Three days passed and I find myself in a carriage heading towards the manor of Moriarty. Carriage rides were rather rough at times or just bumpy enough that it would do a number on anyone who gets motion sickness. I would've read a book had it not been for the ride.
I look out the carriage, today was the world's definition of a gloomy day. A fog had taken over the sun's light. Though it wasn't bad enough that it was difficult to see and navigate through.
I wonder if they were able to calm down mother. She was crying when I left and worried in general. Haaa, she's always been like that, I guess it's why I can find myself anticipating my return...
The ride continued for a while longer before coming into a halt. I glance at the carriage door until it's open by the coachman.
"Young master"
I give him a brief nod before grabbing a suit case, standing up, and exiting the carriage.
"Thank you"
"It is my duty, young master"
I chuckle before shaking my head
"No need to be so modest"
The coachman smiles before tending back to his business.
Time to greet the Moriarty family.
I turn around and start heading to where the family stood. The manor was just like any other noble manor, luxurious as a way to flaut their money. It quite easy to tell that my father's request for a relationship between their children and me has shook them up, a chance for more power and money. I take off my hat and place it atop of my chest, bowing before them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Earl Moriarty along with Mrs. Moriarty, Albert James Moriarty, and William James Moriarty."
Nervous laughter erupts from the two adults.
" There's no need to be so humble"
The Earl says as his wife nods along.
I expected such a reaction considering the class ranking. The power of a Duke is more than a Earl's power.
I glance at the two boys, studying them for a quick second and offering a smile when we made eye contact.
The older of the two is more hesitant to initiate... Judging by the information I was given, it must be that. While the younger seems to be oozing with nervousness and excitement of being a friend of the son of a Duke.
"How about have Albert show you around?"
The younger just lightly mumbles something while the older surprised at his mother's proposal.
"Yes, mother"
A hint of reluctance in his voice he clearly tries to hide. I simply nod, I turn around to still see the carriage still there.
"Let's take the carriage I came from, I rather not trouble you and I'm quite sure the gentleman won't mind it."
"What a wonderful idea, young master! I wish the two of you a nice outing!"
... In this weather? Albeit it's perfect weather for... many other things but touring? I disagree.
I simply smile as I gesture the older boy to follow me. I turn and start heading towards the carriage, stopping right before the coachman.
"Sir, I apologize for troubling you further but may you take us else where? Of course, you'll be compensated for the trouble."
"Ah, sure, go on ahead"
I nod and enter the carriage before the older boy does. He had informed the coachman where we were to head to before joining me.
The beginning of the ride was quiet for the most part until I broke the silence.
"I should introduce myself, shouldn't I? My name is (Y/N) von Rosenborne. I rather we drop the formalities unless we are accompanied by adults. I'm sure they'll reprimand you in the end."
" Of course, (Y/N). I'll be sure to remember that. "
He offers a smile as he speaks but it's quite obvious it's for pleasantries. A moment of silence passes again, making the other feel a bit awkward by it.
"So, Albert... You seem to be not so fond of your family. I already have a few guesses why but the main one that sticks out is that you and your family don't see eye to eye, hm?"
The same smile I hold on my face throughout every word I speak. The 'genuine' smile on my face no longer holding it's meaning. His smile drops and his eyes widen.
Ah, looks like he has seen a ghost
"Don't bother answering that, I already reach a conclusion"
Good, I was correct. Perhaps I can make him loyal to me using this unless someone has hooked him in...
The rest of the tour is quite awkward to say the least, well awkward for the boy who can't take his mind off what I said.
°~•~°
"Hey, did you hear? Old Mr. Thompson's safe got broken into."
" Yeah. They got away with all the valuables he had in his cellar."
Oh?
I glance at the three men out of my peripheral vision, taking my attention away from Albert who was about to enter the carriage.
"Heh, it was all money he extorted from the poor. Serves him right."
" Still, some bloke must have a smart head in their shoulders."
" They dug a side tunnel from the sewer to sneak in, right? "
Albert who also paying some attention to them had turn his head, now entering the carriage.
" Yeah, but 40 years is no mean feat."
I take a step forward, almost bumping into Albert who had yet to take his seat.
"Albert?"
No response until he hurriedly asks for the next destination to be changed and quickly takes his seat. I take my spot in front of him.
What those three men said...I suppose he knows something about it.
"Albert, may I ask where we are headed?"
"... Oh..."
A clear hesitation on his face as he decides his next course of action. A few evident beads of sweat on his face.
