"Come with me"
He takes me inside a nearby restaurant that was not that full but there were still a few customers here and there. The restaurant itself looked very fancy and trendy since all of its walls had soaring ceilings and were covered with green and red tapestry from top to the bottom. This was the first time, I had seen such rugs hanging from the walls. Each piece was connected to another and they all joined together to make the hotel's logo which comprise a four-leaf clover hinting at the restaurant's name which was "Fortuna", literal meaning to the word luck.
On the ceiling, golden three-tier chandleries with yellowish lights were hanging every five feet later, making the room brighter since the tapestry was making it feel darker. This restaurant was renowned among young couples and it was said who would eat here, their luck would increase and the couple would stay together forever. Needless to say, I don't believe in such things. I overheard it from Holly who wouldn't stop talking about how she's saving money to eat from here on her first wedding anniversary since it's quite expensive.
I looked at Argus who was still grasping my hand while we were being lead to our table. His butler had gone to get some ointment as per Argus's orders a few moments ago while the guards were outside the restaurant due to courtesy. I don't think he doesn't even know about this restaurant since he merely looked to his left and the restaurant was right there in front of him. He went inside the first restaurant he could see. Which makes me think that why we are going to a restaurant? I'm guessing it's for me to put ointment on my feet. That's thoughtful of him. After putting the medicine on, I'll have to thank him.
Smiling, I was deep in thoughts without realizing that we were in front of our table and the waiter had pulled the chair, waiting for me to sit. I noticed something was missing and glanced at my empty hand since Argus had stopped holding it. After I took my seat, Argus also sat opposite me. Before long the waiter brought our menu and left. I thought this was useless since we aren't going to eat anything so I placed my menu aside.
"Now tell me what happened."
Argus finally spoke as I then told him everything in detail. Since he is the only person I know who recognises my real identity, I end up subconsciously trusting him too much, which is why I can't help but depend on him.
"What are you going to do about the 12 billion mels now?"
"I'm not quite sure. However, I feel that we can register a case against him before that. Did you discover anything?"
"I did.....however, some confirmations still need to be made therefore I am waiting for my spy's report. He will deliver it to me in a few days. And then I will contact you."
I was about to inform him where we were planning to move but at that moment the butler came with ointment and white bandages. He hands it to Argus and then takes his leave.
I lay down my hand forward to take the ointment from him, but he suddenly gets down in front of me. This makes my eyes go round and cheeks red. Don't tell me....he is planning on putting it on himself?
"You don't have to....Argus....."
"It's no issue. Please take off your shoes. I need to bandage it as well."
I complied shyly. My breathing froze when I felt the cold medicine touch my feet as he used his finger to apply. For the whole few moments that took him to apply and bandage both my foot, I sat frozen. With my face completely flushed, I kept glancing at his face. I feel like my heart's gonna burst any moment. I dare not to even take a single breath. At long last, after what felt like an endless hour, he was done. He looked up and gently said,
"There, done. You should take care of yourself."
When he realized I wasn't even moving, he realized that we were close and abruptly stood up and moved a bit back. That's when my breath that I didn't know I was holding it in, escaped along with a small shy thank you.
He averted his gaze and mumbled a tiny no problem. I slightly glanced up to take a look at his face and saw that his face was normal as usual however his ears were red as a beet. Seeing that made me feel more flushed.
In this awkward moment, where no one said anything and both parties felt embarrassed and shy, my famished stomach that didn't get anything to eat since morning protested. A grumble echoed in the empty silence.
Reflexively I put my hand on my stomach as if this would stop the voice from escaping. I want to die at this moment due to embarrassment. Why did my stomach have to act up now? I kept looking down until I heard Argus cough and add,
"Want to order something?"
"Ah no....it's fine. Don't mind me. I am not that hungry."
I moved my hands up in the air as a sign of protest. However, my stomach betrayed me again and once more grumbled.
Argus chuckled and handed me the menu saying,
"I think it's better if we ordered something. Here, choose. What do you want to have? Decide and then I'll call the waiter."
After we were done ordering, or should I say I was done ordering since he didn't order anything and told me he already ate, I briefed him about where we are planning to shift so that it will be easier for him to contact me later on.
"I know a few people in downtown. They can help get you rented cottages with much better prices. Should I talk to them?"
"Thank you so much. I appreciate it but I've already asked so much from you that I can't bother you anymore. What's more, this is also a splendid cottage with a private farm."
"If you say so. But do know that you will under no circumstances be a bother. Come to me, whenever you need help. Since people who are not from this novel should stick together and support each other."
"Thank you."
He is right. We are the only ones who know each other's true identity, hence we are the only ones wherein each other's company can be our true selves. It truly is a blessing to have someone like that. This reminds me, didn't he say he knows another person like us?
"You said there is another person like this. What about them? Can I meet them?"
"He is not here currently. When he comes, I'll contact him and then let you know soon."
"He? So that means this person is a male. Who is he? Any one of the main characters from the book?"
"....let's just say he is older than me. As for who he is, that's a surprise."
I pout and add,
"That's not fair."
But he just laughs in turn. His laughter is pretty so I'll let it slide and not pester him so much. Although he said that guy is old, so maybe it's an old man who is a merchant or a butcher. I wonder who he is.
At that moment, the food comes and is set on the table. The waiter leaves after asking if we need anything else.
I quickly dig in since I was starving. However, after a few bites, I felt uncomfortable due to Argus's gaze on me and the fact that I was the only one eating.
Using a fork, I take a portion of the steak and put it in front of him.
"It feels weird eating alone. At least take a few bites."
"It's fine. This all is for you anyway so eat all you want."
"I know but this is amazing, please give it a taste...."
I push the fork near him and he gives in. Instead of taking the fork, he clutches my arm and brings himself closer to take a bite, and then moves back and remarks,
"You're right. It is delicious."
My hand and eyes were frozen at the place where he had grasped it. That portion of my arm had become warm. He observed my face going red and realized what he had just done a few seconds ago so his ears also became red.
We were still like that when suddenly running footsteps approached us. We instantly turn to look at the source to recognise my little brother, Eros rushing in. He was panting heavily along sweating profoundly. He must have been running around to look for me but what happened for him to be in such a rush?
"Eros? What's wrong?"
Suddenly his eyes become clouded, tears start streaming down his face.
"Father...papa...he is dead....."
"What?!"
We both stand up abruptly due to shock. This didn't happen in the book. Sure Rhea's father stays in the clinic for the rest of the story but no matter what tragedies the female lead had to go through, none of the characters die. So why now? What happened? Is it because I altered the story?
Argus and I both look at each other knowing that we were thinking the same thing of why a character has died even though it didn't happen in the book.