After the immediate issues were talked upon, they returned to silence as they both knew what topic would be next. The general sighed several times before he decided to start the unavoidable conversation.
"I heard about what happened to Alfonso and about my daughter. I am extremely ashamed of what she did and have punished her accordingly." He started as the feeling of embarrassment and anger when he discovered his daughter's evil actions returned.
He received the letter from the major that day and he did not hesitate to send help but the content of the other letter made his blood boil. The general's reputation was already in question because he was favoring his daughter and yet this daughter of his was doing as she liked without regards to his father.
The letter mentioned that she left the town during the most crucial moment and didn't help in stabilizing the situation or even in calming the citizens who were affected from the attack. She left together with her men and abandoned the major.
Captain Violett Cazal even dared to return to the capital after that blunder. She even argued with her father to justify herself but this time the general was not going to listen to her. Since he was the person who recommended her, he was also the person who had the right to strip her of her rank and position.
"I am willing to give her a second chance after that time when we were investigating the bandits but after what she did during the chaos at Alfonso, I can't let it pass." Linius's voice was stern and didn't allow any arguments which the general understood.
"I understand. My daughter returned as a regular soldier of the kingdom and after her punishment, I will send her away. She won't be joining any brigade nor battles in the future," the general sounded defeated. His shoulders drooped down as he sighed in frustration.
"I just hope that the captain won't hold any grudge from what had happened," Linius added. Remembering the captain, she was the type to plant hatred in her heart but still the major hoped that she wouldn't come for revenge because if she did, even though she was the daughter of his mentor, he wouldn't show mercy.
General Cazal looked at Linius in the eyes, "I hope so too, major. I've already assigned people to look after her and watch her every move because I don't want her to create another mess."
After the main topics were discussed, they proceeded to talk about the upcoming royal ball of the palace. The security of the event was assigned to them so they must prepare. Designations were also decided and it took them almost two hours to finalize the plan for the ball.
"Your brother must have been bored, let's end it here for now since we are already done. I'll contact you again if something comes up." Eric Cazal stood up followed by Linius as they both left the room.
The butler who was waiting for them outside escorted the major to where the master was after he bid the general goodbye. They went to the garden and saw that Cygnus was still reading the book. He lifted his head and stood up when he saw that the major was waiting for him. He returned the book then they left.
"That took longer than expected," he commented as he stretched his back and arms. He felt a little bit stiff after sitting in the gazebo for hours.
"I'm sorry, it took us longer to finalize the security for the royal ball," Linius answered. "Are you going to attend the ball? My father received an invitation and they will be arriving in the capital next month for the ball."
"Yes, I will attend since I want to familiarize myself with the royalty of this kingdom," Cygnus grinned and the major felt that there was something suspicious behind that smile.
"Are you going to make a scene during that time again?" He already learned that it was better to ask than to continue guessing the master's thoughts. If the master was really planning something during that time, he needed to be prepared.
Cygnus hummed before he gave the man a meaningful smile, "I hope that you can support me during that time since I'm not sure what I should do."
"Alright then since I already know that you'll be creating another raucous, I'll help you as much as I can." Linius nodded his head before he sighed at least this time he was given a heads up.
"I'm curious, who will be invited for that royal ball aside from of course the nobility?" Cygnus just wanted to make sure that the people he wanted to be there would be invited as well or else his plan wouldn't work.
"The Magic Tower and the Hero Alliance will be invited but I'm not sure of the identity of the people from their side who will attend," the major answered. The look of satisfaction on his face did not escape the major's eyes.
Linius concluded that the master's target for the upcoming ball would be the tower. Although he was also eyeing the Hero Alliance, he guessed that the master won't pick a fight with them for now. This must be also because of the deal they made. He was not sure but it was to their family's favor that the master would deal with the tower first.
"Oh, that's good," Cygnus narrowed his eyes with the corner of his lips lifted. After a short while, he covered his mouth with one of his palms as his shoulders started to shake.
Linius pretended that he couldn't see and hear the master. After a while, Cygnus's snickers turned into laughter after he thought of how he should make his presence known during that party. It should be in the most shocking way since he has a large audience. He would make it very memorable that all guests wouldn't forget him and his performance.
While waiting for the ball, Cygnus together with Mr. C focused on the shop they were going to open. Without hesitation, Cygnus still named both shops Vergessen since it was already his bakeshop's name. After all preparations were done, both shops were ready to open.
"Master, are you ready?" Mr. C asked after they made sure that everything was in place. Their employees were also ready to serve their first customers.
"Yes, go and open that door already." Cygnus gave them the signal so Mr. C finally opened the door and ushered in the first wave of customers.
The first batch of bread they baked earlier was already sold out so Cygnus baked another batch. He was the only person inside the kitchen as he did not want others to disturb him from his work. On the other side of the city, the opening of his bakeshop wasn't that much busy because people on that side were still wary of entering the shop.
It was alright though, because profit was not his main goal in establishing that branch on the poorer side of the city. He was a slightly patient person. At the end of the day, the shop in the middle of the city had a successful opening while the other one wasn't received well.
"What will you do now, master?" Mr. C asked as they disposed of all the leftover bread in his second shop. No one actually came to buy bread due to so many reasons but the master didn't care.
"They'll come. We just need to be patient. I'll put up a sign and let the employees give some free bread outside so that they won't hesitate to enter next time." Cygnus was busy tasting his new recipes while talking to the butler. "This is only the first day."