RISE OF EROS

"Mrs. Candice I thank you for the chance to see you," Oliver said instantly by way of greeting, to which Candice replied, "No problem. I find your young master interesting and would like to know more about him."

Oliver narrowed his eyes a bit looking suspiciously at the beauty in front of him or at least that's the way everyone in the office thought his gaze meant, however, the reality was that Oliver was amazed, he just didn't want to show it and did in appearance the opposite of what he felt.

The reason for his surprise was the fact that among all the recommendations and guidelines that Andrew had given him before coming, there were some possible scenarios and one of them was the fact, that Candice was interested in him.

The office fell silent after Candice's comment, because of the look of suspicion that Oliver was giving, but from one moment to the next he changed his expression like nothing had happened so he smile and said, "The young master said he would receive you with the greatest of hospitality at the Heavenly Palace when Mrs. Candice wishes it."

The answer surprised not only Candice but also Gogh and the expressionless butler. This was due to the fact that Oliver's words hinted at two possible options.

The first was that Oliver, despite being a very powerful slave, was also very intelligent and handled the situation perfectly. The second option was the one that really surprised them, as it involved the fact that the young master of the Heavenly Palace anticipated Candice's interest in him and informed Oliver what to say.

For some reason, the second option seemed more likely for the three people in the cherry blossom tent. For that very reason, they were alert or at least the butler and Gogh were, for Candice on the contrary was becoming more and more interested in Oliver's young master.

Despite her curiosity and surprise, Candice kept a slight professional smile on her face, never changing her expression and not wanting for the two companions to say the wrong thing she spoke again, "So Mr. Oliver, may I know what is this gift you bring and why?".

Oliver nodded in agreement as he reached into his pocket for the small wooden box. Candice's two companions wrinkled their faces at the sight of the simple box Oliver had brought out, as they felt it was more of an insult than a gift to offer such a low-quality vessel as the wooden box Oliver brought out.

Nevertheless, they said nothing. Although Oliver noticed the displeasure of Candice's men at the sight of the small wooden box, he did not mind, for Andrew had told him that as long as Candice was not upset all would be well.

Oliver was not afraid of a confrontation in this place, in fact, he was sure he could escape unharmed, but he had also noticed that there were several powerful warriors in the building, not as powerful as the butler in front of him whom he assessed as strongly as he is.

What worried him was not about being hurt or not being able to escape, but noticing the combat strength Candice had at her disposal could bring great trouble to his young master and that was unacceptable.

Even though Oliver was a slave and could not harm his master, that did not mean that he could not cause certain problems under some circumstances, however, among all of Andrew's slaves there was not one with a hint of hostility towards him, even when they are not free, they are treated with dignity and that is why Andrew earned their loyalty above and beyond the slave contract.

Leaving the thoughts behind, Oliver said, "Mistress Candice, my young master says it is a thank-you gift, but he did not inform me of the specific event." Everyone was silent at the comment, for although Gogh had no idea what was going on, Candice and her butler knew it was about the assassination of Debos.

Candice was very interested in Oliver's young master, but she knew she would not receive information from Oliver. First being a slave it was not possible for him to do it because of the contract and secondly, she had also noticed that Oliver was very loyal and had nothing to do with being a slave.

Not wanting to extend the meeting any longer than necessary, Candice spoke again, "So, what's the gift?". Oliver lifted the small wooden box with both hands and respectfully offered it to Candice.

Candice was not mean, nor disrespectful, she took the box without pushiness and opened it without any concern or care. Inside the small box were five bottles without any fancy labels or adornment.

Oliver saw that Candice did not understand what they were and as Andrew had told him, he explained, "Mrs. Candice may not know this article, since it will only start to be sold tomorrow at Johan's pharmacy, but the young master thought that offering them a day before would be a good gift".

At this comment, everyone wrinkled their faces in disbelief, and then Oliver continued, "Each jar contains the new skin rejuvenating cream. Each jar contains a week's dose to apply to your face, neck, shoulders, and arms."

After the explanation, Candice and her companions lost interest in the gift. While it was true that beauty products were expensive, they were not something Candice was surprised by. She had thought the gift would be special because of the interest Andrew had aroused in her, but she was disappointed.

Oliver who saw the change in her expression smiled, because his young master had got another scenario right and without delay commented, "It seems that Madam Candice looks down on the young master's newest product, well it is normal she is a powerful lady, getting elixirs and cosmetics must be easy, but I will tell you my young master's words, I am giving you a little over a month's treatment, by the time you finish it, you will be several years younger and then you will no longer be able to buy this medicine."

Oliver's arrogant words did not bother Candice or her companions, on the contrary, it surprised them because they did not expect words like that to be said to them so brazenly and when they were coming out of their state of surprise, Oliver's voice was heard again, "When you cannot repurchase them, you can visit me in the Heavenly palace."

Oliver gave them a smile as he finished speaking, bowed, and withdrew without giving Candice and the others a chance to comment. The office remained silent after Oliver left and it wasn't until a few minutes later that Candice broke the mood with a laugh that was as rare from her as a god's descent into the mortal world.

The butler and Gogh were surprised at their boss's outburst but they said nothing and waited for Candice to calm down. When she stopped laughing, Candice said, Gogh, you may return to your duties. The tubby man nodded in agreement and after a bow of respect left the office.

"Investigate the young master of Heavenly Palace," Candice said once Gogh had left, and from the shadows, the silhouette of a woman appeared and asked, "Objective?" to which Candice replied, "Just gathering information."

Then the lady stepped back into the shadows and disappeared. Candice looked at the five jars of rejuvenating cream but had no intention of trying them yet. She looked away from the jars and turning to her butler asked, "What do you think of that slave?"

"In one on one combat, he might be a little stronger than me," the butler replied a little coldly and without a hint of hesitation. Candice nodded in agreement and went into deep thought. Her butler is the strongest of her men, so for him to say that Oliver was stronger than him was a danger in her view.

While Candice chatted with her butler, Oliver returned to the Heavenly Palace and without stopping, go to the office where Andrew and Carolina were discussing some details of the improvements they planned to make.

Seeing Oliver, Andrew asked him to explain what had happened, not caring that Carolina was listening, after all, she is the manager of the Heavenly Palace and his wife so she had every right to know.

Oliver explained in detail what happened, from what he saw before entering the building until he left it. As he finished telling what happened, Andrew smiled because he knew he had succeeded in piquing Candice's curiosity and after a minute of thought, he said, "Oliver, be on your guard, Candice's people may be coming to gather information."

Oliver was a slave, not a fool. He knew that would happen for sure, but still, he assisted in understanding Andrew and then withdrew. Carolina with a look of confusion wanted to question Andrew, as she did not understand who Candice was and what Andrew's reason was for sending her a gift.

Andrew understood his wife's confusion and began to tell her everything that had happened with Debos and Candice, as well as his plans and conjectures about the future.