Chapter 36 – Emily and Sophie 

Aile then was about to get back to his daily routine. But he noticed something that was not the same today. He tried to remember, and then it clicked with him, It was Sara. Sara had not come to his room in the morning.

Aile wondered where Sara had been. She had missed her daily meeting with Aile. Although he could guess that she would be busy to get ready for travelling and the princess's birthday. He still felt a bit of unease, Sara, had always maintained that schedule.

Aile was not too anxious, after the incident 5 years ago, Hazel has put two decent guards with Sara to protect her at all time. He made a mental note that he would look for her if she does not show up until the afternoon.

Aile spent his time training and connecting to the energy channels. Soon it was noon, and two stunning people entered the room with the wafting smell of food, to be exact a meat dish.

Aile looked at Emily, who had her reddish-brown hair tied to a beautiful ponytail and the skintight leather clothing. He smiled at her and moved his eyes to Sophie, next to her. Sophie had gotten her beauty from her mother. She too looked exquisite with her ponytailed hair, leather clothing, and the most beautiful thing was her smile that she only showed Aile.

While Aile was stunned looking at them, and mesmerized by the smell of food. The food was already placed in front of Aile.

Aile got out of her stupor and had a broad smile and said, "Hey, Sophie, Hey, Emily."

At the same time, Emily and Sophie replied, "Hey, Aile!" Sophie's voice was more energetic. Emily's voice had a sense of warmth that others do not get to experience.

Both Emily and Sophie act as maids and do not eat together with Aile. However, Aile had made it an unwritten rule to always eat with the pair.

Like always, they left the food and wanted to stand in the corner until Aile urged them to join in. With a simple gestured, both of them were sitting around him, and they all started to enjoy the tasty food.

The meat was grilled with a tasty creamy sauce, and it was the favourite food of the three. Emily and Sophie were both quick eaters, and they finished halfway through the meal. Aile saw the unsatisfied face of the pair.

He offered his meal to them, they refused, and so he picked up a few pieces and fed them. Sophie had a satisfied and happy expression. Emily had a tinge of embarrassment in her icy demeanour. Seeing the two Aile smiled, he enjoyed the company of the pair. Aile always feels fulfilled with them, even if they do not converse. The food finished, and Sophie picked up the plates, taking them to the kitchen.

Aile was gathering his thoughts and thinking of what to do. He was also thinking about Sara and tonight's meeting with Xue and Fiona.

A few minutes passed, and he noticed a gaze on him, it was Emily.

She was curious, but like always did not question Aile in any way. She just had that inquiring expression.

He like always just answered, without being asked, "I am worried that Sara did not come today, I hope she is fine. I am also thinking about a meeting tonight."

Emily replied, "Sara went shopping this morning."

Aile was relieved. He also remembered his loot box when he mentioned tonight's meeting. He quickly reached under his bed and took it out.

Emily was surprised, seeing Aile take out a treasure chest from under his bed. She was even more surprised by the content within it. Like the others, Aile gave her six third-level defence, a few agility and hiding presence talismans. Emily accepted them without any hesitation. Aile gave her six so that she can keep three for Sophie, as they are always together.

She had her eyes on the agility and hiding presence talismans after taking a few. Aile handed her the whole stack of both. He had an enormous stock of them at Jack's house, he was not bothered by giving a few. Seeing her captivating smile after receiving the talismans, made Aile feel it would be worth it even if he gave her all of his stock. Aile only lacked defence talismans at the 3rd level.

He also told her that if she needs more, she can ask him any time. She nodded and gave him another charming smile.

Then, Aile took out over 100 golden coins and handed to her.

Suddenly he felt an icy glare on him. He looked and saw that it was Emily. She said in a cold voice, "Is this compensation for the book?"

Aile understood why she was pissed. Emily had made it clear that she had given the book on "Runes" to Aile because she wanted to. If he tried to pay for it, then Emily's effort would lose its meaning and value.

He gave her a warm smile and a one-handed half-hug. "I am not trying to repay you for the book. I am giving you this money for a different reason." Emily went back to her neutral face and nodded at Aile, so he can continue on.

At this moment, the door of the room opened, and Sophie entered. She saw that Aile was putting his hand around Emily's shoulder in a hugging fashion. She came close and wanted to get in on the action and wanted a hug. Aile noticed her and also gave her a semi-hug.

Sophie then noticed the treasure chest and the 100 gold coins in Emily's hand.

Sophie asked, "So much money, what is it for?"

Aile was surprised, at Sophie's curiosity and some desire for the coins.

Aile joked and said, "I am planning to buy you from your mother, but she does not want to sell."

Sophie replied immediately, "That is simple, you have so much money you can buy mother too. Mum said she will always be with me. So she cannot let us separate. If you buy both of us, it will be great because I can always be here with you."

Aile replied back, "But both of you are so valuable, I do not think I can afford it."

Emily gently coughed, seeing the conversation derail.

Aile quickly understood that she wants to continue their conversation. Aile gestured with his eyes, telling her that they will talk alone.

Aile then looked at Sophie and had a smile on his face, "Now that I am rich I can afford to buy you anything, and is there anything you want."

Sophie shook her head to deny and then said, "Can I have 8 gold coins, and I will pay you back."

Emily sighed, hearing Sophie.

Aile understood she needs the money for something, but because of how she was raised, she does not accept things for free. Aile appreciated this and knew that this mindset would only help her.

Aile nodded, "OK, But you need to tell me what you want the money for?"

Sophie then mentions that she needed a dagger for training, some cloths and protective gear and some other supplements.

He gave her 20 gold coins to buy everything she desired. He noticed that she needed the material to train and improve. She was not planning on wasting the money, so he gave her enough money to buy the best quality stuff.

She said, "I do not want this much, I cannot pay you back."

Aile then let go of both of them and was thinking of how to give the money to Sophie.

Aile thought of a solution. He then asked, "Does Emily get paid for spending time with me?"

Sophie nodded, "She gets paid because she is your maid."

Aile then said, "You also come and spend your time with me, but you do not get paid. So I am now going to hire you and pay you. But you have to keep it a secret."

Sophie then looked at Emily, who nodded at her, and then she accepted the money. Emily then told her to wait outside so that she can talk with Aile.

Sophie was reluctant and wondered what happened, she had always been a part of their conversation. Nonetheless, she went outside.

Emily curiously looked at Aile.

Aile then explained the lack of security in Port Kiar to Emily. He also told her, how he negotiated with the bandits and his plant to take over Port Kiar's economy. Then, Aile told her about Jack and his estate that is now under his control. He had already heard that the estate's ownership had officially changed.

Emily was appreciative to hear of all of this information and Aile's trust of her. However, she was confused at the same time. She thought, "What does the 100 gold coin have to do with all of this?"

Emily then asked about the 100 gold coins.

Aile said, "I want your help to discretely keep an eye on Fiona, Diana and Xue and protect them if necessary. When I, Sara and Hazel leave for the princess's birthday, the strong guards of the estate will mostly travel with us, and I do not want anything to happen to them."