Enchanting garden

Lian sat cross legged on the pillow laid out for him by the butler as he absent mindendly chewed on the lollipop in his mouth analysing what it was he had seen in the water for that brief moment.

"Young sir, here are the cakes and refreshments you asked for."

He turned his gaze to the butler and smiled warmly.

"Thank you."

He looked at the colourful snacks on display in front of him and his mouth immediately watered. He licked his dry lips before picking a red frost cake. He examined the faint red colour of the frost and reluctantly took a bite.

"Mmh.."

He brought his hand to his cheek lavishing every bit of the savoury taste.

"Thish is sho good," he said in between chews.

"Young sir, am glad you like it."

Lian swallowed the cake and turned to him," Who wouldn't like such a delicious treat?"

The butler adjusted his glasses and shook his head.

"Young sir seems to have a sweet tooth correct?"

"Don't I know it."

He picked an orange coloured cake and popped it into his mouth whole. He had never tasted such delicacies and he was not about to let any of them go to waste.

The butler watched him eat all the cakes at once and when he started coughing, he was quick to pour the tropical juice for him in a glass.

"Eat slowly. No one is going to take your food away," he said handing him the glass.

Lian took it and took a slow sip before setting the glass on the table. He nodded his head in gratitude and only then did he notice he did not offer the butler a piece of cake.

He cleared his throat, grabbed a mint flavoured cupcake and handed it to the butler.

"My apologies. I was quick to eat without handing you a piece."

The butler shook his head," Thank you but I don't like sweet things. I brought them for you, so please eat to your heart's content."

Lian slowly retracted his outstretched hand and took a bite of the cake and it was then that he remembered of what he had seen. He dug into his brain trying to figure out how to broach the topic.

After a while of thinking, he turned to the butler.

"Say, does this pond have some fish maybe?"

"Fish?"

"Yes. A little while back I saw something in the water so I thought maybe it was a fish."

The butler adjusted his glasses and focused his gaze on Lian, who gulped at his gaze.

"Yes young sir. The boss actually keeps some gold fish in there."

Lian looked at him a million questions running through his mind. A mafia leader actually keeps some gold fish?

No matter what, he could not believe this even if the evidence was right in front of his own eyes. He coughed dryly and solemnly nodded his head.

"I see."

"Would you like a tour of the garden? You might run into something you find pleasant."

Lian stood up, excitement visible on his face," Sounds like fun!"

Obviously he was not overjoyed about a lame tour of a flower garden but rather, this invitation was very, very tempting. If he knew his way around, he might be able to find a secret hatch or an escape root. He happily skipped down the stone path following behind the butler. 

Their first stop was by some flower patches, which grew on luminous green grass and beside some trees. The tapestry of colours around them was simply more than magnificent. The delicate sweet scent of flowers mixed with the cool touch of moss covered stones hit his nose. He closed his eyes and took in a few deep breathes of this amazing scent not able to get enough of it. While appreciating the lush feeling, he felt something tickle his nose. Wanting to find out what it was, he slowly opened his eyes and saw bright wings in front of his gaze. His slight movement startled the creature which was resting on his nose and it flew off.

The butterflies flit gracefully from bloom to bloom, their delicate wings painted with a kaleidoscope of colours. Each butterfly was a tiny masterpiece, with intricate patterns that ranged from the deep blues and vibrant oranges of the monarch to the soft pastels and eye spots of the swallowtail.

As they danced in the warm sunlight, their movements were both erratic and mesmerizing, creating a living ballet that brought the garden to life. They hovered around him and he could not help but stare in admiration.

Butterflies, with their ethereal beauty, transformed the garden into a haven of tranquillity and enchantment, reminding all who visited of the delicate balance and fleeting splendour of nature.

He thought to himself that if he was not out on a mission, he would not mind being locked up in a place as pleasant and enchanting as this, away from the toxic air and noise of the lively city... maybe he and Ding would be the best of friends laughing and enjoying the scenery away from the world...

He mentally slapped and reprimanded himself at this. Best friends? Are you out of your mind? Why would you even think about being best friends with that cold and heartless brute?

As he was busy internally scolding himself, he felt a little nudge by his feet and he lowered his gaze to find a white and ginger bunny by his feet.

Seems like this garden has more to offer than I thought. 

He sat on his heels and gently picked up the white bunny placing it on his lap and massaging the place between its ears. 

"Do these bunnies also belong to Master?" he asked and the butler nodded his head.

"They do."

Things could not get any surprising than it already was. Lian smiled slightly at the thought of Ding holding and petting a soft creature like a bunny. Now that would be a scene he would pay to witness in person..

As he cuddled with the bunny, a maid walked into sight and whispered into the ear of the butler. Lian watched them in silence and once the maid was done, the butler turned to Lian and slightly bowed his head.

"Forgive the intrusion young sir.. but there seems to be a slight problem with the dinner preparations..."

Sensing where the conversation was headed, he stood up with the bunny in his arms and gave him a reassuring smile," It's okay. You go tend to the problem at hand. I would like to stay here for a while."

"I will be back as soon as I can."

With that, he hurried out of sight and Lian raised the bunny up in the air. The poor creature was resting peacefully when suddenly it was held up... if it could talk, it would be hurling insults at the human who did not respect its personal boundaries.

Planning to resume what he was doing, a low menacing growl echoed all around him.