Dinner
Slumbering in her room, a disturbance is made by one of the mansion's servants. A loud knock wakes Ayumu up from her slumber. That disturbance makes Ayumu feel uneasy. So, she gets up and heads to the door. But before she could even reach the door, the female servant voice out her orders from Lord Hidekazu.
"Urm, urm. Princess? Are you awake? I'm sorry for disturbing you, but Lord Hidekazu has summoned you to the dining hall. He is expecting you in another half an hour. Please get ready, Milady."
After that, the servant walks away continuing her duties in the mansion.
Feeling forced, Ayumu begins to mumble her way to the bathroom. "Summoned? Who does he think he is? A king? Urgh! Whatever." Ayumu takes her clothes off and turns on the shower. While she is taking a shower, her phone rings. A name appeared on the phone screen, 'Kei'. Unfortunately, she does not hear her phone rings over the sound of water running in the shower. So, the call made ended without her knowing it was even ringing.
Stepping into her room after a refreshing bath, Ayumu heads over towards the desk near the window. She stares at a picture frame on the desk. "Mother, Rikuo has definitely changed over these years." Saying that to herself, she swings open the window letting the cold breeze blows into her room. "I seriously need to decorate this room a bit, it's all blue dammit!" Chuckles a little to herself, she walks over to the closet to get dressed.
"Hmm. Knowing the Lord, formal wear is a mandatory wear I guess." To her surprise, her clothes has already been arranged in a neatly order and fashion. "Woah!" Silence for a few seconds, she starts to mumble again, "I guess I've forgotten how to live in a mansion. Hmph. What a joke." Going through her clothes, she picks up a few piece of an outfit and try them on. "Well? Think this would satisfy the big Lord?" Chuckling, she looks into the mirror, strut around like a model to make sure that the dress would not make her look foolish. After that, she walks out of the closet and heads to the dressing table. On the way to the dressing table, she sees a whole bunch of dusty drawings in a corner. So, she goes over to take a look. "What's this? Rikuo's drawings?" She picks the one that seem chaotic and start to open it and look at it. After seeing it, her face turns pale and sweats starts running down her cheeks. "What the he---ll is---this!?" She lost her breath and breathes heavily. The picture that he drew was the picture of the incident 10 years ago. Where her little brother was kidnapped and her mother was killed.
Tears starts to roll down her cheeks and she could not believe her eyes. She cannot believe that Rikuo actually saw the incident with his own two eyes. Dumbfounded by that fact, she falls onto the floor and copes her mouth. Tears are rolling down even faster this time and by the time she realizes it, her face is all red and hot. Her eyes are clouded by the exceedingly amount of tears that were coming out of her eyes. To actually see the incident again with her eyes is something that she never would ever expected. And to realize that Rikuo had also actually witnessed the incident is conjuring up guilt inside of her. "Why did he paint this picture? It can't be true."
After a while, her crying stops and she gets up from the floor. Looking terrible and messed up, she lazily makes her way towards the dressing table when the same female servant knocks on her door again. "Princess Ayumu, are you ready? Lord Hidekazu is eagerly anticipating you. Please hurry, Milady." Hearing the servant's forced orders, she feels irritated and start yelling out from the inside of her room, "Shut up! Get the hell out of here!". Shocked and scared by Ayumu's response, the servant could only say yes and runs downstairs. Ayumu makes the servant shed some tears and managed to actually scared her to death.
Feeling a little guilty for accidentally let out her frustrations on the servant, she quickly gets ready and heads downstairs. On the way downstairs, she manage to wipe off her tears and hides them from her little sister, Miyuki. Miyuki is left wondering why Ayumu is in a hurry and why she was hiding her face from her. No assumptions is made by Miyuki because she does not want to be blamed for prying into Ayumu's business. Following along her sister's trail, she sees Rikuo comes out from the guest room. She stops and gives him respect, "Hello, Rikuo nii chan." She bows respectfully. Unfortunately, Rikuo only sighs and ignores her. He heads straight downstairs without responding appropriately to Miyuki. She is left with a whole lot of dissapointment. "Hmm. The same treatment I get from Ayumu. And, it's not even the first time we've met. What do you've got to say 'bout that nii chan?" (she is referring to Kaoru). She lets out a big sigh and starts to make her way downstairs and straight to the dining room.
