Chapter 64: Inconveniences

Kilian was just getting out of the tub, when there was a knock on the door.

"Enter." He mumbled just loud enough for the visitor to hear it, and the door opened.

The maid from earlier entered, she curtsied while trying to look away from Kilian who was only wearing a towel around his waist.

"If you feel uncomfortable let me know."

The maid blushed, and nodded, but said nothing of what he was wearing, instead she spoke loud and clear with some excitement.

"An invitation from Mr. Kilga has arrived, you were specific about being notified right away."

The corners of Kilian's mouth went up, and he grabbed the letter fast.

It had not been long since he had spoken to Mr. Kilga at the ball, but there should only be good news.

His smile became even bigger when reading the content.

The letter was still in his hand, as he quickly got dressed in simple clothes without help from maids, hurrying out of his room.

'The butler stood ready by the entrance to the residence,e as if he had known Kilian needed him.

'Seriously, this old man's magic must be to read minds.' Kilian thought quickly, before relaying his words to the old man.

"Please invite my Mother Lady Ameria to join me in a meeting with Mr. Kilga. We will need the best carriage for her comfort."

Kilian did not have to say please, but the man was several times older than himself, and he felt uncomfortable addressing him rudely or demanding.

The old man gave him a smile so big his eyes almost closed and bowed to Kilian.

Kilian watched as the man crossed the foyer turning in the direction of the pavilion.

He knew it would take some time for his mother to get ready, but he himself did not care as the meeting with Mr. Kilga would be informal.

Still, he wanted to bring his mother. He knew she needed to be seen by other nobles, and she could not stay inside hiding.

She would be the face of the Valen family when the Archduke was gone, and he wanted to make sure she would be recognized in the future, regardless of where she was.

Contrary to what he had thought, his mother arrived fast, she was still wearing what she had been earlier, and even if it was not fitting of a lady from an Archduke's family, she herself was too beautiful to be regarded any less than a noble.

It was not only her appearance but the way she gestured and moved as if years of etiquette had not been forgotten.

"Son!" she exclaimed happily.

"Where will you be taking me?"

She giggled, and Kilian took her arm in his and led her outside to a spectacular carriage with 2 horses at the front.

He helped her inside the carriage and followed after.

"We will be meeting my friend in the city. Mr. Kilga is helping me sell some precious items."

Kilian looked outside, impatient to get to their location.

Ameria looked at her son with a curious expression, Still unsure what they would be doing with this Mr. Kilga.

Kilian gave her a genuine smile, and she did not mind what it was, this was the most Kilian had been open with her, and her heart soared, removing the many years of longing for her child in one moment.

The carriage stopped on a busy street, in front of a large store. The front was elaborately carved with many fancy engravings, and the double door had servants opening them for customers.

"We are here."

They both exit the carriage and two knights followed them to the door.

Only Kilian and his mother entered, as the store had its own security inside, and no outside weapons or escorts were allowed.

The inside was brimming with items, from women's and men's clothing to decorative items for noble houses.

Kilian gestured for his mother to sit, and went to the front desk to give them the letter he had received.

At first, the lady behind the counter had scoffed at his simple outfit, and the letter had been in a sorry state, but as soon as she glimpsed at it, she was quick to leave her seat.

"Mother, let me know if you see anything you like."

Kilian looked back to address her mother, but a large green fabric was covering his sight.

"Who are you, how did you get in here."

A young lady was addressing his mother, who was sitting by herself where Kilian had left her.

His mother's simple dress paled in front of the dark green splendor of a dress a young woman was wearing.

Kilian regretted that they had not gotten his mother any female clothes sooner. It had all been so rushed, and she had only been with them a couple of days.

'I don't know what a woman needs.'

He sighed at his own shortsightedness and stepped over in front of the young lady with a small bow.

"Excuse me, but my mother has every right to be here, let me introduce her and myself, this is Ame…"

A fan hit his cheek, and he rubbed it slowly, feeling the sting.

'Why do people in this world always slap each other.'

He visibly sighed, and no longer tried to keep his courtesy with the young woman.

"I was not addressing you, but this woman."

The young woman was now supported by 2 other young ladies, all in fancy stylish clothes that cost more than Kilian could even imagine.

"Who are you?"

Kilian bruskly asked addressing the rude lady, while walking over to take his mother's hand in his own, helping her to her feet with a careful gesture, as if she was something precious and fragile.

"I am Lady Sonne, of the Marquis family Sonne." She replied, followed by what could only have been a large "hmph."

Kilian did not look back at her but ignored her as he guided his mother past the inconvenience that had disturbed her.

He then smiled at his mother who stood as tall as she was short, with perfect steps and demeanor, following her son while ignoring the lady just as much.

"Mother, you are more beautiful than any of those crones."