Chapter 337 : Unexpected Guests (2)
I blink a couple of times. Still trying to process what is currently happening. Is the person in front of me really Prince Fraser? Where is that Prince who is always mad at Csille? He should be shouting at me by now. So, I don't understand why does he sound so... concerned? I heave a sigh. Prince Fraser concerned about Csille? That is impossible. There's no way it can be true. How can the male lead be concerned about the villainess? It doesn't make sense at all. I'm sure I'm just assuming things again. It's all in my mind.
"Csille?"
I look up at Prince Fraser and shake my head. "Apologies, your highness, I wasn't able to inform my employee about what I will do this morning. That's why she couldn't answer your question. I was out the whole day helping some old couple bringing their son to the hospital."
Prince Fraser frowns. "If you went out to do some charity, why does your employee doesn't know about that? Doesn't she handle all the documents regarding each case you do? She could have read about this. Why isn't she aware that you are doing something today?"
I guess I was wrong earlier when I thought that Prince Fraser was concerned about me. He isn't concerned. He was doubting if I really did something this morning. I should have known better.
Prince Fraser will never be concerned about Csille. I should print that on my mind so I could stop myself from assuming things again and again. I heave a sigh. "Your highness, may I remind you that there is a thing called emergency. I got out this morning to order a meal for my employees as a reward for doing an excellent job in my absence. However, on my way to the restaurant, I bump into two old couples begging passersby to help their son. What do you expect me to do? To return to the Foundation and prepare their papers before I help them?
I paused and stared at him. I want him to see the disappointment in my eyes. Although I already know that he wouldn't care about me because that's how he should be. Cold, snob, and heartless when it comes to Csille Lauretré.
"Your highness, I know you don't trust me, but I hope you wouldn't involve my work here." I shake my head and walk past him. "The reason why my employee didn't know where I went is because I was planning to surprise them. But I didn't expect I would be the one who would be surprised." I look at Prince Joachim and bow my head. Although I still couldn't forget how his guard used his authority over my employee, I still need to pay respect to him. "Greetings, your highness, Prince Joachim. I hope you forgive me for wasting half an hour of your time."
Prince Joachim shakes his head and is about to reply to me when Prince Fraser cuts him off. "What do you mean by your words, Csille?"
I heave a sigh and look at him. What does this guy want? I already avoided the topic because I didn't want to argue anymore. I'm tired. He could be disappointed in me or doubt me all he wants. I wouldn't mind. I just want some peace. Can't this Prince give it to me? "Your highness, I didn't mean anything, and if you got insulted or offended by what I said, then I apologize. It is not my intention to do that. However, may I know what's the purpose of your visit here? You should have told me in advance so I wouldn't have done something this morning."
"Sir Farren, I want you to invite Mister Bertrand to the Foundation. Tell him I need him to work on behalf of Dame Csille Lauretré. He will take care of everything in Dame Csille's absence."
My eyes widened when I heard what he said. He invited Mister Bertrand? Isn't he one of the trusted aides of Prince Fraser? He is a lawmaker and a lawyer who has been working for the Astalieus for years now. And he is saying he wants Mister Bertrand, who has dealt with important matters in the monarch, to work on behalf of me? Is he even serious?
It's as if saying hiring a world renowned lawyer for a simple case of stealing a bun. How can he do that? Mister Bertrand is someone who is well respected in the monarchy, and now he wants to put him in charge of a small Foundation? I shake my head repeatedly. I didn't expect he would do that just for me to come with them. What's with this tour that he is willing to do something big as this? "Your highness, how can I even do that? Everyone knows who is Mister Bertrand is. I don't think it will be right for you to just let him work here. Our Foundation is only small. Wouldn't that be an insult to him?"
No matter what, I need to find an excuse to drive them away. There is no way I would join them on their tour. They can go stroll around the capital for the whole month, and I wouldn't care. Just leave me alone from it. I don't want anything to do with their tour. Prince Fraser's frown deepened. "Why would he? He is working under me, and as long as I don't force him to do anything illegal, he will do it for me. So, you shouldn't worry about that. I'm sure he would gladly work in here. He already mentioned before that he would like to work here even for a day because he likes what you are doing. Also, I'm sure if you let him work here, he could help you with improving how you handle things."
I almost made a face when I heard what he said. If we were in a different situation, I would gladly accept the help. I know the Foundation needs to change some of its policies and its processes. But, I just couldn't find anyone who could help me with. However, things are different now. Who cares about if he can help me improve the Foundation? All I want now is to get away from all of you. I need to find an excuse as much as possible, or else I wouldn't have a choice but to come with them, and that is not what I want.
"Csille..."
I look at Prince Fraser, who looks like he is already getting impatient for my answer. Out of panic, I just blurt out the first thing that comes into my mind. "Thank you for the help. However, I don't think I could accept that. How can I let someone who isn't even related with me to work through the confidential documents of the Foundation? Don't get me wrong, your highness. I know Mister Bertrand is a trusted person. However, I don't think it will be right for me to do that. So, I'm sorry, I'm going to decline your offe—"
"He is working under me. Isn't that enough reason for you to trust him? Also, you already said he is a trusted person, so why can't you trust him?" It's because I cannot do that. If I do, then I wouldn't have a choice but to join all of you. So, no. Even if Mister Bertrand will do good for the Foundation, I will not accept it. I heave a sigh. "It is because I am not related to him. He might be working on you, but I need to know who is the person I am letting into my Foundation. And because I don't have any relation with him, why would I do that?"
"But you have a relationship with me. We can now be considered as one person. You have what I have, and that includes Mister Bertrand. He is working on me. That means he is also working on you."
Wait. Why does the conversation end up like this? We can now be considered as one person? What the heck is he even saying? Does he forget that Princess Paislee is here with us?
I looked at Rufus, hoping he could save me from my misery, but the guy just avoided my eyes. No! No! This cannot be happening. There is no way I would join them. No!