The Devil's Disciple

Chapter 16: A Maid Like Her

Chapter 16

"I don't know if that's his actual occupation, but I think you and I are talking about the same Lucille," Ildra confirmed.

"Forgive me for asking, but why are you inquiring about Lucille, princess?" Soren asked.

"I cannot tell you the whole of the matter. Just know that he and I have met before, and now I need his help. Anyway what is this about Devilicious News?"

"Devilicious News is a popular gossip newspaper in the capital. It reveals the most scandalous news."

"There must be many people who want to kill Lucille then. He must be really strong to still be alive."

Furthermore, he must have access to all kinds of secret information.

"It is said that Lucille's backer is very powerful. It is rumoured that his master is a member of the royal family," Soren explained.

Ildra was bewildered. She had known Lucille's master was a powerful figure on the Devil Continent, but she had not known his master would be someone from the royal family.

They stopped at the front door of the manor. The doorman bowed towards Ildra.

"How long has Devilicious News been running?" she curiously asked.

"It's been run by Lucille for four years. Before that it was run by another devil for three years. So, totally, seven years."

"Seven years..." Ildra repeated. Lucille had come to her three years ago. He had said his master had ordered him to give her whatever information she wanted about the Devil Continent. She did not question it. Lucille's stories would bring her out of her dark place. But was there an ulterior motive?

"Have you met Lucille before?" she asked.

If Soren did meet Lucille before, it would be a bit easier to carry out her next step. As soon as she entered the manor, she would need to immediately find ink and paper.

That person would probably not stay still. The only person who would be able to help her was Lucille. But Lucille wouldn't help without his master's permission. She would have to write to his master.

"I have met Lucille before. Almost all the other commoners in the capital have met him before too. Lucille, himself, is a peasant and also a social man. So, he won't rest until he's talked to everyone in the capital."

Just then the doors to the manor slammed open. A very angry butler stormed out, losing all of his previous poise.

Ildra stood still in her place. She did not back away or flinch when she met Midas' piercing eyes. She tucked away her inquisitive side and immediately turned grim.

What had happened? Midas seemed to be angry with her. But why? As far as she'd known, she didn't do anything wrong.

"So, this is what you've been doing all along, my lady?!" he yelled.

"You've just been playing games all day in town!"

"It was truly wrong of me to think that a child could take on this duty. You may think of this as a joke, my lady. But I think of this seriously!"

Ildra did not respond to the accusation.

"How can you accuse my lady like this?!" Wendy cut in, mistaking her mistress' silence for sadness.

Ildra placed a hand on Wendy's shoulder, putting out Wendy's anger. Wendy unclenched her fists and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, she was met with a warm smile from her mistress.

Ildra didn't at all feel hurt by Midas' distrust in her. She thought it only normal that an adult wouldn't feel reassured by placing big responsibility on a child. Besides, there were more important things, such as that person's secret.

"Midas, it wasn't like that. Throughout my trip to the town, I have realized one important thing. The reason why this fief is so poor is because we cannot make any quality products of our own to sell in other fiefs to make money of our own," she gently explained.

"So what, my lady? Even I know that." Midas wasn't convinced.

"But have you ever thought of a solution? I have a solution," she challenged.

Midas crossed his arms and fixed the child in front of him with a stare. He still wasn't convinced. Who knows? Maybe his lady was lying.

"Then, explain it in clear detail, my lady."

If possible, Ildra's smile grew even wider. She had been waiting for Midas to say this line. From the beginning, she knew that Midas and the rest of the servants in the manor were distrustful of her. What could a twelve-year-old do to save their home? So, Ildra had been waiting for this opportunity to prove herself.

"There are entirely too few varieties of tea in this entire world. We will make a new variety of tea, and have Duke Castiel introduce it to the nobles in the capital," she proposed.

She was proud of this idea as it would make use of one of her most trusted aides.

"What a lofty goal. Do you think it's easy to introduce something to the nobles? They are quite picky. Also, who would be making this new variety of tea?" Midas counterattacked.

Ildra was not at all panicked by the questions thrown at her. Instead, she kept a calm face and suggested to Midas to have this conversation inside. She was feeling quite tired from her long trip.

Midas was floored by the suggestion. Whatever they would go inside. If his lady wanted to escape, he would not let her. There was no way she was going to escape from his interrogation today. She could stall all she wanted.

Hmph, she wanted to escape? Watch how he and the servants will trap her.

Amazement showed in Soren's face as he observed his mistress. She was so calm in the face of humiliation and embarrassment. Would any other girl the same age as her ever even compare to her?

"Hmm, now that we're inside let's talk. I know it's not easy to please nobles. I am one myself in my own country. However, being ambitious is the only way we can step ahead of everyone else in this world. And of course Wendy will be the one creating the new variety of tea," she beamed.

"P-princess," Wendy stammered. How could she make the tea? She was just a maid. And a lousy one at that too. This tea was so important. She, the lousy maid, would only break important things. Surely, handing the responsibility of making this tea would be too much for a maid like her.

Wendy stood there with wide eyes. Her entire body was shaking. She could feel her face start to burn. What was her mistress thinking?!

"Wendy, I believe in you and only you. Only you can do this," Ildra gently spoke, hoping to boost her maid's morale.

Dear Readers,

I want to apologize for not updating yesterday. Unfortunately, this story has caught up to the end of my stockpiled chapters. So, from here on out my writing and publishing will be in sync. And it is entirely too strenuous for me to do that everyday. So, from here on out, I will be updating everyday except for sundays. I need at least a one day break in each week in order for me to refresh myself. I hope you guys all understand. Also, another update I have is that I will not be able to publish chapters on Thursday and Friday of this week. I'm flying across the country to a college for an interview for a scholarship. Saturday, I might be able to update. I'm not quite sure. It all depends on my mood. Sorry again, guys!

Please read, vote, and comment!

Sincerely,

Ms. Author