Moonlight Stain | Venice & Rain

05

"Always be vigilant of the surroundings and be aware if Master Venice is showing any signs of dissociating with himself." Rain recited the rules for the nth time already; at this rate, he has already memorized them by heart.

"And what else?" Rain furrows his eyebrows.

"How long will this take?" Rain thought in his head.

He released a sigh before parting his lips to speak.

"To not hesitate in inflicting harm if ever Storm takes over."

"And?"

"God, this is maddening!"

"And to not engage with Storm and ensure my safety first, which I think defeats the purpose of me being your right-hand man," Rain stated as a matter of fact.

Between him and Venice, it's Venice who holds a much more important role than him; Rain's just merely a right-hand man, a nobody compared to the heir of the minor family.

Rain is confused as to why Venice insists on his safety. He understands that Venice might've felt remorse about his error in the past, and Rain fully acknowledges it; however, the sudden change in his master's behavior throws him off.

"Why do I feel like I'm missing something?" Rain was preoccupied with his thoughts and was only whisked back to reality when he heard his master speak before him.

Rain, you must understand why I insisted on adding these to the rules. Have you forgotten what we had vowed to each other? It is our sworn responsibility to protect each other. I may be years late, but I will try my best to be a better boss."

"Why does Venice keep insisting on these?"

"Khun Venice, you are my priority above all, regardless of my safety. That is what I have sworn in the oath of this family; Khun Pete entrusted me to take care of and protect you, and I shall do it with all my soul." Rain argued with him.

Duty comes first, regardless of what his master might have up his sleeve. He shouldn't be swayed by anything and shall stick to his commitment, which is ensuring the safety of his master.

Storm might have scarred his mind forever, but that won't stop him from doing what he must. Rain doesn't care if Storm is dangerous; after all, Storm is still part of his master Venice, a fraction of himself, so Rain must do everything to protect him as well.

"So we're switching back to Khun Venice now? But on a serious note, Rain, no matter what happens, promise me not to indulge in whatever Storm wants, unless you're a masochist and want another set of broken bones."

"I repeat, Rain, do you promise me?"

Albeit reluctantly, Rain pushed himself to vow before Venice.

"Yes Master"

"I'm sorry, Master, but promises are always meant to be broken," Rain thought as he folded his hand behind his back in a cross.

---

"Why hello to one of my favorite men?" The newcomer greeted him cheerfully as he sat beside him.

"When will I have my peace?" Rain pursed his lips, already regretting having his breakfast in the main hall.

"How are you, Rain? Is everything good?" The man asked before reaching for the strawberry on top of his freshly cooked pancakes. Not that Rain minds, but he's just annoyed at not having his desperately needed self-time at the moment.

"Hello to you too, Khun Prapai; aren't you cheerful today?" Rain greeted him with a forced smile.

Don't get him wrong; he doesn't have anything against his boss; it's just that Prapai decides to show up at the time Rain specifically requires for himself only before he decides to face people at work.