Was That a Rat?

Just because he thought Artie Shen was only capable of mewling and whining out of embarrassment, Larkin didn't realize that the angel was indeed capable of violence. The moment she erupted from his teasing, she quickly pulled back her head and bashed it against his in a swift motion.

She even turned into a rat afterward, making Larkin deal with the sore on his own.

He was able to hide it from the chancellor as the sun was yet to rise. The darkness had become his friend, but the rat continued to just lug around. After the graces, the rat still wouldn't change back to its adorable form, and so Larkin thought of shaking it to rid it of the effects of its magic. He didn't bother using his own magic as it might harm the petty wife-to-be.

It's just that running into Miel had exposed the redness on his forehead. Even if Larkin knew what caused it, he had no idea why the redness remained. Perhaps it was because it was a mark made by an angel out of its anger; perhaps it was a curse that Artie had placed on him unknowingly.

"A skull? Lady Shen?" Miel couldn't think of anyone who was allowed to get into the archduke's personal space aside from him and the angel. Moreover, she was probably the only one who would dare to hit the archduke on the face. "...Your Grace, you should tone down your… ehem, I'd rather not intrude in your… activities… ehem.

"Today…" Miel didn't feel right in advising his own father about escapades with women. However, he wanted to make sure Larkin would remain safe. "Today marks the beginning of the collection week. Both soldiers and knights were moving the tents to the central plaza. Would you like to come see the preparations? The messenger would be reading your letter to the people at noon as well."

"...no need for me to come. I have lots to attend to." Larkin chose not to see the city hours before the letter reading. They had been protesting days before, enough for them to start burning effigies; what would it be like now that Larkin continuously showed off his magic to the people? Would they be looking away and denouncing him whenever his carriage would come around?

Miel only nodded as if knowing what Larkin was thinking about. "Then, I shall come in your place. I would be—"

Larkin suddenly spun around as if looking for something behind him. Artie just squeezed herself out of his hold after hearing that Miel would be going to the city to see the preparations and possibly attend the letter reading. However, she didn't want to be out and about as a lady so she thought of just accompanying Miel as a rat.

The rat then circled from behind and almost came up towards Miel. However, Larkin practically dove to the ground just to catch her. The seneschal and the maids were shocked, knowing that the archduke was suddenly acting strange. Then again, even if Miel knew how strange this man was… he wouldn't kiss the ground all of a sudden… especially in front of people.

"Artie, behave." Larkin hissed as he held her with both hands. He then got up on his own. "I have to go now. Look for Artie if you're going to the city plaza later."

"...yes, Your Grace." Miel didn't know what was happening, but he didn't know how to know either. He could only have good faith that Larkin was okay. Moreover, the archduke had given the name of someone who might be able to help him understand. In the end, Miel only left the hallway as well.

It's just that…

Miel overheard the conversation of the maids even if he was already out of sight.

"Was that a rat? I think it's a rat..." One of the maids hummed as she figured out what Larkin dove to catch earlier. She was quite close so she was able to see that Larkin didn't fall over without a reason.

"Well, some soldiers did say the archduke had taken a liking of a rat he found in the market after it burned down. It could be the same one..." The other maid recalled the rumors that didn't really make a dent in their attention. At most, it was very strange for the archduke to want a rat for a pet.

The seneschal paled in his spot and shook his head to inwardly deny the rumors. Larkin couldn't be taking care of a rat. Rats were something that everyone had been avoiding thoroughly in this castle; the archduke himself said that they shouldn't be housing any of those vile creatures. Why would he be taking care of one, now?

Soon, Miel stopped walking and then turned in the direction of the hallway where he last saw Larkin. Somehow, it started to feel like the archduke would be getting rid of him soon if there was indeed a rat in the archduke's possession. Then again, Miel had not spotted any cage or feeds in Larkin's room.

After a thought, Miel recalled something unforgivable that he might have done against the archduke. "Could he be… punishing me for interrupting them last night? Why this cruel?"

…

In Artie's room…

Artie was brushing her hair before trying to wear the snood on her own. She had taken a fancy to this accessory as she could wear her hair long and not leave it flaying around. The strands wouldn't be tangling as well since the material was prohibiting a lot of individual movements. She was humming happily as she moved to complete her look for the day.

The only hard truth that she needed to swallow was that Larkin was in her room when she was forced to change out of the sleepwear.

Larkin's brows frowned, but the System wasn't giving her any reductions. It was probably because his trust was not being challenged. It should have something to do with what happened earlier. As for which one exactly…

"I'm done changing." Artie moved with a wide step before joining her legs together. The movement made her blue skirt waved, a movement she enjoyed seeing from this blue dress. However, she couldn't squeal all too much because Larkin was still quite upset with her.

She only pouted upon realizing that Larkin was not speaking yet. "...are you mad because I headbutted you? It's your fault to begin with. You were teasing me too much."

Larkin shook his head, his tone in its neutral coldness. "What is only between us is something I'd settle with you alone. However, I am unhappy that you decided to approach Miel with that horrific form. I do not mind seeing a vermin running around me. The same cannot be said for Miel. I dare you to do that again."