THEY MEET AGAIN

That very night, Veronica went outside the temple with the diary.

Catherine tried to stop her but it was to no avail. When she wanted to tag along being worried about her friend, Veronica forbade her. In the end, Catherine only grumbled complaining that her friend wouldn't tell her anything.

Veronica promised that after she came back, she would tell her everything. After that, she used the backdoor of the kitchen and slipped away into the dark alley. This time, she had changed her clothes before leaving. She would never be foolish enough to get out in her nightclothes again.

She wanted to go to Arthur's but she forgot the way to his house's back door. So, she decided to go to the library. Since it was close to the market square, it was easy to find it. As usual, the night market was open and people gathered in a group here and there. She completely avoided them and pulled her hood to cover her head and face.

"Isn't it the pretty lady? Isn't it too late to go out?"

She was passing the famous bar she went to once and heard a familiar voice. She raised her head and saw the boy who served her juice once. Her face beamed. She exclaimed, "It's you!"

The bartender was smoking. He moved the cigarette from his mouth and rubbed the flickering fire against the wall as he spoke, "I can't believe I'm seeing my pretty lady once again. It's just how lucky I am. How are you?"

Veronica answered, "I'm fine. Thank you for asking. How about you?"

The bartender let out a sigh. "The business is going too well. I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the customers."

Seeing his miserable expression, Veronica covered her mouth and smiled. She thought his expression was funny. She suggested, "Why don't you hire some people?"

The bartender's face lit up with the idea. "That's a good idea. Do you want to help me? I'm sure all those rowdy customers who were rebuking me would quiet down seeing your pretty face."

"Uh… but I…" Veronica hesitated. She had to meet Arthur and come up with the reason behind Sister Ruth's death.

The guy clasped his palms together while pleading, "Pretty please? You have to work two hours."

'Well, I did drink here for free. I should pay it off with my hard work. I hope Arthur won't fall asleep by the time I finish working here.' Veronica decided to take the job and looked at him. "Fine, but it's just for two hours."

"You are the best!" The bartender was relieved. "Since we are going to work together, let's introduce ourselves. The name is Maximilian. Please call me Max."

"Hello, Max. I'm Ver. It's a pleasure to meet you." As usual, she hid her real name.

"I already like your name, Ver. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Please come in. I will give you a briefing on how to take orders and serve the customers." Max showed her the way in.

---------

Arthur was bored sitting all day and night, waiting for the news. His henchman, Sebastian went to gather some information and he had yet to come and report to him. 'What's taking him so long?' He took a deep breath and stood up. He marched to the window and looked at the city that had yet to sleep.

'Forget it. He can come and just wait for me.' As he thought that, he wrapped a shawl over his body and went out of the house. After walking aimlessly for a while, his throat was feeling itchy. Realizing it was time to drink something, he went to the nearest bar. He loudly ordered his drink and waited for it.

When the beer was served, he sipped a mouthful and only then he noticed the person who served the drink. And, it made him choke.

Cough! Cough! Cough!

Arthur coughed vigorously until a handkerchief was passed toward him. "Are you okay?" Veronica asked anxiously.

Arthur wiped his mouth and then glanced at her. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you came here to work because you wanted another new experience."

Veronica was wearing a navy blue dress. The skirt swayed every time she moved. Her head was covered with the same colored scarf. Her hair had a neat bun. She looked different than before.

She explained it to him, "Someone I know was in trouble. So, I thought of helping him."

"Him?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. He didn't think she would be acquainted with another man other than him. He inquired, "Who asked for your help?"

Veronica replied, "Max did. Since he offered me a drink once, I thought it was fair to help him."

Arthur's sharp orbs skimmed through the bar. Just as he expected, the customers were all eyeing her. A girl with a pretty face with a naïve expression in front of so many men – it was like the lamb wanted to be slaughtered.

Arthur finished his drink in a few gulps and placed the glass on the table. He took out some coins and left them there. After that, he stood up and grabbed her hand. He stated, "You have worked enough. Let's get out of here."

Veronica was confused at first but hurriedly said, "Huh? But I can't. I promised to work another fifteen minutes."

Arthur assured her, "Don't worry about the promise. I will talk to the Max you told me about. Let's go." He pulled her with him.

Veronica pulled her hand away from him. "I need to change my clothes. These aren't my clothes."

"Okay, go," he approved. He decided, 'In the meantime, I will take care of that Max.'

He strode to the counter. He knew Max. it wasn't the first time he came here. Max was busy working. He didn't have the time to notice his regular customer.

"You seem busy," Arthur commented.

Max's tired face gleamed. "Oh, isn't that my favorite customer?! Should I give you the regular?"

"I've already had it…" Arthur grabbed him by the collar and yanked at him. Then continued his words, "…but the next time you hire her to work for you, I will make sure your bar will be demolished."