Concealed Tension.

Dorothy opened the Door to Diane's room, only to witness the latter performing some exercises. She gently closed the door behind her, somewhat so she could stop herself from gaping out of shock. The curtains were already hung, and even the bed was spread. She just stared at the lady, who continued to stretch as though she were a ballerina, completely oblivious of the latter's presence. "Good morning, my lady." She said, after clearing her throat. Diane, who was standing on tip toes while she placed her hands high above her head, nearly lost her footing when she heard the voice of her intruder. "Dorothy!" She exclaimed, as she quickly place her hand on the bed so that she wouldn't completely loose her footing. "Why didn't you ask for permission before coming in?" She inquired, as she glared at the latter angrily. Dorothy did not reply, but rather walked up to the damsel, and placed the back of her hand to Diane's forehead, after making her to seat on the bed. "That's enough, Dorothy." Diane said in a gentle tone, while removing her hand from her forehead. "What is it that you are trying to do?" She inquired, as she glanced at the latter with a smile. "I was checking if you had a fever, my lady. It is quite rare to see you roused so early in the morning. You are not up to mischief, are you?" Dorothy said the latter part in a solemn voice, while staring at her mistress who only blinked at her innocently. It wasn't necessarily her fault- Diane had been the most difficult child she had ever had to look after, and yet she was tasked with the responsibility of refining such a child into a sophisticated lady of her own order. "I didn't feel the desire to slumber any further." Diane simply stated. "Why are you staring at me in such a strange manner, Dorothy?" Diane interrogated, as she shifted further from the bed. "Because this transformation you had overnight is quite alarming." Dorothy explained. "You being awake at this hour is one thing- you even went further to do the bedding and hang up the curtains! How could I possibly not be astonished?" Dorothy explained her reasons. "And what was that strange art that you were performing when I came into the room? You were not conjuring some entity, were you?" She added. Diane had to laugh, how could she not? Dorothy's speculations had surpassed the degree to be classified as being absurd. "As I said previously Dorothy, I can't always be dependent on you." Diane began. "And whatever do you mean by strange art? I was just stretching, Dorothy. Have you aged to that extent?" She asked her maid, as she rested her hand on her chin. "I will admit that, but the way and manner of which you did so.." Dorothy stated in a low voice, as she ignored the Sarcastic remark which was directed at her initially. "This was an all round manner of stretching that Theodore brought to my knowledge- it is not just to about stretching your hands alone the second you get out of bed." Diane lectured. "To be honest, this version is even better- you could pratically feel yourself being rejuvenated." Diane explained, In order to permit Dorotjy to have a proper grasp of the concept. The latter nodded slowly, it was quite evident that she could not comprehend the design behind it all, but how did that affect anyone in particular? "Oh right, Least I forget- have you and Lisa been able to find Natasha's hairpin?" She inquired, as she glanced at the latter. It would be quite complicated if the hairpin got lost in the bowels of time due to her carelessness. Fortunately for her, Dorothy nodded which brought a sense of calm to her already palpitating heart. "I wasn't truly opportuned to see the lady Natasha In person, but fortunately I was able to pass it own to My lord, who assured me that he will deliver it on to her." Dorothy explained exhaustively. Diane simply nodded; she could only feel gratified by the fact that such a lovely hairpin did not go missing due to her. It was easy to purchase a hairpin from the dealers, but it would be quite difficult to find one crafted solely out of gold like Natasha's, and pure gold at that. "Now then, if my lady has stretched enough..." Dorothy began, as she rose up from the bed. "May I have the honor or getting my lady ready for the day?"

