Amon's tone is filled with curiosity as he questioned the village officer.. "Who lived here?"
"Well, actually... a blind couple used to reside here, but... I don't know where they went," the village officer replied.
The dilapidated house stood before them. Its shabby bamboo walls sagged under the weight of time. Weathered and worn, the thatched roof had patches missing, allowing streaks of sunlight to filter through. Dust particles danced in the air, stirred by a gentle breeze that entered through the cracks.
A musty smell permeated the air, causing Amon to instinctively cover his nose with his hand, while Juliane stepped inside cautiously, her eyes scanning the decaying surroundings. The floor creaked beneath their feet as they moved through the dimly lit interior, passing faded traces of what were once vibrant decorations. Amon's keen eye for business couldn't help but notice the signs of neglect, the lack of maintenance and care that had led to this state of disrepair.
Meanwhile, Juliane wandered the house, her heart heavy with empathy for the unseen residents. Upon stepping into the backyard, they were met with a simple patch of earth, sandy soil spread beneath their feet. Thick bushes encircled the area, their branches reaching out as if guarding the modest space. The imprint of countless footsteps marked the dirt, a testament to the constant presence of life despite the challenging circumstances. An old broomstick leaned against the side, weathered and worn by years of service.
With a curious yet wary spirit, Juliane ventured to the side of the dilapidated house, a sense of anticipation coursing through her. Suddenly, a rustling sound erupted from the thick bushes in the backyard, shattering the tranquility of the moment. Juliane startled, her heart skipping a beat as she called out, her voice firm yet cautious, "Who's there?"
Drawn by Juliane's reaction, Amon's gaze followed her movements. Concern crossed his face as he watched her inch closer to where the sound had come from. He couldn't help but feel uneasy and he asked, "Juliane, did you find someone?"
"I thought... I thought we were being watched," Juliane said, still trying to make sense of it, as she regained her composure and returned to Amon's side. "If no one's here, shall we go?"
The village officer suggested, "Perhaps they'll return later. How about we leave the basket here?"
Seeing the village officer fidgeting, Amon made up his mind. "Yes, but I'll keep the pouch of copper coins," he asserted, not waiting for a response. "What if someone tries to steal it? After all, the residents living here are both blind, as you mentioned."
The village officer could only nod in agreement. "You're right, sire…"
Amon revealed his intentions. "My assistant and I will come back tomorrow to personally deliver the pouch."
The trio then gazed at the sunset, casting its warm hues over the backyard—a subtle reminder that they needed to return promptly.
"Shall we go?" Amon said, gesturing for Juliane to follow him.
They made their way back to the village hall, preparing to depart in their automobile and return to their respective homes.
In Amon's study, he sat in his cushioned seat, fixated on the pouch of copper coins he had taken from the basket. The image of the abandoned house lingered in his mind. Something in him urged him to return to Riverton Village and inquire about the blind couple.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Amon instructed the person to enter.
"I've brought your coffee as requested, without sugar," Juliane announced.
"Thank you," Amon acknowledged, waiting for Juliane to place the cup of coffee on his desk. As she turned to leave, he stopped her. "Wait, Ms. Johara. Have a seat. Let's discuss what happened today."
Juliane's fatigue was evident in her weary eyes, but she knew there was little she could do. Assisting Amon was no walk in the park. However, it marked the first time she had the privilege of being the giver instead of the receiver. Sharing with the less fortunate, even if she wasn't the source of the funds, gave her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Amon sipped his steaming coffee, calmly, as he locked eyes with Juliane. "What are your impressions of the charity event?" he asked.
"Mister, it's such a great honor for someone like me to participate in this event. I feel like we helped them a lot. I hope we can send help to them as frequently as we can."
"But consider this, Juliane. Despite their disabilities, some of them have children who are fully capable. Shouldn't the able-bodied children contribute and assist their parents instead of relying solely on charity? It raises questions about the effectiveness of such events and whether the funds truly reach those in need. I wonder if this truly addresses the root of the problem and if every penny truly benefits the intended recipients," Amon said, his tone serious. "It's a reason why I usually only attend and not place any bid. Well… If it wasn't because of the painting, I wouldn't have given a single coin."
Juliane contemplated Amon's words, and the satisfaction she initially felt from helping the blind and deaf residents of Riverton Village faded, giving way to a hint of doubt.
"I won't place my bid in any auctions ever again. This was a one-time occurrence," Amon replied, his mood souring as he took another sip of coffee.
Watching Amon's expression turning grim, Juliane changed the topic, "Speaking of the auction..." Juliane's voice trailed off as she revealed the news, her smile carrying a hint of intrigue. "The painting you bought has arrived. We placed it by the hallway as you ordered. But there's something else I noticed," she added.
Amon's curiosity piqued, he set his coffee aside and leaned forward. "What is it?" he asked, anticipation threading his voice.
Juliane took a deep breath, excitement evident in her voice. "The painting you purchased depicts the garden of this very mansion. And the other paintings displayed... they all depict different parts of the Golden Mansion," she revealed, her words hanging in the air. "There's something more, young master. The golden-haired boy in those paintings has the exact same hue as your hair. I believe that boy is you… Maybe the painter is someone your family knows?"
Amon's grip tightened around his coffee cup as Juliane's words slowly sank in, his mind racing with thoughts and questions. Setting the cup down with a clatter, he abruptly rose from his seat and dashed out of his room, his footsteps echoing through the corridors.
Lighting up his path, Amon strode down the hallway of the second floor, his eyes scanning the paintings adorning the walls. Each stroke of the brush seemed to breathe life into the hallway, adding an air of mystery and allure. At the end of the corridor, his gaze fixed on a concealed wall decor, veiled by a piece of cloth. He recalled that it was his father Stefan who covered that certain painting, saying that it brought back bad memories. But what kind of painting could it be?
With growing tension, he reached out and pulled the white cloth, unveiling the hidden painting.
His breath caught in his throat as his mother's enchanting gaze met his, her smile frozen in time. It was a portrait of his beloved mother, Aurora, capturing her essence with impeccable detail. The same technique and style as the other paintings adorned the canvas, as if intertwining their stories with the same thread of mystery.
Juliane trailed behind Amon, drawn in by his unusual behavior. As they reached the end of the hallway, she found him standing before a captivating painting. Who was the woman depicted, and why did it hold such significance for him?
"Young master?" Juliane approached cautiously, worry crept in her voice. "Are you alright?"
Amon's brows furrowed, a flicker of unease crossing across his face. "I'm fine. You may leave."
As Juliane prepared to step away, her gaze lingered on the painting before her. The woman depicted possessed an ethereal beauty. Her long, wavy hair shimmered with a silver hue, while her cinnamon-brown eyes exuded a captivating intensity. The warmth of her radiant smile illuminated the evening scene, portraying a genuine happiness.
Returning to her own quarters, Juliane couldn't shake off the image of Amon's face as he stared at the painting. At that moment, he appeared vulnerable as his eyes got watery. Although she was damn curious, she left the young master, since it was as if he needed some time alone.
But she hoped that someday, if even a slim chance arose, Amon would open up to her, and reveal the truth about the woman in the painting, and the reason for his tears.