Ayumu search high and low for the female servant in the service kitchen. All the kitchen workers are wondering what is wrong with the Princess of the house. They even stop working to keep watching her actions. It goes on for quite a while until she realizes that they are all staring at her. She decided to ask them about the female servant earlier rather that just randomly search for her. One of the workers there mention that he saw the female servant ran outside to the backyard. She quickly thanks the guy and runs outside as well. The male worker is touched by Ayumu's gentleness and her beauty. "Ahh. I think I'm in love." His face turns red and just like that he becomes as soft as a jellyfish. One of the other workers says, "Dream on. She is the princess of this house after all, the daughter of the Klein's family. There's no way she would actually fall for a servant like you, or us." He replies, "I know that! Sheesh! I'm just saying that she is gentle and very courteous. And abundantly beautiful! Ahh." The other workers laugh at their hilarious conversation. Another worker comes and interrupts their conversation. "I cannot agree enough with you, Rio. She is different from Miyuki. Her beauty, her coldness, her very being in the room with you, just--intimidates you." Rios answers, "Whoa! Are a fan of the Princess too!?" The worker does not respond but just smile and walks away, leaving him in wonders. The head chef interrupts their little conversation and tells them to get back to work.
Heading outside, Ayumu hears a crying voice over at a big shady tree near the walls of the gate. She quickly runs towards the direction the voice coming from and sees a female servant crying and soaking her dress with her tears. Ayumu does not know how to apologize to her and keeps pondering in her head on how should she start the conversation. While she is thinking, the female servant looks up to her, "Urm. Sob, sob. Who are you?" Shocked by the servant's question, she realizes that it is very dark outside but she can see clearly the servant's face. 'So, why can't she sees mine? Or maybe she hasn't met me?' Pondering that in her thoughts, she answers her, "I'm, I--I'm Ayumu. Urrm. I'm sorry for shouting at you earlier. I didn't mean too. It's just that I'm tired and I'm just, I--I" Stopped by the servant, "Uh? Princess? Oh! Milady! I'm sorry. Urr. About earlier, it's ok. I just over reacted. I didn't mean to worry you Milady." Ayumu could not believe her ears when she hears that the servant is actually apologizing to her instead. "Wha--!? Listen!" Startled by Ayumu's high pitched voice, she starts to cry again. "Wait, wait! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I just wanted to apologize and then you started to apologize back to me and---and---. Urgh. Forget it." Ayumu stares at the servant and chuckles. The servant wonders what is so funny that she starts to laugh and not stopping. Finally Ayumu stops and starts to say, "I can't believe this, Yukari." The servant is shocked that Ayumu knows her name, "Wha--!? How'd you know my name?" Ayumu laughs again, only this time, even harder. She even rolls over on the grass. "Of--of course I know your name, Yukari. I used to call you Yuri, remember?" Continue laughing and rolling on the grass, Yukari starts to remember, "Wait a minute! Are you Mika?" Ayumu stops rolling and finally gets up. She brushes off the dirt and the grass that is stucked on her dress. "Oh oh. The Lord ain't gonna be happy with this! Ahahaha!" She keeps on laughing when finally she realized what had just Yukari said. "Yea, well, I guess you never knew my real name, huh? Or rather my official name." Yukari's face brightens up and smile is formed on her face, "Is it really you, Mika? Wait, you're Ayumu? Oh. I thought she is your cousin or something." Ayumu starts to laugh again, "Ahahaha! Come on Yuri! You can't be serious!? Ahahaha!" Feeling a little teased, she sounds Ayumu, "I know that I can be gullible sometimes but it still doesn't give you the rights to make fun of me, Mika-chan." Pissed by Ayumu, Yukari walks away. "Wait! Yuri! I didn't mean to make fun of you. It's just that I'm so happy to get to see you. I missed