The Knight's Mysterious Maid-Chapter 35: Nothing money can fix (2)

The palm of John’s hands became sweaty as this was a tricky situation for him to be in. Of all things, why would Connor try to force himself on Rafael’s maid? It was bad enough that he and his wife had to deal with the whores they found in Connor’s bed at all hours of the day. It was stressful to have a son who had not moved out and instead stayed with them when he returned from his travels.

"There is no need for either one of us to get violent. I simply wish to handle this matter in private-"

"Without bringing any attention to your son’s dirty deed. I am aware of that, John. This is a matter that I will not keep silent. You had a chance to come in here and say you would deal with him properly, but I see why he is the way he is. I will not help you to cover for your son," said Rafael.

"You would let a maid get in between our two houses?" John spoke in a tone full of disbelief. He could give the maid a little something to silence her. It didn’t sound like Connor had ruined her. "I have built the house you stand in. This is unacceptable."

"If the cook were to try killing me, am I to leave him be since he made my food? I don’t give a fuck about the relationship between our houses if you have no intention of dealing with your son. When the doctor is finished with him, I want the two of you off my land. Be grateful the town guards are not here to escort you out," said Rafael.

’His land?’ John scoffed. Rafael and his parents were just fake Callahans. A name lent to them that they had yet to return. Everyone knew that Beatrice had married a man with no name. The woman set herself up for a hard life instead of marrying someone who shared the status she threw away for a mere knight.

"I will no longer be doing business with you or your family," John said as a threat to make Rafael change his mind. No one else in town built houses quite like him. Rafael won’t be able to find someone to match his skills.

The knights were always destroying something, so it wouldn’t be long before Rafael would come to him to have some part of this house repaired.

"Very well," Rafael replied. He would be rid of the entire Bailey family from his life. John not working with him was hardly a threat when there were many who would love to take his place. "I shall inform my father that our business ties have ended."

"W-Wait," John stuttered, taking a step toward Rafael as his plans had backfired. He couldn’t afford to lose Rafael or his parents. He used their names to show off the types of families that employed him. If the Callahans turned to someone else, that person could grow to rival his business.

Rafael had friends in all the right places that he wanted to get acquainted with. John had dreams of working on the palace and Rafael was his way of getting close to the king. He wouldn’t have to depend on Rafael if Connor had spent less time with women and more time doing something worthy as a knight, so the king would recongise his talents.

"Let’s stop for a moment and start over," John said, reaching his hand out to touch Rafael in an attempt to calm him.

Rafael wasn’t in the mood to be touched by John. "Lay a single finger on me, and I shall break it."

John stopped before he could touch Rafael. "Listen, the knights could always do with a bit of money for all the weapons you have to make and the armor that has to be replaced. The king most likely is not sending you enough money. So, how about I give you a little something-"

"Money cannot fix all your problems. The more you speak, the more you leave a sour taste in my mouth. You were thinking of saving your reputation, but not once did you ask how the woman in this matter was doing. I give you a few minutes to gather your son and get off my land," Rafael said, finishing the conversation as John made him angry as the seconds went by.

"Rafael," River Callahan entered the room, looking at his son and then at John, who looked a mess. Both with his expression and his clothing. "What is happening here? Your mother has been looking for you."

John was relieved to see River. It was always easier to speak with him than with Rafael, who had a hidden temper. "Connor got into a bit of a situation, and I was trying to reason with your son to not let it spread around. We can take care of this matter privately. He is willing to sever the years-long relationship we have over this matter."

"Is that so?" River said, entering the library to place himself between Rafael and John. "Then I suggest you do as he says and get your son out of here soon."

"Y-You-"

"Now," River said, raising his voice so John would understand that he was serious. He didn’t know what was going on between the two or what incident Connor was involved in, but he knew his son. Rafael would never end the friendship and business they did with John if not for a good reason.

River was aware that Connor and Rafael never got along, but Rafael never let their personal business get in the way of them working as knights. Whatever Connor had done to push Rafael to this point had to be really bad.

"You’re going to regret this," John muttered, marching out of the room to find his son, who had ruined everything. What would it take for Connor to keep it in his pants and not try to fuck everything that moved?

"I don’t think that will be the last we hear of him," River said, listening to John mutter something as he walked away. "We’re lucky I convinced your mother not to come with me. The woman would make John regret not leaving sooner. What are you sighing for? That is why I love her. Did you get into a fight?"

"Somewhat," Rafael answered, looking at his knuckles, which were less red than before.

"Did you lose? Ha!" River chuckled when Rafael glared at him. "Of course, you didn’t. I did a good job of making sure you could protect yourself. I was tasked with taking you back to Delilah. Your mother isn’t pleased that you left the young woman alone. Twice, I hear. We could go back now, or the two of us could hide here. Some of your mother’s friends have arrived, and I do not wish to entertain a conversation with them yet."

"It should only be a few minutes. You know mother has a way of tracking us down," said Rafael. No matter where he hid from her, she would always knock and tell him to come out.