Chapter 18

When He Means More Than He Knows

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The dark circles under Emil's eyes were impossible to ignore when he looked in the mirror the next morning.

"Damn it... Robert's definitely going to notice this," Emil muttered frustratedly as he let out a deep, tired sigh. With no way to fix it quickly, he decided to splash cold water on his face. He put on his reading glasses, quietly hoping they might at least hide some of the shadows under his eyes.

"Okay, Emil..." he said to his reflection, "What do you always tell yourself in times like these?"

This was one of the things Emil used to do whenever he felt pressured or stressed by his personal problems: he would talk it out and remind himself of what needed to be done. He'd probably picked up the habit because he didn't have anyone else to share his worries with. Even though he had plenty of friends in the mansion, he never wanted to burden them with his problems. So the best way he knew how to help himself was to keep his mind moving by reminding himself of his one golden mantra.

"Don't let them see what's inside you. Act normal. You can do this."

Emil quickly got dressed and tidied up after taking a few, steady breaths. This is the part where his professionalism really shines. There was nothing in his appearance that hinted at any anxiety or personal trouble. As he moved through the mansion, he greeted the stewards and other staff with ease. He even managed to assist his boss, Robert Vale, without raising any suspicion, all while the older man was busy getting ready in his room.

"Grandma will definitely expect to see us getting along while we are with her, so be prepared," Robert said while adjusting his tie in front of the mirror.

"Yes, my lord," Emil replied.

That's right.

Their agenda for the day was to accompany Grandma Vicky. It should have happened yesterday, but Emil's accident had forced them to reschedule the appointment.

After a few moments, Robert finally finished adjusting his tie and turned to face Emil. His eyes immediately landed on the bandage wrapped around the younger man's hand, which was clearly done better than his own work.

"How's your hand?" he asked.

"It's fine, my lord," Emil said, glancing briefly at his hand. "I cleaned it earlier before I came in."

Only then did Robert realize how poorly he had handled Emil's wound. But even so, Emil hadn't reacted, not even when he knew what Robert had done was wrong, and it was something Robert sometimes appreciated about Emil. But it also annoyed him. Instead of being honest, Emil would cover things up or simply tolerate his behavior, even when it turned out to be wrong.

"Good," Robert replied. "But I'd appreciate it more if you told me whether there was anything wrong with how I bandaged your wound."

Emil knew what Robert was getting at.

Shit, he's annoyed.

That's when Emil bowed slightly and slipped his bandaged hand behind his back, out of sight.

"I'm sorry, my lord. I saw that...you were enjoying what you were doing yesterday, so I didn't say anything more. I had no intention of embarrassing you."

"Let it be." Robert adjusted the buttons on the sleeve of his dark blue coat. "I just want you to be more honest with me, instead of spoiling me just so I don't get angry."

Those words struck Emil harder than he expected, causing the calm mask he wore to falter. He wished it were that easy to tell the truth—especially when staying silent was meant to protect Robert and the people he cared about.

Still, he needed to reassure his master, so he answered.

"I'll keep that in mind, my lord."

"Robert," he corrected, firm but gently, emphasizing that by now Emil should be used to calling him by name, something that Emil immediately complied with.

"Yes, Robert. I'll keep that in mind"

But then Robert noticed something else, aside from the neatly rewrapped bandage Emil had tried to hide when he caught sight of it in the mirror. Emil's eyes looked puffy—like someone who hadn't slept well, or worse, had cried through the night. Curious, Robert asked at once,

"Didn't you sleep well last night?"

This is it!

Emil must keep up his act no matter what. He had to look fine. Nothing could show on his face—not even in his voice.

"Ah...I think my body's still adjusting," he replied lightly. "It's been a while since we last stayed here, so the bed just feels a bit...unfamiliar."

That's right.

It had been fifteen years since they'd last stayed in Grandma Vicky's mansion. Even Robert hadn't slept well. He spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable as the vintage mattress pressed awkwardly against his back. On top of that, the room smelled of lilies, giving it a feel that was more like a memorial than a bedroom.

"You're right," Robert agreed. "I didn't sleep well either. Grandma rarely changes anything around here, and most of the furniture is vintage." He gave his arms and shoulders a little stretch that were still stiff from the night. "I guess my back and shoulders just isn't used to these old mattresses."

Emil just smiled at his boss's response. Thankfully, his answer was enough to convince Robert that there was nothing more to question about how he got his puffy eyes and dark shadows beneath them.

After Robert finished getting ready, he and Emil left the room. They walked down the hallway to meet Grandma Vicky, who was waiting downstairs. Along the way, they ran into Emily, the new maid who had nearly been fired after yesterday's incident. And just seeing Emily made Emil's anxiety flare. Luckily, he was walking behind Robert, so the older man didn't immediately notice the slight change in his expression as she approached.

"Good morning, Master," Emily greeted politely, bowing slightly as she stepped aside to let Robert and Emil pass. Then she turned to Emil, smiling. "Good morning to you as well, Mr. Weiss."

The emphasis on his name sent a chill down Emil's neck. He tried to ignore his sister, while Robert walked past, barely acknowledging Emily standing to the side. Then, suddenly, Robert stopped and turned around, already giving a serious, sharp gaze as he looked back at Emily.

"You…" Robert called out.

"Yes, Master?" Emily replied calmly and politely.

"What's your name?"

Emil, walking just behind Robert, felt a twinge of nervousness as he listened to the conversation.

"Emily," she answered confidently. "My name is Emily, Master."

This was the first time Emily had used her real name, a detail that made Emil even more uneasy as he listened.

"And your last name?" Robert asked seriously.

Meanwhile, Emil's mind was racing—he knew Robert rarely asked for last names without a reason. The truth was, after realizing the maid's first name sounded like Emil's, Robert was already a little annoyed. Why does this stupid maid's name sound like Emil's? he thought. Asking for her last name was just his way of making sure he didn't have to call her by her first.

"Hayes, master", Emily answered. "My full name is Emily Hayes."

Emil let out a quiet sigh of relief after hearing Emily's answer. He was pretty sure his sister was just teasing him, testing how much influence she had over him. And that only made things feel more concerning for Emil.

"Ms. Hayes..." Robert repeated the name with coldness and emphasis, "The next time you make a mistake like you did yesterday, I will personally remove you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master."

Without another word, Robert turned and continued down the hall. Emil wanted to ask a question as he followed, but doing so might give him away. Besides, it was clear his boss didn't appreciate him defending someone he already disliked.

Then, Robert suddenly spoke to Emil and said, "I really dislike that maid. But because of you, I'll let her off this time."

Emil blinked, not sure what to say. But his heart gave a little leap upon realizing how much he mattered to Robert, enough that the older man's subtle actions could calm his nerves.

He stole a quick glance at Robert and thought to himself…

He really is a good person...I love him so much.

Emil kept walking behind his master, letting the warm, thrilling feeling settle in his chest. It sparked a small sense of hope—like maybe, somehow, everything would turn out fine.

For now, what Robert had done was enough to steady him, even if only for a little while.