you. That's all. I didn't laugh at you because you were missed informed. I laughed because I can't believe it that you still works here. I mean, your mom still works here." Yukari stops and turns around, "Is that funny to you? Huh Mika? The fact that we are still here?" Yukari's face turns red again and she is starting to feel angry. "No, Yuri. Sheesh! Why do you always manage to make everything I say sound negative? You never changed, you know that?" Yukari replies, "Well, miss everything is cherry on tops, it is because, everything that you say does sounds teasing and sometimes hurtful." Walking towards Yukari, Ayumu faces her and shakes her head. "Yea, yea. But, I do miss you, y'know, Yuri." Yukari takes Ayumu's left hand and it feels cold as the iceberg in the south pole. "Your hand----is----freezing cold!" Ayumu smiles and says, "It's been like this since a few months ago. Even I don't know why. Weird, huh?" Yukari stares at her face and sees the changes. "You've changed a lot, Mika. And----I can't believe that I thought Ayumu was someone else. I am a fool." Yukari sighs. "You're not a fool, Yuri. I never told anyone my real, full name to anyone. Only my family members know of it." Ayumu jumps across and starts introducing herself, "Hi! My name is, Ayumu Rossaabeth Mika Klein! Nice to meet you!" Yukari smiles and chuckles, she responds, "Hi! I'm Yukari Matsuda. My name isn't as long as yours, so, I apologize." Ayumu cannot help it but to burst into laughter, "Why are you apologizing? Ahahahaha! You sound like an old man, y'know that Yuri? Ahahaha!" Yukari feels teased again and starts to chase Ayumu around the backyard. "I was just trying to be polite, y'fool! Why do you always act like this?!"
Their little fun is interrupted by a male servant's voice. "Urm. Urm. Princess Ayumu, Lord Hidekazu is waiting for you in the dining hall. He is expecting you from moments ago. I would be pleased to guide you there, Milady." Yukari stopped running and makes her way into the mansion while bowing her head when passing by the male servant. "I will expect you in my office later this evening, Yukari." Shocked and scared by what he has said, she quickly walks inside to resume her work. "Y'know, it wasn't her fault. I was the one who deliberately procrastinating around. You don't have the rights to blame her. Understand?" Shocked by what he just heard from Ayumu, he replies, "Understood, Milady. Now, if you would just follow me." Ayumu walks towards the back entrance of the mansion and follows the male servant. "Now, what's your name?" The male servant is surprised that she would ask for his name hearing what the driver and co-driver said earlier. "Naoru, Milady." Satisfied, Ayumu does not respond after hearing his answer. 'She is indeed the real Princess of the Klein's family. The way she commanded me not to touch Yukari earlier is very intimidating. She knows just what to say and to do in protecting her friend. She inherits Lord Hidekazu's aptitude fully. She is amazing.' he secretly thought to himself. "Sugoi!" Surprised by Naoru, she asks, "What are you talking about?" Embarrassed by what he just did, he lowers his head and just lead Ayumu to the dining hall. "This way, Milady." Ayumu just nods and walks towards the dining hall. Before she could open the door, Naoru interrupts, "Milady, about earlier--" "What?" Naoru hesitates and finally decided to forget about his intentions. "Urm. I'm sorry for shocking you by saying 'Sugoi!' all of a sudden." Ayumu turns around and stares at him, "Is that all?" Naoru cannot help but to tremble. "Ye--ye--yes, Milady." Ayumu turns back around and turns the knob and swings the door open gently, entering the dining hall. The other servants inside, greets her, "Good evening, Princess Ayumu. Welcome home!" Ayumu feels irritated by their dishonest and forced attitude and just nods in respect to them. Then, the servants start whispering among themselves.
'Wow. I've never seen the actual Princess before'
'Yea. She is intimidating.'
'No way. She is scary.'
'Well, I think, she's beautiful. I guess she takes after her mother.'
'Maybe, but I think she's more like her father, dark and cold.'
'Why is her hair red?'
