13 || Chapter 13 || A Strange Third Master Finds A Rat

"He's healthy and there are no signs of internal injuries or wounds on his body. It looks like nothing is out of sorts. Furthermore, his body seemed to be adapting well with the weather these days. He has not have had a cold or fever for the last few weeks. In conclusion, he is more healthy than he was before, My Lord" The family physician slid Moulin's health report on his Master's desk. Ever since the white-haired third young master of the house returned from his disappearance a few weeks ago, The family had been secretly anxious about Moulin's state.

Vonin, The Fraunces Family doctor, was an aged man who served the family for a complete fifty-three years of his life. He is exceptionally familiar with his master's health like the back of his hand, especially Moulin's.

The young child was very sickly ever since he was born. He would be feverish every month for a whole week if his health wasn't examined regularly. He was like a fragile porcelain doll that could break at the faintest touch. The whole household was very worried about him.

But because of his sharp tongue and demanding tone, a lot of servants had been dismissed. Because of this, the servants are very wary of him.

Lord Dontae Emillian Fraunces, The master of the house, carefully ran his deep eyes through the details of the report. But there was one aspect that he was very curious about. He glanced at Vonin., who was standing in front of his desk. "What about the cause of the transformation of his hair and eyes? Have you inquired your son, Colahn, about this?"

"Yes, However, he had found no probable cause except for the possibility that it might be an effect of an internal mana-reaction" His son, Colahn, was an exceptional Spirit Seer yet he still could not find the root of the change of Moulin's hair and eyes. His findings were the same as the Temple priest's who came to examine Moulin's soul.

"How could that be possible? Moulin might be an aphrodite maeruthan but he does not possess a mana core and he especially can't wield an ability " The Lord furrowed his brows in confusion.

The strangeness of his son became more and more apparent as the days passed by. It wasn't just his appearance but as well as his personality. His major changes were evident when he refused to accept the latest jewelry and the robes sent to him from his uncle. Saying that 'it was too much' for him. His wife, who was currently too overprotective of Moulin, had witnessed it all and was in a trance for the rest of the day afterwards. His third son kept spending the day inside the gardens with his new beast fox, reading silently inside the library with the intent to finish all the thousands of books inside, refusing his attendants insisting on doing the work by himself and most of all he had not even spoken a single disrespecting word to anyone in the estate. He was very behaved and detached except for when it comes to his family. Perhaps, this change was the outcome of his life back in the northern mountains, drastically changing his very personality.

"Then I will let Colahn monitor Moulin's internal soul a few more times to see if he had missed anything important, Milord"

Nodding his head in agreement he sent away the doctor. As the door closed shut, the Lord shut his eyes and leaned back on his chair. It would not help his youngest son at all if he kept regretting and blaming himself. He'll just have to make sure Moulin is well and happy.

Meanwhile, inside a private garden well-hidden within the vast and luxurious gardens a mile behind the main mansion, A bored young man with long wavy white hair with his chin resting on his hand, turned a page of a thick leather-covered book as his eyes narrowed. curiously.

The garden he was currently in was the secret garden of the original. Though it was already forgotten, Moulin felt quite at ease staying here and spending his time by himself like the loner he was. What made it a secret was because it was hidden within the big Hedge maze garden located on the east side of the botanical garden of the estate. The spacious secret garden was filled with beautiful blue gem flowers in different shades of blue. At the center were two white garden chairs, a garden table, and a glass vine-covered domed roof. The chair frames looked old and a bit rusty but it was enough. Moreover, it was probably the most decent place in this extravagant town-like estate.

Moulin had already finished a stack of books occupying the whole surface of the garden table in front of him. After reading the last page, he stretched his arms in the air and slumped down on the chair, not caring about damn appropriateness.

"Ao!"

Snow jumped on top of the books raising his head high to show off his shiny blue zircon pendant necklace around his neck. This was given to him by the Lady of the house as a gift.

"Yes, yes, yes you look great" Moulin mumbled, in deep thinking. His attendant might be sweating waterfalls to find him at this moment but he simply dismissed the thought and focused his mind on one particular person in the estate.

A female servant, named Viana.

