8. Involvement With The Spy?

Turning his head both sides, Asher sighed in relief after seeing no one in the hallways. After the panic he had suffered because of Archer a few days ago, he had become much more susceptible to his surroundings. Asher was always aware of his surroundings, however...

"Young Master Asher, are you trying to hide from me again?"

Asher froze at the voice before turning around and facing the servant. Like usual, Archer wore a smile that wasn't quite a smile. His uniform was crisp and clean, showing no signs of him working previous to finding him. This caused Asher's eyes to narrow in suspicion. Does this servant even help around? Archer's only job was taking care of Asher?

As if knowing what the young master was thinking, Archer's eyes shone with amusement. "I've been taking care of Miss Zara's jobs. Since I have finished these tasks, I will now accompany Young Master Asher."

Asher nodded absentmindedly, already knowing what was going to happen today. Like the days before, Asher would do nothing but eat, sleep, and play with his cat that had yet to be given a name. Unlike Zara, Archer doesn't mind this young master's lazy schedule. The one thing Archer did mind, however, was whenever Asher's clothes were wrinkly or dirty.

Shaking his head, Asher reached for Archer's hand before tugging it forward. "Since you're already here to pester me, hurry up."

Archer nodded silently and began following Asher. Even if Archer had been serving this young master for a few days, he still wasn't used to Asher's constant need for physical attention. Whenever the young boy reached for his hand, his silver eyes darkened as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.

A few maids and butlers sighed in envy as they witnessed the sight before them. Since Asher had always been a timid child, they barely had any sort of contact with the young child. The cute child never asked anything of the staff, making it almost impossible to interact with their youngest master. Also, they couldn't possibly interact with the youngest master of the Pierce Household without an excuse. It could cost them their job, after all!

Oblivious to what they were thinking, Asher walked past them while holding onto Archer's hand while thinking about what he should do to gain a better footing in the family. Ian belittled him constantly while his father allowed his actions. Even if Kio wasn't constantly bothering Asher, his heart is closed off and wouldn't allow Asher in for the time of being. His mother, on the other hand... he hasn't met her yet. This was the person Asher was most worried about.

The only thing Asher knew about his mother was a few facts that he deemed incredibly important. Firstly, Nikola Pierce is the actual head of the Pierce family. While Alejandro, his father, might be taking care of the important affairs, Nikola has the last say in all of the important decisions. In other words, if Nikola was against Asher, there would be nothing he could do about it. He would have to accept the unjust treatment given to him by his family. However, if Nikola loved her son, then his life would be so much easier. Seeing as she's the head of the family and the one that carries a powerful bloodline, her power is far above Alejandro's.

Archer stared at Asher, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He didn't doubt for a second that there was something wrong about Asher's sudden change in personality. Despite this, he had reason to believe that the young child wasn't involved with the spy or with any other malicious threat. Asher seemed too innocent and naive to be able to correctly pass any type of information to an outsider. Still, he couldn't judge Asher's innocence just yet. The little lord's life was on the line, after all.

After walking for a few minutes, they had finally reached their destination. "Allow me, Young Master Asher."

Archer opened the grand doors leading towards the garden. There, the air danced around them softly, making Asher shudder lightly as a bright smile graced his face. He didn't know why, but being surrounded by a gentle breeze in the outdoors always made him feel at ease. In the distance, a black cat could be seen lazily laying around. As soon as the cat's ruby eyes locked onto Asher's dark blue ones, it immediately stood up to greet its owner.

Asher, oblivious of the complicated relationship between Archer and the cat, immediately swooped the cat in his arms as his eyes moistened with unshed tears.

"Archer, this cat belongs to me. Please don't tell father about him or force me to let him go," Asher said in a panicked tone. This cat is the child's first meaningful relationship here in this world, He couldn't bear imagine the thought of his father throwing away such a precious cat onto the streets.

In response to the young master, Archer bowed slightly. "Worry not, Young Master Asher. I will make sure to receive your father's permission to keep the cat as your own."

After hearing this, Asher's eyes brightened in delight as he hugged the cat just a little bit tighter. "Did you hear that, little one? You can now officially become a part of my family!"

"I now need to name you... Archer, what do you feel about Pandora?"

Archer stared at Asher in confusion. "Are you sure you want to give your male cat such a feminine name?"

Hearing this, the cat that was nestled inside Asher's arms shook its small head in disapproval. He didn't want to be given such a name! He can already imagine it. All of the lower class spirit animals will be laughing non-stop at his feminine name!

Witnessing Archer's and the cat's adamant behavior, Asher realized that they didn't capture the meaning of this name.

"Archer, haven't you heard about the story of Pandora?"

Archer nodded, prompting Asher to continue. "Pandora is said to have cast all misfortune onto humans because she opened Pandora's box. That's what I wanted to symbolize with the cat. I want him to represent that box, but instead of releasing misfortune when opened, he would release it when he is angered."

The servant stared at Asher as he explained into further detail just why he wanted to name the cat Pandora. As the child kept explaining, Archer's eyes filled with suspicion. The Pandora myth was created in another country, making it almost impossible for the story to flourish here in Zatheusyl. Certainly, Asher isn't who he appears to be.

Despite this, Archer smiled towards Asher. "Why not name him Pithos?"

"What is not discussed about Pandora's box is the fact that it wasn't a box. The item that held humankind's misfortune was actually a jar. However, when our ancestors translated the words, they mistranslated jar to box. Pithos just so happens to mean jar."

After listening to Archer's small history lesson, Asher nodded slowly. Then, he lowered his gaze to look at the small feline that was still worried about what shall be its future name.

