Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Six: The Invisible Wall Between

They arrived at the mansion early. Finnian, the butler, approach them and was surprised by Viviene’s appearance.

“W-Welcome back Young Master and M-Milady.”

Viviene smiled at him a little before passing through him. Finnian blink and look at Viviene’s figure walking away slowly. He thought that she’ll insult him greatly right after she laid her eyes on him but this time, nothing happened. It’s a contrary of what he expected towards the lady that gave him a weird feeling.

‘Is that really the Miss?’

He wondered. He snapped when he heard Arthur’s voice beside him.

“Finnian, go get a physician to check my sister’s well-being.”

“Physician? Did something happened?”

“I’ll entertain questions later. Also, go get Sir Rowellius. I have something to discuss with him.”

Finnian is curious of what happened to them in the capital.

‘Did the Miss cause trouble again? I warned him about how crazy the Miss was!”l’

He thought furiously.

“Yes, Young Master. I’ll do what you said.”

Finnian answered with utmost respect towards Arthur. Arthur nodded and walk towards the house. Finnian is extremely obedient towards the duke and Arthur but Viviene. He always thought that Viviene’s commands cause too many problems in the duchy. That’s the reason why the duke never gave her the title of Duchess even though Lady Alyanna died long time ago.

After getting the physician, Finnian went to the Knight’s quarters and saw Sir Rowellius who’s busy training the other knights. He’s been the head captain of the Knights in Cruel Manor for five years due to his skills and diligence. His strictness and seriousness earned him the title ‘The Iron Fist’. He’s swordsmanship is also good as well as his bravery and intelligence.

“Excuse me Sir Rowellius.”

Finnian called him. Sir Rowellius face him with his bothered face.

“What is it?”

“The Young Master has something to discuss with you.”

“The Young Master?... Alright.”

He turned towards the knights training in the field and yelled.

“Continue your training! If I caught you slacking off I’ll triple your tasks!”

Hearing his words made them shiver and continue their training seriously. Finnian cant help but to smile at his words.

‘Totally the Iron Fist of Cruel Manor.’

He thought very satisfied.

“Lets go.”

Sir Rowellius said. Both of them proceed to Arthur’s office, as they entered, they notice Arthur’s foul mood even though he’s not facing them.

“Y-Young Master, Sir Rowellius is here.”

Finnian stuttered. His heart is beating nervously. Arthur turned around and face them with an angry expression.

“Sir Rowellius, I’ll tell you directly the reason why you’re here.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Sir Rowellius answered with a firm voice as he stare back at Arthur.

“I want you to be Viviene’s knight.”

Finnian drop the paper he’s reading while Rowellius mouth hang wide open.

‘The troublesome Miss!? But to appoint such a dignified person! I’m afraid his reputation might ruin because of that evil lady!’

Finnian thought gravely.

“I know its shocking but the knights had been neglecting their responsibility the moment I turn my back from Viviene. Earlier, she went through a dangerous situation without them knowing.”

He told them while gritting his teeth.

“Then the Miss, did she complain about what happened?”

Finnian asked. Arthur look at him with disappointed look and answered..

“..No. She did not tell me what happened but I know something DID happen to her.”

He sit on his chair both hands holding each other on the table. They never saw Arthur with extreme disappointment displayed in his face. Usually, he only wore his signature emotionless face.

“I can even tell that she’ll disapprove this idea.”

Arthur added with a colder tone.

“Young Master, you don’t have to worry about that. I’ll explain thoroughly to the lady about your good intentions for assigning her safety to me.”

Rowellius answered with a serious tone. Arthur look at him indifferently and lean on his chair.

“No. I’ll explain to her here, right now. Finnian, bring Viviene here.”

Finnian hid his nervous face as he answered..

“Yes, Young Master.”

He went out from the room leaving the both of them alone. As he walk in the hallway towards Viviene’s room he met the physician he got to treat her. When the physician saw him, he smiled and greeted Finnian.

“Mr. Finnian, I’m glad that I met you here.”

“Dr. Daphline, I was about to ask you Milady’s condition?”

“Ah yes, the Miss. Well, she’s fine, her wound was already treated but I advise that Lady Viviene shouldn’t walk yet due to her sprain in her right foot.”

Finnian’s eyes widen in shock.

“Sprain?”

“Yes. She told me she got it when the Young Master Arthur and her was in the capital.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. Its very swollen and thankfully, it didn’t get worse. After two weeks she’ll be able to walk.”

“I see.”

“I’ll be going now. Please tell Young Master Arthur that I’ll be taking my leave for I still have so many patients in my clinic.”

“Yes. Thank you and good day, doctor.”

The doctor smiled and resume walking. Finnian cant believe what he heard from the doctor’s mouth. Earlier, he just saw her smiling like nothing happened yet she endured a painful sprain for a long time. He even bet to himself that Arthur didn’t know her real condition yet.

“I better tell him first.”

He muttered and turn towards the opposite direction. His pace is faster than before, when he arrive at the front of the duke’s office, he immediately knock and speak.

“Young Master, its me.”

“Come in.”

He open the door and enter the office. Rowellius is sitting on the sofa while Arthur is in his usual spot which was the duke’s table.

