𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 // ꜱᴀʀᴀᴡᴀᴛ ✕ ᴛɪɴᴇ

vii

"What?" Tine blinked in shock as he glanced at his brother. "What do you mean, ma?"

"I mean I heard that the Duke was in town and that he visited your workplace a few times, I guess he liked how hard working you are." She replied, relieving Tine's shock.

"Y-Yeah! That's exactly what happened." Tine started laughing nervously. "I wanted to make sure you'll be okay here with Type. I'll be sending money in every two weeks and I'll visit when I can."

"It's really going to take getting used to." She sighed, eyes tearing up at the thought of Tine being away.

"Ma, cmon." Tine crouched down in front of her, wiping her tears off her face. "I'll try to visit as much as I can I promise. A-And they haven't even told me when I'm going so I'll be around for now."

"If only you didn't have to work so much because of me," Their mom whimpered, brushing away her own tears.

"Don't say that, Ma. Even if I redo my life, I would still choose to make money to support you." Her youngest son assured her, making her feel a lot better.

"I was away for two seconds and someone's already crying??" A voice said from the door.

"Oh Pear!" The older lady wiped her face and gestured for the young woman to come in.

"Pear!" Tine got up and hugged Pear.

"Good to see you too, Tine. What's a girl gotta do to get a minute with you huh?" She chuckled, playfully hitting Tine on the arm.

"I haven't seen you for a week, I was beginning to think that you didn't wanna see me anymore." Tine playfully hit her back, earning another laugh from the young woman.

"How's work?" She asked, setting her bag down and taking her shoes off.

"It's good, but I'm getting transferred to the Duke Sarawat's castle." The other replied, inviting her to sit down at the table.

"What??" She said, taken by surprise. "When did this happen??"

"Recently. But this means I can finally pay you back for all you did, Pear." Tine sighed, patting her arm. But Pear didn't look too happy about the subject.

"Tine, I already told you. I love spending time with Gracie and frankly it's unfair that you keep insisting to pay." Pear crossed her arms over her chest as her face held a huffy look.

"Pear-"

"That's the end of it, Tine. I'm really happy you got this opportunity but you bring up payment one more time and I'll string you up by your leg and hang you up in the main city." She jokingly threatened, pushing his hand off of her shoulder.

"Okay okay, I'm sorry." Tine chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"Speaking of, you'll get to meet my brother!" The young woman clapped her hands in excitement. "He just got stationed back home, he's the highest grade officer that handles the Duke Sarawat's affairs as well,"

"Your brother is back?" Type called out, setting his cup down. "Finally we can put a face to this person we're so desperate to meet."

"He had business at the castle tonight but I'll bring him around tomorrow." She nodded, an excited look on her face.

(The next day)

"Duke Sarawat!" Fang immediately got up from her seat at the sight of Sarawat at her office door. "You came alone?" She asked, seeing no one around him, which was different than usual.

"I simply came by to get an answer." Sarawat replied, standing tall as usual.

"Shall I call Tine in?" She suggested, poking her head out the door. "Tine!!! Tine!!"