Crossing his legs and resting his chin on the back of his hand as he leaned back, Moulin had a bored look on his face as he gazed at nowhere. A few days ago, when he was gifted with a set of jewelry and silk robes by his uncle, this maid presented it to him with a big smile on her face, she looked so confident with her untied red hair unlike the neat hairdo of the other servants.

What rose Moulin's interest in her was the scorn in her eyes that only Moulin could detect. 'Ah, so this is Vianna'

Viana was the servant introduced by Father's brother, Moulin's uncle. The original Moulin might not notice it but this girl had been splashing dirty water on Moulin's position within the manor. Things like presenting Moulin with some plain clothes to wear, deliberately angering Moulin and her playing the victim. Gossiping Moulin about the latest news on Quade and his fiancee. Most of all she sordidly lusted for Maxille, occasionally victimizing herself from Moulin's outbursts in front of him. Shaking his head, Moulin chuckled at the rat's deviousness.

Moulin didn't care about Viana, however, if she even tries to mess with him even once, he will make her blood stop running.

The little white fox licking his paws, abruptly perked his ears. He caught sight of a faint movement behind his master.

Snap!

Moulin hastily rose from his seat and concentrated his attention behind with silver eyes as sharp as a knife. Did someone perhaps follow me here? Now that the snow had stopped weeks ago, the ground was all snowless he could no longer detect anyone nearing him anymore.

"There you are..."

The intruder had a big grin plastered on his face. Emlen, his second brother, amble towards the unoccupied garden chair on the opposite side of Moulin. His dark brown hair was messy and he didn't even bother to change his training clothes. He watched his brother's astonished face and he chuckled "Yes, your big brother's looks are extraordinary. You probably missed it".

Moulin bit his lips, swallowing the urge to laugh out loud and silently nodded in agreement. "Hmn, big brother is very handsome". If Maxille was a glacial boulder with the heart of stone then Emlen was the raging flames with a proud tongue. He displays no restraint in expressing his emotions. But Moulin thinks he looks cute this way.

Nodding his head in satisfaction he sat down comfortably on the garden chair, joining Moulin, as he observed the surrounding plants "It has been a long time since I have seen you spend your time here. The last time was presumably when you were nine. This place wasn't so floral before, it was covered with vines and grass. What made you come back here, Moulin?". He questioned, eyeing the great number of books on the table. Since when was Moulin so interested in reading? It seemed like he had almost finished the whole library.

"Well, It is very comfortable and quiet. A great place to spend time with myself. I must have been foolish to forget this garden " His eyes glanced on the blue gem flower bush by his right. Reaching out one pale hand, slender fingers brushed softly against the dazzling gem-like center of one of the flowers. Even the flowers looked like ot would cost a fortune...

The second young master's deep grey eyes fixed at Moulin's serene expression. His younger brother seemed very different than he was before. Back then Moulin was very juvenile and importunate. Emlen always had the impulse to hit him for every noise and trouble he would cause. But now, unlike the nagging Moulin from before, the current Moulin had an aura of maturity and gracefulness. Did his brother's experience during his disappearance really cause this drastic change? To the point of forcing himself to grow up for his survival? He was supposed to be happy for his little brother's adultness but he felt sorrow instead. He'd rather Moulin remain spoiled and childish than letting him experience the miserable life in the freezing mountains.

"How was your training brother?" Moulin's gentle voice interrupted Emlen's thoughts.

Emlen recovered his confident smile and he winked cockily at Moulin "This brother of yours has already battled the training grounds as easy as dusting the tables. Even the mighty captain of the guards wouldn't stand a chance against me. Expect your brother to return victorious from the Golden Crown Trials". He said as he knocked a fist on his chest like a promise.

Moulin raised his eyebrows. The Golden Crown Trials, A grand imperial trial that was held in every 5 years.

Staring at the boasting second young master in front of him, Moulin was lost in his thoughts. Every ability wielder's goal is earning a spot in the Imperial Wielder Ranking from the Golden Crown Trials. Even if a commoner maeruthan could place the 110th, their reputations would rise up overnight. The top twenty wielders would be given the honor of entering the Heavenly Vault in the palace to choose whatever divine artifact or weapon they desire. Highborn families always push their most promising champions to enter the Golden Crown Trials and achieve more fame. Moulin was very interested in the Trials. If he was reborn earlier he would enter in a heartbeat. Shaking his head, he mentally pitied himself. The trials would begin next year, he didn't know if he even has a chance yet.

