil not to touch that one, and just feed him."
"This is why I don't like horses and horse back riding.", commented Duke Vower in a disgust way which earned a laughters from his companion.
Lord Copeland said while chuckling and patting the Duke's shoulder, "Once you embrace your flaws, they were the ones who would want to get near without you trying."
"True.", second Lady Rosie who seems likely about to collapse as she couldn't take the smelly air around the shade whist covering her nose.
"Let's go inside now.", suggested Lady Qallzan who couldn't keep herself in there. "It's so hot over here.", she reason in which the other agreed. And they walk out of the horse shade to went inside the mansion and have some tea.
As they were outside the horse shade, Lord Copeland notice the boy behind whose following them quietly while looking around the field who stopped walking with them.
"Iban?", called out the boy's uncle when he notice the boy isn't following them and was looking at the other side. "Iban, what are you looking at?"
"Uncle Asjakish, who's that girl over there?", asked the boy pointing at the girl whose sitting while playing underneath the tree. "I've never seen her yesterday around the mansion, Lord-uncle."
Lord Asjakish Copeland arrived during the time Dion left the mansion with his son-nephew named Iban whose three years older than Ellah from MacQuíd Kingdom to visit the capital kingdom and to attend the regale whist the boy just arrived one day ago in the palace as he stayed on his friend's estate.
Lady Qallzan and the others followed the boy's gazed and saw the little girl whom they're trying to be with these previous days whose always around the Prince and Céllistáh, and feel disgusted by the view. Thus they saw the young head maid walked towards the girl with a tray of snacks in her hands.
"Hmmm, I don't know who she is whist I saw her with Lady Céllistáh.", answered Lord Copeland, "Do you know her somewhere?", which Iban shook his head
"Don't bother yourself with her, Young Master Iban.", said Lady Rosie while waving her hand, "She isn't worth your time at all."
But the boy didn't listen and walk to where the girl is with the young head maid who's talking something with the girl who smiled back and nodding her head over what Daisy said.
Ellvinah was enjoying herself playing with the kit fox under the tree where there are hay which she sat on whist she's not aware that the other guests are there at the stable.
And Daisy who instructed the maids on the second floor of the mansion to change the flowers in one of their guests room and to clean the room saw Ellvinah while playing alone at the hay through the window and decided to gave the girl something to eat before the afternoon meal would to start.
She go down to the kitchen and ask someone to prepare the cookies while she prepare the milk and after preparing it, she went out through the backdoor of the kitchen carrying a tray with the snack in it for the little one to have.
"Hello, Young Miss Ellah.", said Daisy politely as she got near and smile. "Are you having fun here? I brought you something to eat."
Ellah looked up infront of her when Daisy called out and smiled at her politely whist she just nod when the head maid asked if she's having fun, while patting the kit fox on her laps and Daisy put the tray of snacks on the hay beside little Ellah.
"What's the name of your kit fox, Young Miss Ellah?"
"Xaff." , answered Ellah and smile when the little fox lick her fingers.
Daisy seeing the little girl smiled while being licked by the little fox chuckle lightly, "Looks like Xaff really likes you so much."
Ellah took the cookies that Daisy brought for her and eat while deeping it on the hot milk, and the little one gave some to the little fox.
The young head maid was being introduced to her two days later after she arrived in the mansion by Chervil who asked Daisy to give the little one a tour around the mansion ground as Dion and himself had to attend a meeting that will be held at the main Palace, and Céllistáh isn't there yet thus they couldn't bring Ellah with them, and Ellah was more likely comfortable with Daisy who's a human like herself.
Daisy just standing beside Ellah whist watching the little girl eating her snack while feeding the kit fox on her laps with a smile on her lips which the head maid noticed how the girl was a little relax and is able to smile now than the first few days she was brought in, thus they didn't notice the people who are approaching there coming from the other side of the field.
"What are you doing playing here, and not on the garden?", Daisy asked wondering why Ellah's on the stable field and not in the garden playing where she always saw the little girl there with Céllistáh and Dion, and sometimes with the Prince. "Why here, Young Miss Ellah?"
