When the door slowly creaked open, the Young Master stepped inside with almost a sacred calm.Dressed in a black mourning outfit that hugged their figure with elegance, their hair was meticulously slicked back and tied at the nape with a delicate ribbon. Framed by graceful glasses, their eyes held a calm yet piercing gaze. As soon as my uncle saw him, he stood and bowed respectfully. I, too, tried to rise, but that familiar pain returned, this time sharper.
"Don't get up," he said, his voice spreading through the room like mist, dancing in the air.
I lowered my head in a greeting. The Young Master silently gestured for my uncle to leave, ensuring we were alone in the room. He slowly pulled the chair and sat beside me. Without a word, he just looked at me. His eyes deepened as if attempting to read my soul for a moment.
"Theodore..."
When he whispered my name, his voice was like a melody; soft, enveloping, and it stirred something within me. A silk-gloved hand reached out to touch my cheek. His fingers brushed gently against the edge of my bandage. The wound throbbed faintly, and I instinctively flinched.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, his voice even softer now, like a breeze trying to calm the storm inside me.
Who is this? Where did this man come from? Could this really be the same Young Master I knew? No, it can't be. He was the one who threw me into the hands of bandits without hesitation. But the man sitting before me now... he seemed different. Was he trying to suppress his conscience with this behavior? No... I doubt it. Someone like him would feel guilt? I'm certain I'd feel nothing if I touched him right now.
Still, I couldn't ignore the expectant look in his eyes. Silently, I shook my head.
"No, sir. It didn't hurt."
His hand slowly moved away from my cheek, and he sat up straighter in his chair.
"The doctor said you should rest for today. Don't overexert yourself, rest properly," he said.
It was an unexpected suggestion from the Young Master. He was the kind of person who tested his subordinates and would even cause them to be dismissed. So why was he acting like this? Were they bipolar? Mary, Slays, and Eric had all told me the Young Master was a devil, a tyrant. But was the person who asked me to rest because I was injured from the punch I took yesterday, and who stayed by my side, the same person they were talking about?
"Who are you referring to when you said 'the one beside you'?"
"Excuse me?"
The Young Master turned his gaze toward me and asked again.
"Earlier, you said 'is the person beside me the same as the one described to me?' The person beside you right now is me. What have they told you about me?"
Fuc... Did I say that out loud? Did I mention their names too? No, he didn't ask about it—so he must not have heard.
"Not you, sir. My apologies, I started rambling."
I raised my hands to show my innocence. The Young Master gave me a look as if to say, Do you think I'm a fool? But if he hears us call him a devil, he'd impale us on a spike. I'd better keep quiet for now.
"Really, you're not the one..."
"Even if it's not me, don't you know it's wrong to talk behind someone's back? Should I punish you now?"
WHAT? Why would I be punished for thinking something about someone? Is he starting those strange antics again? He can't behave decently for even two seconds.
"Sir, please forgive me for my sin. I made a mistake."
My chest ached, but I bowed deeply, trying to apologize. Is this madman really going to punish me? The look in his eyes... He looked like a butcher waiting to slaughter a cow. What does he want from me?
"Your injury doesn't mean you won't be punished, Theodore."
I hope my foolishness doesn't lead me to my death today. I really hope today is not that day.
"Sir, you are a merciful person. Please forgive this humble servant."
"Theodore..." He said my name so calmly and melodiously that my fears instantly vanished. "Can you walk?"
"Yes, sir."
What is he planning? Where is he trying to take me?
"We're leaving. Get up. Put on your clothes immediately."
"As you command, sir."
As I stood, he glanced at me with only the corner of his eye. I barely got up from the bed and asked my uncle for some clothes. My uncle told me my clothes were wet and hanging in the garden. So, I had worn the brown suit I had arrived in from my suitcase.
... ... ...
The Young Master and I were waiting in the car for Edwin. The Young Master turned to Edwin and said, "Bring Orion." Without a word, Edwin went to fetch the horse. The Young Master's strange requests... Why would he ask for a horse when there's a carriage? After a while, Edwin returned with Orion, and the Young Master moved to Orion's left side, placing his foot in the stirrup and gracefully mounting the horse.
"Theodore, what are you waiting for?"
"Excuse me, sir?"
He extended his hand toward me, saying, "Theodore, can't you make a decision without needing a second explanation?"
"Can you ride Luna right now?"
"No, sir."
"Then..." he said, extending his hand even closer, "ride the horse!"
When I took his hand, he quickly managed to lift me onto the horse as if pulling a napkin. It was as if he had effortlessly lifted me. He carefully placed me on the back of the saddle, just at Orion's midsection. The section of the saddle that wasn't covered was flat and slippery, so I leaned forward slightly, gripping the front of the saddle. There was a moment of silence; Orion turned his head, sensing our combined weight. His ears twitched but he didn't stir.
The Young Master whispered, "Hold on tight."
I tightened my grip on the saddle, but when Orion took his first step, I nearly fell off. In my fear of falling, I clung to the Young Master like a tick.
"My apologies, sir."
I quickly tried to pull my hand away, but when Orion moved, I was left facing the risk of falling.
"Theodore, I understand you're trying to avoid falling, but if you don't hold on properly, when Orion starts running, you really will fall."
"Okay, sir. If you don't mind, may I have your support?"
"Do whatever you need, but if you fall, it won't be my fault."
As Orion began walking slowly, I wrapped my arms around the Young Master's waist. When Orion jumped for a moment, I tightened my grip around his waist, my forehead nearly touching the Young Master's back.
"Are you ready now?"
"Yes, sir."
When the Young Master gently nudged Orion with his foot, Orion increased his pace. With each step, we swayed gently back and forth. Sitting in the back was uncomfortable, and with each step, my chest ached more. My legs, not positioned properly on Orion's broad back, required me to adjust my knees occasionally.
As Orion sped up, the wind began to strike our faces. We had passed through the estate's garden and were now on an open road. Eventually, we reached an area shaded by long trees. This was the town's cemetery.