Walking down the halls of your mansion was nothing new; maids were sweeping off the dust, keeping up the mansion's maintenance on having it tidy and clean. In the early days of Blade's arrival, your ears would pick up faint murmurs from the servants about his terrifying demeanour. However, the hallways seemed to lessen the amount due to Blade's time here.
He lingers around you like a ghost yet no one complains about it. Getting called to attend dinner, Blade follows. Going outside for a stroll, Blade follows. Resting in your room, Blade follows. Now, you were called back to your father's office, and he followed.
"I'll clean up the tea from the library, mistress." The maid bowed, leaving you with Blade at the front of the office.
Taking a deep breath, you began to wonder what was the reason this time for your father to call upon your presence. Though, your mind began to remind yourself of any upcoming events but nothing yet so far.
"Your father is waiting inside, mistress." Blade reminded you with an inscrutable face.
He opened the door, allowing you to enter the room as your eyes met your father's. Fortunately, your father didn't frown or seem distressed so whatever he said, wouldn't be devastating.
"Good afternoon my child, have a seat. Blade, you may leave us alone here." Your father's tone was sharp as his fingers pressed the ink, forming unknown words onto the paper. Business management as usual you assumed.
Hearing Blade shut the door behind you, you held your breath for a second, scanning the office. The pile of paperwork at the corner that used to be stacks of eight dictionaries was now reduced to roughly three this time. The bookshelves, which used to hold an ecosystem of just dust, are now spotless. The desk at the centre, from scattered paperwork and a few spilled ink, is currently organised that is pleasant to the eye. For that, its overall state no longer made anyone who enters the room cough out their lungs.
Taking a seat on the chair, your father waited patiently, observing your movements till you're seated comfortably. "Good afternoon too, Papa. What made you call for me during your work?"
Clearing his throat, he placed the quilt pen back to its holder.
"Business management, nothing new my dear." Your father said, placing the paper that was in front of him in the small pile at the corner of his desk. "How was your day, my sweet child?"
"Pretty good, Papa. I managed to complete my studies early since I want to become a good business owner when I inherit yours one day." Your back straightened, shoulders pulling back as your hands clasp together. "However, I've decided to relax for today."
"I see..." Your father nodded his head before he narrowed his eyes towards you. "Have the past few weeks been rather troublesome for you?"
You were taken back by his question, recalling your daily routine for the past few weeks since Blade's arrival. So far, nothing at all. Blade was just fulfilling his duties for you. Besides, your schedule just remained the same. You shook your head in response.
"No, not at all."
"Well then..." Your father leaned over, placing his elbows on the desk. His fingers intertwined with each other as his chin rested on it as you started to notice a slight curve on his lips. A silent pause filled the room, causing the anticipation to rise. As a result, your head tilted slightly out of curiosity.
"How was Blade?"
You weren't surprised by this. Undoubtedly, your father was giving you some time to get along with Blade. Though, despite the fact that he mentioned Blade would be your last bodyguard, you began to wonder if he would get another replacement if Blade ever resigned.
"Blade has been good to me, Papa. He acts like all of my previous guards even though he doesn't talk much."
"I see..." Your father paused, thinking to himself about what to say next before removing his arms from the desk. "That's good to hear then. I was afraid you wouldn't be fond of Blade despite his reputation. If for some reason Blade has been troubling you, be sure to notify me right away. I want to make sure he won't be much of a bother to you."
"Well Papa, I do have to say Blade is an excellent bodyguard for me. For the past few weeks, he had been looking out for my safety even inside the mansion."
The door opened, getting your attention as a servant entered who carrying a tray. Setting down the tray, she began to prepare the tea as the faint sweet aroma entered your nostrils.
"Thank you. You may leave us now." Your father raised his hand, dismissing her. "My dear child, have some tea with me."
The servant handed you the tea with its steam warming up your face. Of course, you nodded and thanked the servant before she left both you and your father alone. As the tea touched the tip of your tongue, you couldn't help but have the itch in the back of your mind that was in need of resolution.
