Sudden Development

Back at the inn, James finally had the courage to confront Loraine and asked about the whole business thing, "Dear, I know that you looked eager and confident, but… why?"

Loraine replied rather calmly, "Well, if we want to live in this city, I think that it is best for us to start working. Given that Valencia is a town of trade and commerce, opening up a store is not the worst idea."

"Yes, I agree, but didn't we want to stay hidden? Opening up a store, especially one that would catch everyone's attention isn't the ideal way of hiding." James said.

Giving off a smile Loraine replied, "I am not planning to hide my whole life. I know that my family has a lot of influence, but that is all in The King's City. Here they barely have one. Therefore, if we can start building relationships with others and increase our influence here, I am pretty sure that as long as we live in Valencia, they won't be able to touch us."

James could hear the determination in Loraine's voice as she spoke them. Looking up to her, James could not help himself from feeling emotional, "I am sorry that I doubted you or your idea. I will also help you out, be it in the store or with something else. You are correct, we should make this place our new home."

As his voice started to dim, his eyes started to become wet, he had not expected that Loraine was prepared to go to such lengths to be with him. He felt ashamed. He felt that he was a coward. With a faint voice he said, "Thank you dear… I love you."

"I love you too." Loraine said, as she hugged James. "Don't worry about anything. Together we will get over it."

…

As the sun rose, Loraine was again the first to wake up. "Wake up sleepy! We have a lot of work to do!" She said with a cheerful voice, trying to wake James up.

Not knowing where Loraine got all that energy from, James slowly sat up right. He had witnessed sleepless nights back at Hermes, however he could not imagine how someone had this much energy.

As Loraine opened up the curtains, the sun blinded James. Holding his hand in front of his face, he reluctantly stood up. "Why the rush this early in the morning?" He asked Loraine.

Loraine replied cheerfully, "Well, I have decided that we should also start looking for a shop. We should help Alice in this endeavor. After yesterday, I cannot wait any longer."

Not knowing if to laugh or cry, James felt amused by all this. He replied, "Well isn't Alice going to contact us if she found something?"

"Yes, therefore, I will first go to the shop to talk with her before heading out. So get dressed, we have a lot to do today."

Before James had moved, someone knocked at the door. A voice came from the other side, "Miss Loraine, the owner of the inn is expecting you at her office."

Hearing this, both James and Loraine were taken aback. "What could this mean?" They wondered.

"Just a second." Loraine said as she looked over to James who was still in his night garment. Not sure if to wait, he saw James walking to the door and opens it. Surprised by this, she did not know what to say.

"Why is she expecting us?" James asked the young female at the other side of the door.

Seeing James who was not dressed up, the female attendant's face started to redden up as she quickly averted her face. With a soft and shy voice she replied, "Well, Miss Margret, is waiting for Miss Loraine to join her and Miss Alice for breakfast."

Hearing those words, Loraine stormed to the door and turned the attendant to face her, "Where is the office? Please lead the way!"

Shocked by this the attendant's voice now even became less hearable, "Y… Yes… ple… please… thi… this way." The attendant was shaken up from what happened just a moment ago. However after saying those words, she turned around and made her way quickly to the destination. It was as if she was fleeing from something.

Before Loraine had the chance to leave, James took her by the arm and said, "What about me?"

Loraine shrugged and said, "I don't know… there will be only females there, and so it would not be appropriate for you to join us… you should go downstairs and have breakfast on your own. I am sure that Margret will offer it to you for free… or at least with a discount." With that Loraine gave a wicked smile before kissing James on the cheek and leaving at the direction that the attendant went to.

Being left along at the door opening, James thought for a moment before turning around and heading back to his bed.

…