Mr. Carlos met Miss 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 last month's vineyard tax bill.
As expected, Mr. Carlos was surprised to find that the value of the bill was not the same as the one on the paper bill that was currently still in Matias' hands. Of course, Mr. Carlos hid his surprise in front of Miss Glory.
Since it was very difficult to bring out the files that had been stored in the archive building, Mr. Carlos had to go through a bit of an argument with Ms. Glory until he finally managed to bring home the copy of the paper copy.
Once at the plantation, Mr. Carlos immediately called Matias was 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 strode towards his room while Matias followed him.
Now both of them were in Mr. Carlos' study. They too were sitting opposite each other. Mr. Carlos' hand took something from his bag.
"Here. I managed to bring it." as he placed a piece of paper from his hand onto the table.
"Really, sir?" Matias took the pink paper and began to reading it carefully. After he finished reading it, the man sighed
"Our guess is not off, sir. I have clearly remembered how much the tax was on the bill, which I kept at home. It was 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 her."
"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 the place where residence of his best friend, Rodrigues. But halfway there, Matias suddenly felt his head hurt a lot. Apparently, he couldn't 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 felt 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 into the house. But he had not yet reached the door of the house, Matias collapsed. The man lost consciousness.
More than an hour had passed, but Matias had not regained consciousness. He found himself in bed, in his own room. Beside his bed there 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 also didn't eat on time."
Matias, who was now leaning against his cot, sighed. "Yes doctor, it seems all of that is true."
"You should rest, Matias. You haven't been home much lately these days." said countess Victoria with her chest crossed.
"That's right brother!" said Martha, supporting her mother's words.
"Take some time to rest a little from your busy schedule, Mr. Matias. Until you feel completely well. Be more regular with your eat. I will give you vitamins."
"Hmm. Thank you very much, doctor."
"Martha!" Matias called out to his sister as his mother was leaving the family doctor's departure.
"Hmm?"
"Here, come closer, I'll whisper something in your ear."
The girl, who was wearing a blue dress, moved closer as requested by her elder brother. Martha thrust one ear to Matias.
"Me and Nivea are dating." he whispered. Suddenly Martha covered her mouth with one hand and pushed 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 intends to temporarily accept that decision. She never liked the prince and absolutely didn't want to be his maid of honor."
"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 she act when she's around you?" Martha urged curiously.
"She ...."
"Martha! Let's go out, your brother needs a lot of rest." exclaimed the 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 down to feed Matias when her boyfriend, Daniel just arrived in the doorway of Matias' room.
"Hahaha. What's wrong with you Matias?"
Martha and her brother both turned to Daniel. Both of them laughed.
"Come in Daniel!" said Matias while Daniel stepped towards 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 that she feeds 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 that she used to feed Matias lunch. She then reached for the glass of water and gave it to Matias's hand. Martha also thrust three capsules of medicine into her brother's hand.
"My job is done, brother. I'm going out with Daniel."
"Are you here to pick up Martha?"
Daniel nodded, "Hmm. Since I just found out from your maid earlier that you were sick, so 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 nearby.
And before long, Martha remembered her brother's lover. She also 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 lover?"
"Exactly, Miss Nivea." followed by Daniel who smiled, slightly bowing to Nivea.
"Would you like to enjoy my bread here?"
"Of course, miss."
"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, miss. 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, miss. 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." she whispered the last sentence.