Before Marie could answer my question, the door to the room that was supposedly mine swung wide open.
Marie and I both turned toward the door. The man who appeared was the one I had encountered in the hall while being carried by Marie. His gaze was still the same as before—full of contempt. He lifted his chin before speaking. "Duke Romario has ordered you to see him at once!"
Romario? I looked at Marie for help. I wanted to know who this person called the Duke was and what his relationship was to me.
"Master Shane, the Young Master has just suffered a terrible incident. It would be better if he saw the Duke tomorrow morning instead. What if the Young Master makes a poor impression on the Duke?"
The head steward named Shane didn't change his look at all. He let out a mocking snort, as if whatever poor impression I might make was none of his concern.
"Who do you think you are to interrupt the Duke's wishes?" Shane's eyes shifted to me quickly. In a shrill, crow-like voice, he repeated the command. "Young Master, you had better hurry to see the Duke. You will only find more trouble by waiting any longer!"
Without waiting for my reaction, Shane turned around. I could see the back of his coat from where I stood. He was waiting for me outside.
"I am so sorry, Young Master. You should be resting after what you've been through. But your maid truly cannot provide you with that comfort!" With nimble fingers, Marie brushed my hair, which she deemed too messy. "The Duke will only scold you as usual. Perhaps the Grand Lady complained about you to him, which is why you've been summoned."
"I just need to stand there and listen, right?" I was a bit worried. I knew nothing about this place. It seemed fate had pulled me here because this person named Romario suited my character perfectly.
A loser.
Marie's gaze turned to one of pity. "You are Master Benedict Romario, his son. Like it or not, you are his own flesh and blood. Your position is higher than Master Shane's or mine. So, do not let him look down on you while you are on your way."
I swallowed hard. How was I supposed to deal with Shane if the original Romario couldn't even handle him?
"Young Master, the Duke does not like to be kept waiting. Orderly, hurry up!" Shane shouted from the doorway.
I startled slightly, giving Marie a thin smile that meant everything will be fine, before going to meet Shane.
Snorting must be what Shane did most often, as he did it again the moment I was within his sight. He walked ahead in a rush, making no effort to match my pace.
It was only then that I realized my left ankle was throbbing. I limped along, struggling to keep up with him.
We climbed the stairs to the third floor, walking as if being chased through a long corridor, turning corners, climbing a few more steps, and finally stopping at a large, heavy-looking wooden door.
Shane straightened the edge of his coat in front of the door and, without looking back, said to me, "You must know your place, Young Master. Your very existence is a disgrace. So, do not make yourself too conspicuous."