I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 7: Viola's worry

Walking through the hallway alone in the dead of night carrying a lantern to light the way, Viola was doing her rounds around the mansion. Just as she reached the master room, Zwei came out of the room. He looked completely disgusted and agitated. Viola's mouth slightly opens at his sudden appearance. Usually, when Zwei returns from his mission and reports to the kings, he stays an extra night there. He stayed to make sure Alice was alright and to listen to her stories or anything she wished to complain about. It was the usual thing. Viola had forgotten that Zwei only stayed there when Alice wasn't married. Alice was now married, and he too was married. What was that phrase again? Do old habits die hard?

Viola's face instantly turns pale. If Zwei came out of the room furious, that only meant one thing. His wife, newly bride, the madam of the Sigma house was in there. Viola didn't expect Zwei to return so soon, so she failed to inform the madam that Zwei disliked having others in his bedroom. Let alone someone from the Spheral's house. She rushed to his side without any sign of panic and greeted him.

"Welcome back, Duke Sigma," said Viola as she bowed before him.

Zwei glances at her, "Viola...?"

"Yes, my lord."

Zwei glares at the door behind him, "What is that doing in my room? Did you not let it know my room is off limits?"

"My apologies, I did not believe it was necessary since she is the madam of the Sigma House."

This time Zwei glared at Viola with a threatening gaze, "Who is the madam of this house?"

"She is, my lord," Viola understood that Zwei hated to hear this however she had to say it.

Zwei was newly appointed as a Duke, and there was no way of knowing if those nobles who hated him had planted a spy here. For example, the new madam. Those nobles would do anything to drag Zwei down. They couldn't stand seeing an S-Class Esper supporting the new king, especially if it was someone who knew of all the corrupt things they had done. 

The new madam may seem like a good person, but there's no way of knowing if that's truly who she is. She could be pretending for all Viola knows. Also, what if she was listening through the door, and decided to report back to the Spheral house about this? What then?!

"Viola," said Zwei as he slowly took out his Beast dagger and aimed it right at Viola's eyes, "If you sprout such nonsense again, I'll have you pay with your eyes."

It was just centimeters away from taking out her right eyeballs. Even though he could take out her eyes right now, Viola was more concerned about his health. The last time she saw him, the iris of his eyes was dull, his gaze was unfocused, and his breathing was uneven. However, it was more stable than before, and the vibrant colors of his eyes had slightly returned.

"My lord, did you receive any Guidance from her?" Viola asked.

Zwei slightly flinches from her questions. The unease she felt when he left was washed away from his reaction. Viola was about to say something but was cut off by Zwei.

"I don't need guidance from those who came from the Spheral house, " Zwei stated as he pulled his blade back, "Prepare a different room for me, I can no longer use this one. It's been dirty by filth."

"As you wish," said Viola with a bow.

***Present***

Viola stood aimlessly in the kitchen. With a knife in one hand and a carrot in the other, she slowly brings down the sharp edge above her hand. Someone suddenly grabs her hand and stops her in time.

"Whoa, that was dangerous," said the person behind her, "Are you alright, Hun?"

It was her husband, Jarold. Viola set the knife down, "Ah... Hmm."