Chapter 9: And They Met Again!

Kai Rumaro, the second young master of the Rumaro household scrutinized the candidates for the job.

His eyes held an unreadable expression, cold and dark even under the bright daylight lit room.

Mister Arnold scrutinized his young master who wore a white shirt with black pants. The child appeared relaxed but only Mr Arnold was aware of what went through his unreadable eyes. Although Mr. Arnold had known young master Kai ever since he was born, he still found it hard to understand and read this boy's mind but right now it was evident what was going through his head. Kai didn't want a "companion" for himself and merely came to observe who the candidates were although he was extremely disinterested in becoming a part of the judges panel.

He was aloof and cold as per his usual demeanor. Only thing that did intrigue and surprise him was Alena's presence as a candidate. He was invited to perform as a judge. He was not planning to stay but now that Alena was here as well, he was interested in knowing how things would unfold. Apparently she was talented enough to have made it this far into the top 5.

He wondered what she would do next. For some odd reason this girl intrigued him. He couldn't pin point what it was but he was bemused by this girl.

For some reason Kai's coldness made Alena squirm in discomfort. To realise he was the employer she had to work for, the revelation seemed to had shocked and unsettled her. She didn't want to meet his cold gaze but regardless of his aloof attitude, Alena knew she needed the job for her own sake. She needed the money to better support her family and their financial conditions.

The job would pay so well that she could save up for college fees. She was determined to bag the job. She wouldn't back down even if the employer himself wanted her to.

"For the next round", Mr Arnold announced, pushing back his spectacles, "Young Master Kai will be the judge. You have to prove your loyalty to him and do as he orders. If you're able to fulfill his orders and if your performance is satisfactory, you shall be rewarded with the job. Remember, this is the ultimate test. Beware; no mistakes shall be tolerated, this is the final round and thus the final phase that will decide your fate, be extra careful! All the best and good luck to you all!", Cheered Mister Arnold with his stern voice.

Kai stared off into space, although his eyes were unreadable, it was obvious he was introspecting something in his head. After a few seconds his eyes darted straight swiftly onto Mr. Arnold.

"Head Butler Arnold, I need to have a private chat with you", he stated. His voice as cold as ice with the evident unfamiliarity and sternness.

Understanding the meaning of this, all the other judges slightly bowed their head towards him and no one dared to question anything. Even the almighty chef showed respect to young master Kai.

It was only now that Alena had begun to understand that this "young master" was not a simple person. She was carefully observing and scrutinizing every actions being taken by the judges. She was especially focused on Kai, trying to understand him more than the little information she had about him.

Both Mister Arnold and Young Master Kai left the room to hold a private chat in the meeting room of the building which was close by where the contestants were situated.

"What are you doing? I think I had made it clear to you that I did not require this kind of service", Kai stated sternly, his eyes squinted into a cold glare.

"Whatever I am doing is for your own good, young master. If not now then it will be too late in the future", Mr. Arnold countered with no signs of fear, without backing down.

"I do not like what you're doing, why do you still insist on disregarding my wishes. Also, I do not wish to participate in this sort of foolishness", Kai folded his arms in frustration.

Mister Arnold smiled and spoke calmly, "I am doing it for your own good, young master. Whether you like it or not, you're still here young master", he smiled at this young man's silliness.

Caught off guard, Kai's eyes widen in surprise. He couldn't believe his 'old man' would mock him like this. His cheeks tinted slightly red as he continued giving an excuse, "You called me here, thus I am here, but don't misunderstand -- I am here to test and watch your selected candidates to check how competent they are, also, perhaps to make things worse", Kai smirked, mischief playing on his lips.

"Whatever you say young master, you're still here to watch. I am glad you made time to come here to watch the potential candidates. Perhaps this will allow a change of heart", Mr. Arnold smiled in relief.

"Just because I am here, don't be fooled that I will have a change of heart. I am merely a spectator", the internal desire of Kai was to ruin things before they got worse. He did not merely come here to be a spectator, he had other plans in his mind. He wondered why these foolish old men were so keen on this foolish act of job interview and hiring.

Arnold saw the look on his young master's face. He had a clear understanding of that look. After all, he had seen Kai put on that look for many years that he had spent in the Rumaro household.

"Your father and I are keen on this so that you could have a better future, young master. We do not wish to harm you, you need to trust me and your father's guidance at some point, young master", he stated calmly knowing what the response would be.

Kai's heart throbbed at the mere mention of his father. He was immediately disgusted by this old man's statement and clearly irritated. His eyes grew darker and colder as his stare leveled more into a deeper glare. The annoyance was clear on his face.

He did know why this was happening, but he was more offended about the fact that he was being forced to adjust to this. He was displeased. For years he had been forced to do things he did not wish to participate in, but still he had to adjust and adapt. This time, although, he did not wish to just sit and watch.

A storm was brewing up as the candidates and the other judges awaited for what was going to take place next. Unaware entirely of the events that would take place in the near future.

*******

to be continued in the next episode

*****

Note : Any sort of plagiarism is a crime and shall not be tolerated. All rights are reserved by the author.

Kai will personally hunt you down! khekhekhe >:)

So be good, and don't plagiarize! :)