[Mek-pendragon]  Here it is! Please let me know of any grammar errors and the like! Any comment/reviews and other whatnot are also greatly appreciated~

----------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Right In My Kokoro!

I haven’t even had the chance to make my presence known and a girl wearing a black dress with white apron already greeted me on the front gate. We quickly made our way inside the spacious mansion and another maid took the box of medicine that I was carrying away.

As usual, no matter how many times I visited this mansion, it never ceases to amaze me.

Like a grand entree, there were a couple of stairs that flights on an arch shape, giving the gigantic door in the middle of this house a much more bigger impact. Various paintings and landscapes adorned the wall while this quartzite floors gives the mansion a natural yet elegant appearance. A pair of earthen vases stood like statues beside the stairs on top of an intricate stone pillar.

“Please sit for a moment, Mr. Kekewne. Master Vincent will be with you very soon.”

I obeyed her words and sat on the comfortable looking sofa the maid directed us to. Feeling the softness on my behind made me wish I have this at home. My mistress followed after me, her eyes darting around the area.

Another beautiful lady appeared and offered us some tea and snacks.

It would be quite rude to say no, so I reluctantly agreed.

“Servant, *nom* what type of place is this?”

My mistress asked, yet the cake was already traversing her mouth. I laughed and wiped away the small tidbits of frosting around her lips. She blushes for a moment but proceeded to devour even my own share.

“Haha, she’s an energetic one, isn’t she?” The maid says after clearing Sharona’s empty plate.

“Yes, a little too energetic sometimes,” I replied back with a short sigh.

I lifted my fancy cup and drank the steaming liquid. I’m not a tea person, but judging from the calming aroma alone gave me the impression this tea was expensive.

“Also…how…how’s Nastassja?”

The maid chuckled after seeing me stutter for a moment.

“Haha, the lady’s been meaning to see you. She gazes upon the streets behind her window everyday, waiting for your arrival.”

“I see… And her condition?”

“Unfortunately, her health hasn’t progressed much since you last visited.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Will you be visiting her?”

“If your grumpy master allows me to.”

The maid puts a hand on her mouth and laughs a little. “You and Master Vincent are so… close?”

While we joke around, a superior voice echoed around that spacious room.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the rat that hides in that stinky forest. Are you here for your cheese?”

The moment I heard that old man’s voice, I sensed Sharona bristle beside me. Before she could even retort a witty statement, I gestured her to leave it to me.

I can already imagine this man playing with his fancy beard. And when he does that, it means that he’s pissed.

I stood up and bowed my head. “It is a pleasure to see you again Mr. Vincent. I have brought the medicine as you desired.”

I can hear his footsteps getting closer. His voice was much louder when he spoke again.

“If it isn’t for the wonders of that witch, I would have you sent to the gallows by now.”

“I’m sorry.”

“And who’s this dirty girl you brought along?”

“My apologies, but it’s not dirty girl. Her name’s Sharona. She’s also the one who concocted the medicine.”

“Hah?!” He roared. “You want my daughter to drink something made my by this……by this shady looking witch?”  

“Yes. Although she’s still lacking, I can vouch for the quality of her medicine. And master is currently away, leaving us no choice but to rely on her.”

I lowered my head as much as I could. My face was about to hit the table.

“Tsk, there’s nothing we can do now, is there?”

“I can only apologize.”

“Hmph, sit down.”

I heard him bounce on the sofa in front of me, so I straightened to my back and sat once more. The first thing I noticed was Sharona glaring back at him. I’m thankful that she kept her mouth shut and happy at the same time thinking she’s willing to protest for me, but going against this old man could go beyond more than a single trouble.

I patted her head and she calmed down. The maid offered her more cakes and she started devouring them as fast as it landed on her table.

I looked back to Mr. Vincent. He’s still quite in his prime. Maybe in his mid forties. But because of his hard headedness, I always described him as a grumpy old man, although his face and his lean build belies that. Nonetheless, I refuse to back down on that single regard.

There’s a reason for the hatred of this old man and there’s a reason as to why I must accept. This all happened because of me after all. Even though we’ve had this process for almost a decade now, he still hasn’t forgiven me for what happened to his daughter. And I can only blame myself for that.

The maid set a fancy cup in front of him and filled it with the same tea that I just drank.

“What took you so long?”

Mr. Vincent asked without even looking at me. He lifted his teacup and pressed it against his lips.

“Some complications occurred and I lost the flower in the process.”

“Will the new medicine do its job?”

Although he does not want me to see it, he showed a confused face. I understand his feelings. If a medicine you think was shady, and it was replaced by an even shadier one, you would hesitate without a doubt. Especially if it’s recommended by a person you hate.

“It will and I’m sure of it,” I answered with confidence. I shifted back to Sharona with a smile. “I want you trust her as much I do. After all, despite our differences, we both want Nastassja to get better, don’t we?”

I heard him sigh and the clanking of porcelain. “Hmph, I’ll trust her then.”

I returned my gaze to him. “If you would allow it, can I see her for a while?”

To answer the serenity in my gaze, the old man slaps his hips and stood up.

“If Nastassja knew you came without visiting her, she’ll nagged me about your visit to no end.”

“Can I also bring Sharona along?”

“Meh, she’s here already. You can bring her.”

After he snorted and gave me his approval, I dragged Sharona away from the cakes. We followed the old man upstairs, straight to his daughter’s room. I’m not sure if it’s due to his authority or excitement, but he didn’t even bother to knock. It made me scratched my head knowing we just invaded his daughter’s privacy.

