After searching the banquet hall for Ren, Hannah headed to the servants’ quarters. She met Lillia in the kitchen, arranging food for the guests, making sure the servants did everything properly.
When she asked Lillia, she told her that she had brought him to have dinner but she had to leave shortly after.
As she strode through the corridors, Ren’s voice caught her attention. She turned, trying to spot him. He was nowhere to be seen.
Then, a thought occurred to her.
Perhaps he is with Paul and Maria.
After all, lately she spotted them together more often. Ren, who would go to the forest during his free time, now hung around them. Mostly after Maria’s pregnancy.
Her eyes widened at what she heard once she stood before their room’s entrance.
She never heard of such a thing.
"What?.." The words escaped her as soon as the door swung open under her hand’s pressure.
"M-Miss Hannah," Ren stammered.
She rarely caught a glimpse of him this nervous. Perhaps the last time she saw him was when she asked about the servant’s treatment of him. He brushed it off, saying things she could barely grasp.
No matter how much she told herself she wouldn’t indulge in the urge to protect him, she still did. She terminated Jian without a second thought when she learned the truth. How did he dare hurt him?
The silver-haired young man nodded, pursing his lips.
"Why?" She asked, stepping closer, locking gaze with the tall young man.
Maria and Paul remained silent, letting the two speak without interruption.
"I have... some urgency."
"What is it? You can tell the Lord. He will help you. You—"
"Miss Hannah," Maria’s lips widened into a thin line, pressed together forcefully. Clearly stating: Do not prey further.
The elderly woman clenched her fists, exhaling.
"I apologize. I have no right to ask you..."
"It is alright. Please do not apologize. You are the reason I was able to work here in the first place. Thank you," Ren smiled politely. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel✶fire.net
Hannah nodded. Perhaps she was the only one who saw a son in him. He simply saw her as the headmaid, like everyone else. Her chest stung, but the smile on her lips didn’t drop even for a moment.
"Will you notify the Lord?"
"I will. Once the banquet ends."
"Oh!" Hannah exclaimed, relieved. "You are leaving in a week?"
"No, I mean... tonight. Once they return to the bedchamber."
The smile on Hannah’s face dropped.
"Right..." She gently patted his shoulder. "When will you return?"
Ren couldn’t find an answer to that question. He did consider leaving the empire, taking refuge in a foreign kingdom. Far, far away. However, could that place be as safe as Revhara, where people from Hianshu were forbidden entrance?
Hearing no answer, Hannah withdrew her hand.
"Come, let’s head to the Young Master’s room. I am certain they will arrive there soon."
Ren nodded, turning toward Maria and Paul who waved him goodbye.
"Come back soon," Maria mumbled.
Despite hearing her, Ren ignored it. He knew no words that could convey what he felt right now.
Eiran entered his room, followed by his Dad. Inside, Ren was already seated on the couch, awaiting their return. Hannah returned to the banquet, making sure everything went smoothly for the rest of the night.
The General chuckled at the sight. The servant never took the initiative to come into Eiran’s room during his presence.
Did he miss me during my absence after all?
Zayden shook his head. There was no way.
Look at him. He looks no different than usual. No warm smile greeting us. Above all, silent.
Standing up, Ren bowed to his masters.
"Papa!" Eiran jumped on him, hands wrapping his waist tightly. "Where were you?! I was looking everyyywhere for you! I was going to show everyone, like dad showed everyone I am his son, that you are my Papa!" His green eyes shone like precious jewels.
Ren gently pushed the boy away from him.
Sitting on the bed’s edge, Zayden arched an eyebrow. Why was he suddenly acting distant when he was the one who came here in the first place?
"Young Master," Ren knelt before him to be able to look into his eyes.
Eiran frowned, his cheeks puffed.
"Why are you calling me this again?"
The servant didn’t answer. He inhaled, mustering the courage it took to break this child’s heart. If he truly mistook him for his father.
"I am leaving tonight."
The words came out like the sharp edge of a blade. Sharper than the thin rose thorn that pierced his fingers before.
"W-What?" Eiran stammered, his eyes darkening. "You are playing a trick on me because I always tease?" He forced a low laugh.
Zayden rose from the bed, standing behind the child. He studied his attendant who didn’t show any emotion, face blank. Ren was surely not joking.
"Haah..." Zayden sighed, resting his hands on Eiran’s shoulders. "Where are you going?"
Before Ren could answer, Zayden added.
"Why? You have everything here, right?"
"I have some personal matters to tend to."
Eiran clutched onto Ren’s sleeve, tugging it downward.
Zayden gently held Eiran’s hand, pulling it away from Ren.
"Let him go," the words seemed more addressed to himself than the child. For some reason, his chest tightened at the thought that his attendant would leave. His throat turned dry, his grip around Eiran’s shoulders tightening.
"Do you need help?" he asked, picking up the child in his arms.
"Dad!" Eiran frowned. "Don’t let him go!" he pleaded, tears forming in Eiran’s eyes.
"Eiran," Zayden’s voice was calm, his gaze stern. "If he wants to go, let him go."
"No. He can’t go without me!"
Ren stood up, looking at the two, his expression grim.
"Young Master, I... I apologize... And thank you for everything, My Lord." He simply said. He looked at Eiran one last time, then bowed before exiting the room.
The hall was silent for a moment. The pair of father and son stared at the figure that disappeared into the hallways.
"Dad... Papa left us. Papa left me." Eiran bit his lips, tears steaming down his cheeks.
Zayden couldn’t take his eyes off the hallway until he felt the warmth of Eiran’s tears against his skin. He gently wiped the teardrops, patting his back.
"He will not be gone for long. He will come back to us." He muttered, trying his best to comfort the crying child.
"Really?" Eiran looked up, eyes damp.
Zayden’s lips curled into a faint smile.
"Really." His voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Although deep down, he was still uncertain if his words would be proven true.
I just need to make sure he is not a spy. And send people to watch him and...
He narrowed his eyes, perplexed by his own thoughts. Why would he track a mere servant when he could simply kill him? He was suspicious, still is. However, even when James left—someone who had betrayed him—it didn’t make him feel as restless as now.
Something was slipping from his grasp. But what? He couldn’t find an answer to that.