Chapter 3

I somehow managed to convince Anne to hold off the revenge plot for now. She was really very reluctant, but my future in this place is at stake, you know! I may win once, but the marchioness will definitely have more chances of counterattack. One sweet moment of revenge is definitely not worth months (or, heaven forbid, years!) of hell because of a spiteful woman.

Not that the Marchioness is really a spiteful woman for sure. I haven't known her long enough to know that, but its just that her smile last night just screams of fake(!) at me so its better to be more cautious. My father always tell me that even if we see more than normal people do, it doesn't mean that we are more superior in judgement of others' characters.

This place really is worthy of being the main seat of the Marquis of Sever. Such opulent decor! And I still haven't reached the end of this corridor despite walking for sometime now. But that's strange, I haven't encountered anyone, human or other. This place, despite being grand, is actually cold and lonely, huh....

!!

As I turned into the corner, I almost bumped into Young Master Rufus.

"Uh, Good morning..."

"Good morning, Liliana. The breakfast hall is this way."

"Ha..?"

He just glared at me before walking away. Ah, I think I should follow him for now.

The young master really has the bearings of a littlle lordling he deserves the title young master. Even his glare speaks volumes. Looking at him in the daylight, he really is a bishounen. His looks are so delicate it wouldn't be strange to find it in a woman's. I bet he would look very pretty dressed in drag... pfft!

"What's so funny?"

"I-I just thought that Young Master Rufus is very kind, to guide me to the breakfast room"

That was close!

"'Young master'? If I remember correctly, you are officially adopted in this family, so that makes me your older brother. You should follow the correct form of address, especially in front of other people."

"I'm sorry, I'll keep that in mind."

"..."

What now? Why are you still glaring at me?!

"..."

"Older brother, call me Older Brother," he said with a sigh.

Aaahhh... Did I just earn the label of an idiot?

***

Breakfast is a grand affair, it seems. When we reached the dining hall, tha Marquis was already drinking a steaming mug of coffee while reading a newspaper. On the side were heaps of eggs, bacon, pancakes and sausages. There were also some muffins and jars of jam and butter. From the looks of it, it seems like the manor is feeding an army for breakfast, not a family of four plus a handful of servants (that I've been able to see, that is).

As I was helping myself to some of the pancakes, the Marquis called out to me,

"Liliana, come sit by me," while pointing to the sit beside him to his left, where a beautiful young lady sat. She has long silvery white hair and quiet silver eyes.

That strange presence.. she must be the family's banshee.

Gingerly, I got to the sit next to her. At that, the marquis shot me an odd look but thankfully did not comment.

"What are your plans today?"

"Mr Gibbs will be coming by at ten. Then I plan to ride in the afternoon."

As expected of the young master, he's more of the serious type.

"And you, Liliana?"

"I wish to fammiliarize myself with the house, if its permissible."

"Of course, Liliana. This is your home now. Why don't you give her a tour of the manor, Rufus? There is still a few hours before Mr. Gibbs arrive."

"Yes, father."

"I'll be in your care, Older Brother."

***

"This is the pantry, and the room next door is the kitchens."

The young master really took me on a grand tour of the house, starting from the entrance hall, dining and ballroom, music room, the private quarters, and finally, the kitchens. And the library. You have got to see tha library. The place is huge! Floor to ceiling book cases and very large windows, truly a heaven for bookworms. I can't wait to browse their book collection. I wonder if they have some books by the Naturalist Libra, or some obscure tomes about the fae and magicrafting?

"...ride?"

"Ah! Yes?!"

As I was imagining myself finding rare exotic books, the young master seemed to be saying something.

"Good. Then I'll meet you at the side garden just outside the ballroom at 3 this afternoon. I trust you remeber where that is?"

"The garden by the ballroom. Yes, of course."

"Good. Do not forget to wear your cloak as it gets chilly near the evenings," was the parting statement before the young master turned and left.

Uh, what did I just agree to?