If I were to assume, we are probably heading to that school with orphans as students... He's wondering if I'll do more harm than good.
"...A school"
Oh? He actually decided to share? Hm, a way to find out my standing in this matter...
" I see"
"... Do you not care?"
"One should know every nook and cranny of where they are lest it troubles them in the future."
"... "
°~•~°
The rest of the ride a quiet, except for the few exchanges we had as small talk.
My eyes closed as I smile, not putting much attention with the conversation Albert was having with the two ladies.
"My word, Lord Moriarty, thank you, as always"
A smile on the older lady's face as she thanks Albert.
"Is something the matter? You look a little pale."
" Oh, no, nothing."
He quickly deflects her worries.
" The children are inside the chapel"
Just as the other lady spoke, he quickly starts walking towards said place. I turn to the ladies, flashing a smile as I put my hat to my chest.
"No need to worry about receiving me properly as a guest. Just treat me as you do with Albert."
I place my hat on my head as I quickly follow Albert, not without hearing the brief flattery from the ladies about my appearance and who I was. My footsteps more quieter on the wood tiles compared to his as we soon hear a little girl's voice once we near the door of the chapel.
"Then, the nobility are great people, right?"
" That's right. Every day, they wear fine clothes, eat delicious food, and sleep in warm beds. That's because their forefathers contributed much to the country. That is why the nobility is great."
The boy with red eyes spoke, sat at the center.
Rallying them up, hm? The leader and most capable out of the group judging on how he's in the dead center.
" Mhm!"
Agreed the same girl as evident of the same voice from shortly before.
" But there are some caddish nobles, too."
" I've been given dirty looks by people in carriages, and yelled at by them."
" When my mom worked in the house of a nobleman, she got put through hell, and ended up dying."
The collective voice of the children admit their experiences.
" You're right. There are some nobles who are bad people, too.
So, everyone, what happens if a bad nobleman turns up? Remember? I told you what to do before."
" Fight them! "
" Fight them and kill them! "
" Fight them and kill them! "
" Fight! Kill! Down with the bad nobles! "
" Fight! Kill! Down with the bad nobles! "
" Fight! Kill! Down with the bad nobles! "
" Fight! Kill! Down with the bad nobles! "
" Fight! Kill! Down with the bad nobles! "
I find my hand on my mouth, stunned by the words. Holding back a chuckle.
I didn't have much expectations... That boy is certainly different. Although, he isn't the one I'm hoping to gain at the end, he has his own agenda.
I place a hand over his mouth and whisper in his ear.
"If you confront them about this, just know. He no doubt saw you from his view but not me. You're welcome to admit I was here with you, it won't do much harm to me. I also don't plan to do anything to the boy because of his words. It's your move"
His expression filled with confusion, surprise, and a hint of fear. All those emotions from the fact of the words of the children and how composed I am, the same smile on my face that the darkness around us gives it a devious air about it. I quietly leave the scene.
°~•~°
I sit quietly on a chair in front a rather small table, flipping through a book. I was guided to one of the guest rooms by one of the workers.
After what transpired, there was a rather unpleasant silence among us. I didn't probe any further lest I appeared apathetic and inconsiderate in his eyes.
My eyes trained on each word I read as I go from page to page.
Knock
Knock
Knock
A soft laughter escapes my lips, pleased with what's to come.
"He's here, he sure kept me waiting"
I mumble before raising my voice loud enough for the visitor to here.
"Come in"
The door opens, revealing the one I beckon to meet me who soon closed the door.
"You didn't attend the dinner"
"Ah, I rather not push my way in during time with family. Please do take a seat, I rather not keep you standing as the one who calls this manor 'home'. "
The person nods, nervous for the reason I called them here.
" S-so, what is it you wanted to discuss, young lord (Y/N)?"
" Drop the formalities, there's no need for it when we're alone"
" R-right "
I chuckle, slightly shaking my head.
" Well, I want to discuss an offer with you. This stays between us and no one else."
He looks away, purposefully avoiding my gaze.
"And that is? "
"In exchange for your complete loyalty, I'll save you from your own demise, William James Moriarty "
Psst!
'Moriarty' and this chapter were supposed to be one chapter but I thought it was to long. So I split it, I rather my chapters average about 1,500-2,500 words at least. Unless that's too short for you all? ┐(‘～';)┌
Also, should I include romance? It can be a side dish for you.
To be honest, it'll be my first leap into romance since my other story isn't one that'll include it. But what y'all think? (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