Ayumu pretends that she does not hear any of their comments about her and ignores them all. She walks slowly towards the dining table and sits far from her father and the rest of the family. When the servants are still gossiping, the head butler gets angry and yells, "Silence! If you have nothing to do here, then I suggest that you leave this hall!" Then the head butler faces Lord Hidekazu and bows, "I apologize, My Lord, for their behaviour." All of the servants are shocked by the loud shout from the head butler. So they keep their mouth shut and lowers their head. After that, they resume to their work serving the Kleins.
Hidekazu is not even a little shocked nor intimidated by the head butler's action earlier. He keeps cool and remain calm and cold as usual. He nods in the accordance of saying that it is fine and signals the head butler to bring in the food. When he sees that Ayumu is sitting far away from the rest of the family, he orders her to sit besides him. But, the seat near him is already taken by Miyuki. So, he made Miyuki trades the sit with Ayumu. Miyuki feels a little left out when Rikuo changes his seat to sit opposite of Ayumu. When all of them has settled down, Hidekazu orders the servants to serve the food immediately.
Hidekazu: Matsuo, please, serve the food immediately.
Head butler: Yea, My Lord. I'm sorry for all the fuss.
Hidekazu: Never mind that.
After the food is served, the whole family digs in. The food is indeed as wealthy as the mansion. All the food that are served are fancy and luxurious. Just like the reputation of the Klein's family for generations. The smell of the food is enough to make your taste buds tingles and melts your nose when the smell touches the tip of your nose. Of course, Hidekazu would hire the best chefs in the world. He is after all, the head of the wind's clan. Every single detail about him and his family is luxurious and fancy. That even includes Ayumu. Ayumu was raised with tight and straight schedule, always perfectly planned her day is. Until the moment of her banishment.
Ayumu takes a sip of the chicken soup and her tongues just cannot believe the excellent taste. The taste of the salty soup and together with the sweet taste of the chicken is enough to make someone shed tears. That is exactly what happened to Ayumu when the delicious soup touches her taste buds. Miyuki is surprised and almost laugh but she controls it and keep shut.
After moments has passed, Hidekazu finally voices out a conversation with Ayumu.
Hidekazu: Ayumu.
Ayumu: Yes, Father?
Hidekazu: Next week, you will start attending the Karuo High Academy. I've asked Kaoru
to prepare everything for you.
Ayumu: Yes, Father.
Ayumu responds softly to her father and lowers her head and continues eating dinner. Hidekazu feels a little uncomfortable since Ayumu does not voice out her opinions on the matter. All he can do is stare at his daughter. He is about to say something when Miyuki interrupts.
Miyuki: Father! I've got great news today!
Hidekazu is propelled by Miyuki's sudden interruption and raises his voice.
Hidekazu: Silence Miyuki! I didn't ask you to say anything. Do not interrupt, or leave the
dining hall immediately.
Miyuki is startled by her father's rage. Tears are seen to start flooding her eyes. 'Why is father acting this way? He was never like this before. Is it because of Ayumu?' She is holding back her tears as hard as she could. When she can no longer hold it, she asks to be excused and walks out of the dining hall. One of the servants opens up the door for her and accompanies her to the hall but she refuses accompaniment. She gives one last respect to her father and runs as fast as she could to her room. Tears are flowing as vigorous as the flow of a waterfall when she runs upstairs. At that moment, she is wishing as hard as she could that Kaoru is there with them. 'Where are you, nii-chan? I need you!'
Ayumu is speechless when her father throws Miyuki out of the dining hall. 'That was pretty harsh, father.' She thought to herself. Then Hidekazu resume their disturbed conversation. But before he is able to speak out, Ayumu beats him to the punch.
Ayumu: That wasn't excessively necessary, y'know.
Rikuo is dumbfounded to hear that coming out from his twin sister's mouth.
Rikuo: Wow, Mika. Since when you are fond of that little doll? I thou---
Ayumu: Don't get me wrong. I still don't like the fact that she is here but trashing her like
that isn't the way either.
Sighing, Rikuo smiles cynically and turns to face his father.
Rikuo: Well, Father, what do you have to say about this? Seems that you are the bad guy
here.
Hidekazu: Well, it is an interesting twist of incident. Does this tickle your sensory humour,
Rikuo?
