Can You Be My Mommy?

​"I will keep those secrets as long as they do not violate the law or harm innocent people. To me, loyalty is the pride of a servant."

​Upon hearing Moza’s answer, Elbara sat back in his chair with a calm expression. Now it was Elzen’s turn to move. The man leaned casually against the edge of the desk while folding his arms across his chest.

​"It is my turn to ask. How can you tell the two of us apart, especially when Elbara isn't wearing his glasses and we are dressed in the same clothes?" Elzen challenged her with a serious face. "If you call us by the wrong name or serve the wrong person, it could cause internal conflict. Besides, there are still our two older brothers, Dastan and Rezon, as well as our younger brother, Kageo. We all expect precise service."

​Moza remained silent for a moment. She observed them both, noting their identical faces, matching posture, and even their nearly synchronized hand movements. Her efforts in gathering information about the Limantara family were not in vain. This was the moment to use that knowledge to pass the selection.

​"I can tell by your hairstyle and the way you observe things," Moza answered with full confidence.

​Elzen frowned. "Explain that."

​"Even though you both have the same haircut, the way you maintain it is different. Master Elbara’s hair is combed flat to the back and stays perfectly in place without a single stray strand. Meanwhile, Master Elzen... you like to play with your hair. Sometimes you intentionally leave it a bit messy. I saw you rub your hair several times and comb it with your fingers earlier."

​The corner of Elzen’s lip twitched, but he withheld his comment on her observation.

​"The second difference is the way you observe. Master Elbara looks at me as if he is analyzing a case. His eyes keep moving, noting details, and calculating possibilities. On the other hand, Master Elzen observes casually as if watching a performance. You have a small smile, you judge people's emotions, and you look for an opening to make a joke."

​This time, Elzen could not hide his admiration. In an instant, this woman was able to see the hidden differences between him and Elbara.

​"Wow, you’re like a psychic, Miss Cheese. I’m impressed by your sharp analysis," Elzen praised her while giving a thumbs up. He returned to his seat and gave Elbara a quick wink. It seemed the twins had a silent language only they understood.

​"Enough. You passed," Elbara concluded as he pressed a red button on his desk.

​Shortly after, Thalia entered the room with her usual flat expression.

​"Aunt Thalia, Moza successfully answered our questions. We are handing her over to you now," Elbara said.

​"Very well, Young Master."

​After bowing to Elbara and Elzen, Thalia led Moza back to the kitchen. The other servants had already placed the soup and pudding Moza made onto a silver tray.

​"You are entering the final stage of this selection, which is meeting Master Markus. He will personally taste your cooking and judge your attitude," Thalia stated firmly.

​Moza nodded, her hands tightly gripping the tray that would determine her fate. She followed Thalia toward the north wing of the mansion. The atmosphere here was much quieter, and the thick red carpet swallowed the sound of their footsteps. The servants passing by spoke very little.

​They arrived at the end of the corridor in front of a large door made of old teak wood. Thalia knocked softly, and a few seconds later, the door opened slowly. A man in a medical nurse uniform stepped out and looked at Thalia respectfully.

​"Madam Thalia. How can I help you?"

​"This is Moza, a new applicant. She is here to serve a meal to Master Markus. Is he ready to receive a guest?"

​The nurse nodded. "I will ask him first."

​Moza held her breath. Her heart thundered as she realized this was the turning point. Passing the first two stages would mean nothing if she failed before Master Markus. She had to win the old man’s heart not with words, but with devotion, patience, and sincerity.

​Soon the door opened again. "Please, come in," the nurse said.

​Feeling slightly anxious, Moza stepped inside while carrying the tray with both hands. Her gaze instinctively fell upon a large bed with thin curtains situated in the center of the room. On it, Master Markus Limantara sat leaning against supporting pillows. Despite being seventy years old, his presence still radiated an unshakable charisma.

​His silver-white hair was neatly combed. His face was etched with the lines of age, but his eyes were still incredibly sharp, looking as if they could read both the past and the future in a single glance. The private nurse quickly set up a small folding table in front of the bed while Thalia stepped forward.

​"Grandmaster, this is Moza. She is the applicant who will cook and clean your room. This soup and pudding are her own creations. I have already tasted them. Would you be willing to try?"

​"Hmm," the old man replied briefly.

​Following a sharp glance from Thalia, Moza moved forward slowly. She carefully placed the tray on the table and opened the lid of the soup bowl.

​"Please, Grandmaster," Moza said softly.

​Master Markus stared at the soup for quite a while before finally taking a spoon and tasting a small amount. For a moment, the old man simply swallowed without saying anything. Then, as he took a second bite, the corner of his lip moved up into a thin smile.

​"Not bad," he murmured. "The spices are balanced and the shark fin is tender."

​With the help of the nurse, Master Markus then turned to the pomegranate pudding. He tasted a few spoonfuls before giving a small nod.

​"This is the first time I have found a taste so similar to Angela’s cooking. You are hired," Master Markus decided while looking at Moza.

​The tension surrounding Moza vanished instantly. Finally, her long struggle was not in vain because she had successfully entered the inner circle of the Limantara family. Her plan to uncover the truth was finally within reach.

​In the midst of Moza’s happiness, the door suddenly swung open. A little girl with wavy brown hair ran inside. Her tiny hands held a piece of drawing paper covered in colorful scribbles.

​"Grandpa! Look! I can draw a mermaid!" she cried out joyfully.

​However, as she passed Moza, the little girl stopped abruptly. Her round eyes stared at Moza’s face without blinking. Then, without hesitation, she stepped forward and placed her hands on Moza’s waist.

​"Pretty Lady! Are you going to be my mommy?"

​Moza’s blood suddenly rushed through her veins. She knew this little girl was Abigail, the only daughter of Dastan Limantara. Strangely, the child shared a striking resemblance to Kayden. It was not just their age, but the shape of their lips and the hopeful glint in their eyes that mirrored Kayden’s longing for a father.