Chapter 22 Boss? What Happened?

He did not give the butler an answer and instead pointed at Cygnus who was happily humming while kneading the dough for the bread. The butler laughed and placed his finger on his lips. He also gave Ezio a wink which confused the teen even more.

Finally after almost an hour of waiting, Ezio emerged from the kitchen and he was told by the butler that some people were looking for him. He pointed at where Astrophos and the other were sitting then patted and gently pushed him to their direction.

Ezio was frowning as he approached the table. "What is it?" He asked in a rather cold voice.

"Ah, I can see where this temper has come from," Alastor smiled and attempted to make a good impression on him but Ezio was not impressed.

"And?" Was Ezio's only word. He did not want to stay any longer with them. He could already tell that they were mages since they were with Astrophos and they might want to talk about his uncle again.

Arean was already on her feet and grabbed Ezio's collar after that statement. She also did not like the look that Ezio was giving them. "Why are you being rude?" She tightened her grip on his collar.

"I'm not rude, I just don't like people like you." He also gripped Arean's arms and tried to pull it away from him but the woman was much stronger than him.

Instead of relenting, she tightened her hold on him. "You are in no position to talk to us like that." She sneered and bu using purely her strength, she lifted Ezio and was about to throw him down.

Ezio's eyes widened when he felt himself being lifted and when he thought it was his end, he felt a hand pulling him down and supporting him.

"You know, it is a bit rude of you too, to do that inside my shop. You see I don't exactly really care who you are," Cygnus met the woman's gaze and in a split second, Arean staggered back with her body shivering.

Cygnus steadied Ezio and patted him on the back. The teen was smart enough to take a step back and hid behind the man.

"Oh where was I, yes, I was telling you all that it doesn't matter who you are because in my shop I am the boss and all of you are mere customers." He swept his gaze on the four person group. "And what I dislike the most are people who bring trouble inside this place."

Alastor was impressed at the man's outstanding presence and those eyes, those were not the eyes of a simple shop owner. "Yes, I apologize for my subordinate's rude behavior. As for compensation, we will pay double for what we have ordered today."

At the mention of money, Cygnus's eyes suddenly twinkled and the aura of a dominating boss disappeared. "Oh, I like that," he grinned and even rubbed his palms together, "I like your attitude, rich sir, so would you like to add more cakes or breads to your order?"

The shop went silent, the people were gawking at the man like he had lost his mind. They were too stunned to speak at that moment.

'Where was the domineering boss a while ago?' 'Why was he grinning like a dumb opportunist who only wanted money?' 'Where was his dignity as the person who killed Sirion?'

Several questions ran through their minds, especially for Ezio ad Astrophos who had seen what he was capable of. Alastor who was amazed a while ago has now lost his interest in the man. It appears that he was just someone who liked money.

"No this is alright," he looked at Meliore and gestured for her to pay. "We will return again, and I hope that you can have a peaceful conversation with us." His gaze went to the person behind Cygnus but Ezio did not give him any acknowledgement and chose to remain hidden and stay silent.

Cygnus happily counted the money they paid and was even urging them to get bread that they can take home but Alastor passed. Cygnus did not stop though and pestered them that they should come back, every action of his was screaming of wanting to take more money from them.

Once they're out of the door, the grin on the master's face disappeared as he burned the money they gave. "That was fun," he turned around and looked at Ezio, "they clearly came for you."

"Are we going to do something about them?" The butler asked with already a broom on his hand.

"Nothing, let them do whatever they want," Cygnus shrugged. He returned to the kitchen like nothing ever happened. He was now in the mood to bake some chocolate cupcakes.

Ezio who remained silent, followed behind and when they were the only ones left, he let out what was in his mind. "Thank you for saving me a while ago."

Cygnus faced the child who seemed to be embarrassed by what he had said. "I did not do it for you. I just want to see their reaction and how strong they were. I don't go out of my way saving people."

"But still thank you." He insisted, it was what he owed him for the help he gave him last time and letting him stay with them.

The master looked at the teen. "You are too kind."

Ezio did not know if that was a compliment or not but he felt like there was a hidden meaning those words. He was about to respond to the man but the master chose to ignore him as he got back to his work.

After leaving the bake shop, Alastor let Astrophos leave while the three of them returned to the municipal hall where the mayor was once again waiting for them. He led them to where they were going to stay during the time that they will be in Moonvale after that he also left.

"It was just a glare but you got scared? What kind of Grand Mage are you?" Alastor was not happy at Arean. "You are an embarrassment to the Magic Tower." Every word he spoke carried malice that made Arean cower and unable to speak.

"Enough, she was already humiliated, so stop pressing her." Meliore came to her defense and stood in front of her.

Alastor narrowed his eyes, "Then, don't show your faces to me for the rest of the day, leave."

Meliore was walking on the front followed by Arean who had her head down. "That was no ordinary intimidation. It was real," she suddenly spoke which made Arean flinched, "next time don't be too rushed, or I won't be able to save you from Alastor's anger."

Arean balled her fists as she answered, "I understand."

Meliore took a peek behind her and saw that the woman was giving off a dangerous aura. It seemed that she still needed some discipline.