Finding the Truth

While relishing the delectable feast prepared by Letizia, Napoleon engaged in lively conversation with his siblings, eager to catch up on the events that had unfolded since his departure from Corsica. Laughter filled the air as they shared anecdotes, bonded over shared experiences, and recounted the trials and triumphs that had shaped their lives in his absence.

In the middle of their animated discussion, Letizia gracefully excused herself, promising to replenish the delightful spread of food. As she disappeared into the kitchen, Napoleon saw an opportunity to steal a moment alone with her.

Casting a furtive glance at his siblings engrossed in their own conversations, Napoleon discreetly followed Letizia into the bustling kitchen. He found her amidst the aromatic symphony of simmering sauces and clattering utensils, her graceful figure and focused expression painting a picture of domestic prowess.

"Mother," Napoleon called softly.

Letizia startled at the sound of her son's voice, her hand momentarily freezing mid-stir. She turned around, a mixture of surprise and joy dancing in her eyes. The wooden spoon slipped from her grasp, clattering against the side of the pot, but her attention remained solely focused on Napoleon.

"Napoleon!" she exclaimed, a tender smile spreading across her face. "You surprised me there. Why are you here?"

"Mother, there is something I want to know about a specific someone," Napoleon said, his tone serious.

"About who?"

"Ciela, my personal maid that you supposedly hired," Napoleon revealed and continued. "Mother, you are an open book, you lied when you said you hired Ciela, it's why you made it a secret to us how you found her."

Letizia's face paled, her expression shifting from surprise to nervousness as Napoleon confronted her about Ciela, the mysterious personal maid. The clattering sounds of the kitchen seemed to fade into the background, replaced by an uncomfortable silence that hung heavy in the air.

"Napoleon," Letizia stammered, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "I... I didn't mean to keep it from you."

"Then tell me who she is, Mother. Because she just appeared right on my doorstep. I knew you Mother, you have been frugal. So it confused me when you hired a personal maid for me. Please Mother, at least I want to know who is working for me."

"Fine, I'll tell you," Letizia sighed and continued. "The truth is, I didn't find Ciela, she found us."

Napoleon tilted his head to the side, his brows furrowing. "What do you mean by that?"

"Ciela has been looking for our family, asking our neighbors about where we lived. And when she arrived at our doorstep, she asked if you were living here. I asked her why and she said that she was just curious. Of course, as your proud mother, I told her that you are studying currently at a prestigious university in Paris. And then she pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. It contained money, a lot of it."

"Wait, so let me get this straight," Napoleon interrupted, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and intrigue. "Ciela sought us out? And she came bearing an envelope filled with money? Mother, this only deepens the mystery. Who is she, and why would she be so invested in our family?"

Letizia sighed, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "I wish I had all the answers, my dear Napoleon," she admitted. "But she didn't say anything about her background. But looking at her features, I'd say that she is a daughter of noble birth. There's an air of refinement and elegance about her, something that speaks of a higher lineage."

"But why did you accept the money?" Napoleon asked. "Because by accepting it, you told me where I am without knowing the person fully. She could have done something harmful to me, Mother."

"I apologize, Napoleon, I wasn't thinking about it at that time. You see, while you were away, we needed money for your father. He is struck with a disease that the doctor in Ajaccio still couldn't diagnose," Letizia explained, her voice tinged with a mix of guilt and worry. "The medical expenses were mounting, and I found myself burdened with the weight of providing for our family's needs. When Ciela offered the money, it seemed like a godsend—a way to alleviate our financial struggles and ensure your father's well-being."

"Wait…you are telling me this now?" Napoleon continued. "Mother, why didn't you confide in me earlier?" He expressed, a hint of disappointment lacing his words.

"Because I don't want to make you worry so that you can focus only on your studies," Letizia explained.

Napoleon's disappointment turned into understanding as he realized his mother's intentions. He sighed and reached out to hold Letizia's hands, offering her reassurance.

"I understand, Mother. I apologize for my reaction earlier," Napoleon said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I can see that you are doing what's best for our family. Thank you for sharing this information with me. I've learned what I needed to know. I will return now."

Letizia's eyes softened, and she nodded, accepting Napoleon's apology. "Thank you for understanding, my dear."

When Napoleon returned to the table, he looked at Ciela, who was enjoying her food and chatting with his siblings. Ciela noticed her gaze and waved her hand at him, beckoning him to join them.

But Napoleon shook his head and instead beckoned her to come to him. Curiosity burned within him, and he felt an overwhelming need to uncover the truth behind Ciela's presence in their lives. As she excused herself from the table and approached Napoleon, he noticed a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.

Ciela stood before him, her demeanor composed yet guarded. "What is it, Master?"

"Follow me to my room, there is something I need to discuss with you."

Ciela's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Napoleon's request. However, she nodded and followed him, curiosity mirrored in her own gaze. They quietly made their way through the corridors of the house until they reached Napoleon's room, where they could have a private conversation away from prying ears.

Napoleon closed the door behind them and motioned for Ciela to take a seat. He paced back and forth, his mind filled with questions and anticipation.

Once they were settled, Napoleon turned to face Ciela.

"Ciela, I think it's time that we talk about something that you don't want us to talk about. I asked my mother how you two met and she revealed everything. I now know about you giving money to my mother at that time in exchange for my location. So, who are you?"