As usual, the princess of this mansion was sitting on her bed. Her view was directed outside her window, down the lively streets. She’s still on her pajamas and her legs were tucked in underneath her bed covers. Most of the furniture inside this room has the same color as her hair, which is pink.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Heavy footsteps… Papa? Do I have visitors?”

She asked even though I’m only standing a few inches away from her.

The old man sat beside her and held her hand.

“Yes.”

“Who is it?”

Mr. Vincent signaled me from his eyes to approach. And so I did.

“This smell? Kekewne?”

I did not say a word. Not even the old man did. Yet both of us were on the verge of tears. He understood it. He gave me the space and I sat beside this girl who can’t even see.

“Nastassja…it’s me indeed,” I placed my hand on top of hers. “How are you lately?”

She pressed her free hand on top of my face and traced my nose. After finding the pointy end, she pinched it and then she decided to laugh.

“Hehehe……”  

But after laughing, she displayed an expression as if she was lonely.

“Kekewne won’t do the regular?”

“With your father in this room, I don’t think so.”

Of course, I said that with the clear purpose of sending her father away. Mr. Vincent shot me glare so hot I feel like my back is burning.

“Papa……can you leave us alone?” Nastassja requested.  

I sensed the old man struggle behind me, but was quickly defeated by his daughter’s sincere request.

“Alright, just call me if you need me.”

He left as quick as he said that. Each step he took would seem like it’ll pounce a hole though. I guess that means he’ll hang me later but that’s not of my concern right now.

Nasatassja puckered her lips, as if she’s waiting for me to kiss her there. However, the visible maids spying on us at the edge of her door made me rethink if I should do it or not. I never once kissed her there. It was always on the nose.

“Well, here goes…”

I lightly squeezed her hand and nudged her left cheek. I felt guilty doing it but this sort of affection always cheers her up, so I swallowed whatever hint of shyness I have left and did it anyways.

“Rude…” Nastassja complained. “You promised you’ll kiss me on the lips this time.”

“I’m sorry… That aside, how’s your condition?”

“I’m good—”

“Don’t lie to me,” I interrupted her. “You can’t even walk anymore. How is that good?”

She clutched onto her bed covers and replied with a smile.

“I’m totally fine. Kekewne should stop blaming himself already. It wasn’t your fault to begin with,” Nastassja reached out and strokes my face. “It wasn’t your fault… nor was it my father’s.”  

As soon as my ears catches her words, I felt a stab in my heart. I wonder why, but no matter how many times she told me that, I still can’t stop blaming myself.

“I promise… One day, I’ll find a cure… Until then… Get better, okay?”

I wasn’t able to control my emotions from cascading. Her fingertips lingered under my chin and then it traveled upward to my eyes. She softly brushed my tears aside, and she showed me a pure and captivating smile that made me smile to her in return. But no matter how much her smile makes me feel at ease, it still wasn’t enough to mend my troubled heart.

“That aside, you have someone with you, correct? This smell is similar to Master yet its not for some reason,” she said softly, running the backs of her fingers up and down my cheek.

I gasped. Not sure how I’ve forgotten, but I did and now my mistress would be mad I’m sure. Another useless thing for me to think about. However, when I turned to look, Sharona was just crouching down with her head resting on her knees.

She seems to be sleeping? I stood up and carried her to the bed, beside Nastassja, and I returned to my original position. I guess the cake is to blame? She looks like she’s having some sweet dreams too. Man, after eating and sleeping, she slept with a satisfied tummy.

“Haha,” I laughed. “Well, it’s hard for me to explain, but master is on a vacation trip—I think. I found this girl, Sharona, on my master’s absence. She’s living with me in the pointy witch house for now.”

“Just the two of you?”

Even though she could not see me, Nastassja’s eyes were squinting on my direction.

“Yes, but don’t misunderstand. We haven’t done anything inappropriate.”

“I haven’t ask anything regarding that. Why are you being defensive?”

“Am not, but I knew you will if I haven’t said so,” I patted her head and she blew on her cheeks. “Anyways, I’m gonna have some small talk with your father. I’ll come back for Sharona, okay?”

I stretched up and took her face between my hands and bent, deliberately laying my lips on her forehead. That kiss lasted for a few seconds, until she was satisfied.

“Don’t argue. Papa’s just…”

“I know…”  

I let go of her face and walked back to the maids, who for some reason, were busy cleaning something the moment I left the room. Before I could even open my mouth, they scrambled on all direction, as quick as the passing wind.

“What the hell?”

----------------------------------------

Currently, I’m alone with Nastassja’s “papa” in his office. Mr. Vincent was busy signing some papers. I heard he started as a merchant—from rugs to riches—and now he has his own company that deals about various things.

“Your payments on the table, take it and be on your way,” He said curtly.

“Actually, before that, I have a question,” I hesitated, but asked him anyways. “I heard from the old guard back in the front gate that you’re looking to hire some man power? Something in regards to a small expedition?”

“Your point in asking me this?”

His reply was as if he’s saying he’ll flat out refuse whatever words that will come out of this mouth of mine.

“Is it possible for me to partake?”

“Do you know how utterly shameless you sounded just now? Nevertheless, if you have confidence in your fighting capabilities, then I wouldn’t mind hiring you.”

“Ah! Thank you!”

“—But! On one condition.”

I almost jumped in joy, but that surge of happiness immediately stopped after he interrupted me. I knew this old man wouldn’t be that easy to convince.

“What is this condition you want me to uphold?”

When I asked him that question, he puts his pen down and looks straight at me.

“Don’t die.”

I think I heard him say something else, but my brain didn’t want to recognize it.

Don’t die, eh?