It was a joyful day and that joy began to spread out from the walls of the manor. From the small orphanages where Lady Maxiel spends time to look after to the gatekeepers that guarded the City gates, the news of the kind Lady brought a smile to their faces.
The Fraunces Manor was more joyous, filled with life within the cold city.
A few days later, within Lady Maxiel's room, the lady herself was shocked about the news of her illness. At first, she thought she had only slept for a day. She did recall feeling unwell but she didn't realize that she was almost unconscious for almost a whole month!
She thanked the gods for their mercy and even scheduled a visit to the city temple. However, her husband told her that the city was under great precaution because of the Kron. The temple was temporarily closed and protected people were advised to stay safe and be aware of the dreadful illness that attacks the soul and body. Reluctantly, Lady Maxiel only conceded and turned to indulge in the care of her husband and her sons.
"Mother, you must rest. Colahn and the doctor had advised you to stay on your bed for a short while as they proceed to examine your health for a few days." Moulin placed a tray of fruits on the table as he sits on the chair beside his mother's bed. He looked vibrant and cheerful. The rosiness in his cheeks made him look youthful and exceptionally beauteous.
Taking an apple and a knife, Moulin began to peel the skin of the fruit, slanting the blade with ease and skill on the surface of the apple. His mother's attendant wanted to do it herself, afraid that the youth would accidentally cut himself. However, she stopped when she watched Moulin do skin the fruit skillfully.
Maxiel leaned her back in her pillow and sighed at her son's pretty profile. Before, she was surprised when she realized that her youngest son had returned home for her. Longing for her son instantly exploded inside her chest and she began to look for Moulin frequently to tend her.
The youth was happy to spend time with his mother. Although he had to 'convince' a particular lion waiting for him in his room.
"You must have been worried, Moulin. Did it trouble you to return so soon? How did your Lord accept it so easily?" Lady Maxiel asked her son with a worried expression. She knew very well who was her son's master and the guild he joined. Rumors about the Hercullian Lion made her curious and fearful. She was worried if her son was having a hard time being a sentinel.
A smile appeared on Moulin's face. He restrained the urge to curse Hadrian's name in front of his mother. "My Lord was quite understanding. He even prepared the trip for me..."
"Oh!" Lady Maxiel's eyes widened in surprise. "Did he really? W-We must thank him!"
Moulin chuckled and he shook his head. "I already express my gratitude to his excellency, Mother. Don't worry."
Yes, that man is now especially enjoying my bod-gratitude to the fullest. Moulin resisted the urge to scoff.
"Oh, I see..." Lady Maxiel blinked thoughtfully. Her flustered expression quickly relaxed. "Your Guild Lord must be very kind and understanding. He's strangely different from what the rumors speak about him. I'm pleased he allowed your leave."
Moulin smiled and he lifted his gaze. His bright silver eyes shimmered with delight. "Yes, he is a good person and a benevolent leader as well."
Lady Maxiel paused as she took in the warmth of her son's eyes and the softness of Moulin's tone when he talked about the lord.
...
"You must be happy to follow him..."
Moulin nodded. "I am..."
