"You better start working," Kaius said.
"It was Liora's job, so why did you put her tasks on me?" Ira asked with a hint of irritation.
"You're competent enough, are you?" Kaius chuckled, he knew Ira wasn't up to the task.
Soon enough, Kaius crouched on the ground, looking at the scattered food. He grabbed a broom and started cleaning it up.
This left Ira both confused and unexpectedly relieved. She was relieved that she wouldn't have to clean, but confused as to why he was still here. And cleaning?
Kaius, he seemed different to Ira from when they first met. He was incredibly calm and relaxed, a complete 360. This left Ira not just confused, but also suspicious. Maybe there was more to his quiet demeanour.
"You know, Kathryn. You remind me of someone." Kaius said.
"Oh, who?" Ira asked.
"From the last time I saw you, you were bold and determined; now you're quiet and reserved. It's as if you're waiting for something."
Ira looked down at the ground while Kaius was still cleaning.
Did he know? Was being too quiet obvious? The only reason she stayed so reserved was because she didn't know what to say. She didn't want to say something to cause suspicions. Her internal conflict was palpable.
Ira cleared her voice.
"I suppose I'm tired from my travels. After getting caught, I lost motivation," Ira said dramatically.
Kaius looked at her with suspicion but didn't budge further.
"Anyways, about the Emperor. How would he like his food?" Ira asked.
"He's sick right now, so do something easy to digest. Soup would be fine; nobody would care if it was extravagant," Kaius replied.
Ira nodded and thought back to her prime days. Soup? Not even she knows how to make that. But I'm sure a peasant dish might pass since the Emperor is sick.
But making food for the Emperor isn't her only concern. What if he recognized her? What then?