"So Papa." You paused, taking a deep breath before your lips parted once more. "What was the reason for hiring Blade let alone him agreeing to it out of everyone?"
Your father's gaze went back to you, seemingly surrounded by withholding such information from you. However, you couldn't help but assume he wasn't ready to discuss such topics with you at the moment.
"My dear sweet child, I know that I cannot hold it a secret from you but I do have reasons. "
Another pause filled the room.
"Actually it was Blade's request."
Blade?
"If you really must know then I cannot deny you that." Your father's eyes now narrowed once more before he continued.
"You already know by now that Blade has been the 'Bloodshed Soldier' alongside the General and others. Actually, there was a reason for that my dear. The war that occurred five years ago was called the Mara War only for this particular reason. For sure your servants told you years ago but I still wanted to explain this further; the disease that is caused by this is from the power of the Aeons, used as a way to punish people. Consequently, it resulted in thousands and nearly millions being struck by mara, causing them to turn into monsters. Most of them lost their consciousness but some unfortunately remain aware especially when killing others."
"What does this have to do with Blade becoming my guard Papa?" You asked, leaning forward slightly in interest from your discussion.
Your father took a deep breath, letting out a long sigh before speaking to you once more.
"The war killed many soldiers, even innocent civilians, mara-struck on not. However, Blade was never really known until after that war. Apparently, rumour says he used to be a decent person until that event. Suddenly out of nowhere, he became a killing machine. That was how he got that title and reputation."
You were intrigued by this information. Despite already knowing most of the information he gave, Blade's past had always been a mystery to others including yourself. "So how did you persuade him to become my bodyguard then?"
"Actually, he requested it himself."
Your eyes widened by his words. At first, you thought that your father begged him immensely such that other nobles even bribed him with such benefits that would acquire years before getting it back. However, the probably for him wanting revenge didn't aid at all with his request.
"Blade talked to you first? How so?"
"I was intrigued as well. It was actually last year during Jing Fang's coronation when I was making connections with others. Well, the celebration before that to be exact. Though, he only ever approached me when I was alone in the hallways while you were busy talking to your friends. Perhaps, he might've wanted to become your guard to ease down his reputation or bloodshed. If he was working for the royal family instead, then the probability of him being sent to another war would increase. I assumed that working under us would provide him with some peace. However, I was never informed of his personal reasoning."
The thought of Blade wanting to lessen his terrifying reputation gave you a sense of relief. Your mind couldn't help but recall his faint whisper, analysing how it all came to be this way. Maybe revenge was absolutely being over-dramatic for you but your father may be correct in his assumption. Perhaps, your personal prejudice against Blade might have been slightly unfair due to the fact that he remained professional at his job.
"I see..." You nodded. "So it was Blade who requested to become my guard last year yet it took you a while before actually hiring him. Nonetheless Papa, what did you offer in return in exchange that will benefit him."
"Benefits you say? It took me a while to analyse and budget before informing him but he only requested the same amount of pay and benefits as your previous guards. I expected that I would have to acquire an immense amount of fortune just to keep him around I assumed."
Your father's words were definitely added a good input for you in knowing Blade's reason. His past, his life, you began to question his personal reasons.
"It's best for us to stay that way. " Blade's words remain to linger in the back of your mind.
"You know my dear...I actually did a lot of research for the past few months on Blade's history based on the documents that my advisor managed to acquire. I only started to do it because I thought your previous guard was enough but I figured Blade's offer was too good. I contacted him months ago and he was still eager to work under me."
You couldn't help but think of it as peculiar to think that Blade would just willingly work for some random noble rather than someone who is more influential. Yet, if it's to lessen his reputation, then his workload would lessen as well. Besides, the war impacted every region known till this day. Peculiar isn't it? Most people would be immensely grateful for working closely with the royal family or the duke yet Blade wasn't.
Your father cleared his throat.
