13

In Madame Halsey's library, there were many books of every genre that filled the bookshelves.Arius was doing his regular studies when a maid told him that the madame invited him for tea. Arius wanted to refuse but he knew he couldn't. Madame Halsey was someone who would not take no as an answer.

The servants in her estate treated Arius well. They respected Arius as an honored guest. Everyone knew about the special treatment he received from Madame Halsey. Her sponsorship could help him get to high positions. And if he does well enough, he might just go even further as to receive a noble status.

The young maid guiding him stopped in her tracks, and so did he. "Ah...!Young miss, good day." shebowed.The young miss returned her greetings and look at the man behind the maid. "Who are you? You are not a new worker right?"

Arius took a good look at the young miss in front of him. She looked younger than him, with brown hair and familiar green eyes."My name is Arius. I am a humble man from common origins. Madame Halsey kindly sponsored my studies right here in her estate."

"Oh! I've heard of you. My granny often told stories of how she found an exceptional person with a bright mind. She let you read in our library, if I am not mistaken." She said."No, you are not. Madame Halsey hired a tutor for me. Sometimes she personally comes to check on me. In fact, I am going to see her right now." Arius said.

"I see. Well, Arius. I hope you are comfortable in this house." She sighed and continued, "Goodness, where are my manners? I am Charlotte Halsey, daughter of the current Marquess Halsey and granddaughter of Madame Halsey."

"It is a pleasure meeting you, young miss. Thank you for letting me stay here." Arius bowed his head slightly.

"The pleasure is mine. You should hurry, granny might be waiting,"

They parted as each went their own way. Arius arrived at a small garden seeing Madame Halsey waiting patiently.

"There you are! What took you so long?Come sit!" Madame Halsey exclaimed.

"We met with young miss Charlotte on our way, madame. Hence the delay." The maid from before said.

"Is that so? I hope she didn't cause you any unnecessary trouble, my dear. She is a lot younger than you, that cheeky one. She is a very curious and naughty girl, so i thought she might ask you some questions."

"Not at all. The young miss was quiet nice and didn't ask me any unnecessary questions. Don't worry," Arius smiled.

"That's good, then. As naughty as she is, I cannot deny she is a smart girl. I could say she is as bright as you are." Madame Halsey winked.

"Oh no no! How could I compare to a family member of House Halsey? After all, she does have your blood. Of course she would be incredible." Arius said.

"Look at this boy! What sweet words! Now you know how to butter up to people!" They burst into a fit of laughter. The two looked like actual family. The madame was,no doubt, very fond of Arius. To her, he was like a grandson she never had. Her actual grandson was not bad, it wad just that he took after a lot from his own father. Always nagging, unsatisfied. She understands why they are like that, she loves them no matter what. It just felt refreshing having someone else with different opinions to talk to. Arius saw the world in another way. He always has a different view.

Back to the present. It was time for them to part. Arius bid goodbye and left. He passed by the market to get home when he decided to buy a snack for his sisters.

He scanned the stalls and settled on sweets. His whole family liked candy, except for his dad. His hand reached for a bunny shaped chocolate but bumped with another hand which was reaching for the same chocs. He turned to the owner of said hand and surprised himself.

"Sorry!" They said at the same time. "Wait, you look familiar." Arius said. "Ah! The nut girl!" He smiled."Really, that's what you're calling me? And here I thought you'd remember my name, Arius," Sophie said.

Arius chuckled and said,"I'm kidding! Nice to see you again, Sophie."

"You wanted this?" Sophie ponted to the chocolate bunny.

"Yeah, it's for my sisters. But you can have it though," Arius said.

"Are you sure? It's for you sisters, just take it. I don't want to be the cause of a child's misery" she raised a brow and smirked.

"So... you don't want it?""Not really, just checking it out. I already bought a lot here." She said holding up a box of candy.

They were interrupted by the sound of someone clearung their throat, demanding attention.

"Ehem. Hate to disturb you two flirting but care to explain?" A girl perked up from behind.

"Sorry, Charlie." Sophie patted the younger girl's head. "Charlie, this is Arius. I accidentally bumped into him the other day. Arius, this is Charlie, my cousin."

Arius and Charlie greeted each other. But they comtinued to stare at the other, eyeing from head to toe.

Seems familiar.... Hmmm....Blonde hair.... / Brown hair.....Older guy....../ a young girl.....Blue eyes...../ the same green eyes. No wonder they're cousins....

They thought at the same time.

'He's that guy granny sponsored!!''She's that young miss!'

"Err.. Do you two know each other?" Sophie interrupted their thoughts.

They shook their heads profusely.

"Nope" Arius said."I believe this is the first time we met." Charlie said.

"Okay... Well then, ummm... so are you going to buy this?" Sophie asked Arius

"What? Oh um yeah yeah. I'll take it. He quickly asked the shop owner to pack what he ordered and payed.

"I'm gonna go now. See you later I guess."

"See you later."

Just as Arius was out of their sight, Charlie began asking a million questions to Sophie. She just shrugged and walked away, her little cousin tagging along, still asking.

................................

"That confirms my suspicions"

In other words, Sophie is not a commoner. She is related to the Halsey family, meaning she might come from a prestigious family too.

He stared at the ceiling of his room yet again in deep thought.I'll just ignore that...

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Tbh I actually forgot to publish the previous chapter hehe.Nyeh.Vote and comment:)