章節 18: Resolve 2
In a small warm cosy house, a man was sitting in his armchair with his legs stretched out. He was smoking his cigar while looking at the ceiling in deep thought in the eerie silence. White hairs in his beard depicted his age and so did the dark lips which indicated his addiction to cigars.
Garry Martin thought about the way to get success again in the tailoring business like in previous years. He disposed the cigar in the ashtray and strolled towards the fireplace, inserting a few wooden logs in it.
As he stood up, he heard a knock on his door. Looking at the clock, he wondered who arrived at this hour. He took a small knife for his safety and went to open the door.
Opening the door, his eyes widened in shock to see the least expected person in front of his eyes.
"What are you doing here Averet?" He asked. Bitterness in his voice was clearly visible. His face held an annoyed expression as he looked at him which he didn't try to hide.
"I want to speak to you, Mr Martin. If I may?" Averet said humbly, gesturing if he could enter the house.
Reluctantly, Garry moved aside to give him a way in. He went towards a desk to place back the knife which he took for his safety. Although he held a grudge against Averet, he was sure he wouldn't be harmful.
"Muggers I presume," Averet said, glancing at the knife.
"Yeah," Garry replied flatly. His voice held no emotions which Averet noted and understood that he wasn't welcomed. He still smiled back at him and looked around trying to figure out how to put on his thoughts in front of Garry.
"Why are you here Mr Hamon?" Garry asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Umm," Averet cleared his throat and continued, "I honestly don't know how to put this up but yeah Mr Martin, I apologise for my earlier behaviour that day."
Garry looked at him as if he was witnessing a miracle. He was taken back by the sudden apology which he had not anticipated. He was baffled and pondered what happened for Averet to say so.
"Is something wrong? If I may ask?" He asked, confused.
"Nothing," Averet replied but looking at the scrunched, calculating face of Garry he sighed and continued, "We made people suffer, Mr Martin and I am ashamed to say that the reason is our ego."
Garry gave all his attention to him and tried to comprehend what Averet wanted to say.
"The workers who were working in the firm with us are now jobless. They are the ones who are suffering. I hope you do realise what our ego has led to. We returned to our work but took away the only way of earnings from them."
Averet sighed as he explained and continued with a regretful tone, "I came here to apologise and ask the princess to restart the firm so that the people will get wages again. I don't have anything else to say. Rest all is from your side," he said and stood up to leave as he only came to convey his thoughts.
Garry looked at him with blank expressions. He couldn't contemplate how to react. He did realise his mistake the very next moment after the quarrel. But being drowned in the ego he didn't accept his fault. He expected Averet to apologise first, satisfying his ego but when he got what he yearned, he felt miserable.
He nodded at Garry and strolled towards the entrance, opening the door to go out. Before leaving he turned back and said, "Winters are approaching Mr Martin. I hope you understand what I am implying." He smiled ruefully and left the old man dumbfounded.
*****
"So," Earl said, moving his sword as he practised it with Evelyn as usual. "Do you think your plan would work, Eve? It's been almost a week now," he notified her.
"Hoping for good. I just want one of them to take the first step keeping aside their ego. I have faith in Mr Hamon. He won't disappoint us," Evelyn said.
"Pray to god to make it happen in the next few days before the council exam," he reminded her.
Evelyn nodded. After coming from the market that day, she shed tears the whole night and made her heart determined to never let her feelings overwhelm her again. She gave her attention to the firm and council, forgetting about the brown-eyed man who won her heart and pierced it with a needle.
She sighed and sat on the grass, thinking about the outcome of her plan. Meanwhile, Earl inserted the swords in the scabbard and sat beside her.
"Did you ever fall for someone Eve?" He asked, snapping back Evelyn from her thoughts. His voice lowered and his face appeared to be serious.
"Why are you asking this?" She questioned back, being confused with his sudden question.
"Nothing serious. Just wanted to know how it feels to fall for someone."
Somehow this question reminded her of the brown-eyed guy. She felt the ache in her heart again. Shaking her head, she replied, "I don't know."
Earl nodded. He looked up at the sky and said, "I guess it would be the best feeling to stay with someone whom you love and who loves you back. Getting the same affection and love you provide to the person. The love you desire."
Evelyn listened to him attentively. His words reminded her of the man again. It felt like the more she tried to forget him the universe dragged her back to the point where it all began. She sighed, confused and tired of her newly formed messed up thoughts.
"Shall we continue or go back to the palace?" Earl asked. He presumed that she was exhausted from the training but couldn't comprehend the real reason.
Evelyn nodded to him and they both went back to the palace in the carriage.
Reaching the palace she strolled towards her room to freshen up. As she climbed the stairs, she heard a maid calling her.
"Miss Evelyn, someone has arrived to meet you," the maid said bowing at her.
"Who came to meet me?" she murmured.
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