Chereads / W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby / Chapter 52 - Home.. Sweet Home

Chapter 52 - Home.. Sweet Home

Weiss stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she groaned softly. Her senses gradually returned, though her body still felt weighed down by exhaustion."Huh...?" she mumbled, blinking a few times to clear her vision.The familiar sight of her bedroom in the Schnee Manor greeted her-a room of pristine elegance, with its grand canopy bed, ornate furniture, and snow-white drapery.The sunlight streaming through the tall windows bathed the room in a golden glow. It should have brought her comfort, yet all she felt was a gnawing unease.She shifted, wincing slightly as she moved her legs. Her eyes instinctively fell to them. Her broken leg were fully healed-no bandages and no splint.Her aura had done its work.Letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, Weiss felt a small wave of relief wash over her.But it was fleeting.Her thoughts quickly turned to the others-her team, her friends. Ruby's determined smile, Blake's quiet resolve, Yang's unyielding strength.'Are they okay? Did they make it out safely?' The questions swirled in her mind, each one weighing heavier on her chest.Weiss swung her legs off the side of the bed, her bare feet brushing against the cold marble floor.Weiss hesitated, staring down at her hands as they rested on her lap. The frustration welled up inside her. She hated feeling helpless, but at that moment, she couldn't shake the sense of uselessness that gnawed at her.Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to her brother."Rinko...!" The name escaped her lips in a whispered breath. The memory of him carrying her, shielding her when she couldn't stand on her own, brought a flicker of determination and gratitude.She clenched her fists, her pale knuckles whitening as her resolve solidified."I can't just sit here," she muttered, her voice quiet but fierce.Weiss pushed herself to her feet, her movements tentative at first. Her legs wobbled slightly, but they held firm under her weight.The sharp pain she'd once felt was gone, replaced by a dull ache. She straightened her posture, drawing upon her innate sense of grace and determination, and turned toward the door.As her hand reached for the doorknob, it turned on its own.Weiss instinctively stepped back, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, only to see a familiar face on the other side. It was a maid, dressed in the crisp uniform of the Schnee estate."Miss Weiss-! You're awake! Thank goodness!" The maid's expression softened in relief as she stepped into the room, balancing a tray of food on one hand.She placed the tray delicately on a nearby table, her movements precise and practiced.The maid turned to Weiss, her gaze scanning her from head to toe with an almost maternal concern."How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice kind but firm, the tone of someone used to tending to the injured and unwell.Weiss hesitated, her instinct to dismiss the question clashing with the genuine care in the maid's eyes. She crossed her arms lightly, her voice soft but clipped."I'm fine. My legs have recovered, and I can move without difficulty."The maid nodded, though her expression remained uncertain. "That's good to hear, Master Weiss, but you should still be careful. Your aura may have done most of the work, but your body has endured a lot. You need rest."Weiss glanced at the tray, noticing a bowl of steaming soup, a glass of water, and some bread. Her stomach gave a faint growl, betraying her exhaustion. She ignored it, her mind elsewhere. "I can't rest. I need to-""Master Weiss," the maid interrupted gently but firmly, stepping closer, "you won't help anyone if you collapse from exhaustion. Eat, drink, and regain your strength first. Then you can decide your next move."Weiss blinked, surprised by the maid's audacity but also oddly comforted by her words.After a moment's hesitation, she walked to the small table and sat down. She picked up the spoon, taking a small sip of the soup. The warmth spread through her, easing some of the tension in her chest.The maid smiled faintly, satisfied, and began stepping back toward the door. "If you need anything, Master Weiss, don't hesitate to call. I'll be nearby."As the maid was about to leave, Weiss's voice cut through the room, her tone firm despite the weariness in her body."Wait-before you go... where's Klein?"The maid froze for a moment, her hand lingering on the doorknob. She turned back to face Weiss, her expression of sorrow. "Mister Klein... he's in a coma, Miss Weiss."Weiss's grip on the spoon tightened, her gaze sharp. "What? How did that happen?"The maid let out a soft sigh, lowering her head as though burdened by the weight of the news. "It was truly unfortunate," she said, her voice laced with sympathy. "He had a terrible accident. He fell down the stairs and hit