Rikuo: (sighs and chuckles) Oh Father, y'know that it takes more than that to actually raise
my interest in making your little doll a laughing stock.
Hidekazu: Oh? It's not enough? Well then. Do tell, what tickles your nuts.
Rikuo feels disrespect. Glaring at his father, he has every intention of giving him a piece of his mind but is interrupted by Ayumu.
Ayumu: What is this? Father and son dispute? What an irony.
She is about to leave the table when Hidekazu stops her with stating something that shocks her off.
Hidekazu: Well, Rikuo? Maybe skipping school and gets into fights raise your interest enough?
Ayumu: Skipping? School?
Rikuo: You just love bringing that up, don'tcha?
Ayumu: Rikuo? Huuhh. I-I-
Rikuo: It's none of your fault. It's all mine and mine alone. I'll deal with it and--
Hidekazu interrupts with a sarcastic tone.
Hidekazu: And pay the fees of your own account?
He smiles sarcastically and angers Rikuo out of this oblivion. Rikuo stands up harshly and you can hear the sound of his chair screeching the floor loudly. Before he makes his leave, he utters some last words to his father.
Rikuo: You've succeed in educating your children. Seems that sending Ayumu to the states without actually letting me know is really working for you now, isn't it?
After that, he walks away violently, pushing the chair with coarseness and slamming the door with brute force until the whole dining hall is shaking like an earth quake. Feeling guilty, Ayumu wants to chase Rikuo but her father stops her.
Hidekazu: Leave him be. There's nothing you can do.
Ayumu sits back down on the chair and glares at her father.
Ayumu: What is that? Why would you do that? The father that I know, wouldn't even has the idea crossed his mind to even do such things to someone that is related to him by blood. And to think of that I was the only one who received great punishment from you. (sighs) You've really changed, Father.
Hidekazu can only sighs. He knows why Rikuo acted the way he did but there is no way that he could ever let him know the truth about his twin sister. About someone that means the world to him. That would actually destroy him. He could never let his children bears the pain of the responsibilities that he has been holding all these years.
Hidekazu: Maybe my judgement was clouded by the sense of fear and the sense of----losing---you.
A feeling of surprised is building up inside of her mind. 'Losing me? Scared? What the--'
Ayumu: What are you talking about, Father? Losing me? Fear? Wha--!?
Knowing the fact that he needs to explain to her sooner or later, he feels weak, breathless and almost suffocated. He gives out a big and long sigh and continues their conversation.
Hidekazu: There are a lot of unexplained things that needs unraveling. Perhaps now is not the suitable time to do so. I'll summon you when it is time.
Hidekazu gets up from his chair and walks to the entrance of the dining hall. Before he can even touch the door knob, Ayumu stops him.
Ayumu: Wait! What are you talking about? Unexplained matters? Is this a joke?
Hidekazu only laughs a little and says, "Your expressions is just like Kaoru's, truly are brother and sister." After saying that one last sentence, he leaves the room without answering Ayumu's questions leaving her in confusion.
Ayumu can only spaced out and be speechless after hearing what her father has said. She decided to not think too much about it and heads to her room. The servants can see that she is spaced out and she seems in a lot of trouble. So, they leave her alone. Naoru offers to accompany her but the same reaction that he got from Miyuki is given again by Ayumu. He sighs and orders the other servants to clean up. Watching Ayumu walks upstairs, he is wondering what is up with the Klein's family today.
Reaching her room, Ayumu swings the door open not gently this time but violently and slams her door until the whole mansion is ringing with the sound of her door slamming. The servants in the mansion starts to gossip again hearing that from upstairs. Ayumu walks towards her dressing table restless and flashing back what her father has said. Knowing that she would not make sense of any of it, she gets up and heads to her bed and slams her body on the bed. Staring at the ceiling, she has just remember that Rikuo went out somewhere. She thought of looking for him but she just got here, to Japan and she does not seem to remember the way around Tokyo much anyhow. So, she decided to leave him be. 'He'll be fine on his own. He might just went back to the dorms or something.' With that last thought accompanies her sleepy eyes, she closes her eyes and dozes off softly.
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