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 Diego was at his office as usual, working himself to the bone, with Egiel standing dutifully at his side, as always. His face remained as indifferent as ever, except from every moment now and then wherefore the corner of his lips would curl up to form a small smile. "Is there something that particularly amuses you today, my lord?" Egiel inquired, after witnessing Diego's feautures change severally In a second. 'My goodness, if you intend to laugh, then do so. This is your office afteall.' Egiel carefully processed that thought in his mind. But he was not expecting the next words which came out of his master's mouth. "It is nothing of importance, Egiel. I find no need to share it with you. Before I do, go and get yourself a wife." Diego said, not even glancing at the latter. He was not even aware of how much emotional damage that did to the poor butler, who just stood there seemingly fine, although the words weighed heavily on his mind. "Forgive my impudence, my lord." Egiel muttered in a cracked voice, while internally persuading himself to be more tight-lipped from henceforth. It may seem to others like a simple statement, but how could he not comprehend the hidden Meaning concealed In it. It would have been far more better, had Diego said "Do not involve yourself In what does not concern you." Recalling his experience on serving the two young masters of these household, he could only point out one major difference between both men. While Theodore was more comfortable to speak to, and more outgoing, he always had the tendency to run his mouth off without restraint. Diego, on the other instance, was far more cold and reserved than his Younger cousin, but he handled all responsibilities assigned to him dutifully and meticulously.

 Diego, who was completely unaware of the patten of thoughts of his loyal aide, reminiscenced in his heart, the pitiful image of Diane on the night of his birthday. Just because he appreciated the sacrificed that Diane had Done that night, did not necessarily imply that she did not appear rather amusing to him, with all of that soot on her face. But then again, there was another affair that bothered him greatly. His eyes automatically drifted to the item which Laid on his office desk. He picked up the hairpin, as he reassessed it once more. He wouldn't have given it much thought; but the issue was that Natasha wasn't necessarily the type to fancy such trinkets, and she would never get herself something her heart does not desire. There was only one thing that came to his mind at this point, and he really did not find such a thought desirable. Rather than continously engaging in speculations, he might as well inquire from the damsel himself.

 There was a familiar knock on the door. Diego was rather surprised to hear that rhythm, for it was one which required no introductions. "Feel free to come in, uncle." He called out from his chair, with a small smile on his face. The older man pushed the door wide open and walked in, with quite a peculiar smile on his face. "I thought you would have forgotten the way I Knocked by now." Regis Said as he stepped into the office, whilst scratching his head awkwardly. "It has been so long since I stepped a foot in here that it almost seems unfamiliar to me." He added, as he sat himself down on a nearby chair. "Good morning, my lord." Egiel bowed solemnly. While paying his respects. "Morning to you too, Egiel." Regis acknowledged the latter with a kind smile. "I would admit that the office does look much more different over the years; afterall I am the one that is in charge of it now." Diego said, in a joking manner. Egiel nearly flinched out of amazement, since when did his master begin to tell jokes? "Ay, lad." His uncle nodded seemingly in agreement. "And you managed everything so perfectly well, that there was no need for me to return-I doubted quite well If I would ever return if you gave me a chance, At least." Regis responded, with a small laugh. "So, how was your visit to the duchy? I hope you and aunt were well entertained?" Diego inquired, as he commenced with his work- he could not just let his hands remain idle just because his uncle came to check up on him. "It was, rather eventful." Regis responded curtly, not wanting to get into details. "Was it?" Diego inquired. "So, there was no issue, hopefully?" "Well, there is one." Regis responded, with a solemn look on his face. "He was infuriated about the fact that you didn't inform him about your marriage, Diego." He said, in a disappointed tone. "I had the impression that you did, If not, I would have gladly done so on your behalf." Regis told him, in a frank manner. Although deep inside, he was not pleased with Diego's behavior, and Diego himself was aware of that. "I have no excuse as to why I chose not to inform him." Diego admitted. "I can comprehend the fact that the both of you are not very keen with each other." Regis began, after giving an exasperated sigh. "But he is a member of our family, nonetheless. He ought to be well informed about the circumstances and changes surrounding our lives, so he may render assistance to us, if need be." Regis concluded. "I understand the point you have made, uncle." Diego said In a grave tone. The man had each and every opportunity to be of assistance all these years, but he didn't. "Besides from that, he still considers Theodore and yourself as his own sons as well." Regis continued. "I see." Diego said simply, with a smile on his Face- though one could not clearly tell if it was truly a smile, or a scowl. Unfortunately, His uncle was yet to observe, how tightly Diego gripped his pen, nor of how altered his countenance became. "He also made known his wish to see Diane.." At that very moment, Diego slammed his pen into the document at the table, which resulted in a large commotion. Fortunately, he was using the fountain pen which Egiel had given to him for his birthday, if it was the regulation pen, the blotches of ink would have long ruined the document. "Pardon me." Diego apologized, without even glancing upwards. "My hand slipped." He added. "It is not your fault, my lord." Egiel of all people, quipped in suddenly. "Perharps the stress of sitting In the office all day has finally gotten to you." Diego was perfectly aware of what it was that Egiel was trying to do. It was bad enough that he lost control of his emotions in the first instance, but letting his uncle be aware of the fact that this matter had upset him so deeply would be quite detrimental to him. "This is why it Is beneficial for you to take a break from the office occasionally." Regis, who had bought the concept which Egiel framed up hook, line and sinker stated. "I will bear that in mind, thank you, uncle." Diego said, before raising his head up, with the most superficial smile on his face. "So, you said he was interested in Diane?" Egiel paled when he noticed that. 'My lord, I have worked very hard to redeem you from your slip up. Will not Lord Regis be curious as to the reason why your smile had become more glorious than the sun itself?' Egiel thought, a wry smile on his face, feeling sympathetic towards his own pitiful self.

