Adrian inquired. "Do you cook?"
"Yeah.." Since coming to Ghoran, Eleanor had to assist the maids at her aunt's house, but now she was well-equipped to cook, clean, and wash. "But that's not the main reason."
"So? What makes you want to start a bar? Adrian re-asked.
"Well, people have to eat." If they didn't have a place to live, they could survive for a long time with just one set of clothes and sleep outside. But without food, everyone will perish. Therefore, I believe that as long as I can sell high-quality food at a reasonable price, my food business will succeed.
Adrian gave her response a nod, appearing pleased. Well done, Miss Eleanor. I can secure a loan from the bank for you to open a business so you don't have to work for other people."
"Whoa… can you really do that?"
"I told you, my family knows the Rothschild." Adrian smiled smugly again. His confidence made Eleanor realize that her guess must be correct, that this man was from a wealthy family.
"That will be amazing," Eleanor was very happy because now a new option was open for her to move forward in life.
Before she met Adrian, she thought she had to bear the sufferings and bullying from her schoolmates for the next eight months, just so that she could get her certificate and work as a governess.
Now, she could leave cow dung if she wanted because she could open a tavern, her own business, and become independent.
"I only have one condition." Adrian cleared his throat. "I promise it's not hard."
Eleanor pursed her lips and looked at Adrian probingly. "What do you want?"
"Well... I will be in Ghoran for two weeks and I have never attended a school ball like the one Cow Dung will be having. So… if you could go with me to the ball… You know, just to show me around so I won't look like an idiot there by myself… I will do my best to secure you the loan to open your tavern."
"Ohh…." Eleanor didn't want to come to the ball because she was worried that she would be targeted by the bullies again. In addition to that.. she also didn't have a nice dress to wear to the ball. "Have you never attended such an event?"
Adrian shook his head. "I told you I study with private teachers. I have never attended school and I've always wondered what it's like to meet and grow up surrounded by people my age, and do things like normal people."
His voice was laced with sadness and it finally made Eleanor feel sorry for him.
Maybe she could try to come to that stupid ball, if only for Nic? This man seemed so pitiful.
Finally, Eleanor found herself bobbing her head and agreed to Nic's condition. "Okay then. I will go to the ball with you."
"Then I am looking forward to it!" Adrian smiled brightly. "I wanted to experience what a normal academy is like and now I'm able to do it because of you. You have my gratitude, Eleanor."
Eleanor smiled sheepishly. "Well.. you know I'm doing this for the money."
"Well, then let's say that we're both helping each other out." Adrian winked. "That settles our little argument, doesn't it?"
"It's really not that much of an argument."
"That's true." Adrian nodded.
Adrian and Eleanor talked and conversed with each other, discussing the details of the upcoming school ball and even Nic's habit of escaping his tutors to go about the town.
Before the two of them knew it, the sun was already going down the sky and Eleanor realized it was time for her to go home.
"Wow, time sure does fly when you're with someone who you like talking to." Adrian laughed lightly and scratched his head sheepishly. "I'm going to get in a lot of trouble this time. What about you, Eleanor?"
Eleanor nodded her head. "Yeah… me too."
Adrian noticed her tone, which was less enthusiastic than his own, but before Adrian could say anything, Eleanor was already up on her feet and waving at him. She said goodbye and then started to rush away.
"Hey! I can take you home. Where do you live?" Adrian grabbed her arm before she left him. "At least let me walk you until the town's gates."
"Ah, no need," Eleanor smiled. "You said you are staying at your uncle's place, outside of Ghoran. I don't want you to waste time going back and forth. Let's just go our separate ways, so we can reach home more quickly."
"Well, then, how am I going to meet you for the ball?" Adrian asked again. He wanted to make sure Eleanor would really go to the ball with him.
"Ah, just come to that same place we met today, on the day the ball is held. I will see you there. All right?"
Adrian had no choice but to say yes. Eleanor waved at him and continued her journey.
Not long after, two knights came out from behind the trees and approached Adrian. Their faces were very serious.
They had been following their master ever since he caught the girl from the school wall earlier today, but decided to give him privacy. So, he could enjoy a relaxing conversation with Eleanor.
Now that she had left, they decided to come out. Both bowed down their heads slightly to show their respect to Adrian.
"Ahh... there you are," Adrian chuckled when he saw them. He pointed at Eleanor who was walking farther and farther away from him. "One of you, please follow her and find out where she lives. I want to know who she is."
The younger knight bowed down and offered to do the task. "Let me do it, Your Highness."
Adrian smiled faintly as he saw Eleanor's back view disappear behind the city gates. She was such an interesting woman.
The crown prince had never met someone like her, and now he was intrigued.
Did you guess that Adrian is a prince? XD