“I’ve come here immediately to tell you that Miss Viviene cannot come here on her own.”

Arthur’s head wrinkled and his eyebrow almost meet.

“Why?”

“The Miss had a sprain in her foot and is unable to walk for a while.”

“What? How come..”

Arthur massage his temple.

‘Why didn’t she tell me?’

Arthur wondered in frustration.

“Shall we go to her room now? Young Master?”

Finnian ask.

“No. Let her rest. We’ll talk to her later.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“I’ll take my leave now Young Master.”

Rowellius muttered.

“Yes. I apologize for ruining your schedule.”

“Its alright. Young Master is more important than my schedule.”

“I’m honored to hear that.”

Rowellius went out from the duke’s office. Finnian can hear Arthur sighing deeply. He face him and saw his stoic face again.

“Finnian, am I a bad person?”

“No Young Master. You are a great person and a wise soon-to-be ruler of the duchy. How can you be a bad person?”

Finnian asked. He’s a little surprise of his sudden question. He never thought that a confident and firm man like Arthur could doubt his self deeply. He face Finnian with his confused look.

“Then why do I feel like I’m a good-for-nothing man?”

Arthur asked. He felt deep in his heart the guilt and regret towards Viviene who grew up to be so dependent to him. He recall the times Viviene called his name asking for help but he ignored all of it.

“Brother, can you help me?”“

Please help me brother!”

“Brother save me.”

“I beg you to help me brother.”

“Why cant you help me?”

“As your sister you should help me!”

Those were the words he always hear from Viviene’s mouth which gave him the feeling of irritation. He would often scold and insult her for being so weak and childish every time she asked for a helping hand. However, its different now. She didn’t ask for help from him and remain silent despite her having a hard time. She became sturdy and independent all of a sudden that the image of a weak and good-for-nothing girl did not exist in the first place.

“Young Master, you are not a good-for-nothing man and that’s a fact.”

Finnian insisted.

“Alright. Since you are a man with good observations, I’ll trust your answers.”

Arthur answered as he puff a sigh. He needs to organize his thoughts so he started his work and make himself busy to avoid such unpleasant ideas.

Meanwhile, Viviene is turning deaf due to Merriam’s words of wisdom continuously coming from her mouth.

“Just what did you do to be like this? Why did you run so fast that you sprained your foot!? Milady please take care of your self! Your face was even damaged!”

Viviene rolled her eyes and sigh.

‘Merriam sounds like my mom. My poor ears are breaking!’

“Merriam, I told you that I’m fine. These are just small things. I’m still alive and that’s the most important thing of all!”

“Still! What about the banquet? Have you think of it?”

Viviene pause for a minute and swear greatly inside her mind.

‘How did I forget that important event!?’

She yelled mentally.

“I’m afraid you cant attend the party with the Young Master at that state. Your foot might go worse if you try to move it.”

“No!”

Merriam jumped in surprise due to her sudden scream.

“W-What?”

“I cant do that! I have to attend to the banquet!”

‘Or else that motherfucking bastard will insult me to death! Nu-uh! Never!’

She thought furiously.

“B-But how can you attend?”

“There must be a way?”

She answered doubtful of her words.

‘This is a magical world. I’m sure there’s something that can heal my foot immediately!’

She thought.

“Merriam, is there any magical medicine that can heal my wound immediately?”

She asked. Merriam was about to answer when someone suddenly knock on the door and opened it. Arthur entered the room with Finnian and Rowellius. Viviene stared at Rowellius with a dumbfounded expression.

Rowellius is a huge man with large and strong muscles. He’s taller than Arthur and Finnian, and has a big scar from his right eyebrow down to his cheek. His black, curly hair was tied in a high ponytail and his sharp black eyes are looking at her directly.

‘He looked like a wrestler!’

She thought and remembered him a little in her memory. Viviene didn’t like him before because of his scary face and would even insult him in public if she had the time. Rowellius notice her stare towards him. Its like she’s examining him deeply with those curious eyes which he, himself, found odd. He expected the lady would be scared of his appearance but it looks like she's not, rather, she seems interested to him.

“Uhm, what are you doing here?”

“How are you?”

Arthur asked as he walk beside Viviene. Hearing his concerns again make Viviene feel awkward.

‘Is this what we call change of the heart?’

She wonder.

“I’m fine. The doctor said I just need to rest.”

She answered politely.

“But what are they doing here?”

She added as she point Finnian and Rowellius who are standing in front of her bed.

“Viviene, I’ll make Sir Rowellius as your personal knight.”

Viviene choke at her own saliva. She look at Arthur in disbelief.

‘Is he serious!?’

She thought.

“M-My knight? But Sir Rowellius has so many things to do. I’m sure he’s busy already.”

“Thank you for your concern Milady but I can handle your safety perfectly well. No need to be worried.”

Rowellius answered.

‘Hey! I’m doing you a favor here! Don’t you hate me!? Crap! I don’t want a knight who’ll supervise me every time.’

She thought in despair. She look at Arthur who’s looking at her directly.

‘What’s with this dude? Its not bad that he cares for Vivi but I think he’s going overboard?’