"Apparently based on what the advisor found out was that he was an orphan. His documents based on his biological parents were indeed unknown other than he was from the Xianshou Loufu religion. However, he was adopted by a noble there. His adopted family wasn't known for influence or fortune but all that was known was that once he grew older, he was sent out under Elio's care."
Elio's care, you thought to yourself. There was not much information on Elio that you are aware of other than he was a wanted man in all regions. Despite not being fully aware of the political conflicts between each region since there was so much. it made you realise how ignorant you are to each region's established relationship.
"I do not know much about Elio either. However, if you notice that Blade may act... unusual at some point, make sure to inform me right away. I'll handle it so do not worry yourself, my dear."
You couldn't help but process all of the information your father gave out. Blade's reason, Elio's care, and the war. How did it all tie together? What was Blade like before that war? Blade, the man who turned his body into a weapon, was a person who had life in his eyes. His crimson eyes, deep as blood, always appeared dull whenever you looked at him.
"I understand Papa, thank you for telling me this." You finally finished your tea, sipping its last drop of liquid before setting the cup down. "Was that all you have to tell me, Papa?"
"Ah yes, thank you for reminding me. I've checked the calendar and figured this is the month when most nobles would host any parties or events including the royal family. I only called you here to inform you that I have arranged the budget in case you want to go out or perhaps call a seamstress or jeweller whenever you like."
Your father's words were gentle, and loving as you always knew. Whenever it comes to your wants and leisure, he was the person to almost never deny you causing a smile to form on your lips.
"Thank you, Papa. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe next week or a few days from now I might head to the village."
"Be safe my dear. Make sure to bring Blade alongside you."
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Stepping out of the office, your gaze met Blade again. His dull eyes met yours but he did not say a word. His crossed arms were released as his hand went back to his scabbard.
"I assume the meeting went well, mistress."
You nodded in response. Blade's behaviour had always been the same. Nonchalant as ever, quiet as a puppet until the next command is made. You couldn't help but wonder about his past, his loved ones or possibly an old lover he may have.
Blade's free hand rose up, reaching towards you before his gloved hand touched the collar of your dress. He tugged the fabric, adjusting your clothes once more.
"You should get change, mistress. The tea is starting to stain your clothes."
"I know that."
His words reached your ear. Blade's deep and considerate tone of voice was still a side to get used to despite all the rumours. Despite it having been a few weeks, you couldn't help but feel ashamed for allowing such prejudice to easily misjudge Blade.
Staring at the balcony in your room, the heavy air lingering behind you couldn't be ignored. The soft breeze tickled through your cheeks travelling inside your room. Your gaze looked back at the sky, distracting yourself with its scenery of beautiful rosy pink and golden yellow smeared with a hint of white fluff.
"Mistress, don't lean too much on the railing."
Your eyes looked back to Blade who was waiting by the side of the balcony door rather than your bedroom door instead. This side of him was just doing his job properly yet you couldn't help but feel a muscle tense up on your forehead whenever he speaks about such trivial matters for the sake of your safety.
"I promise I won't fall."
"You never know when there is an assassin lurking from afar." His tone was sharp and stern, yet not a single ounce felt reassuring towards you.
You let out a soft sigh of defeat, stepping back from the railing to satisfy Blade's expectations of wanting the distance between you and that barrier. Your arms began to cross as your head tilted slightly.
"I know that but the sun is still out."
"The sun is beginning to set, mistress. That will always be the perfect opportunity for assassins. You may never know, mistress."
"Just because I am a few years younger than you does not mean that I am incapable of my own safety."
Blade observed your tone and slightly altered his attitude, yet he didn't let out a sigh of irritation. "Me being older than you by five years has nothing to do with your inability to have some fresh air. I am simply doing my job, mistress."
Sighing once more, you looked back at the outside scenery. It has always been beautiful, safe, and yours to enjoy. You were oblivious to the bloodshed that occurred outside since you were always at home. You were always safe and secure against any danger, away from seeing the punishments and public executions by higher nobles or the royal family.