 Regis nodded, either he was absent minded at the current moment or he chose to ignore what he saw. "It would delight him greatly to meet with you both." He added, as though he had become an informant of his elder brother. "So, what date will be the most appropriate to you so That I may inform him of when he is to wait expectantly?" He inquired, as he directed towards Diego, a steady stare. "I am rather unsure myself." Diego said quietly, nearly making his uncle gasp at his response. "I do have to inform Diane, and seek her consent over the matter as well. Just give me from now till the hunter's moon. I would have made up my mind by then." Diego explained himself. The words Diego had spoken were rather irrefutable to Regis; additionally, the hunter's moon wasn't too far either. "Alright then. I will concur to your decision, for the now." Regis said, apparently satisfied. Diego glanced back to his paperwork, the fountain pen was rather solid, for it sustained not as much as a single dent after that impact. "Which reminds me." Regis cleared his throat, making his nephew aware of the fact that he was yet to depart. "I hope you are not upset about the fact your aunt and I were absent on the occasion of your birth." He began slowly- he seemed to be uncomfortable about bringing the topic up. Diego was taken aback by the question, but yet he still smiled(genuinely this time). "It is alright uncle- I understand that certain priorities are of more importance than others." Diego simply said, but to Regis, it felt more like someone had taken away the load in his chest. While he was at the duchy, he felt like he had neglected his nephew- and his wife also felt the same. "Then, I suppose it is not too late to give you a present?" Regis inquired, while smiling. Diego glanced at him. "Just inform me when it is ready." He stated.

