Celestial Discord

Chapter 3- Not Quite As Planned

Mr. Reginald began walking inside of the dark entrance but Mary and I lagged behind, which prompted him to stop. It was obvious, at least for me that there was a tinge of irritation from Mr. Reginald but as usual he kept his composure as his eyes shifted back towards us.

I can't say for Mary, but honestly I'm hesitant to go into a creepy entrance where all I can see is darkness. That's not to say I don't trust Mr. Reginald...but I don't trust Mr. Reginald. Not because of anything he's done, but because I don't want to be around a burly man in a pitch-black environment. The situation in the other room was an exception.

"What's wrong with you two? We should get moving." Mr. Reginald said.

"Uhh, I don't really think—." I paused. How do I say I don't trust him without saying I don't trust him?

"I get that maybe you two don't trust me, but we don't have a lot of time. We need to get to a safe space before they check this area again."

"What you say is true." Mary said.

"Then—."

"I don't trust you at all." She stated bluntly. Her crimson eyes burned brightly into Mr. Reginald's while still managing an apathetic face.

Oh boy. This can't be good.

"What have I done to make me undeserving of your trust?" Mr. Reginald inquired.

"Do I have a reason to trust you?"

"I have risked myself to protect Sir Arthur just as you have. What makes me any less qualified to be his protector than you?"

"I'm not leading us into a dark, mysterious entrance." She shot at him.

She does have a point.

Mr. Reginald must've realized it was well. He took a glance back at the creepy entrance before turning back to us. Then he made a thinking face as if he never considered the reality that the entrance wasn't exactly inviting.

"Please Mary, you have to trust me." Mr. Reginald pleaded.

"My current orders are to keep the Young Master safe. That does not require trusting you."

"What of the safety of the household though?"

"Household?" This clearly caught her attention.

"Yes, the household. If something happens to Mr. Price, then even if we survive this pandemic the household will diminish."

"That is not a priority."

"What? How could you say that?"

Ah, he's getting heated. This isn't good.

"Maybe we should just calm down." I tried to take control of the situation, but failed miserably.

"Is this not the house you grew up in? Do you not feel attachment and want to protect it?"

"As I said, my only duty is to protect the Young Master. Nothing more, nothing less." There was no emotion behind her icy word, leading me to believe she might really be protecting me for the sake of duty and nothing else.

No, I shouldn't think that. It's not like Mary is actually heartless.

"And what of Sir Arthur?" Mr. Reginald asked. "What about his opinion on the matter? Not to mention, are you really going to keep him from his father in such dire times?"

I could feel my eyes glued to Mary and my ears wide open, patiently waiting for the apathetic maid's response.

Mary paused for a moment, most likely picking her words very carefully. "The Young Master's feelings on the matter," she started, "are irrelevant. I am only interested in his absolute safety. If I had to knock him out and tie him up to ensure his survival then that is what I would have to do."