Arthur was concerned and upset after hearing that. He, with rage in his voice, spoke,
"Are you sure she heard everything?"
Carl replied,
"Yes. Everything from the moment we started yesterday's conversation. She definitely knows about her connection with us Windsors."
Arthur was beyond words. After all, an 11-year-old kid got to know about the existence of a cut-off extended family in one of the worst possible ways. He managed,
"How are you going to explain this tomorrow, Carl? If you don't have a plan, we can always reschedule it..."
Carl replied,
"No, let's not do that. She wanted to get close to me, even after knowing my origins. I want to hear out that child. Though I don't know how I will take the condemns or criticisms from an 11-year-old..."
Arthur spoke,
"Knowing it's Isa's child, I doubt something that worse can happen... But be on guard, we never know what might come..."
Carl replied,
"Don't worry. I plan to do the same."
With small awkward greetings, they both retired for the day. The next day, Carl got ready earlier than the supposed meeting and went towards his office, which was next to Arthur's study. As he was nearing there, he saw Arthur, who was also standing near his study. Hearing Carl's footsteps, Arthur turned, and they both looked at each other. They were both astonished to see each other that early.
Carl spoke,
"Arthur, this is quite surprising. What are you doing here so early?"
Arthur replied,
"Carl, my friend, I wanted to wish you the best for today's ordeal"
Carl spoke,
"Ordeal? Arthur, I am just going to meet a child who happens to be of my blood. (Holding emotions) If she is going to condemn and resent me, then so be it..."
Arthur spoke,
"Even you know that's not how you will feel if something like that happened. I hope it will be fine, Carl."
Carl spoke,
"Yeah, I hope so too. (Unable to hold) I hope that the child will accept me as a family member, and finally, I will be able to clear up all misunderstandings. (Silently, tears falling) Hopefully, I will be able to reunite this family, though it might be after Aunt's death. Hope my father will recover slowly, after this, and I hope that the child will be able to stay at ease in this mage district. I really hope all this will come true, Arthur."
Arthur, seeing his only friend and aide in that state, replied,
"I, too, hope so, Carl."
Turning around, Carl spoke,
"And I have decided on something. If today results in bad taste between the child and me, I hope you will allow me to step down from my position as that child's instructor."
Arthur, with a sigh, replied,
"If that's what you both wish."
Carl went inside his office. After some time, he went towards the main hall, where he had planned to meet with Alicia. When he neared the place, he saw Alicia already there. He spoke,
"Oh, did I make you wait long?"
Alicia, turning around, replied,
"Oh, no, not at all. I just came here too."
Carl spoke, "Shall we get going then?"
Alicia, who was staring intently at Carl, replied,
"Oh, yeah... let us,"