Mansion

Time flu so fast. It was already a month when Lawrence had arrived back in the mansion. Everything seemed normal, including his daily routine. But unlike before, his feelings were dull, and the surrounding seemed more silent. Those around him did not bother greeting him after a month of being disregarded. Maids and other people pass by in the corridors from time to time without any thought of respect. Their cold stares of judgment when looking at Lawrence, who was deep in thought.

There were only the escorts and Gavin Pierson who remained faithful and respectful to Lawrence. They've understood Lawrence, who had not stopped grieving, but they have no idea how to cheer or help Lawrence. Each day, they grow more distant.

"Lawrence..." sad and determined to get his attention, Gavin called out to him.

Lawrence smiled weakly at him, "What's up?" he asked.

Gavin crouched and began to spoke, "I'm sorry." he admitted in defeat. "I'm sorry for being useless. If I could wish that I was on time, this situation would not have happened. I've failed my duties as a chivalry knight. Therefore, I will be retiring-"

"Stop." Lawrence interrupted, smiling weaker than before. "It wasn't your fault... it was mine. If only I was capable enough to face the assassin. It wasn't anyone else's fault. Chivalry Knights and the Escorts had nothing to do with this. You had the duty to protect the Twelve Histories, and you did. As of I, I was merely another person."

"That's not true!" a lady's voice came out of the end of the corridor. There, Viola stepped out with her eyes tearing up.

"But it is," Lawrence answered, tilting his head with his weak smile. "And from now on, I know, without Estella, my life will become difficult than it used to. Tomorrow, a new set of maids, gardeners, managers, and even superiors will be coming over. So I ask of this, whatever happens, do not disregard your duties." he said.

"Are you saying to not defend you?" Freya asked. Lawrence nodded as an answer.

"Why? What will happen?" asked Viola.

Lawrence smiled, "Nothing will happen-"

"Sir Lawrence will be belittled by the elites. That includes madame Lillian," said Rose. The oldest and wisest among the twelve.

Viola gasped at what she had heard while the others avoided gazes. Gavin was softening and sad. Their sad eyes and expressions could not meet Lawrence's eyes. "It's fine." Lawrence nonchalantly said.

"I'm only three years of age. You're all acting as if I was 63!" Lawrence said, trying to ease the mood. Failing to have a joyous and laughable atmosphere, the group began to cry.

Gavin reached out to Lawrence and hugged him, "I will not let you become like my brother." he stated. "I will never!" he added.

Lawrence smiled and hugged Gavin back, 'I do remember. Hans, Gavin's brother, was a prodigy inheritor and a genius. But after Viscountess and Viscount Pierson died, the two siblings crumbled. Given the title of the Viscount and the head of the noble family, Gavin was forced by the law. Hans lost his consciousness after losing his mother, Viscountess Floire- whom he loved dearly. Waking up dull and lonesome, his brother could not do anything until his death. I wonder if I will end up like Hans.' his trail of thoughts was cut off when everyone surrounded him and hugged him. Feeling the guilt, Lawrence cried out to his heart's content.

Crying himself to sleep, Gavin carried Lawrence back to his room, where he laid him on his bed. Finally, the young successor of Marquess Grant Pierce had soundly fallen asleep, forgetting his insomnia. Without any sort of disturbance. What's next is what awaits this young man tomorrow.