I was quite ectatic when I was told I could leave the library.
I could feel that kids glares from behind me and I was getting sick of it.
When I left, the guard guided me back to where we were when he arrived and I saw my dad standing there talking with someone who looked around his age rather intensely.
Even from afar, I could tell Donellan wasn't in the best of moods and he looked like he was going to take his anger out on the poor fellow he was "chatting with", however, I wasn't too worried.
Donellan may have little patience but he isn't one who gets angry easily. I could tell that the conversation wasn't going too well, mostly because Lenard who was usually a smiley person also looked annoyed and Laetitia… well she always looked annoyed but more so than usual.
Knowing how bad things could end if Donellan lost his patience, I quickly ran up to him and held his arm. In the sweetest voice I could muster, I said: "Father, I'm here!"
I looked up at him with a smile. Lenard on the other side looked slightly relieved and Laetitia relaxed a little. Donellan on the other hand looked down at his son and unbeknownst to him, his mood changed significantly.
He unconsciously patted his son on the head, and Simuel who didn't seem bothered, accepted the pat.
"Right, since you've arrived, we can go now." Donellan said while turning around to leave. The gentleman he was previously talking to looked confused and made an attempt to stop Donellan from leaving. "Mr. Grey—.."
Donellan turned around and gave him the darkest look, a look that could send a man to an early grave. The air around him got heavier and made it almost impossible to move, let alone breath.
The weirdest thing about this situation was the fact that I was completely unaffected by this silent pressure. I looked to my left and could see that Laetitia and Lenard, even the guard looked uncomfortable.
I looked up at Donellan and couldn't help but express my respect and admiration. He made sure that I wouldn't be able to be affected, at least that's what I think. Why else would I, who's in this weak body be fine compared to seasoned veterans who've fought and slaughtered countless monsters?
With the silent pressure (that is what the ability is called), the gentleman couldn't stop Donellan from leaving. He could only stand there as Donellan stared down to him.
"I'll be excusing myself Mr. Welton." He said and left.
I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy since he was probably only doing his job. He looked like he could be an informant and was talking to Donellan about whatever was being discussed in the King's quarters.
He just happened to catch the Earl on a bad day. I sighed to myself. Life can be hard if you aren't rich or powerful.
Subjecting yourself to the whims of those above you, even if you don't want to. I looked at the man for a couple of seconds before following Donellan.
Laetitia who hadn't spoken a single word to be besides this morning spoke up.
"Do you feel sorry for that man?" She said coldly.
I turned around not expecting to be addressed so directly by her.
Despite how cold she sounded, it didn't feel like she was looking down on me and I didn't really feel any animosity coming from her.
If there was, I probably wouldn't have even responded. It's not like I owe an answer. Still, one can never be too sure so I decided to test her.
"What makes you think that?" I asked back.
She said nothing for a while.
I thought she'd be a little annoyed if I answered her question by asking a question, but she wasn't. She stated that the look I gave that man after Donellan left looked like one of pity. Hence the reason she asked if I felt bad for him.
I said nothing for a while since I actually wanted to answer her honestly.
Even after I hadn't replied, she waited patiently. Meanwhile, Lenard remained silent, observing me.
"I don't think I would call the look I gave him that of pity. I'm not in a position where I can afford to pity others." I said honestly.
The two looked confused by my answer. Even if he's only the son of a powerful man, he's in a much better position than that informant.
His status is much higher because of his father, and he will inherent that power when the time comes. Is probably what the two of them are thinking. But they are wrong.
" I may be the son of a powerful man, but that doesn't mean that his power is mine. My father worked hard to get to the position he's at and earn the respect he has. But I, haven't. I'm not even close to my father's level. I was born weak and I'll probably remain weak.
Therefore, I am not in a position where I can pity someone else. That'd be no different from looking down on him. I didn't look at him with pity but with sympathy. I know his job isn't easy, but despite all the stuff that's thrown at him, he's still doing his job.
It's just unfortunate that he had to meet Donellan at such a bad time. He was only completing his duty and now look at him. Even though he's my father, I think he treated that man rather harshly.
But there isn't anything I can do. Therefore, I can only sympathize." I said calmly.
The two knights were in shock by what Simuel said.
They couldn't believe this little child was perceptive enough to think this way. Children are usually simple minded and only think about themselves.
So it surprised them when Simuel, instead of thinking about himself, thought about how the informant might have felt. Laetitia had always thought negatively about the little master.
She thought he was spoiled, always having other people look after him, never talking to others and keeping to himself.
It sometimes felt like he was above everyone else. But clearly, she was the one who was misguided. Lenard was even more surprised. He thought Simuel was a sheltered and fragile little beauty who didn't bother getting to know the world.
This, of course, intrigued him, but he became even more intrigued when he saw the little master's face-to-face today. He looked a lot different from what he had imagined and couldn't help become more interested in the little master.
The three made it out of the palace and were finally outside. Simuel took a deep breath and took the fresh air in.
To his left, he saw Donellan, who was standing with his back facing him. He looked rather lonely standing there all by himself. I knew Donellan had left rather quickly after that fiasco because he didn't want his mood to affect him.
Usually, when he gets like this, he'll distance himself in order to calm down. Knowing this made me feel sad. Such a lonely existence. One couldn't help but pity the man.
Of course, I knew very well how it felt to feel all alone, with no one to comfort you and no one to understand you. I made a resolution. I would be sure to give Donellan that sense of comfort and give him some peace of mind.
Together, we learn how it feels to love and care for another person. With that in mind, I ran towards him and held his hand with a bright smile.
"Don't worry Donellan, I thought to myself." "You are no longer alone."
And with that, we left the palace.