The Duke's Passion

Meanwhile, when Lilou and the maids departed the room, Adam turned his head to Law. The latter was still staring at the door as if he wanted to follow his mother, but suppressing this desire for a reason. 

"Law," called Adam and waited until Law turned his head to him before he spoke. "Your mother is very beautiful."

"I know."

"But, didn't you say she is sleeping for a long time?"

"Mother finally woke up last night," Law explained, keeping it short and simple. "It's my first time meeting her."

He gazed down while holding his hand on his lap. This was his first time meeting the conscious Lilou. Law had imagined what it would be if Lilou woke up, but now that she was, it felt surreal.

"She said she is my mother..." his eyes softened as an innocent smile no one had ever seen resurfaced on his face. Even Samael had rarely seen Law smile genuinely, and all those times was when he was accompanying Lilou.

"Do you think she hates me?" Law inquired while raising his head, setting his eyes back to Adam. The latter pursed his lips and shook his head.

"I don't think so."

"But, why?" 

"I don't know? My father used to tell me that my mother loved me even though she died in childbirth." Adam shrugged as his mood slowly dwindled at the thought of his parents. "I'm happy that your mother is finally awake, Law. And I'm sorry that you and Madam Roux are being treated terribly because you are my guest."

Law stared at his friend and sighed. He was aware of Adam's situation and how Viscount Malum maltreated him. The reason it frustrated Law was that he couldn't do anything for his friend. They were, after all, without a noble status. Samael was just wealthy, but their fortune couldn't touch those with noble status. 

"Why are you apologizing? It's not like you want this." Law clicked his tongue and smacked Adam in the head to stop him from sulking. "I promised you, didn't I? Once I become an adult, I will become a knight and surpass the military general in the capital and swear my loyalty to you!" 

"We can't do anything right now, so you have to survive until then. You understand?" he continued while staring at the timid young boy straight in the eye. His hand on the young earl's shoulder, nodding approvingly. 

"Let's not run away anymore, Adam. We will train and become stronger so we can protect what is precious to us."

Adam pressed his lips into a thin line. "But I don't have anyone to protect. Mother and Father are dead and all my relatives sided with Viscount Malum. To be honest, I just wish they chase me out since I don't want to become an Earl, anyway."

Again, Adam let out a sigh as he looked down. Law was Adam's only ally and the only person who didn't treat him differently, even after knowing he was the earl. Instead, Law had been protecting him in ways he could, but they were too young to resolve the bigger problems.

"Ah!" Adam frowned and teared up when Law smack him once again. He gazed up, only to see Law fumed. 

"Is your life not precious? Am I not your precious friend?!" Law harrumphed while glaring daggers at Adam. "My father told me that if someone has nothing to protect, they don't live a long life. It's like a curse, he said. So you need to find that reason!"

If only Samael's explanation was clearer, Law wouldn't misunderstand such a piece of advice. But well, for these children, this simple misunderstanding was enough to get their point across. 

"Alright..." Adam nodded as the determination in Law's eyes was contagious. Although his determination wasn't as strong as his friend's, he wanted to try what he said.

'Find someone or something precious to protect.' He stared at Law and a weak smile resurfaced on his lips.

"I know now," he said, making Law nod and smile. "By the way, did Madam Roux say she will fetch water herself?" 

Law snapped his eyes and looked up briefly before he nodded. "Why?"

"But the well in here is a bit far," Adam muttered in worry, turning his head towards the door. "Should we go and follow Madam Roux? It can be quite exhausting and dangerous. That is why the maids only go there once a week."

Well, that was what Adam knew because that was the reason they give him when they serve dirty water to him. He was already used to this treatment at this point, so he was alright with it. But it still embarrassed him that his guest was receiving the same terrible treatment. 

Law hummed a long tune before he gazed at the door. "Should we?"

********

"Who... are you?" 

My eyes dilated as I studied the reflection looking back at me. I didn't notice it last night as it was dark and even in the restaurant because I had a lot of things in mind. But now that it was bright and my misunderstanding was resolved, I finally had time to notice things I failed to notice last night.

Right now, my eyes were red, fading to their original color. My hazel hair had a few streaks of silver. Aside from the physical appearance, the way I was smirking right now with eyes full of evilness bothered me the most.

I knew deep down I was panicking, but the reflection bore a different expression. I didn't know this Lilou. This wasn't me. I balled my hands into a fist, about to punch the window when I heard the creak of the door behind me.

"Mother?" came Law's voice, and I was frozen in place. "What are you doing here?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I couldn't understand myself and my sudden urge to wreak havoc, but Law's voice chased all that away. A smile replaced my smirk as I turned to face them. 

"I was looking out the window," I answered as I trudged towards him and Adam. My fingers spread, gesturing the two to take my hands, which they did.

"The head maid said she will fetch water herself," I explained, treading carefully back to the bedroom. "Let's wait for them before we have breakfast, alright?"

The two boys were looking up at me and smiled. They looked so adorable, but it was hard to keep this bright countenance if I knew there was still something wrong with me.

Did Sam notice it last night? Was he trying to deceive himself by telling me there was nothing wrong with me? Again, a plethora of questions hovered over my head, but no answer.