>>10674302>I'm celebratingWhat's the occasion? Did your daughter pass all of her charm school lessons? And you, as a proud father are ready to give her away the moment it suits your political agenda? The House of Lords has left you a telegram and you can smell the bitter, spicy bergamot emanating from the study yet it was only supposed to be you here this Sunday. All of the maids should, at behest, have taken off for a mandatory leave.
"Away with you," you stammer as you beat your cane against the study's chamber door in hopes of startling who might've been stirring.
"I have ordered Mutsumi Koashi. Mutsumi Koashi...And Ayatsuki!"
Looking back behind you into the empty hallway you take a moment to confirm no one could be coming. Yet the hot bergamot would insist, and so the investigation continued...
You fling open the chamber door with the carelessness of an intruder. After all. It was yours. Damned it for being in your way during your slight annoyance.
A lone maid could be seen sitting in your chair and drinking tea. She half turned, somewhat startled by your performance.
"Go home," you began as your coals turned. You grabbed her by the arm and plucked her up from your chair. "I don't care if you're the chambermaid, the head maid, the maid in waiting, or even the maid of all work."
"All maids are off today. That is my decree. After Sandola's passing I couldn't bear the gaze of one, let alone two eyes of obedience and innocence. In my grieving I take offense from your presence alone."
There was a pause as we both looked at each other. How long did that pause last? Five seconds? An eternity?
Within all of this commotion did time stand still? I gathered what remained of my nerve and...!
I motioned to strike her but could see it now...Even without my glasses...Even without my mind. It was Sandola! Sandola, dressed as the maid who had died a year before! Like a volcano doused my rage subsided.
I wouldn't get answers until Ayatsuki arrived.
