At the tea party, after a little while, Lady Livia, who we learned was the Young Master's fiancée, was called over by the Duchess. As Lady Livia walked away with slow steps, only we remained — Mary, myself, and the Young Master, who was sipping his tea with great serenity.
We stayed in silence for a while. Mary and I exchanged glances; she was looking at me, and I at her. As the question "What do we do now?" danced in our eyes, the Young Master suddenly whispered my name:
"Theodore..."
I never thought there would come a time when my name would give me chills, but there it was, my hairs standing on end. What would he want from me? As if the strange dream I had this morning wasn't enough, now this...
"Let's go to the lake."
"Why?"
Oops, I accidentally said that out loud.
What if he wants to bathe like in my dream?! Don't be ridiculous, Theodore, why would he want that? Is he crazy? Well... maybe?
"You're moving restlessly behind me as if you're bored. It's annoying. Maybe if we change the place, you'll stop fidgeting."
I thought for a brief moment. If I say "I won't even breathe if you want," he'd probably accept it.
I took a deep breath and quietly bowed my head:
"I apologize, sir, if my presence is bothering you. I will make the necessary arrangements at the lake immediately."
He rejected me instantly, as expected:
"No need. Let's just go."
My friend, do you have problems? This "you're moving too much" excuse is just a shallow reason! Well, I'll do whatever he wants...
"Alright, sir."
... ... ...
When we arrived at the lake, I noticed the fish gliding through the water. On my first visit, the weather was dark, so I couldn't see them, but now? There were well-maintained goldfish. Their bright orange scales danced in the water, as if putting on their own show.
Don't be surprised, but... I used to work at a fish shop. I did, but... how should I put it... I wasn't very successful.
I caused the shop owner to go bankrupt by feeding the fish the wrong food, and naturally, I got fired.
Yes, I went down in history as the guy who ruined a fish shop.
I sighed as I looked at my fate, woven with misfortunes. Would I ever break this cycle? Maybe the universe was watching me and having fun, thinking, "Let's see how he ruins it this time."
When I turned back to the Young Master, he was sitting on a bench by the lake, leaning on his sword cane, staring into the lake. His usual blank expression was on his face... He looked like a philosopher who had mastered emotional indifference.
I wondered what he was thinking right now.
Personally, when I see a lake like this, I think, "This would be a great spot for a barbecue." But what would a noble think?
The problems at the duchy, tomorrow... tomorrow?
Suddenly, the words Lady Livia said to him yesterday came to my mind:
"I'll be with you every moment."
Now let's be honest... One of the most beautiful things a woman could say. A promise that warms the heart and touches deep into the bones. In fact, it's a line most men dream of hearing.
But the Young Master's face at that moment?
Zero emotion. A completely empty screen. Lifeless.
That bastard, could he at least smile?
If a beautiful woman came up to me and said, "I'll be with you every moment," I'd be off to book a wedding hall right away!
But, well... this is my fate.
What's missing in me, God? My respect? My looks? My fame? My money?
...
Yes, first of all, I'm missing money.
That damn thing controls everything. Even love.
"Theodore, how do you feel now that you've won the deal? Was it worth it?"
Hold up! Wait a minute, my friend, I just won yesterday, when am I supposed to assess it? How do I know you won't give me a task that'll bring me face to face with death in two days, huh?
Still, I should give a calm and controlled response. After all, we're dealing with nobility.
"I'm satisfied for now, sir."
"I see."
Looking at this, did he feel happy for me or hate me? I have no idea. There wasn't a single expression on his face. He was staring like a lifeless chess piece.
Then...
"Then, I'm entrusting myself to you."
"Pardon?"
Wait a minute... Did he just talk to himself, or did he really say, "I'm entrusting myself to you"?
Why isn't he continuing? Why isn't he speaking? Did I hallucinate?
Wow... I must have really lost my mind!
Just as I was about to doubt myself, his cold voice spoke again:
"Whatever you heard, that's what I said."
Crap, it was really true.
Now, what does that mean? Did he really trust me, or was it just some kind of "Figure it out yourself!" kind of pass?
I could flip out in happiness right now... but at the same time, my brain is on fire.
But, from a noble's perspective, this statement must be like confirmation of my assistance! I mean, he officially accepted it!
"Thank you, sir. I will never do anything to upset you."
"You can't anyway."
Wow. Direct hit.
"I've overstepped, sir, I apologize."
Ah... this "letting me handle it" situation, I still can't figure out if it's good or bad. What's his intention? What are his feelings? What are his emotions? There's not even the slightest indication! The guy is living proof of emotional numbness. Okay, he couldn't have said it with bad intentions... but there's this weird feeling in me. I'm not sure.
Better stay alert, just in case. Because you can't lower your guard with this Young Master, who's all over the place! A heavy silence fell over the hall. Time seemed to almost stand still.
Eventually, this silence was broken by a servant entering. The door opened gracefully, and the servant spoke in a respectful tone:
"Lord Lemi, Lord Henry Radcliffe has come to visit. He is waiting for you in the salon right now."
The Young Master got up without showing the slightest sign of surprise.
"Alright."
One word. Even kings use more words in their throne speeches.
I silently followed him as he walked.