Keeping Secrets *Mitsuhide x OC*(COMPLETE)

Confession

I sigh softly as I lean against the wall behind Zen's desk. It's been just over two months since Reila left and I still hate every minute of it. I can't get her out of my head no matter how hard I try. I still don't understand how she could have possibly affected my life this much in just two short months but she has. The days are just not as happy as they once were, almost like her presence had made the sun shine just a little brighter and the grass a little greener.

I jump as a wadded up piece of paper hits me in the face and I shoot a glare toward Zen.

"You weren't listening so I decided to get your attention another way."

"Sorry. What do you need?" I look around and notice that Kiki is gone. I never noticed her leave.

"What's going on? You've been acting strange lately."

"It's nothing." I mumble but he glares at me.

"I order you to tell me the truth. You're lying to me."

I tense at him 'ordering' me. He is technically my employer but he has never ordered me to do something not directly related to himself or the castle.

"As you wish." I growl and he apologizes, telling me that he's only concerned about me.

I apologize to him as well and fold my arms over my chest. I don't even know where to begin.

"Is it about Reila?"

I sigh and nod. "It's not the same without her."

"I've felt the same honestly. You were closer to her than anyone else though. I'm sure that she is alright though."

"Did you know the reason why her parents wanted her to come here?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"I figured it was just Lord Brother's influence."

"Her parents forced her into it because Lord Canswen's money is gone. They were using her to try to regain their wealth and hold status. She knew they were going to be mad when she returned and you sent the letter declining the marriage proposal but kept telling me not to worry. With how that horrible woman treated her, I can't help but worry for her being there."

"I had no idea. I'm sure that was what Lord Brother referred to when we had breakfast together the day after the ball?"

"Yes. To my knowledge he had mentioned it to her at least twice, reminding her how important it was for her to care for her family and make it work between you. She didn't deserve to be a pawn in Izana or Lord Canswen's games."

Zen looks at me curiously before his eyes widen and a smile crosses his face. I don't like this. I give him an uneasy look in return and straighten as I ask why he is looking at me like that.

"You developed feelings for her, didn't you?"

"You just now figured that out? Honestly, Master, I've known since the beginning."

We both turn to find Obi lounging in the window. I shoot him a look and tell him to go away but he takes that as an invitation to get to his feet and instead stretch out on the couch.

"I tried the whole time she was here to get him to confess to her or to simply kiss her but he wouldn't do it."

Zen looks to me for confirmation and I nod. "Sadly, he's telling the truth. He wouldn't leave me alone."

"Why didn't you tell her?" He asks and I throw the nearest object at Obi as he opens his mouth to speak.

"It wasn't my place. She's of a higher status and was leaving after the months were up regardless. It would have been unprofessional since you asked me to watch over her anyway. I thought that I would rather enjoy her company as a friendship than to trouble myself with potentially burdening us both with feelings that couldn't be reciprocated."

"I think you should have told her."

I deflate as Obi cheers from the couch. "See! I was so right. He flat out refused though. I even tried to court her just to get him mad enough to admit that he liked her. I got punched in the mouth for it but he still never said it out loud. Mitsuhide, you're supposed to take care of Master and make sure he doesn't die, yet you were too afraid to tell a frail girl like Miss Reila that you had feelings for her. What a shame."

"Miss Reila isn't frail. You know that from experience when she knocked you into the dirt about twenty times." I point out. "Also, emotions are far different from combat."

"Well, Mitsuhide, if you get the chance to see her again, I'd recommend you tell her. Social status isn't as important to some people, just look at Shirayuki and me."

Obi and I look up from our glaring match as Zen stops sorting through the pile of papers on his desk. With my admission in the open, he was able to return to his work despite our bickering. Zen's eyes are wide as he picks up a sealed envelope from the pile of things that had come in a few days ago.

"This is from Lord Canswen's estate."

"Is it from Miss Reila?" I ask hopefully but he shakes his head.

"It's from Lord Canswen himself."

Obi and I wait in tense silence as he opens it and skims the contents. His face pales slightly as he looks up at me with a sad look. Oh no. This can't be good.

"What is it?" Obi asks since I can't seem to get myself to breathe.

"It's an invitation... to Reila Canswen's wedding. She is set to marry Lord Gerron's son in three days."

I feel my knees give out but I'm leaned against the wall at the right angle to keep me from hitting the floor.

"Do you know him?" I manage to ask. He has to be a good man, someone that could treat her properly.

"Unfortunately." He says and my heart sinks. "He has a reputation involving his treatment of women. He had a fiancee for a while but she broke the engagement before the wedding because he was caught with six other women during the course of two months. His marriage interviews after that never worked out because he was controlling and cruel toward them."

"Master, can I have permission to remove him from the equation?" Obi asks.

"I think you should let him." I add and Zen sighs.

"As much as I don't like the man, it is not our place to interfere. I turned down the arrangement so the only thing I could do is attend the wedding in support of Reila, but as it is, I wouldn't make it in time if I tried. I'm sorry Mitsuhide."

"I just hope that by some miracle he treats her properly and she is happy." I sigh.