"We... can't say," Martha said quietly, but it was enough for everyone to hear.
"Why," Arvid asked, finding it unbelievable for them to keep it a secret when they promised to tell them information about their master.
"Because it is taboo to speak about our master's punishment."
Everyone looked at the direction where the voice came from. It was Ivar, their master's personal servant, walking towards them.
"How is everyone," he asked then he showed the shopping bags that he carried earlier. "Sorry about the turn of events. We didn't expect it," he added, trying to lighten up the mood, then he put the bags down on the garden table.
Everyone went silent then he approached Angeal then knelt in front of her. "You grew into a fine lady, Angeal!"
When Ivar talked to her, the girl just smiled and cocked her head to the side, curious about him as well.
"You don't remember me, but I am Ivar. I also took care of you from time to time before Devin and I left the mansion on a journey," he introduced himself then Angeal nodded then gave him a bright smile.
"Very beautiful," he said then he got a phone from his pocket then gave it to her. "This is yours, I suppose?"
Angeal got the phone from him and noticed that there was something different. Her smartphone had a new pink case, with her name engraved on it with small gems at the back. She showed a smile of appreciation to Ivar then typed on her app.
"Thank you so much!"
Ivar stood up then looked at the old man beside Angeal.
"I'm sorry for what happened, Gladios. It even happened on the eve of your birthday," he apologized sincerely then he gave him a box, which contained a very expensive watch.
Gladios bowed slightly in front of Ivar. To him, he saw Ivar as a superior servant of Devin compared to him and the others since he was always close to their master.
"There is nothing to apologize for. As you said, we didn't expect it. Thank you for the present. You didn't have to give me one," the old man said graciously and Ivar turned to the four immortals behind him.
"There are presents there, too! Just look inside and you'll find yours," he said then they looked at the shopping bag for their presents.
Martha opened the box and saw a wonderful day dress. She swooned the moment she saw it. It was a white day dress, with pink flowers on it. She really loved day dresses that are bright and soft in the eyes.
"My! Thank you, Ivar! I can wear this on my day off," she thanked him, sounding excited to wear the dress one day.
As for Edwin, he opened the box and saw four belts inside. His eyes widened and a wide grin revealed on his face, showing his happiness and at the same time gratitude.
"Thank you, Ivar! My belts are about to give up on me!"
Ivar chuckled then he looked at Arvid, who was a bit hesitant to open his present.
"Well, come on... open it!"
He sounded excited but Arvid just scratched the back of his head.
"I just met you now but you still had the effort of buying me a present. I'm kind of embarrassed... seeing that my box is slightly bigger and heavier than the others," he commented and Ivar just smiled at him.
"I took care of you, too, before I left. So, come on! Open it!"
Arvid smiled then opened his present that revealed a newly bought PlayStation 4 console. The young immortal looked at Ivar with bright, wide eyes, and started stuttering as he spoke.
"Th-this... you... wow!"
He sounded mind-blown. Everyone laughed as he saw that the boy couldn't contain his happiness.
"Your father told me that in spite being born as an immortal, you act like a human and had interest in games. So I thought of this," Ivar said then Arvid looked at his father, realizing that he did pay attention to what his son is interested in.
"Thank you!"
Gwen was looking at her small box then opened it. When she did, she bit her lips, confused of what she got.
"A piece of paper?"
Ivar scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly apologetic and guilty to Gwen.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what to get you and I only thought of this..."
Gwen looked at the front and back of the paper and her eyebrows furrowed in wonder.
"But there's nothing written on it!"
Ivar smiled apologetically. "But the box is nice, though?"
Gwen nodded then showed a forced smile.
"Well, thank you, Ivar," she said sarcastically making Arvid beside her laugh hard, which annoyed Gwen even more.
'He thought of everyone's presents well, yet he hadn't thought of mine!'
As everyone was busy admiring their presents, Angeal typed on her app then tapped her grandfather's arm to indicate that she wanted to talk to him. She clicked the read button, then the robotic voice loudly read Angeal's text, getting everyone's attention.
"Pops, why do we work for him?"
Everyone went quiet then they looked at Angeal and Gladios. For a while, the old man was hesitant to answer, but he thought that it is time for his granddaughter to know why.
"Because when you were about to die, Angeal... he saved you."
Thank you so much for reading! Anyway, this is the first contest that I've joined in... so if you have suggestions and thoughts about my story, please comment down below. :D