((( Sya POV's )))
It was all he needed to hear to know they weren't able to save his wife. Strength escaped him as he fell heartbroken on the chair. It was the first time I saw him weep that much. I couldn't hold my emotions any longer so I let myself cry at the loss. Miss Mitchelle was a very kind person and her presence would be sorely missed by the household.
After that, Master James threw all his time to work. He wanted to avert his grief to something beneficial rather than being eaten by it. All the while his son, Rhio, grew up reticent from the lack of his father's attention.
Heeding the words of Miss Mitchelle before she died, I took courage to speak to Master James. He noticed me and let me in his study room that day. He looked busy as he gathered his things for work whilst sparing some time for what I have to say.
"Oh. How's Rhio?"
"He's good. His tutorial class has just begun."
"I see" he said detachedly. "Tell my secretary if he needs something."
He was about to leave so I willed to say what I came there for. "Rhio needs you. He needs a father to grow up along with. Please do consider having some free time out with him."
"He's a smart kid. He should be able to understand my reasons."
At loss for words, I wasn't able to hold myself back. "But it wasn't his fault…"
He knew exactly what I meant so he looked at me with such cold intensity. I was surprised when he raised his usually monotonic voice, "Enough! I've been slaving myself already with work! Don't you think I also need some time to rest by myself?"
As far as I could recall, there has just been one time that Master James and Rhio conversed in person longer than usual. I was glad he finally admitted to himself that his wife's death wasn't Rhio's fault. Or anybody else's. But fate played tricks too I guess, since it was also after that same day that Master James fell ill.
"Headmistress," someone called out to me. It was another maid, the newest one. She's young and it was unsurprising since poor families usually send their young for work. I wasn't an exception.
"Mister Elthon would like to inform that the wake will be held here," she spoke with her head bowed down. "Master James' body will be transferred here tomorrow."
I smiled shortly at her. "There's no need to be so formal. Please lift your head when talking to me."
Breathing in the somber air of the mansion, I turned around to look at how big it was. I have worked here for so long that I've seen things transition from happy to sad. Master James' wedding has been held here and it was the happiest day this mansion has ever witnessed. But this has also been the place where Miss Mitchelle's passing has been grieved. And now, it was James' turn.
My eyes wandered up the stairs leading to Rhio's room. I knew he expected the news I was about to tell him tomorrow.