30 In the Cabin

"So, you all candidates, follow me to my cabin," Simon Aldrich, the interviewer who sat in the middle, stated in a strong tone.

Six people followed him silently glancing around trying to remember the paths to different departments in the council building. They walked into a medium-sized room. The cabin was brightly lit, with a table in the centre and three seats arranged in a typical office arrangement. On the table, there was a wooden designation plate on which 'Head Councilman ~ Mr Simon Aldrich' was engraved.

Simon sat on a chair, behind the desk and waited for the candidates to form a horizontal line in front of him. He maintained his serious demeanour, which intimidated the candidates.

When all the candidates entered the cabin he began, "You all are well aware of the reason behind the council establishment I presume."

He looked at the candidates who were nodding and listening intently. "Without beating around the bush, I come to the main point. The six of you will be split into two groups. One group will work under me and the other one under Mr Admiral Wilkin."

Evelyn's eyes lit up with excitement as she hoped to join her uncle's group. She crossed her fingers, hoping to achieve what she desired. Furthermore, she was aware that Mr Aldrich was well aware of her relationship with Mr Wilkin and would include her in his group. A soft smile appeared on her face as she thought about it.

Simon cleared his throat and continued reading a few names, "Elric Frithswith, Alfred Nobell and Evelyn Walford will be in one team. Rest others will be grouped together."

Evelyn put a facade of a poker face in front of the councilman but deep inside she held a grin stretched from ear to ear. Happiness was at its peak. She couldn't believe the person whose presence she sought, would work with her. Calming her excitement, she took a deep breath.

"The names which I have taken will work under me and Mr Condrad will instruct you further. Mr Wilkin, the head councilman, will supervise the other team, and Mr Saemus will give you instructions," Simon declared.

Evelyn stood dumbfounded after listening to Mr Aldrich's words. Everything was going perfectly. She sighed, unsure whether to be pleased to be working with the man she desired or disappointed that she would not be working under her uncle.

"By tomorrow, you all will have received your bonuses. You all can join the council from tomorrow onwards. You are now free to leave."

She heard Mr Simon say and glanced at the candidates who were preparing to leave his chamber. Evelyn, who was still perplexed, followed them, quietly.

"Miss Walford"

She heard her name being called by the head council. She turned around and looked at him, puzzled, as she waited for him to continue.

He motioned her to have a seat and asked, "May I take your few minutes?"

Evelyn nodded and sat on the chair, pondering what might be the matter.

"I apologise for allocating you to my group. But you see I am a selfish man who can't let go of one of the best candidates to work under someone else," he said and chuckled.

She gave a timid smile and replied, "It's alright, sir. I will get to learn equally from you as from unc- Mr Admiral," she corrected herself and continued, "After all, in the end, the council works as a team."

A strange smile appeared on the face of the head councilman. "It's good that you perceive it that way," he remarked.

She couldn't grasp the meaning of what he said and gave a bewildered look.

Looking at the bewildered face in front of him, the head councilman continued, "Anyways, I'll come to the point. Back in the interview, I noticed you hesitating to answer when asked if you have any suspicions about someone. I can understand that you couldn't disclose because of the other two councilmen. However, you can now."

Evelyn stared at the man who was waiting for her response, startled. She couldn't decide whether or not she should tell him. She shouldn't hide anything from him now that he was her senior, but something wouldn't let her reveal the truth.

"No, sir," she said, "it's nothing." She considered she would first speak to her uncle and then decide whether to tell him or not.

"Are you sure?" He questioned once again.

"Yes sir,"

"You know, hiding from the seniors may land you in a lot of trouble," he said.

His voice held a threatening tone which she noted. Her eyes looked at him in a puzzled manner, wondering why he was pressuring her to get minor information like this.

"Hey, don't stress. I was merely joking," he chuckled once again as he said this.

Evelyn returned a nervous smile.

"Well then, you may leave now," he said.

Jumping on her feet, she began walking away without looking back at him. She breathed a sigh of relief as she exited his cabin. She strolled directly towards Earl who leaned on the carriage, waiting for her.

"How did your job interview go?" He asked as she neared him.

"It was fine," she answered, forcing a smile which Earl noticed.

"Did something happen, Eve?" He asked. His voice was filled with concern for her.

She shook her head and said, "Everything is good. Can we go to the meadows?"

Earl gazed at her, bewildered. He couldn't contemplate the reason behind her strange behaviour. But he knew something had happened, and he was intent on finding out what it was.

He was about to ask her again if everything was okay but stopped, realising this wasn't the right place to discuss these things. He decided to enquire once they reached the meadows.

"Alright, Miss Evelyn," he replied nodding at her once and hopped into the carriage, taking her to the meadows in the woods.