"Moulin..."

"Hmn?"

Moulin watched the soothing grey eyes of his second brother, gazing at Moulin. Emlen had been watching his blank expression while in deep thoughts as Moulin stared at nowhere. "You have really changed, Moulin"

Moulin paused and then his face broke into a smile "I intend to change for the better, big brother. In the past, my idiocy got the better of me now I plan to change myself" Moulin's arms caught the snow-white fox jumping towards him. Nuzzling at the sleeves, Snow curled his body in his master's arms and began to take a nap. This bored little brat doesn't have anything to do except eat and sleep.

Ding!Dong!Ding!Dong!

The loud ringing of the Belltower sounded across the estate to signify the third mealtime of the day. By the time the bell had stopped ringing, Emlen sighed as he slowly stood up from his seat. "It could be dinner or Mother, trying to find you. Perhaps, it could be both".

With an amused innocent smile on his face, Moulin stood up, making sure not to wake the fox in his arms and followed Emlen towards the exit of the garden. They stepped through a tall emerald vine curtain that concealed the entrance of the garden. Emlen continued to narrate the happenings on the training grounds as he defeated every sparring partner to the ground. Two pairs of footsteps clicked on the gravel paved ground as they journeyed out of the hedge maze garden.

A panting servant had spotted her third young master and flashed by his side with a sweating forehead. "T-third young master, where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you". She pulled out her handkerchief and wiped the sweat on her face, trying to look presentable.

Moulin blinked at her "I was reading, Pola. You should have taken a rest like I told you to" He smiled gently at her while patting her right shoulder.

Pola is his personal servant. The nineteen-year-old girl had small freckles on her cheeks and wore her neatly tied chocolate hair. When Moulin had first arrived here, Pola was assigned as his personal attendant. The girl looked timid and nervous when she stood in front of him like a scared little mouse. But after days passed, she slowly opened up to him and carefully took care of him. She probably heard about how horrible Moulin was from the gossips in the manor.

"I-I was worried" She lowered her head with furrowed eyebrows. Tucking the handkerchief in her pockets she bowed as she moved behind her young master, quietly. Moulin smiled at her while Emlen and he continued to make their way across the gardens.

Shortly afterwards, They arrived inside the family dining area within the mansion. A long red table was filled with countless delectable dishes and the usual elegant cutlery. The mouthwatering aroma of the food filled the entire dining area as the servants delicately served the meal. Sitting on the master's chair was none other than Moulin's father, by his right was mother and his left was eldest brother. Lady Maxiel had a smile that reached her eyes as she spotted her two children walking towards the table.

"I'm starving" Emlen sauntered ahead Moulin while narrowing his eyes at the food like a thief.

"You're such a glutton brother" Moulin laughed jokingly as he walked forward to match his pace.

Suddenly, Snow awoke and lifted his snout towards Moulin. Noting Snow's warning, Moulin accelerated his steps forward after sensing a hostile intent coming hastily towards him at his right. With a smile still plastered on his face, he felt rushed behind him. A loud splash followed by breaking ceramic echoed throughout the area.

Silence engulfed the dining room the moment the accident happened. Blinking innocently, Moulin looked back only to see a particularly familiar red-head all wet with the sticky soup on the marbled floor. His eyes glinted with amusement.

Viana was on her hands and knees with a dumb look on her face. The large bowl of sticky soup had crashed on the floor. This wasn't how she planned it to be. She had rapidly walked towards Moulin with the intention of bumping into him. But before she knew it she missed Moulin and stumbled because of her speed. The soup had fallen on her from her chest to her knees. Her face turned red when she noticed the looks of the servants on her.

Light footsteps broke the silence inside the dining room. A pair of expensive but plain navy shoes entered Viana's view. Lifting her gaze, her eyes met faultless silver pupils, sharp like the glare of a knife.

"Are you okay?" Moulin smiled.