The two siblings talked a bit more, Bin briefed her about his current living condition and inquired about she did since escaping the facility. He thought his life was miserable but Elise had it worse as she had to fight them almost on a daily basis and worry about what to eat and drink.
"I think trying to hide and escape will only make it easier for them to catch you. The best thing you, no, we can do, is remain seen so that they don't dare attacking. Actually…"
He sized her up then added, "I can find a good job for you."
Elise frowned and retorted, "A job? It's not the time for a job!"
"No, it is. The one who you will be working for has an influential family and friends. Even if they know where you are, they won't brazenly do anything, not until they're sure of the success of their plans. Even the facility is not courageous enough to provoke those wealthy and political families."
First, he thought that Melissa is the perfect choice but he gave up on that idea as there is a chance the blond bitch won't favor his sister like him. The other choice is Rika, who doesn't need a servant but the presence of a friend may alleviate her mental pain and help her forget about the tragedies of the past. Of course, he didn't know if Rika will accept but even if the worse happens, he can still convince Jasmine to let Elise work in the manor, as a maid or something. Angelica was awfully interested in him and Mina so she won't abandon Elise, or so he thought.
The girl thoroughly thought about the proposition before reluctantly nodding her head.
"I don't need to tell you to keep your identity and my condition a secret, right?"
"Of course, the fewer people know, the better."
She rummaged through her backpack and retrieved a plain white mask with three holes meant for the eyes and nose. Wearing a mask is eye-catching and suspicious but her real face would immediately link her identity to him and he can't have that, not now.
Bin stood up and motioned for her to follow him as he exited the house, his figure walking further and further away. Elise watching him, her face containing a mix of sadness and guilt. His condition was way worse than hers and he can't even use magic but his presence did make her slightly more relaxed. She knew that getting in touch with her twin brother was the right decision, if they're together then there's a chance to fight back and keep on living.
At the entrance of his master's manor, the man guarding it looked at the masked girl but didn't stop Bin. The brother and sister entered the manor and the former led the way, soon arriving one of the larger guest room, where Rika was currently staying at. She moved her just today and thanks to one of the maid he stumbled upon inside the manor, he was able to find out her location and that she's alone right now, fortunately.
Bin glanced at the visibly nervous and fidgety Elise and said.
"What's up with you? Are you socially inept or something?"
"Shut up and knock on the door."
Coldly retorted Elise while fixing her black clothes and put down the head covering her long black hair.
The servant knocked a few times and only entered after Rika softly replied. When he stepped inside along with Elise, he saw the short-haired girl sitting on the queen-sized bed, her eyes glued to her phone. Although he doesn't hold any special feelings toward the girl, Bin still felt sorry as she had experienced cruel things. She lost part of her innocence and her mental was chaotic, however, she managed to recover after leaving her house and her father's leash.
"Is it okay to talk now?"
Rika was startled to see Bin, moreover with an unfamiliar masked girl. She inspected the stranger before focusing back on the pale-faced young man.
"Yes, what do you want?"
Her expression transformed into that of an angry one as she remembered what he did inside the car. He pulled her into his lie and she unknowingly complied, further irritating the girl. Bin didn't have time to check the most recent news, which were all about Hayden's death. The congressman was found beheaded in a secluded house but as he was dealing with Elise for the last few hours, he knew naught.
Rika looked calm and more composed than usual, she signaled for the young man to sit close so he complied, though Elise remained motionless like a statue.
"Ehm…" He cleared his throat by lightly coughing before speaking, "After everything that happened… I thought it'll be for your best interest. I mean, you're constantly alone these days so."
He started beating around the bush, annoying Rika, who creased her brow and spat,
"Just tell me what you want."
"I found a suitable person to be your servant." He glanced at Elise, who was standing next to the door and being awfully silent and unresponsive.
"Servant? I don't want a servant."
"You don't want one but there's no denying that you need one."
Seeing his assertive tone, Rika became displeased.
"Need? Who are you to tell me what I need? I don't want to listen to any more of this, get out!"
She thought he came to ask if she's alright or do something nice but it was actually an entirely different thing. Rika clenched her fists and raised her tone while staring at him with piercing eyes.
Bin's face was solemn as he gazed back at the girl, his mind thinking of several reasons to say.
"Look, the least you can do is listen to me first. I saved you twice so you owe me and I want you to hire her as your servant. You need not do anything, just let her follow you and interfere if something bad happens."
"So, back then, you saved me just to force me to do this?"
Bin's mouth opened and closed a few times before slowly got up and waved his hand, unwilling to insist. It was clear Rika was against hiring Elise so he'll just go to Jasmine, however, right before he stepped out of the room, the short-haired young girl said.
"You can leave, I want yo talk to this candidate you so desperately want me to hire."
She no longer paid any attention to Bin and, instead, beckoned Elise to come closer, who obediently did.