The Duke's Passion

Chapter 619  Don't underestimate a housewife

The Owl's Guild. 

A group of nomads who sold information for a living. Each of them came from a different country. Due to circumstances, they followed Penny. The current leader of the group. Currently, they were hunting down a crime organization. The reason these people currently live in the earldom. That was all Claude could make up for what they told him. Of course, since the earldom was open, they couldn't monitor each entry and exit across the earldom. The reason these people temporarily settled without being noticed.

They were people the earl should be wary about them. Although they hadn't done nor did they have the intention to cause disharmony in the earldom.

If anything, the Owl's Guild simply wanted to settle scores with the real felons who were causing fear in the shadows. Most members had a personal grudge against the said organization, so they all agreed to take them all down. "Third, you're zoning out again." Claude snapped his eyes, raising his eyes at Peter. He was drying up a glass with a cloth, standing behind the counter of the pub. The latter was the person he first met in this place. Despite his rogue appearance, he was kind. "Sorry. I'm still not used to how empty the pub looks during the day." He chuckled, looking back at the empty tables and chairs. "It's been a week since Penny took me in, but all I did was help you clean the place. What has she been doing?"

"Leader is always busy," Peter replied in a light tone, shrugging while casting Claude a look. "You know our circumstance. Since this family is big, we need to do a lot of things. Having this pub is not enough to fill all our stomachs."

Claude adjusted to the stool, studying Peter as he placed the glass under the counter to wipe the rest. "Peter... if you are all this determined to hunt down that organization, why don't you ask the Earl's help? I'm a local here. Although his cruelty and ruthlessness are proven, he is rational. He might help you."

"Haha! Of course, he might help us. But... will he even lend us an ear first?"

"You won't know unless you try. Penny is amazing. I'm sure she can make the earl listen."

Peter chuckled, propping his side against the other side of the counter, eyes on Claude. "Third, I know since you're a local here, you have more faith in the young Earl of Monarey. However, not us. Drawing the Earl's attention might make this hunt easier, but then again, what would happen after?"

"Right..." Claude rocked his head, getting a good grasp of what he was saying. "We're a family here, Third. We struggle together, but we don't do anything that will endanger everyone on purpose. Our life is already dangerous enough. Asking a pureblood's help might sound better, but we don't know the Earl." Peter let out a deep breath, batting his eyes ever so slowly. "He is one of the very few purebloods in the empire. We'd rather not get tangled with such a person and stay away from him."

Claude let out a sigh, knocking his knuckles against the counter lightly. "I want to help in here, though. How can I help if I just clean the pub?"

"Man... you make it sound like our task is useless." Peter laughed while Claude looked up at him. "Although this is quite easier than the others, just think what everyone will feel if they come home in a dirty home. You think this is nothing, but to them, that is enough for them to rest after a day's work."

"So, we're like a housewife."

"Don't underestimate a housewife." His laugh grew louder whilst shaking his head. "You're young, Third. But a housewife is one of the toughest jobs. Have some pride in it."

Peter shook his head as he continued to wipe the newly washed glasses for tonight. Meanwhile, Claude just watched him. In his first week in this guild, he didn't hate it, to be honest. Everyone was kind and welcoming; it was strange but Claude got along with them well.

"Peter," he called, waiting for Peter to look in his way. "Why... did you welcome me without question? I mean, considering your line of work, I'm certain you had enemies. Didn't you consider that I am a spy?"

The corner of Peter's lips stretched from ear to ear. "Are you?"

"I'm just asking." Claude frowned, seeing that playful grin plastered on the man. "Although I am grateful for the warm welcome, it just..."

"Strange?" Claude glanced up, nodding. "Yes. It's a bit strange how everyone just welcomed me without prejudice or a shred of doubt. Weren't you afraid that you are welcoming a monster?"

"Haha! Why would we?" Again, Peter leaned his arms against the counter, eyes on Claude squarely. "If Penny took you in herself, then there's nothing to worry about."

"Why do you trust her so much?"

"Because she's our leader. She will never do something that will hurt us." Peter's eyes glinted with admiration. "Also, it's not the first time she took someone in. Gai, for example, had the same circumstance as you. Penny simply took almost everyone who didn't have a home in here because she's that kind. How can we mistreat you if we were in your shoes at one point?" Claude let out a shallow breath, keeping his thought while Peter resumed his work. His eyes lowered to his fist. 'These people aren't that strong. Actually, they were, but not as impressive. And yet, look at them.' He snuck a look at Peter. 'They make me feel bad for keeping my identity a secret. Will they hate me if I told them I am the earl?'

Claude was a little torn. Whether or not he admitted it, he was starting to like this group. He knew he shouldn't be too attached since they would leave Monarey once this was settled. But... who would dislike such warm people?

"Peter. I'll take a walk outside for a bit. I will come back." He knocked on the counter, seeing Peter nod before he left.