Uncertain 04

The summer breeze whistled along with the garden where Lai observed Cailina and Aris get closer as they used to. He carried a smile, none knowing whether it was genuine or hid an unknown motive. He looked at the swaying trees and flowers; It was the season Cailina adored so much. 

It seemed that whatever was the weather now, Cailina would enjoy it with Aris. The two of them have become inseparable ever since. Lai looked at his pocket watch, it was time for Cailina's tea. 

Although it wasn't his job to know of this, he still memorized it with all his heart. After all, the Lady needed more people to trust and rely on. He couldn't approach as he wanted because Aris would be the first one to block his path besides Fione.

They were always wary of him.

Being dismissed by Cailina at the moment, by the request of Aris, he obediently followed and enjoyed the remaining free time of the day. He smiled at everyone he passed by, in return, the servants were all at ease with him. 

They include him in their gossips and complaints. Trusted him with most of the unsaid things that the servants talk about their masters. Lai knew everything. 

Well, the important ones.

He was born from a family who exceeded in trading information. It was a skill he needed to learn. In short words, he was the biggest gossiper of the Empire. Well, it wasn't only him, his family too, but they were all laying under the cold ground.

His origins weren't a secret, but few knew of it. It was best that few remembered his family as many years had passed, the Count Bishop from the Human Realm had vanished. Erased from the history books of the Empire.

Well, they were the history books.

Lai decided to visit the place he would spend most of his time, other than talking with the other servants, one would find him here. Holding a broom. Sweeping the floor. 

His humming rang inside the beings' hearts. It was the melody of a nightmare. They never thought that such a human would carry a dangerous air, it was then that they concluded that whatever the Grandis took under their care would become a terrifying being.

The humming stopped and the beings behind the bars retreated farthest from Lai. Their chains clanged and rattled, avoiding the monster's eyes and attention. 

"Was it because that dog brought happiness to the Lady?" Lai asked, "We are the same, the dog and I, both picked up by our Lady."

He knocked on the bars with the broomstick, "I'm not complaining. I'm happy I'm serving such wonderful master."

Lai's brows knitted and his irritation about the blatant favoritism bubbled in his heart. The bars echoed as he banged the broom in his hand. No-one stopped him from breaking the broom in half with his unrestrained anger.

The dungeon drowned in silence as Lai calmed down. The beings buried their presence under their bodies, breathing as low as possible. Praying in their hearts not to be noticed by the monster. 

"It's no use taking it out this anger to all of you," he paused, and with a sly smile, he said, "but no one will say anything about it."

-

"The Lady have been looking for you for a while, Lai."

Fione said with an expressionless face, "You better clean your appearance. I will kill you if you show up with that filth"

The maid left after saying what was needed. Lai chuckled and wiped the fresh crimson stain that he got from playing too much. He couldn't be blamed as it was what the captured beings deserved. He wasted no time and got a fresh set of clothes.

Lai washed his face once again and stared at the mirror. There were no longer any signs of dirt on his body. He fixed his hair and smiled. He was prepared for another round of scolding from Cailina.

He leisurely walked; the afternoon sun shone through the pathway leading to the garden. His uniform appearing as an expensive suit for a banquet. It was a good day. He treasured every moment he lived in the mansion. 

The place where the Duke sent made him appreciate the peace and sunlight that the above took for granted. 

-

"Was that your last one?" Lai asked, removing the stained gloves. 

He looked at the young woman. Her eyes were dull as she nodded in silence. Maaike lost all her liveliness ever since the first being she tested on was Oris. 

"Do you want to eat?" he placed his hand on her hair, "you did well."

Maaike's eyes welled up as her sobs choked the words wanting to pour out of her. She nodded and followed behind Lai. The place was terrifying for a young woman like her. She wanted to return to the mansion, apologize to Cailina.

No other being could save her from this place other than the young Lady. 

Lai waited for Maaike to finish crying. It's been a good while before she calmed down. He gave her his handkerchief and proceeded to pat her shoulder. It was the only comfort he could give; he couldn't provide a way out of her misery.

"I don't… understand this place…" Maaike said between her sobs, "I want to go… back to our young Lady…"

Maaike never bore a grudge to Cailina. She saved her from becoming a lady of the night. She knew that her talents would someday give her a peaceful life, and it did. It just happened to be that her Lady was feeling unwell about her puppy's absence.

Lai also told her that she had never been kicked out. Cailina just meant to be out of her sight for a few days. The young Lady wasn't irrational enough to dismiss a being who was full of talents. 

When she had known that, her respect for Oris vanished. It was him that removed him from the life he promised to give to her. If he hasn't let his emotions control him, Maaike would've still been serving Cailina. 

"I'm sorry about your loss."

Lai's voice snapped Maaike out of her thoughts. She looked up and frowned, "What?"

Lai sighed and returned to patting her shoulder. The young woman in front of him appeared delicate. Her soft features were enough to make his heart skipped a beat. 

"About Oris…"

"Oh, no… no," Maaike shook her head, "It's alright. He was the reason why I ended up in this place."

Astonished by Maaike's reply, Lai remained silent. He blinked multiple times to know whether he was mistaken. 

Maaike gave a small smile. She assured him for a while, and the surprised Lai amused her. Her fear of the place was somewhat lessened. 

"Let's enjoy our time while it is here," Lai said

She nodded with a grin on her face. It was useless shedding tears at the moments that had passed. She would do her best in this place so she could immediately return to their young Lady's side.

The days became months, and the months became years. The seasoned changed as the young ones grew into beings that carry the understanding of the nation, they were in.

The miserable day for Maaike arrived. It was Lai's return to the mansion. 

She was requested to stay behind to assist Dr. Karl. She was told multiple times that she was a talented one, her talents would contribute to the greater good. Although she has yet to fully grasp the work, she was willing to serve under the Grandis.

Lai gave her the last pat on the hair and the assurance that she would keep in her heart until they meet each other again.

-

"Yes, my Lady?" Lai bowed. 

Cailina looked at Lai and lifted a brow. Her attendant seemed to be in a happy tone. She wanted to ask about it but stopped herself. If she gave Lai more attention than her puppy, the latter would surely bear a grudge.

Aris smiled back at the grinning Lai; he has always been wary of the bug. No matter how many seasons would pass, the burning hatred would be in his heart. It was the same for Lai, he would never get used to seeing the puppy that might lead the Lady to her downfall.

The scene was a masterpiece itself. The secrets that one another keep in their hearts would remain as it is until another would rattle the world each was used to.