"Archer is right," said Asher with a sigh. "Although your name won't have that much of a direct link with the myth as I wished, Pithos is a fine name."

After much debating, Asher proudly stated, "Archer, you shall bear witness to the naming of my beloved cat!"

Gingerly placing the cat on the ground, Asher smiled warmly and said, "Little cat, you found me a few days ago when I was feeling distressed because of a certain someone. Unknowingly, you calmed me down and became someone that I'm willing to protect always."

"From now onwards, your name is Pithos. Pithos as in Pandora's jar that holds misfortune. However, instead of casting disaster upon humankind, you cast it upon those who dare to hurt or offend you and your loved ones."

Archer, who was bearing witness to Pithos' naming ceremony, couldn't help but snicker silently. Who knew that the almighty black panther would become such a docile cat in front of Young Master Asher?

Since the very beginning, Archer was skeptical about the black panther's- Pithos' involvement. He didn't believe that Pithos' presence would help gain information. However, after seeing him involve himself with the youngest master of the Pierce Household, Archer must admit that the feline does have his uses. This way, they can gain Asher's trust at a much quicker pace.

After the stunt Archer had pulled on Asher, Asher had been reluctant to trust the servant. The young master was always been cautious towards Archer, making it difficult to obtain information. Pithos, on the other hand, had managed to gain Asher's trust in such short notice.

"Archer, would it be possible for you to speak with father now? I want to be extremely sure that I can keep Pithos without anyone wanting to harm him."

The servant bowed before replying. "Of course, Young Master Asher. I shall fulfill your wishes right away."

Smiling brightly towards the servant, Asher couldn't help but feel that Archer wasn't that bad of a man. Sure, he almost caused him to panic, but it's his job to always keep an eye on him. Maybe Asher shouldn't have judged him so quickly...

Walking through the empty halls of the estate, Archer's eyes skillfully observed every detail. If Archer couldn't obtain any information regarding Asher, he should at least investigate the manor. You never know, maybe the spy was careless and left behind important evidence.

Hurried footsteps could be heard throughout the hall as Anne, a maid that also worked in the estate, ran towards Archer. Archer raised an eyebrow as Anne caught her breath and fanned her flushed cheeks, clearly wanting to say something important.

"Please forgive my rudeness, Sir Archer. Master Alejandro and Mistress Nikola are waiting for you in the study. It appears that they have found something that they want to show you."

Archer thanked Anne before heading towards the study. Immediately upon arriving, he could sense the cold and unwelcoming atmosphere. Nikola was hatefully glaring at Alejandro without restraint as he simply chose to ignore her gaze. His hands tightly clutched a piece of paper.

"Quickly come on in and lock the door. Nobody must hear this."

Alejandro stood from his seat and walked towards Archer. Nikola, on the other hand, did not attempt to move. The paper that Alejandro was holding was now passed onto Archer.

"As you can see in this note, Asher is involved with the spy. This being said, I want to order an arrest for Asher Pierce," Alejandro said in a gruff voice. Nikola was stunned upon hearing this. How could he suggest arresting their youngest son? Archer, on the other hand, was left with a bad taste upon his mouth. Something wasn't right here.

Archer narrowed his eyes towards Alejandro before glancing at the note. "I shall read this out loud for all to hear."

"Master, do not worry. I shall soon have Asher Pierce as a pawn for your game. His family, Nikola being the only exception, have already cut off all contact with him. He is now far too deep in his depression. Controlling him will be easy."

Upon hearing the note's contents, Nikola smashed her fist against the wooden table containing all of the important documents that have yet to be signed. Then, she stared at her husband, her eyes failing to conceal the grief she currently felt. "Depression? Did you hear that, dear Alejandro? Our son is suffering because of your decisions! If only you had learned how to accept your children's shortcomings and appreciate their strengths, maybe we wouldn't be in this predicament!"

"Nikola, please lower your voice. Keep in mind that we aren't alone in the study. Lord Zacharia's servant is here with us."

"No," Nikola shook her head as a lone tear fell from her cheek. "Alejandro Ace, keep in mind that you carry my family name. You are not related in any way, shape or form to the Pierce ancestors. You have no real power over me."

Archer couldn't help but snicker at Alejandro's reaction regarding what Nikola had just said. His face was bright red as he held back the comments that were dying to be heard.

Not wanting things to escalate between the couple, Archer butted in. "With all due respect, you should stop your bickering and focus on the task at hand. In regards to the note, this piece of evidence is extremely important. While we don't have anything that states that Young Master Asher is currently working with the spy, this note indicates that he could have betrayed the Pierce family at any given moment."

Alejandro opened his mouth to speak but Nikola quickly interrupted him. Her aura changed from that of a frustrated and grief-stricken mother to that of the head of the family.

"Upon seeing the note, I can't claim that my son is innocent without any concrete indication that he is indeed not associated with the spy. So, Sir Archer, please tell Lord Zacharia about the note. Also, relay your master the following message."

"This note can and will become an important factor in this investigation. As the head of the Pierce family, I can confidently say that my son has some type of connection with the spy. However, as a mother that knows her son like the back of her hand, I cannot accept such cruel fate. You will give me three days to prove his innocence. That is all."

Archer smiled before bowing. His master will surely grant Nikola's request. After all, this was a genuine request of a mother wanting to protect her children. Lord Zacharia would never turn his back on such a request, especially since Nikola is an honorable woman that keeps her word.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Archer turned around and smiled towards Nikola.

"Young Master Asher has acquired a new pet. He performed a naming ceremony and I am the witness. Please allow him to keep Pithos as a pet."

Just as Alejandro was about to decline, Nikola smiled and said, "Of course. Thank you for your hard work, Sir Archer. You are dismissed."