Nocturne of the promise we made under the moonlight

Chapter 2, Keeping a secret

Following the dawn, you're awoken by the sound of the curtains sweeping open and the morning light pouring from the horizon. "Ugh..." You groaned.

"Shall I let you rest more lady (Y/N)?" Your maid asked, worried about your hungover condition.

It's not like you had alot to drink, you're just mentally drained from last night, not to mention you were up so late. "Ah... Maybe just a bit longer Anna..." You cover your face with your sheet.

"Very well lady (y/n)." She bowed and closed your curtains. Dismissing herself to let you rest more. If father wasn't ill at the moment, he would certainly barge in himself to scold you for being out so late especially without a servant.

You tried to get some more rest but instead your head was racing with thoughts of the previous night. Both of the most desirable bachelors in the country are interested in you, but neither of them know who you are, would they still be interested if they did know? Unable to sleep with these impending thoughts you gave yourself a headache and frustratedly sat up in your bed. The sound of rustling outside your window caught your attention, so you got up to take a glance.

"Good afternoon Count Yu~ki, please this way." Your butler was guiding an unfamiliar gentleman into the manor. Looking up at the sky, it was a beautiful day nearly not a cloud in sight.

"I shouldn't waste the day sulking." You huffed at yourself. You called your maid, Anna, back into the room to help you dress.

She fitted you into a wine one piece, the dress just barely hit at your ankles. A black velvet waist tie cinched in your figure, and a light petticoat gave the skirt some flair. Your hair was tied back into a half up-do, soft curls framed your face elegantly. "Stunning as always lady (y/n)." Anna cupped her cheek with her palm and admired your beauty.

"Ah, it's nothing special Anna..." You glanced down at the oak-laid floor, blushing softly.

Anna grabbed your hand. "We have a guest lady (y/n), we shouldn't keep him waiting!" She blurted.

You glanced at her in a panic. "E-Eh? That gentleman from earlier? Is mother not handling him?!" You gasped.

Anna shook her head. "The mistress is out for today, and unfortunately your father has still not recovered. Only you are here!" She led you out into the hallway.

You began to panic. You weren't expecting anyone today let alone a stranger, how do you entertain guests anyways? "A-Anna." You whispered. "What do I do with him?"

She looked at you and chuckled. "Lord Yu~ki is here to check in on your fathers health, so please just inform him of his status. Other than that it'll all come naturally to you." She reassured you and let go of your hand as the both of you approached the foyer.

As the sound of your clacking heels approached, Count Yu~ki and your butler hushed their conversation. "Ah, there she is." The count smirked at you. His hair was let down in long ebony ringlets. He wore a bright yellow overcoat with trousers to match. His blouse an ivory loose fitted shirt. He reached his hand out for yours.

You gave him your delicate hand. "Lady (y/n)." You stated in an attempt to be confident.

He took your hand and laid a kiss onto it, not before lifting a curious eyebrow as he watched your gaze. "Lady (y/n)." He gave you back your hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, you're quite the elusive creature." Yu~ki bore his gaze down into yours.

Something felt a bit familiar, but you shrugged it off, chocking it up to nerves. "I tend to enjoy my studies over socializing my lord." You swept a stray hair back behind your ear.