𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

21

☄. *. ⋆

[Y/N]'s expression was that of a blank one as she stared at herself in the mirror. Last night felt like a fever dream and she was not sure whether what happened was real or not. She was so tired her mind was acting on autopilot for half of it. Only when Thoma interrupted them did she somewhat snap back into reality. 

Ever since that gory incident, she has felt like a new person. She came back a completely different woman. With a new mindset, a new outlook, a new soul.

But how shameless could she be to straddle him like that?

She quickly brought her hands to her face. Despite how hard she wished to hide herself, Akiko and her two other maids still noticed the redness of her cheeks and ears.

"Madam, please do not touch your face so carelessly! You will ruin our splendid work," pouted Akiko, placing her hands on her hips. Of course, she was talking about the make-up they've applied to [Y/N]'s face.

"Splendid... is it?" she peeked at herself in the mirror through her fingers.

She did look magnificent. Once again her maids did a remarkable job. Even though [Y/N] told them not to overdo it as she was attending a birthday party which was being held while they were still looking for the culprits of the bloodbath—the maids insisted.

"Of course It is splendid! How could you think otherwise, your grace?"

"Child, don't be upset. You did go against my orders," she paused, "But because of your... splendid work I shall let you off."

Akiko giggled watching [Y/N] stand up to look at herself in the full-body mirror. She did indeed glow as brightly as gold. In the kimono, she felt like a blossomed flower. There were also sapphire earrings hanging down her ears. The workmanship on the frames was beautiful, it was as if the setting sun was melted down into it. It was the Kamiyama family's signature.

"Nice job, truly," [Y/N] smiled, looking at the ladies who worked on her, "However I must depart now. I hope to see you alive by the time I'm back."

Suddenly chills ran down Akiko's spine, and upon noticing the maid's uneasy expressions, [Y/N] brought her hand to her lips, "Oh, word... I phrased my sentence wrong. What I meant to say was—be safe."

"Madam... We know you well enough. You did not offend us, please do not worry," the women smiled, though still uneasy. [Y/N] was strong, so she knew she had no reason to worry for herself, but these servants were powerless. Seeing these good people be so frightened only brought aching into her heart. 

They were so brave to stay at the Kamisato estate. [Y/N] commended their valour greatly.

"I'm glad then. I shall see you again in the forenoon, do take care," she brought the three women into a hug, embracing them tightly. She had grown quite attached to them. She also noticed how their expressions became more relaxed when they saw her off in the garden. At least she managed to fix her mistake of making them tense.

She stepped into the Kamisato estate's garden where she saw Ayato waiting for her. He barely looked any different to his usual self, but instead of his usual white suit, he was wearing a lavish kimono. Surprisingly, it was a rather good look on him. Then again, anything would look good on him.

She was quite happy to see him until she noticed Thoma standing beside Ayato. That was the moment she slightly tripped, stumbling forward.

Thankfully, Ayato was quick to grab her arm, steadying her, "You're rather clumsy, aren't you?" He mused. He had not seen her yet today, and it was already almost ten o'clock. He smiled at the way she tried to compose herself as if nothing had happened.