"You are looking as graceful as ever, dear Rosa." A handsome young man gently greeted as he lightly kissed Rosa's outstretched hand.
The young man was not as tall as Kahn, but he wasn't short either. He had dark curly hair, an unusual trait amongst the normally straight haired Celestials, and horns that were longer than average. His eye color was just as rare as his hair- it was marigold. His face was well sculpted and held together by his firm chin. Though, his choice to grow a beard had hidden his chin's features. All in all, he was a handsome chap.
"The pleasure is ours, young master Diaz. And please, do try to remember that it is rude to call an acquaintance by their first name. Lady Romano would do just fine." Rosa calmly took her hand out of the young man's as she explained with a kind smile.
Kahn had a wry smile on his face when he heard his sister's words. He found nothing wrong with the first young master of the Diaz family. He actually found him a pleasant fellow. A man who showed a high level of maturity that most of Rosa's younger suitors did not have. Kahn had spoken to the older man a few times and actually liked the intelligent man. He had fresh ideas and was genial with many people. His calm and modest bearing was the reason why he was adored by even the Lessers.
His sister however, did not see it this way. Unlike Kahn who admired the mature and intelligent, Rosa found them extremely boring. He couldn't even recall the numerous times his sister had fallen asleep at a musical. It was just an issue with chemistry.
The first young master of the Diaz family smiled wryly. He didn't know why Rosa detested him so. He had a good reputation and an even better character. If he knew what it was that caused her to disdain him so much, he would surely work on it. Unfortunately, he did not have such knowledge. And if he did, he would surely be disappointed with the reply.
"I am saddened by your words, Lady Romano. I do wish you would see me as more than an acquaintance. It would be this humble fellow's grace to have you as a friend." Even though he was disappointed, he still listened to her wishes like the gentleman he was.
"Thank you for your understanding, young master Diaz." Rosa lightly smiled and naturally ignored the last bits of the older man's words.
"When that day does come, and I have faith that it will, hearing you call me Luis would be my honor." Luis said solemnly as he sat down once again. Raising his hand slightly to signal the servants in the hall to refill their wine glasses.
There was no way she was ever going to be friends with the boring fellow, Rosa assured herself as she sipped her wine gently.
"So, why are you here? I'm fairly certain it is not business related as the entire city is aware of my father's absence. And your father's, is also well known. My assumption is you came here for a favor. If so, what can I do for you?" Luis still had a smile on his face as he calmly analysed the reason for their visit.
Kahn smiled in admiration at the older man's words. Luis was a very capable man. And in light of his capabilities, his father was rarely around, leaving most of his duties to his son. But even with such power, Luis seldom made business decisions on his own. He always consulted his father and the elders before doing something big. When once asked about this very cautious habit, he stated, "My father is still the head of the house, isn't he?" This answer that had justified his actions and showcased his high level of intelligence. He only broke this habit once, and that was due to an emergency. And of course, his decisions that day had yielded splendid results, assuring all that he was more than ready to take over from his father.
Kahn cast his gaze to Rosa and smiled bitterly. Unfortunately, Rosa had no admiration for Luis's expert deduction, only feeling the distance between herself and Luis increase.
"As usual, your powers of deduction are very impressive. You are right. We came seeking your help on a personal endeavor." Kahn had his back in a perfect 90 degrees as he placed his wine glass down.
"Oh? What is it then?" Luis gently encouraged Kahn to continue.
"Well, you are aware that our library was destroyed some months ago. Unfortunately, it is still under construction and has not been completed yet." Kahn paused to sip some wine and Luis patiently waited for him to continue, although the younger boy knew that the older man was already aware of what he wanted from his first few sentences.
"We would like to go through your archives. That is, if we are not asking for too much." Kahn finished his statement and looked at Luis expectantly, awaiting his reply.
"Of course not, though I wouldn't be the one to accompany you. I'm currently dealing with some matters you see." Luis was aware that Rosa was eager to get away from him, and he wasn't one to impose. Of course, knowing the bitter truth and seeing it in the form of Rosa's split second gleeful smile brought a different feeling.
The older man swallowed his bitterness and raised his hand to beckon one of the servants, "Hector, please see to it that they have access to the library. Do not prohibit them from using the restricted section."
"Yes, First Young Master", replied Hector, the servant who was better dressed than the rest. A clear indication that his position was above theirs and a message of how valuable Luis found his guests. Hector respectfully ushered them out of the hall, transferring the respect and admiration he had for his master, to his guests.
"Life is indeed unfair. I have everything most dream of, yet the one thing I do crave, is out of reach." Now alone in the hall, Luis gulped down his wine as a resigned smile adorned his handsome face.