The calm, stagnant mood of the Hidden Manor, which was only slightly rippled by small things like Aureum and Hiems' distress, was broken in a single morning with a piece of news.
"Vitreum is coming home!"
Any uneasiness of the rumors of what may have happened vanished under this good news. Everybody brought it up and passed it along to everyone else, as if it was a baby turtle they had found in the grass.
Unfortunately, not everyone was in the Manor's loop of conversation. In fact, there were two people who were trying their best to stay as far from it as possible. Maybe three people, if Gemmo counted.
Spesavia wasn't counted. She was more and more often away for questions that Maledic required her to answer.
So, Aureum and Hiems didn't hear the news until the afternoon. And even that was only because somebody had to get dinner.
If it was something normal, mana might be able to alleviate it. What do you do when mana is causing the problem?
These were the sort of unpleasant musings Aureum had as she went for dinner.
"Oh, she'll be here by tomorrow, won't she? I can't wait to see her cute little face again."
"She's a bit strong-willed, but she brightens up the place so much."
"She is Lord Maledic's ward now, and granddaughter besides. She has every reason to be 'strong-willed.'"
Aureum overheard this. She only understood who they were talking about as she walked back, the food bouncing a little in the bowl in her hands.
I guess I'll get to see how she's really being treated.
Aureum remained in doubt of Maledic's good intentions, especially considering recent events. Besides her concern for Vitreum, the news no longer mattered. Maledic had already settled their story in his eyes.
Aureum returned to see Hiems and Gemmo playing on the floor.
Playing might have been a strong word. Hiems was sitting and watching Gemmo. Occasionally, the man would push any rolling bottles back within the boy's reach.
"Have you heard about Vitreum returning?"
"No. Is she?"
"Well, according to the kitchen staff. Do you think she's feeling okay?"
Hiems cocked his head.
"Before you even think about a rescue mission for the little lordling, I'll remind you we're gently kept prisoners in the lord's house. It won't end well for anybody."
"I wasn't thinking anything!"
Hiems slow turn of his head spoke loudly of his doubt.
"Fine," Aureum said. "No rescue missions until I know what's going on and I can protect my own life, at least."
Neither expected the news to affect them.
The next day she arrived. Within the week, the kitchen staff were swamped with work every day. It seemed with the little lady back, Maledic was trying to invite children of a similar age and standing over. Maybe he was trying to cheer her up, but Aureum didn't know.
It was a long journey for them to come, but it was Maledic's invitation. Aureum and Hiems saw hardly anything of these guests.
Then a knock came at Aureum's door.
She opened it to see a servant woman in her yellow uniform.
"Lord Maledic would like to see you," she said, bowing. "Is that Hiems? He was also called."
"…Oh…" Aureum muttered, looking back at Gemmo. "Uh… Is this immediately?"
"Yes," the servant said.
"Can I… get a message to Spesavia? Someone has to look after Gemmo."
"Oh, I can get somebody to look after him," the woman smiled comfortingly.
"Alright. Just. Be careful with him."
Aureum looked at Hiems, who had come up beside her. He shrugged.
Lifting her slightly trembling hand from the door, Aureum stepped forward. The woman led ahead.
They arrived at a small yard with Vitreum, Aes, and Maledic collected together there.
"I don't wanna come here! I wanna see Aureum and Meeeendaaax!"
Immediately the reason for their summons was apparent. Vitreum was crying for them.
"Come now," Aes said. "You said eight times you never wanted to see them again after they left you without saying goodbye. There's no cause for this."
"You tried to kiiiiilll them? WHY! You're as bad as everyone says Mom is, Grampa!"
"My Lord!" Aes said in horror. "Don't mind her. Miss Vitreum, I can get Snowfluffles for you?"
"His majesty is SLEEPING!" Vitreum yelled.
Vitreum was throwing a fit before Maledic's feet. And the Lord looked pressed by this predicament.
Maledic rubbed the arm of his chair with an expression that showed minor shock at being at a loss at all. Maybe.
Her fear of the old man kept laughter silent from Aureum. What should have been amusing made her want to shudder.
What will he do after this?
Aureum and Hiems stood off to the side a little awkwardly. That only lasted a moment.
"My lord, I've brought them," the servant said, helpfully.