his head quite hard. He's recovering in the hospital now, but his condition is... delicate."Weiss's heart sank, her chest tightening. She gritted her teeth, her voice trembling as her emotions bubbled to the surface."Klein... in a coma? That doesn't make sense! He's always careful. How could something like that happen?""I understand how shocking this must be, Miss Weiss. He's always been so devoted to you and your family. It's why I volunteered to step in and assist during his absence." She clasped her hands in front of her, "But please, try not to worry too much. The doctors are doing everything they can."Weiss stared at the maid, her mind racing.Something didn't sit right.Klein had been with the family for years-he was like a second father to her.The idea of him suddenly falling down the stairs felt... wrong. Her fingers curled around the edge of the tray, her unease growing by the second.But Weiss wasn't done. "Wait," she said again, her voice sharper now, cutting through the maid's retreat.The maid paused, her grip tightening on the doorknob for a brief moment before she turned back, "Yes, Miss Weiss?""What's your name?""Oh-apologies, my name's Selene Marbol, Miss Weiss."Weiss paused, before giving a nod. "I see.. Thank you, Selene for telling me."Selene gave a brief nod as she left the room.As the maid paused just outside the door, a faint smile crept across her lips but her thoughts were interrupted by a voice echoing from the hallway."Selene."The smooth, commanding tone belonged to Rinko Schnee.Selene immediately composed herself, turning toward him with her usual practiced grace. "Oh-Master Rinko, how may I assist you?""I need to see Weiss," Rinko ordered curtly, his eyes sharp and unwavering.Selene hesitated for a fraction of a second before bowing slightly. "Of course, Master Rinko." She opened the door and gestured for him to enter.Inside, Weiss sat at the table, her gaze fixed on the untouched tray of food before her. She seemed lost in thought until the door opened, and her eyes immediately lit up at the sight of her brother."Rinko!" Weiss exclaimed, a smile breaking across her face. Relief washed over her features. "You're okay!"Rinko gave her a small smile in return, his expression softening. "Weiss, how are you feeling?" he asked, crossing the room and sitting opposite her at the table."I'm fine," she reassured him quickly, gesturing toward her legs. "And look-my leg's fully recovered!" She shifted slightly to prove her point. "I'll be good as new in no time."Rinko nodded, his smile deepening. "That's good to hear, Weiss."As Weiss reached for the tray of food, Rinko's expression shifted, and his hand darted out to intercept her. In one smooth motion, he slid the tray away from her."R-Rinko?" Weiss stammered, confused."Just a moment," he said, his tone calm but firm.Weiss watched as Rinko meticulously inspected the meal.He lifted the bowl of soup to his nose, inhaling deeply before taking a small sip. His brow furrowed slightly as he set it aside.Next, he picked up the glass of water, swirling it gently before taking a careful sip. He set it down without a word, his face unreadable.Rinko's gaze lingered on the tray, his sharp eyes scanning every item. Finally, his attention turned to the bread. He broke off a small piece, holding it up to his nose, his senses keenly attuned to the faintest irregularities. He placed it on his tongue, allowing the taste to settle.Nothing. No metallic tang, no bitterness. It was just a normal piece of bread.Rinko sighed quietly, his tense shoulders relaxing just a fraction. He carefully handed the tray back to Weiss, his expression softening."Apologies for the intrusion, Weiss. Please, go ahead and eat," he said, his voice calm but tinged with something that Weiss couldn't quite place.Weiss blinked, confused by her brother's odd behavior. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. "Rinko, what's going on?" she asked, her tone firm. "You've been acting strange since you came in. Is there something wrong?"Rinko hesitated, his hand lingering on the edge of the table. He met Weiss's gaze, her icy blue eyes sharp and unyielding.He knew Weiss wasn't one to let things go easily, but he also knew this wasn't the time to burden her with the truth."It's nothing," he said, brushing her concern aside with a faint smile. "I just wanted to make sure everything was in order. You've been through a lot, and I'd rather not take any chances."Weiss frowned, unconvinced. "Rinko, you're not exactly the type to hover over my meals unless there's a reason. What aren't you telling me?"Rinko exhaled, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back slightly. "I promise I'll explain everything later," he said, his voice steady but firm. "Right now, I need you to focus on recovering. That's what's most important."Weiss crossed her arms, her gaze still skeptical, but she decided not to press further. "Fine," she said reluctantly. "But don't think I'm going to let this go."Rinko smiled faintly, appreciating her persistence. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he replied.As he stood to leave, his mind churned with the weight of the truth he was withholding.There was a murderer among the staff of the Schnee Manor, and they had already begun dismantling the household's stability. By taking out Klein, they had targeted the heart of the manor's security, leaving the Schnee family vulnerable.Rinko clenched his fists as he walked toward the door, his expression hardening.He would find out who was behind this and put an end to their schemes before they could cause any more harm.Before he stepped out, he turned back to Weiss, his voice softer now. "Rest, Weiss. You'll need your strength for what's ahead."Weiss nodded slowly, her confusion giving way to a sense of unease as she watched her brother leave.Something was definitely wrong, and she would get to the bottom of it-just as soon as Rinko decided to share what he knew.Rinko stepped into the hallway, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings as he gently closed the door behind him.Standing just outside, Selene greeted him with a polite bow, her posture poised and deferential. "Master Rinko," she said softly, her tone calm and professional.Rinko's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. He studied her with a careful intensity, noting her calm demeanor and the faint, practiced smile on her face.There was no immediate reason to suspect Selene, yet his instincts whispered caution.Looks could be deceiving, and he knew better than to dismiss subtle inconsistencies.Selene straightened, her smile unwavering as she waited for any instructions.Rinko offered her a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Selene," he said simply, his tone neutral.Without another word, he turned and made his way down the hall, his footsteps steady and deliberate.As he walked, his mind churned with determination.There was something deeply wrong in the Schnee Manor, a shadow lurking beneath the surface. Klein's "accident" was too perfectly timed, and the carefully orchestrated chaos left the family exposed.He would uncover the truth, but he needed to move silently, methodically.If the culprit sensed they were under suspicion, they might slip away or, worse, strike again.Rinko resolved to keep his intentions hidden, watching and waiting for the opportune moment to catch the perpetrator off guard.His jaw tightened as he rounded a corner, his thoughts sharpening into a singular focus.Whoever was responsible for the disruption within the Schnee family would soon learn the gravity of their mistake.Rinko—Kakashi Hatake—wouldn't rest until they were caught-and dealt with.YesterdayThe air was heavy with unease as the private Schnee car rolled up to the grand manor.Jacques Schnee exited first, his usual composed demeanor masking the tension beneath.Wheatley followed closely behind, his steps quick and eager.Last came Rinko, still carrying an unconscious Weiss on his back, her bandaged leg a stark reminder of the chaos they had just escaped.The moment the manor doors opened, the scene inside froze them in their tracks. Wheatley let out a sharp gasp, his face paling as his eyes landed on the horrific sight.Klein, the loyal butler who had served the family for years, lay crumpled at the base of the grand staircase. Blood seeped from a gash on his head, staining the polished floor a dark red.Jacques paused mid-step, his breath hitching. His jaw clenched as his sharp gaze swept over the scene."Klein!" Whitley shouted, rushing to the butler's side without hesitation.Rinko's eyes widened in alarm as he took in the sight. His grip on Weiss tightened instinctively, his heart pounding.Jacques remained where he stood, his teeth grinding in frustration. 'Why hadn't any of the staff called for help?' The thought struck him like a slap, his irritation mounting.He had given the household staff the day off, a decision he now bitterly regretted. 'A mistake. A costly one.'The household descended into chaos as Whitley called out for help, his voice frantic. Jacques snapped into action, issuing orders to have Klein taken to the hospital immediately.But amidst the turmoil, Rinko's mind raced with suspicion.The scene was too convenient, too contrived. Klein was a cautious man-meticulous in his movements, especially on the stairs. It was hard to believe that this was simply an accident.No, Rinko thought grimly. Klein hadn't fallen. He had been pushed.His sharp gaze lingered on the staircase and the faint scuff marks near the edge. Whoever had done this had wanted it to look like a tragic accident. But Rinko wasn't so easily deceived.As the commotion continued, Rinko silently vowed to uncover the truth.Klein's fall wasn't just an unfortunate mishap-it was a deliberate act. Someone in the manor had betrayed them, and Rinko intended to find out who.[End]