Your ears heard Blade stepping closer to you, clearing his throat as he reached out to his pocket. From the corner of your eye, you recognized a letter with the golden wax seal of a lion.
"His Majesty Jing Yuan sent out letters. Your father had already received it and requested for me to inform you about this rather than himself, mistress."
Your hands reached out to the letter, peeling off the wax seal before unfolding the paper inside the envelope.
To whom it may concern,
I have heard that Blade has now been working for you. As a guard, I have no doubt that Blade has been doing a splendid job ensuring your protection. But allow me to skip the formalities. The purpose of this letter is simply to invite you to the royal family's upcoming celebration. This grand occasion is set to occur during the next full moon. It would be an honour to have you present. For that, I look forward to meeting you when the day arrives.
Yours truly, the General,
Jing Yuan.
"Your father informed me that he will not be attending, mistress." Blade said as you finished reading the invitation letter.
"Will you be going?"
A silent pause filled between you, his dull eyes blinked slowly before inhaling a deep breath.
"I will go if my mistress is attending the gathering."
The next full moon, you thought to yourself. That is roughly forty-five days from today which gives you plenty of time to request for a jeweller. However, that amount of time is too short for a seamstress to have your clothing custom-made. To be specific, it takes roughly sixty days to fully custom-make a dress for any social gathering especially when it comes to the royal family.
"Then I will go to the celebration then. I'll call a maid to prepare the carriage for us to head to the village."
Blade remained silent as he took a step back creating some distance between you two before nodding his head.
"Understood, mistress."
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"Is there something wrong, mistress?" Your maid asked as her hands began to adjust your clothes, preparing you to head out for today.
Your head shook, not realising how immensely focused you were in your thoughts as you felt a tug on the fabric behind you. Today you will go out with Blade to the village.
Just the two of you.
The maid stood up after crouching slightly after adjusting her corset. She walked towards the vanity, grabbing a few items before returning to you.
"Close your eyes, mistress."
You followed as told. Your face felt the soft tip of the brush glide over your cheeks before a small one touched your eyelids. It had a hint of vanilla scent before the brush was removed from your face. Opening your eyes, the maid used a smaller brush, now applying some red pigments on your soft lips.
"You're all done, mistress."
The standard of looking beautiful was still applied despite not attending any formal events. Though it may be fun at times to doll up, the application of makeup matters when it comes to high society to avoid being mocked.
Setting up your bag and cloak, you began to head out to the mansion seeing the carriage from afar with someone waiting there. The closer you began to approach, you noticed his attire was now slightly more formal despite being covered in a dark cloak.
His hair was as deep as the tip of an amethyst crystal yet it was the same colour as the sea underneath the moonlight which matched the cloak he wears. His skin was so pale that it could easily make the man look sickly if some eyebags were added due to his dull red piercing eyes towards you. Yet for some reason, none of it removes any charm to his overall appearance.
The man's hand extended towards you, his gaze did not remove from you at all as the servant from behind placed the bag inside.
"It's time to go, mistress." Blade reached out, waiting for your hand to take his.
Without a word, your hand reached his palm. It was warm and somehow gentle...just like how he adjusted your collar or brushed off the dirt off your face.
It was like the world stopped as the wind flowed passed by both of you allowing the cloak to slowly unveil itself. You couldn't help but notice his expression wasn't emotionless this time, rather, it looked more tender. A few strands of his hair covered his eyes but somehow you felt your cheeks slightly warm up.
The sound of the horses' hooves brushing off the ground interrupted your attention, reminding you to enter the carriage with the help of Blade's hand assisting you.
You remained seated inside before Blade followed, sitting across from you with his arms crossed. What was that earlier? Your heart hasn't raced yet, time feels eternal in that moment. You began to wonder if it was just a spur of the moment in which you felt your cheeks warm up but fortunately, nobody noticed.
Gazing towards the window of the carriage, you see your servant waving you goodbye as it begins to move away from the mansion.
Now you're completely alone with Blade