"Thank you—
"They're here?!"
Vitreum jumped up and dashed towards them. She leapt into Hiems' arms.
"You're aliiiiveee! Ahhhhh!"
And then the tears just got louder. Hiems patted her little head.
Lord Maledic made no move to immediately kill them. After a pause, Hiems spoke.
"Who told you we were dead?"
"T-the servants said you might dieeeee!"
"They just listened too much to nonsense," Aureum said. "We're both fine. And where's my hug? Huh?"
Vitreum broke from Hiems' arms and pushed herself into Aureum's.
"I'm so glad you're okay!"
Aureum pulled her into a hug. Then lifted her into a little twirl only to settle her back down.
"See, we're alive!"
Vitreum settled down a little with a bit of shock. A little hiccup escaped.
Then she kicked Aureum's shin.
"Ow!"
"Why didn't you two let me say goodbye?! Traitors!"
Then the little girl strode back over to Maledic, who had watched all of this with quiet amusement. Even he held a hint of concern in his eyes to see Vitreum coming for him, though.
She placed a hand gently on his withered one.
"Since they're still alive like you said, I'll forgive you this once, Grampa! But you've gotta keep your word and make sure they stay alive!"
Maledic smiled.
"As you like, Vitreum," he said. "But only while they're staying here at the manor."
Aureum glanced at Hiems. He bit his cheek to keep from returning it.
Vitreum looked up at him with the most puppy-like eyes.
"No, Vitreum," Maledic said. "Even I can't promise them to be safe forever without it being a lie. You must learn to accept some things."
Vitreum lowered her gaze. Now she was pouting for real.
"They're here. They're alive," Maledic said. "Why don't you catch up with them? There must be a lot for you to share."
Vitreum nodded.
"Aes!" She commanded.
"Yes, young Miss Vitreum!"
"Go away!" She said. "I don't need a bodyguard to talk to them."
Aes put his head in his hands. Maledic rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Hmmm," the Lord said. "If it's not too much, I'd prefer it if Aes stayed with you, even if it's at a distance."
"Fine, Gramps," Vitreum said.
"Now, now, where did those manners I taught you go while you were away, you little hellion?"
Vitreum gave a little curtsy.
"As you wish, my lord!"
She was darting back towards Aureum and Hiems as she finished the last word.
"Next time with a little less sarcasm, young lady!"
Vitreum giggled as she ran.
"Follow me!"
She waved to Aureum and Hiems. Aureum turned to give another thousand-worded glance to Hiems, but—
He had already started following Vitreum.
"Seriously…?" Aureum said.
Glancing backwards, she saw Lord Maledic. He had a peaceful smile, but she wasn't staying to see if it would last.
She hurried to catch up.
Vitreum, luckily, couldn't run for long. Aureum and Hiems caught up and caught her.
"Ahhhh! That's no fun!"
"Who said we were playing?" Aureum asked. "I wanted to ask you some questions!"
"Drat."
Vitreum sank in Aureum's arms.
"Come on! I was worried!" Aureum said. "I wanted to know how you were doing, but you never used the stone! I know you formed your pearl!"
Aureum didn't know where, but she could feel the mana from it.
Vitreum wriggled her way out of Aureum's hands.
"Well, you also didn't write to me!" She said with her arms crossed and her feet spread apart. "Doesn't that mean you didn't want to talk to me?"
"What? No! I was busy!" Aureum said.
Maybe not that busy, but—
"Besides, how was I supposed to know if it was safe for me to write to you if you didn't write first?"
"Oh." Vitreum scratched her cheek. "Alright. I guess."
"And? Has anyone been bothering you, Vitreum?" Hiems went to pinch her cheek as he spoke.
She evaded this desperately as she answered. "No! Who would dare hurt me! I'm cherished here!"
But her shoulders sagged a little bit.
"Vitreum, you can tell us if something is wrong," Aureum said.
"I'm fine! It's great to come back here. Don't worry. I won't let Grampa bully you!"
Right. She was with her mother this time.
"How were things back with your mother—
"I don't want to talk about boring things! Let's play!"
The girl tagged Hiems and ran.
Hiems shrugged as Aureum watched. He gave chase. She sighed.
