The Duke of Whishipper

Chapter 11: A Secret Holder (5)

Rivan was deep in thoughts. The letter he just read made him recall parts of his past.
Ever since he was no longer among the livings, he felt his soul being chained. The feeling never eased and got more persistent once he arrived in the dukedom.
It seemed as if the beating heart inside him was held elsewhere as a hostage. He was not completely free and the last words form The Shadow of Death's letter proved it.

The only way out is to get the missions that creepy bastard creature gave him done.

Rivan let out another slight sigh. How many did he sigh today?

"Haa."

He cannot deny his curiosity. He is back to where belonged, where he was supposed to live for the past 14 while he himself is no longer a complete human. He would want the answer why he had to leave it all. No matter how much despicable the Shadow of Death is, Rivan was well aware that until he frees his soul, the Grim Reaper shadow held more knowledge about he desire to know.

They called him a Grim Reaper.
That was not an exaggeration in his opinion. Rivan knows best what the other half of him is capable of.

Rivan glanced at the second letter in his hand. The envelope was dark black with white letters.
Unlike the first letter from The Shadow of Death that was written by hand with obvious affect of emotions on the writer, the second letter was written by a typewriter.

Just as he was about to begin reading it, Rivan's eyes sharpened in an instant as he spoke.

"You might come in."

He turned his head to the closed door and added.

"You've been standing there for quite a while, aunt June."

His gentle words made the Head of Butlers, Ms. June freeze in her place with her hanged grip that was about to knock on the door.

She tried to regain her composer as she walked in, however, June could never relax looking at the sitting young man. She instantly dismissed the memory of the child that passed away at that same spot he was again seated on. It would only clench her heart tightly.

Whether it was her Secret Holder contract or any mysterious powers that allowed him to sense her existence behind the door, June had no desire to know of it nor to get involved any further. The mere thought of it sent shivers down her spine.

June tried her best to settle her voice as she spoke.

"There's a servant that claims to be under your supervision. Should I allow him to come in, Master Rivan?"

The Head of Butlers spoke in an automatic tone not to show any of her trembling emotions. Her face was a bit pale yet also stoic.

"Oh."

Rivan exclaimed calmly in what seemed that he expected such news.

"Nile has arrived early. Very well, allow him in."

Ms. June did not ask about the identify of the so called Nile. She guessed that he is another one of the young Duke's companions.
Along with the blue butterfly maid, the new arrival wore unusual high class servant cloths. Yet June was persistent to not hold any curiosity towards them. That human nature to know more have already caused her a fairly grate price.

"I understand."

June was quiet for a second before proceeding to speak.

"Mr. Dorben is leaving tomorrow."

Rivan understood the meaning behind the said statement. He nodded his head and spoke.

"I will talk with him this evening at seven. Make sure to inform him to be present in this same study by that hour."

Rivan thought for a bit before adding.

"As for Eliot, please prepare some tea. It would be great to speak in the garden."

Ms. June was speechless for a second, drifting in a thought.

'The garden was their favorite place.'

However, that retrospect to the old view of the joyful mother and son was thrown away at the back of her memory, locked to the ignored and hopefully forgotten.

The Head of Butlers bowed slightly. After getting done with what she came for, June was about to leave. Then she stopped. Her eyes widened when she glanced at the black letter in Rivan's hand.
As if she saw something beyond terrible she wanted to avoid, June turned her back to exit the study as soon as she could.

Just as she held the doorknob, she froze in place hearing the following words.

"Aunt June, the Secret that you hold..."

She turned to face the speaking young man. Her heart beat wildly. Even when sitting in the quiet study with the Jasmine scent, he seemed like a dark creature in her eyes.

His honeyed voice flower like threatening chants.

"Would you not tell me why I died 14 years ago? Hmm? That's what your contract states, am I not correct?"

June's breaths were taken suddenly. He was asking for the Secret she holds.

'He knows...he knows what kind of Secret I hold....which means...'

A Secret Holder can never tell the Secret. Their souls are chained and a punishment will fall on them on upon breaking that oath.

'He's asking for my punishment after 14 years...!'

June was scared, horrified, frightened to the very bones. This was the recoil of all those years of trying to stay alive. She wanted to stay alive badly!

"Haha."

At that moment, a laughter was heard.

"Hahahaha!"

Rivan broke into a loud laugh. It as was mischievous as his words.

"Of course I know about your contract. It's related to me after all. Worry not, I'm not seeking answers this way."

He smiled as if he was amused by her confused and terrified expression, but his laugh disappeared instantly as he added in a warning low voice.

"I might not be your Grim Reaper now still, be careful. You're a Secret Holder after all."

Ms. June's face hardened. Those words were already crafted on her mind once she nodded quickly and left the study.

End of chapter 11.