Chapter 12 - Marche

After a month, her room is nicely done, it was made in Oakwood which is ideal for the structure of buildings due to the high quality, resistance to moisture, and unique appearance that adds character to the home.

Geraldine was satisfied and paid them twice the amount of gold coins because of the extra work they made to the underground room.

"Lady, we cannot accept this amount of gold, it's too much!" Ricardo said while trying to give back half the amount to Geraldine. Alexjin stops them and softly pushes back the pouch that contains the gold coins back to them.

"It's an insult to the Lady if you didn't accept her generosity," Alexjin said as he went back to Geraldine's side. Ricardo retracted his hands and smile with tears forming in his eyes.

"Thank you for your kindness Lady Geraldine," Ricardo and Ritzmon bowed their head with respect.

"You're welcome, thank you for your hard work," Geraldine offered them a smile and soon they went back home. She was happy to see the smile on their faces as she knows the amount of gold she paid for them will be used in good hands.

"Alexjin, tomorrow prepare the carriage, we'll go to the market to buy things I needed and you may also transfer into my old room, after all, it's uncomfortable to sleep in the chair," Geraldine muttered as she went to her old room and have Alexjin helped her carry some of her stuff and put it into her new empty room attached outside the house.

"Why do you carry many books master?" Alexjin asked when he saw that most of the things his master had are books.

"Books are a uniquely portable magic, it contains knowledge that could change your life," Geraldine takes a book from the box and gives it to Alexjin, "Read this book, for now, make sure to understand and memorize every part of it."

Alexjin was confused why his master gives him a hard task as he prefers physical work than used his brain but he can't say 'no' to her. He can only nod and work his best to satisfy his master.

"I'm not really good at memorizing but I'll do my best master," He said and clutched the book in his chest.

"Good, I always expect great things from you Alexjin, just remember that all these things I'm teaching you are relevant for your future, so don't ever forget these things, okay?" Geraldine patted his head twice as they are in the same height, "Consider this as a gift that cannot be stolen from you, a gift of knowledge is a very powerful tool, so use it wisely."

"Yes, master!" Alexjin was touched by his master's words, it struck in his heart. He can't believe that a person like her is concerned about his future and well-being. A boost of dedication filled him again as he instantly finished his work and helped prepare dinner with his mother, after that he retired for the night while reading the first ten pages of the book as he wanted to show his master that she ain't wrong about him and that he can do anything he was asked to do.

The next morning came, as the sunlight hits Alexjin's eyes, he instantly raised in the chair he's currently sleeping in to boil water for Geraldine's tea and cooked pancakes for breakfast. He wanted to take responsibility for his role even though Geraldine takes him as an apprentice and not as a servant.

Dressed in a grey long sleeve tunic and black trousers, Alexjin went out to prepare the carriage outside and feed the two brown horses he bought.

"I should bathe you both later, ya'll stink," Alexjin laughed as one of the horses sneeze in front of him.

After he was done, he went back inside the house to see his mother cleaning the kitchen. Since she was brought to Geraldine's house, she insists to help with household chores even though Geraldine forbids her due to her health.

"Mother, you should rest, why are you up so early?" He went to her side and hugs her.

"Well, I've heard that both of you will leave early to the market, so I wanted to prepare breakfast first but I guess, you win this time," Aurelie caress her son's hair lovingly.

"You should rest and regain back your strength first before working again, you've done enough for the past years mom, let me take care of you this time," Alexjin looked at his mom softly as he assisted her to sit on the chair.

"Alexjin, I have something to talk to you," Aurelie hold his hand and pressed it firmly, "Promise me that you will follow Lady Geraldine's teachings in heart and use it as your advantage in the future. She's a good person that only wanted a good future for you, we have lived a hard life and this is a great opportunity to change your path and become someone great in this Empire," Aurelie looked into his eyes as she said her words firmly, making sure that he ingested every piece of words she spoke into his brain.

"Of course mother, I will follow and do everything Lady Geraldine told me to do. After all, if this is a great opportunity to learn more knowledge, I will gladly take it if it means I can give you a good life without pain and suffering," Alexjin was surprised to see his mother shred tears from her tired eyes, he immediately raised his hand and wiped it away, "Mother, I don't want to see you cry."

Aurelie dried her face and tried to suppress her tears, "I'm just happy to have such a loving child, you're the best gift that I ever had." She pulled his son for a hug and they shared a mother and son moment.

Geraldine who just wakes up is standing behind the wall eavesdropping on their conversation. She felt pity towards Alexjin for not knowing that her mother is suffering from the effects of the poison that is untreatable.. She was also conflicted about whether or not to find an antidote for Aurelie, after all, her death is one of the reasons she needed to boost Alexjin to pursue being the next Emperor.