So they played tag. It was a bit awkward on Aureum's side. It seemed like Hiems and Vitreum were just taking turns chasing each other. She was left mostly spectating.
Ah, she jumped onto his back. Is he alright?
Hiems spun Vitreum around without any problems.
Is he making a show of being healthy, or was the show him being sick…?
Luckily, Vitreum wasn't allowed to rule their entire evening. Aes, who had been watching sadly from a distance, called her back for dinner when it was time.
"Cooooming!" Vitreum said. She turned back to convey a few final words to them. "I'll see you guys later!"
There was no hesitation in the girl's bounces of joy.
Aureum smiled. It became a frown as soon as Vitreum turned away.
"I don't know how to feel about this," she murmured.
"Indeed," Hiems said. "It's difficult to say if the Lord truly cares for Vitreum. And she might just be putting up a brave front for us."
Aureum jolted a little bit. She hadn't known he was close enough to hear her.
"Did it seem like she was putting up a front to you?" She asked.
"No, I'm just mentioning possibilities. Other than it being Lord Maledic, I didn't see anything for concern."
His gaze unfocused for a moment.
"That's for the best," he said, focusing on this moment. "If it eases your mind, he doesn't have much of a reason to lie about his own relationship with his granddaughter in his own home. Shall we return to hiding?"
"It's his great-great-great adopted granddaughter we're talking about here. I dunno if normalcy applies. But yes, maybe somebody who needs to rest should!" She gave a pointed glare. "But I want to see what I can hear about the situation with her mother, myself."
"More gossip from the servants? I'd be careful how much of that I believe."
"Well… Do you have something better in mind then?"
It's worked so far.
"The only way to know for sure would be to ask the people directly involved," Hiems said. "But we shouldn't be asking Lord Maledic or Aes anything, and they don't have a single reason to answer us."
"Why would you bother to waste your time explaining the obvious? So we go and listen to the servants—
"Where could you go and listen where you wouldn't be noticed and could find good information?" Hiems asked.
"Ha!" Aureum said as she put her hand on her chest. "You seem to have forgotten I'm a wind sorcerer! As long as I can get the breeze through, I can listen from a much farther distance than you."
"I guess there are worse ways to spend the afternoon than sitting under a window with you."
Who said you were coming?
"Go back and watch over Gemmo!" Aureum said.
"Why? He has someone else to watch him."
"And you trust the people here?"
"Well, since I can't think of any reason they would have to want Gemmo hurt, I do."
Hiems's eyes were full of amusement.
"You know I can't tell you…"
"Then why should I worry?" Hiems said. "But if you're so concerned, we can go back together. I bet you could pick a few things up from the window."
Itwon't be as good… but there's no real certainty even if I listen by the kitchen.
"…Fine."
Gemmo's the highest priority right now.
"I'll go back," Aureum said. "Are you happy?"
"Very," Hiems said, as he took her arm.
Aureum was a little surprised but let it happen. It was nice.
The trees and grass and sunlight were all rustled by the wind. It looked like the shadows were playing.
This new thing between them was filled with strangeness.
It felt awkward. Embarrassing. But also quite soft and comfortable. She didn't want to be anywhere else.
Impossible.
"I can't promise you anything," she said. "Well, I won't."
"And what are you thinking I want?" Hiems asked.
Aureum felt like she was being cornered.
I was trying to be subtle about it, but here he is ignoring it. Again.
"Me," Aureum said, looking up. "I won't promise you me just because you're being nice."
Instead of focusing on the wreck of his face, which had somehow become normal after knowing him, she focused on his eyes. They reflected an inner light.
"You noticed I'm being nice?" He asked.
"Yes," she said. "If it was supposed to be a secret, you failed. Utterly."
"I think I lost my chance at keeping it a secret, so I was just doing what I wanted."
This is what he wants? Helping me?
It didn't really seem like he was doing anything else. Maybe resting.
She shook her head. That one had to be a lie. Or her own misinterpretation.
Hiems let out a soft sigh as he watched her expression.
He could feel cold sweat forming on the back of his neck. He didn't know what was right to say and what shouldn't be mentioned. He half expected to trip over an invisible line and get yelled at. Yet, no yelling had occurred.
He knew what he couldn't do. That was enough.