Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 74: Unmasking Deception - Part 2

It took some hours, including breaks in between when Liam was getting frustrated, but the new song that Marlina has him practice is sounding quite good. Since he had her leave early the previous day, he was determined to make up for the lost time by practicing for an extra couple of hours today. Though he still seems to have much on his mind, he's a bit more composed than yesterday.

After completing the song one more time, Marlina smiles widely. "That was wonderful, Master Liam."

Liam puts down the violin, rubbing his thumb over his left fingers and softly groaning, as his fingertips feel tender. "Are my fingers supposed to hurt like this?"

"Unfortunately, it happens with beginners. But I promise you, the more you play, the less it will hurt. Perhaps we'll skip tomorrow's lesson so your hand can rest?"

Liam shakes his head. "No, I was playing for a long time today... If it still hurts, I'll just practice finger positions for a new song."

Marlina nods. "As you wish, Master Liam. Then I'll be seeing you tomorrow, have a good evening."

"Thank you, Marina. Have a good evening." Liam bids her goodbye for the first time, and Marlina smiles and bows to him, then leaves.

Once Marlina makes it to the foyer to go to Ms. Muriel's office, Roland is waiting for her at the bottom of the steps.

"Marina, good evening. A long lesson for today?" Roland asks.

Odd that Roland is here, but she answers. "Yes, Head Butler, our time was short yesterday, but Master Liam insisted we make it up today."

"You've done quite well with him. I have heard the improvement, and so has His Lordship. In fact, he wishes to speak with you to discuss more about your plans for Master Liam's progress."

"Oh, he has?" Marlina says with a bit of surprise. "Well, if he's not busy at the moment..."

"He's been waiting for you, so I suggest we don't keep him waiting any longer. Please follow me." Roland then starts to walk towards a nearby door, and Marlina tilts her head in confusion, as she expects them to be going back to the family quarters.

"Isn't His Lordship in his room?" Marlina asks.

"No, he's in the basement, and he sent me to lead the way."

Marlina pauses. Something seems amiss, but considering the circumstances, is she able to refuse?

"Very well, Head Butler..."

As they go through the door, which requires a key, it opens to a short hallway leading to an elevator decorated with brass framing. With each step they take, time seems to move a little slower, more sluggish. Once inside, with the clang of the gate and the squeak of pulleys as the platform descends, it feels as slow as a pebble dropped in a thick bog. It's only a few moments before the walls become tightly packed stone of the mansion's foundation.

Then a dim light comes from below. Compared to the marble floors and wallpaper of the rest of the mansion, the room feels more like a dungeon. There are no windows, just stone walls and floors: no sconces or chandeliers, just bulbs emitting light from their internal wiring, which are usually hidden. Roland opens the gate for her once they reach the bottom and gestures for her to step out.

Though Roland said Ervin is here, there isn't anyone in sight. All she can see is a large, square central room supported by arches, with more light from around the corner. The elevator gate is closed, and Marlina turns to see that Roland is still inside.

"Head Butler?" Marlina says with uncertainty.

"I'll be back shortly; there's something else his Lordship needs. Continue."