"I don't want to be a burden and get myself in trouble with the guests, and be a bother to others.", said the young one in a whisper which barely audible but Daisy heard her clearly. "Besides I like it in here. The fresh air is very relaxing."
She looked at the girl while patting the kit fox head on her laps whose words she wasn't expecting to hear. She wasn't sure why the Prince is keeping the girl when he knew how dangerous it was in here when he could just ask Dion or Céllistáh to look over the girl on their place or took her in the shelter for children.
"Oh, Miss Daisy how come you're here?", asked Lord Copeland while he and the other are approaching.
Daisy was about to say something when she saw the guests were approaching them, and Lord Copeland asked her a question while following his son-nephew there.
"Are you done changing the flowers on my room, humanmaid?", questioned Lady Rosie upon seeing Daisy there.
The young head maid looked up and step forward covering the little one behind her who also turned her head to where the voice came from but was blocked by Daisy who bow. "Greetings to all.", she greeted them and stood up then look at the lady, "We're done on that task, M'lady."
She then turn her attention to Lord Copeland whose eyes were at the girl on her back, "I'm here to have fresh air, M'lord."
Lord Copeland staring at the girl whose Daisy were trying to cover with herself whist he still could see the little one, and Iban who spotted the little animal as the girl is hugging it walked closer which was blocked by Daisy again.
"Is she one of the workers who work in this mansion?", asked Lord Copeland while scanning the girl who wear a simple velvet-yellow half sleeves dress which shouldn't be wore by someone works as a maid or servant. "Why are you blocking us?", he questioned.
Daisy smiled politely but didn't move there, "I hope you could forgive my rudeness, M'lord. " She bowed slightly again and look at the young boy who keeps staring on what the girl are holding.
"These girl isn't a servant he-", and a woman's shout was head which startled them, even some of the workers who work there in the stable were rushing to see what happen when they heard the shout.
"You humanmaid!", exclaimed Lady Qallzan looking at Daisy and pointed out the young girl, "Why's that girl having a savage creature with her?!", she asked terrifiedly.
"What?", asked Lady Rosie confused about why Lady Qallzan is having a terrified expression. "What is it, Lady Qallzan?"
The other workers who was with them looked confused when they heard what Lady Qallzan is referring as savage creature. They looked at Daisy who never moved on her spot which they couldn't help but admire the young head maid thus they also scare for her life.
Duke Vower saw what Lady Qallzan was being terrified about when he tried to peek behind Daisy, and he whispered something to Lord Copeland and Lady Rosie who pull Iban in their side which startled the young boy.
"Is this the reason why you're blocking us humanmaid, to hide that girl and that savage thing?!", exclaimed Lady Rosie looking frightened while pointing at the head maid's back where the girl was hugging the kit fox tightly in her arms.
The young head maid was commanded by Chervil to help the girl and looked over her while they're gone out to the council for a few days because of Céllistáh who had told him that it would be better if there's someone who will to look the girl from a far and help her if needed; thus Chervil leave everything on his butler regarding the mansion and the other workers.
"How could that savage animal able to-to enter here?!", exclaimed Lady Rosie pointing at kit fox.
"That vail creature shouldn't be here. This is inside the palace ground!"
"I think that these girl is one of those group.", said Duke Vower accusing the girl whose hugging the little fox.
"Indeed. She must be.", second Lady Qallzan.
Ellah notice they were talking about her and the kit fox that is on her laps. She took and hug it tightly; however, the little fox struggles and started growling facing the Lady.
"Lo-look, look!", said Lady Qallzan looking scared. She walked at the Duke's back when Ellah released the little fox as it struggles in her arms.
And Lord Copeland who didn't bothered himself with the council never heard or being informed about it, "What group are you talking about? Which group?"
"Dark Summoners.", said Lady Qallzan in a whisper and look at the little girl with a scared expression.
