Reiner - Return to Chaos

The following day was another day of shooting lessons with Reiner. Today was the last day of our trip and we would be heading back to the mansion sometime later in the afternoon, according to Reiner. I had to say that I made astounding progress in my lesson. By the end of the session, I was able to shoot a pistol on my own with some accuracy. Sure, I wasn’t a pro at it and my shots didn’t always hit the target, but I still thought that I did quite well.

“What do you think? I’m pretty good, right?” I asked before flashing a bright smile at Reiner.

“Hmm…” Reiner made an unconvinced sound as if he was deep in thought.

“What? Say something…” I demanded.

“It needs work…a lot of work,” Reiner said after some thought.

“What do you expect? It’s only been two days!” I exclaimed.

“I guess…you did quite well,” Reiner mumbled as he ruffled my hair.

“Quite well…” I muttered with clear dissatisfaction.

I pouted like a mad kid almost all the way on the ride back because Reiner didn’t compliment me how I wanted him to. Reiner probably found that funny because he was chuckling to himself during our ride back to the mansion. We arrived back just in time for dinner. Lucien sent word that he wouldn’t be back home for a few days. I didn’t need to ask to know that he had gone on a business trip abroad again.

To my surprise, Zak came over unannounced to join me for dinner. It was very rare for Zak to turn up at Lucien’s mansion without a proper appointment. I wasn’t sure if the visit was planned or not, but Zak must have something quite urgent or important to talk to me about if he randomly just popped in here for dinner. It definitely wasn’t just dinner that he was after.

Since Zak was here, I ate with him in the dining room properly just like how I would have dined with Lucien. The chef also went all out with the meal since Zak was sort of like a guest. Reiner stood off to the side of the room in silence. However, occasionally, I could feel his eyes on me.

“So, you went on a trip? How was it?” Zak asked casually.

“It was really fun! I needed a break. Being locked up in the mansion was really driving me insane…” I replied honestly as I toyed with some leaves in my salad with my fork.

“Good to hear. You seem well too. Much better than when I last saw you,” Zak said, sounding pleased.

“Really? I guess…” I whispered hesitantly.

I didn’t like it when people told me that I looked well because that would mean that Reiner had completed his job. Not good…

“The food here is good. Compliment the chefs for me,” Zak said with a smile.

I knew that he was just making small talk. The food probably tasted standard for Zak and neither does he care about sending compliments to the chef. Which can only mean one thing: whatever he wanted to discuss has to be done in private.

“Should we go for an evening stroll? I could use some fresh air. Would you accompany me?” I asked invitingly.

“You always have the most perfect ideas…” Zak complimented.

After my suggestion for an evening stroll, Zak’s mood seemed to lighten. That was when my suspicions were confirmed. Zak wanted to talk to me in private without anyone else around. Once I provided him with the excuse for us to be alone together, he quickly accepted. Now all I had to do is quickly finish off this meal. I had no idea what Zak wanted to talk to me about, but I had a gut feeling that it was something very important.

After we finished our dinner, Zak stood up from his seat and quickly came to my side before offering me a hand. I nodded and smiled at him as I extended my hand and placed it in his. He helped me to my feet just like a proper gentleman would. Glancing in Reiner’s direction I could see that he was watching us with a worried look on his face.

“We’re just going for a stroll in the gardens. We’ll be back soon,” I said to Reiner.

He nodded, getting the message that we wanted to be left alone. Without saying another word to me, Reiner bowed, turned, and exited the room.

“Shall we?” Zak asked invitingly.

“Sure…” I replied before smiling at him.

…

The night was windy and pleasant. The atmosphere couldn’t beat that of the mountains that I had descended earlier in the day, but it was decent enough for an evening stroll. I walked along leisurely at Zak’s side with my hand tucked in the crook of his arm.

Both of us didn’t say anything as we proceeded deeper and deeper into the garden. Once Zak was sure that we were alone, he turned to face me, and my eyes widened slightly at the serious look on his face.

“Is something the matter?” I asked, my mind filled with worry.

Zak looked at me as he seemed to ponder some thoughts. I watched silently as he struggled to put his words together.

“I’ve been debating with myself for a couple of days now whether to tell you or not…” Zak said hesitantly.

“Whatever it is, I think you should tell me. Not just for my sake but I think you’ll feel better too if you tell me about it,” I stated with certainty.

“Maybe you’re right,” Zak said before sighing loudly.

When he turned to look my way again, his eyes were clear, and I knew that he had made up his mind.

Gently, Zak took my hands into his as his eyes stared directly into mine.

“My mother tried to kill you…” Zak said without mincing his words.

What?!

“…what?” I said in shock.

“I said, my mother tried to kill you. The fire…that was her idea…” Zak repeated.

Oh…I should have known. I was shocked but I wasn’t really surprised about it. Now that I thought back on it; it did make sense. After the news of Zak turning down his newly appointed position made big news in the media, it must have pissed Madame Francesca off a lot.

--To be continued…