358: Work For Crown Princess' Residence

Work For Crown Princess' Residence

Oriana pondered how to respond to Erin's question about Luke's likes when he arrived, holding something in his hands, which conveniently saved her from having to answer. 'I really need to think about what he likes,' she reminded herself.0

Luke didn't seem surprised to find Erin there, as she had been a regular visitor to the work site. He offered a courteous bow to the young lady and then turned his gaze toward Oriana.

Sensing Erin's hesitation, Oriana decided to initiate the conversation. "Luke, I heard you saved Lady Erin from those ruffians. I'm so proud of you." She patted his shoulder, expressing her admiration.

Luke glanced at where her hand had just left a warm impression and then looked at her with a brief smile. However, his expression quickly turned serious as he addressed Erin. "Lady Erin, you don't have to thank me in person. I've already accepted my reward from Lord Ahrens. There's no need for you to do anything more."

She looked at him. It was the first time he had said those many words to her. Before there were always a few words of direct rejection. She felt finally she could grasp how his voice sounded to her ears. She wished if he could talk a little more, even they were the words of rejection. 

"I just wished to express my gratitude since you were the one who saved me," she explained, her words leaving Luke momentarily at a loss for a rejection.

"I would have done it for anyone," he countered.

"And I would have shown my gratitude to anyone who had saved me." 

Oriana found herself appreciating Erin's straightforwardness. 'I thought she was shy and reserved, but she can be direct and assertive as well. I quite like this young lady.'

"Lady Erin, why don't you tell Luke what you'd like to do for him?" Oriana suggested, ignoring Luke's displeased look, knowing his tendency to reject kind gestures.

Erin hesitated before answering, "There will be a winter festival soon, and I would like to invite Mister Luke."

"Oh," Oriana said, casting a quick glance at Luke.

Luke's expression remained impassive as he replied, "I appreciate the invitation, Lady Erin, but I'm afraid I won't be able to attend."

Erin's face fell slightly at Luke's refusal, but she managed to maintain her composure. "I understand, Mister Luke. Perhaps another time." She then looked at Oriana with a light smile, "I wish if your brother could adapt at least a little sweetness from you and knows to melt rather being a block of ice."

Oriana couldn't help but chuckle at Erin's remark. "You have the same thought as me. He sure is a block of ice. You have to work hard to melt it."

Erin smiled and replied playfully, "I will try my best," winking at Oriana before taking her leave.

Luke sighed, paying little attention to the exchange between the two women. When Oriana turned her attention back to him, she couldn't resist speaking her mind. "Luke, sometimes you can be too cold. She is such a sweet lady."

He responded with his usual indifference. "Doesn't matter to me."

Oriana sighed in exasperation. She fixed a glare on him and said in a playful tone, "You know, Luke, I am a witch."

Luke regarded her with a skeptical frown, clearly unimpressed.

"Witches' words sometimes come true," Oriana continued with a mischievous smile, attempting to tease him. "I see you will fall head over heels for that young lady, and you'll regret being so cold to her."

Luke chose to ignore her words and instead placed something in her hand. "This is for you."

Oriana's attention shifted to the beautiful leather money pouch he had given her. She seemed momentarily distracted. "For me?" She almost forgot about what she had said earlier as she examined the pouch. "Oh, this will be perfect for carrying my money. Thank you so much, Luke."

He then offered her another pouch, this one filled with coins. "This is for you to give to my mother."

"I'll make sure to give it to her," Oriana replied gratefully, her mood lightening.

After conversing for a while longer, Oriana finally bid her farewell to Luke. He watched as she walked away, a peculiar and uneasy feeling settling in his heart for reasons he couldn't quite explain. It was as if he won't be seeing her again. 

There was an inexplicable urge to call her back, but he dismissed it as fatigue, attributing his emotions to the fact that he hadn't seen her in so long.

In the quiet recesses of his mind, he whispered, 'Be safe on your journey,' as he watched Oriana disappear from his sight.

Instead of going to back to his work, Luke made his way to the butler's office.

The butler sitting behind his desk, asked, "Luke, did bring you here?"

"Mister Kahlil, you mentioned before that there was an opportunity for work at the palace," Luke began.

The butler nodded. "Yes, I did. I informed them that we have skilled labor available for furniture preparation. However, at that time, you declined, expressing your intention to return to your village."

Luke's tone was resolute as he replied, "I would like to accept that offer now."

The butler raised an eyebrow, considering Luke's change of heart. "Are you not planning to return to your village and your family?"

"My plans have changed," Luke answered.

"Very well then. Your cousin, Ken, had already accepted the position. You can join him," the butler explained. "Please ensure that you give your absolute best. Everything is being arranged for the Crown Princess of our kingdom who would be brought to the palace soon. There should be no room for errors. When she arrives, she should like everything you work on."

"I understand," Luke responded, showing his determination.

He didn't inquire about the Crown Princess or express any curiosity about her, as his focus remained solely on his work, indifferent to the affairs of others. Royal family's affairs never got his interest let alone who the Crown Prince would marry.

Luke met Ken who had finished his work. Upon hearing what Luke said, he could not help but rejoice. "Luke, you made the best decision."

"You had visited the that residence in palace we need to work on?" Luke asked.

"Yes, I did and we have to plan according to it. I had taken notes and had made a list. As we are free now, let's work. Soon I will take you to visit the place."

Luke nodded and both started to design as per the details Ken had collected. 

As Luke prepared to undertake the work for the Crown Princess' residence, he understood that it demanded nothing short of the finest craftsmanship. With this in mind, he began to plan meticulously, ensuring that every piece he created would be a testament to his skill and dedication. The challenge ahead fueled his determination, and he was ready to pour his heart and soul into his craft, leaving no room for compromise when it came to excellence. 

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