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 Night had befallen upon Agerintia. A certain lizard laid in its makeshift abode, slumbering away without the slightest care In the world. In that same room, stood a woman behind her husband, apparently using a towel to dry his hair. "Why didn't you come to see me in the office today?" Diego imitated the conversation, although his eyes were closed- he was apparently enjoying the pleasant sensation. "Your office is too depressing and boring." Diane said. "Apart from that, I also went to see the children as well- and they kept me the whole day." She justified herself. "You are coming to see me, not the office." Diego said, as he slightly opened up one eye. "If I am coming to see you, I will also see the office, won't I?" Diane commented, as she frowned in concentration- she wasn't the slightest bit proficient at multi-tasking. Diego smiled lightly; it was a waste of time arguing with her when she already had her mind fixated on a particular concept. "I am done." Diane said, as she handed his towel back to him. "Thank you." He muttered- his hair was quite dry, although for some reason, they stood on end. "What?" Diane inquired, as she slid into the bed. "I was just thinking about how you would make an excellent masseur." He replied, as he stared at those delicate hands. "But I doubt If you know anything about it." He added, a slight smirk on his lips. "Then you will just teach me." Diane said, feeling confident in her abilities. "No thank you- I would not like for my bones to get broken." Diego said. "You.." Diane began, but she seemed to restrain herself a little. "I learn fairly quickly, and you are aware of that. You can even ask Dorothy- afterall, am I not the one that made the cake you so enjoyed?" She stated quite hurriedly, as If she was desperate to make him believe her. Diego nodded slowly- he wondered how her reaction will be were he to tell her that the following day came Dorothy to the office, apologizing repeatedly over the burnt cake her mistress prepared, whilst telling the tale in such an exaggerated manner that Diego formed the impression that Diane nearly burnt down the kitchen, and if care wasn't taken, the entire manor as well. "So, did the children enjoy themselves?" Diego inquired, as he proceeded to seat on the bed. Diane nodded. "And Leonia hopes that you haven't thrown away the gift they gave you on your birthday." Diane said. Diego's mind strayed immediately to the the wilted four leaved clover, which he ordered Egiel to dispose of earlier that morning. "You should really spend some more time with the children more often." Diane muttered, as she stared abent mindedly at the ceiling. Diego remained mute- he was more than aware of the fact that he had been seeing the children less and less these days, but he had not been bothered too much by it except when Diane casually made a mention of it. "They are not too upset with me, are they?" He inquired. Diane shook her head. "It is just that.." She began, still gazing at the ceiling, although a slight frown came to her face. "That?" Diego rephrase, causing her to glance at him. "Tell me." He urged. Diane stared at him for a while, before sighing. "It is just that.. ...Morris is beginning to miss Sylvester." She admitted, at last. She hesitated to tell him, because she didn't know the manner in which he might respond. Afterall, she clearly cut ties with her family, but circumstance made her to bring them up time and again. "I see." Diego solemnly said. 'Is that all you have to say, Diego?' Diane thought. Maybe she had placed too high of a hope on him, she had the impression that... "Would you like to meet up with him?" Diane's eyes widened on the bed, and she once turned again to make eye contact with him. "Are you jesting?" "I am being serious." Diego said, with a slight smile. 'But why?' Diane thought, as she bolted upright on her bed. "I am not so thoughtless that I wouldn't let you meet with a family member if you really wanted to, you should learn to trust me more." Diego stated calmly, as he gently pulled her nose. "And besides, Sylvester is the least obnoxious person that is In.." He could not complete his sentence, for the latter suddenly wrapped her hands around him. "Thank you!" She said, while beaming. "It's alright, just let me be aware of the date and time, and I will handle the rest." He stated, while patting her head. "Oh, and I have some news that will delight you." Diego said, after they separated. "My uncle sent his regards to us; and how he would like to meet with us both." He said shortly. He never made mention of her greatly the idea displeased him, because he did not want her to worry unnecessarily. "Your uncle the duke?!" Diane exclaimed, her voice rising. Diego nodded. 'Diane, you are perfectly aware that I have just two uncles.' He thought, with a slight smirk. "So what time should we meet?" "Well.." Diane fiddled with her fingers. Things were beginning to get rather complicated, and she honestly didn't want to get more involved with Diego's family. The more bonds she formed, the more difficult she found it to leave. Nowadays, she had to constantly remind herself not to get too attached to him. "I am fine with whatever date you pick." She said finally, as she lowered her hands. "To be honest, even I haven't decided on a date yet." Diego said with a frown, causing Diane to gape at him in shock. To conclude it all, the date remained undecided.

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 Natasha was most definitely not expecting a vistor to come to her room at the dead of the night, and the knock only served to amplify her headache. She begrudgingly rose up from the bed, after a series of persistent knocks. This she did not do however, without cussing at the person inwardly. When she finally opened the Door, she was surprised at the person that stood before the threshold. "Before you say anything." The man began, before she could even open her mouth. "You went to see him again, didn't you?" He inquired, as he held up an item, one that Natasha knew quite well.