Falling Ill

Mr. Carlos met Ms. Glory and explained his purpose for coming, just as he had earlier downstairs. Ms. Glory graciously agreed to show him a paper copy of last month's vineyard tax bill.

As expected, Mr. Carlos was surprised to find that the amount on the bill was not the same as the amount on the bill currently in Matias' hands. Of course, Mr. Carlos hid his surprise from Miss Glory.

Given the difficulty of bringing out files that have been stored in the archive building, Mr. Carlos had to go through a bit of an argument with Miss Glory until he finally managed to bring home the copy of the paper.

Once at the estate, Mr. Carlos immediately called out to Matias who seemed to be getting ready to leave.

"Do you want to go home, Matias?"

"Yes, Mr. Carlos."

"Wait! Come into my office!", Mr. Carlos walked towards his office while Matias followed him.

Now both of them were in Mr. Carlos' office. They had also sat opposite each other. Mr. Carlos' hand took something out of his tote bag.

"Here. I managed to bring it.", as he placed a piece of paper from his hand on the table.

"Really, sir?", Matias grabbed the pink paper and started reading it carefully. After finishing reading it, the man sighed, "Our guess is not off, sir. I have a clear recollection of the tax amount on the bill, which I keep at home. It's far above the amount stated here."

"Right! I was also very surprised the first time the archive officer showed it to me. I was just trying to look okay in front of him."

"May I take this copy with me, sir?"

"Of course! Please take care of it and make good use of it."

"Very well, sir! I thank you for your help."

"No problem, Matias! I should be the one thanking you because you and Rodrigues are trying to save the estate's budget."

Before heading home, Matias intended to take the time to stop by his best friend, Rodrigues' place. But halfway there, Matias suddenly felt his head hurt. Apparently, he was unable to continue his intention to Rodrigues' house. So he decided to go straight back to his house.

For the rest of the journey he tried to endure the pain. Occasionally he closed his eyes and sat back.

When he reached the doorstep of his house, Matias asked Mr. Luigi to help him get off the carriage. The coachman helped and supported Matias' body towards the house. But before he reached the door, Matias collapsed. The man lost consciousness.

More than an hour had passed, and Matias had not regained consciousness. He found himself in bed, in his own room. Beside his bed was a male doctor sitting on a chair, not to mention Countess Victoria and Martha who were also there.

"You're finally awake, brother."

"You are too tired, Mr. Matias. Your blood pressure is also low. It looks like you didn't eat on time either."

Matias, who was now leaning against his bed, sighed. "Yes doctor, it seems all of that is true."

"You should rest, Matias. You haven't been home much lately.", said countess Victoria with her chest crossed.

"That's right sister!", said Martha, supporting her mother's words.

"Take some time to rest from your busy schedule, Mr. Matias. Until you feel completely well. Eat more regularly. I will give you vitamins."

"Hmm... Thank you very much, doctor."

"Martha!", Matias called out to his sister while his mother was out seeing off the family doctor.

"Hmm?"

"Here, come closer, I'll whisper something in your ear."

The girl, wearing a blue dress, moved closer as requested by her brother. Martha thrust one ear to Matias.

"Me and Nivea are dating.", she whispered. Suddenly Martha covered her mouth with one hand and put her ear back.

"Is that true?"

"Shh... Don't let mom hear it."

"But, how could it be? She and the prince ...."

Matias shook his head, "No, Martha. She only temporarily accepted the decision. She never liked the prince and didn't want to be his maid of honor at all."

"But, does she really like you now?"

"Hmm... I'm sure. I can see it in her eyes and... her demeanor when she's around me."

"How does he act when he's around you?", Martha urged curiously.

"He ......."

"Martha! Let's go out, your brother needs a lot of rest.", exclaimed countess Victoria who was back in front of them.

"Alright Mother! Brother, take a rest. Read some books if you're bored.", as she stepped away, trailing behind her mother.

***

Martha was sitting feeding Matias when her boyfriend, Daniel just arrived at the doorway of Matias' room.

"Hahaha... What's wrong with you Matias?"

Martha and her sister both turned to Daniel. Both of them laughed.

"Come in Daniel!", said Matias as Daniel stepped up to him.

"That's very kind of you, Martha! Feeding your brother when he's sick."

"Ah, my brother asked me to feed him. He said I should take care of him."

"Hmm... That's right, Daniel. I saw her pacing around, so it's better for her to feed me.", he said while chewing his food slowly.

"Hahaha... What did the doctor tell you?"

"Just need to rest well and eat more regularly."

Martha put down the container and spoon she used to feed Matias lunch. The girl then reached for the glass of water and gave it to Matias' hand. Martha also thrust three capsules of medicine into her brother's hand.

"My job is done, brother. I'm going out with Daniel."

"You're here to pick up Martha?"

Daniel nodded, "Hmm... Since I just found out from your servant that you were sick, I came in to see you."

Soon, Daniel and Martha left Matias' presence.

The couple took a leisurely stroll under the beautiful afternoon sky. The sunny day made them feel very lucky, to be able to enjoy the day together. There were many pedestrians like them, as well as a few horse-drawn carriages that occasionally passed near them.

And before long, Martha remembered her brother's lover. She decided to take Daniel to visit Nivea's bakery.

"Miss Nivea! Did you shave your head?", Martha asked in surprise while observing Nivea's face.

"Ah, Miss Martha! Yes, I'm just... tired of long hair. Ah yes, are you with your boyfriend?"

"Exactly, Miss Nivea.", followed by Daniel who smiled, bowing slightly to Nivea.

"Would you like to enjoy my bread here?"

"Of course, ma'am."

"Well, what kind of bread would you like, Miss Martha? And your lover?"

"Bread with berry jam and strawberry jam for Daniel."

Nivea moved to start preparing Martha's bread.

"Would you like some lemonade?"

"Yes, ma'am. Ah yes, my brother is sick.", Martha said flatly. Stopping Nivea's movement.

"What? Sick? But Matias was here just yesterday."

"Ah, he's tired, ma'am. After returning from the plantation yesterday afternoon, he also fainted."

"What?"

"But our family doctor has taken care of him, miss. You don't need to worry.", he whispered the last sentence.