"This is why I told you to be updated with what's happening around.", said Lady Rosie looking indifferently at Lord Copeland who doesn't care about his surrounding.
Lord Copeland chuckled lightly over the lady's looked, "I don't care about anything aside my wealth, because wealth is powerful.", he said full of pride in his voice.
"Pardon my rudeness, Ladies and Sir,", said Daisy who still doesn't move herself from there preventing them to approach the girl, "Accusing her as part of that group isn't right. She's still a child."
"And you're still a maid here while I am a noble woman.", Lady Rosie said as she step forward and push Daisy on the side that made the young head maid to fell down, and the little fox didn't stop growling at them. "Know your place humanmaid."
The little one was shocked and scared when Daisy was being pushed back and saw red stain on her new friend's left hand as it hit the sharp rocks in the stable.
Looking at the girl with a shocked expression. Lord Copeland eyes went on the fox which had two tails as it growling and growling while facing them, "That hideous fox never stop growling at us."
He walked and pick it up by the head and took his knife that was on his side, thus Ellah panick and stood up trying to get the little fox back; however, she was too little and her arms was too short to catch the kit fox that is hanging in the air as it struggles.
The other workers wants to help the young head maid and the girl but they were afraid of their life being at stake, and they are contemplated whether they should report it or not to the main palace as the people involved were of higher ranks so it's possible that they just be ignored.
"Iban, hold her up!", said Lord Copeland to his son-nephew who just stood there and is reluctant to follow his uncle's command as he too wants to pet the fox pup, "Foolish child. Iban, do it!"
Iban was just wanted to be friend with the girl when he found her alone sitting on the hay, thus he went to where she is but he never expected this to happen; however, he doesn't have a choice. Reluctantly, he took hold of the girl's arms who couldn't do anything but to watch the kit fox being hang in the air and beheaded, as a vampire who inherits his mother when it comes to strength Iban was more stronger than Ellah, so he could easily take hold of Ellah's both hands who didn't struggle more whist he could feel how frightened the girl is.
Little Ellvinah had her eyes red and watered then tears fell down when the little fox was being beheaded in one swift movement by Lord Copeland, and Daisy stood up quickly and push Iban who fell on the ground, she then took Ellah with her and put the little girl on her back while glancing at the far side of the mansion.
"This human had guts to fight back with us!", hiss Lady Rosie. "You should be punish a hundred whipping.", she said pointing at Daisy.
Duke Vower couldn't take it anymore. He walked and pick up the whip that was laying in the hay on his side and step forward then starting hitting Daisy who cover herself and the girl, whist the little girl on Daisy's back looked terrified and was scared while shaking watching the head maid being whip for how many times.
"Anyone who would interfere with us or speak about this will have the same punishment as these maid!", said Lady Qallzan to everyone who are present there, "Understand!", and the other workers nod their head.
"I lost my appetite here,", said Lady Rosie while enjoying the scream of the head maid that was being whip for a hundred times now, "Let's go visit the Light Valley now. I need some changes of scenery."
"Yeah, let's go now.", said Lady Qallzan and cover her mouth as she yawn, "I'm bored in here, and this place is ruining my dress."
Far from them inside the mansion stood a man as his watching the unfold scenes by the window on one of the rooms which is at the top of the mansion.
"This is trouble. The girl is a guest in the mansion which they are already aware of... thus that young woman is someone they should never touch even though she's a maid in here.", thought the man looking from a far whist shaking his head while having a troubled expression; however, he said it in a whisper that only he could hear. "They really are in trouble now."
He was the one who Daisy took a looked a while back because he is about to come and help them but when he saw the woman glanced at him with eyes that telling him not to get near and just stay back, he doesn't have a choice but to stayed back and just watched the scene as the guests beaten the maid until they leave there while his only watched.
They went out of the stable field whist Lady Rosie took Ellah with her while dragging the little one on their carriage who doesn't want to go leaving the young head maid on the ground as she breath heavily and blood was seen on her face and body which was cause by whipping on her a hundred times.