She sigh at her thoughts.

“What if I refuse?”

She asked.

“Why would you refuse?”

Arthur answered with a question.

“I can protect myself well.”

She said seriously.

‘Right! If I’m bad at taking care of myself then I should be in heaven right now.’

She mutter in herself confidently. Arthur’s gaze turned deadly towards her sending goosebumps in her spine.

‘What the heck did I just do!?’

She told to herself as her inner self panicked.

“I-I appreciate your concerns big brother but Sir Rowellius has an important task in our household. He may be agreed to be my knight but I’m sure its just because he doesn’t have a choice. Did you ask for his opinion?”

She utter frankly to him. Arthur’s raging anger slowly died down but his cold stare remain. Its true that he didn’t ask for his opinion first and immediately assigned a new task to him. He felt bad for himself and for Rowellius too. Finnian look at the two astonished. He cant believe that Viviene boldy said those words in front of Arthur and Rowellius who were known to be monsters in the manor. Finnian ignore the tension in the atmosphere and spoke.

“Milady, I apologize for butting in but, Young Master’s decision was for your own sake. Thus, I think Sir Rowellius understands the situation after seeing your state.”

Viviene’s gaze turned acidic towards Finnian. His opinion was highly appreciated by those with low minds. The tension got even worse than before.

“Perhaps my words are nothing here?”

Viviene’s harsh tone pierce their chests. Her eyebrow raise in annoyance as she lean on the headboard of the bed.

“Alright. I accept Sir Rowellius as my knight however, big brother must attend the banquet with me.”

“And your foot?”

“I’ll deal with it. It would be a pity for the banquet without me, right?”

She muttered in a positive tone.

“Very well. Don’t ruin my expectations, Viviene”

Arthur said in defeat. Viviene’s smile become wider as her eyes sparkle in excitement.

“Of course!”

Arthur showed a small smile which made everyone shock. Who would have thought that troublesome i***t like Viviene can make Arthur smile?

“I’ll take my leave now. Rest well.”

“Yes. Goodbye big brother.”

Arthur and Finnian went out from the room except Rowellius who’s still standing in front of her.

‘What does he want?’

“Yes?”

She asked Rowellius who’s staring at her.

“Milady, I am glad that you accepted me as your personal knight. Please don’t worry about my schedule anymore.”

He explained in an earnest tone.

‘This again? Hah. But I am not worried of his schedule and I don’t even care of his well-being. But since I’m gracious I’ll try not to bother him.’

She smiled at him and spoke with honest words.

“There must be a misunderstanding between us, Sir Rowellius. I am not worried of your schedule, not even a bit.”

Her words did not surprise him a little. He’s well aware of her ill-personality with the other servants so he’s pretty certain that he’ll receive the same treatment.

“I want to have your schedule so that I wont become a bother in your tasks. Give it to Merriam if you have time.”

She added in her words which caught him off guard.

“Pardon?”

He asked dumfounded by her words. Viviene roll her eyes.

‘Why do I always repeat my words? Is there something wrong with their hearing?’

She thought in annoyance.

“Your SCHEDULE.”

She repeated in irritation.

“Ah. Yes, Milady. Please forgive me if I irritated you.”

Rowellius apologized sincerely. Viviene sigh and glance at him.

‘At least he’s not insensitive.’

“Alright. You may go. Have a good day, Sir Rowellius.”

“Miss, you can call my by my name since I’m your knight now.”

Viviene felt someone slap her mind. She forgot that she can do that to someone in the house with lower status than her.

‘Wait, but if I do that isn’t it the same as accepting them fully under my wing?’

A smiled appeared in her lips. Her eyes glint a little as she stare at Rowellius who’s serious all the time.

“No. Please leave.”

Rowellius bow down before going out. As the door close, Viviene sigh in relief. Merriam walk towards her with a worry face.

“Miss, are you alright?”

She asked. She knew that Viviene is scared at Rowellius and being him as a knight who’s always beside her surely is uncomfortable for Viviene.

“Yeah. Gosh, I don’t want to see their faces for a while.”

She utter and massage her aching head.

‘Calling someone by their names is too much for me. I don’t want to connect myself to the people here. It would be best to have a thick and high wall between us.’

She thought deeply. She’s still wary of everyone here except Merriam who’s loyal at her from the very start.

‘I should distance myself to them.’

She added.

Merriam, who’s looking at her silently, can see Viviene’s serious expression. She’s curious why she’s having such solemn appearance despite his brother’s concern towards her. She wants to ask why she’s not please of what happened but her instincts forbid her so she remain silent in the corner, continuing being ignorant of Viviene’s real thoughts and feelings. However, even if she ask, Viviene wouldn’t tell her because for Viviene, no one can understand her. She’s difficult and will remain complicated due to the reason that she’s not originally from this world. How can someone understands a foreign being like her? Maybe for the real Viviene, their impressions toward her are important, however, she's someone that doesnt have the right to be connected to them. She is just a passerby in this bizarre world with an unfamiliar face and a pitiful life. She pushed the thoughts deep down within and lock it in the farthest and darkest corner of her mind, praying that those unpleasant thoughts never come out for a while.