It It was a spring afternoon with the sun peeking through the clouds, despite the blowing winds carrying the last pulse of the blistering winter. Although the mansion with clinging flowering branches seemed lively, especially with the loud sounds of spoons hitting teacups from the balcony. However, the color that dyed the attendants' cloths was a miserable black what uttered the name of that meeting.
A funeral.
Lady Rina's death, who left a huge fortune, was more than enough to draw people's attention in 'Matinor city' for a long while. However, to their surprise, it wasn't the topic of the four maid's conversation up the stair's hallway.
"That was unbelievable!"
"Do you think it's a prank?"
"It might be, who knows? but why did the Lady hide such a thing?!"
"Hey! do not speak bad about the late lady!"
"I didn't mean to but....Oh! poor young master Eliot! if 'he' didn't show up..."
"It's not like we know what's gonna happen. we still need to wait for the lawyer to read the will."
"Ha! that crow of greedy vultures downstairs are dying even more for that will. none of them cared about the lady, they just want their share!"
"Do...do you think he's real?"
The flow of their conversation was cut by a sharp voice.
"Who are you speaking of?"
The maids stared fearfully at the woman heading from the appear floor. The Head of butlers, Ms. June was in her late forties but the bags under her eyes and her pale tired face made her look much older.
The passing of Lady Rina, her dear friend, had a huge impact on her. Not to mention how hard she had to work for the funeral, the pain of losing her dear one weakened her. yet, she had to do it.
The looks on the maids' faced turned to worry her appearance, as one spoke.
"Ms. June, you should rest. we will take care of things here."
Ms June put on a tired smile as she shook her head.
"And who would take care of you? it is my responsibility. I have to deal with the guests personally."
Yes, those annoying relatives with fake sympathy. they never cared about her too nice and gentle friend until her soul left her body.
they just want their share of the money. and she would stop them from passing their limits.
June asked sternly.
"Now tell me. who were you speaking of?"
Ms. June thought about the will. She didn't care about her part but she was sure her too nice late friend would give those relatives what they desire. however, it was known that most of the fortune will go to young master Eliot. he was the closest to her in the family and stayed by her side until the end. Lady Rina spoiled him rotten too.
'it might be for the best'
Did she think before looking at the hesitating maids. They uttered no word for quite the time until finally, one of them spoke.
"He...ahem...he said he's...'Duke Whishipper'."
"What?!"
The maids flinched at the old women's shout. Ms. June was terribly shocked. It was shown all over her face. A terrible terror while she mumbled.
"That's...impossible...it can't be...they all died..."
"Ms. June!"
A maid supported the Head of butlers and helped her sit.
The woman had a paler face. much worst than when she heard about the death of her dear friend. she was horrified.
Ms. June collected herself before putting on a confused expression. She asked with suspect.
"How does he look like?"
"You need to rest fir-"
But the maid's words was cut by an urging order.
"Just spit it!"
Before hesitating one more time, the maids begin speaking in a row.
"He's a very young man, he looks like a teen. He has a terribly pale white skin similar to the dead or the full moon."
"Oh! he has a mole down his lips. it's too obvious because of his skin."
"His hair is curly dark black, a bit long for a boy. And his eyes..um....How to describe them?"
"They're yellowish green like a pair of glittering Heliodors."
"Oh lord! It...it can't be!"
The maids flinched at the Head of Butler's words.
Ms. June lowered her head and mumbled. It took them a few seconds to understand her terribly low shaking voice.
"He...He really came back..."
End of chapter 1