Uncle Gerald chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with hesitation.
"Well, young master, I was planning to co alone, but there was a bit of a change in plans... His Majesty sent a carriage to the house, insisting that I co along with soone else." replied with an apologetic smile. "We had no choice but to oblige. The head maid, Margery, also accompanied us."
Adrian fell silent for a mont, absorbing the information. His thoughts turned to the head maid, Margery, a maternal figure who had always looked after him and his sister with great care. "Where is Aunt Margery? Why didn't she co with you?"
Uncle Gerald hesitated, his expression turning somber. Just as he was about to speak, Adrian interjected, a realization dawning on him. "Wait... has she gone to et...?"
"...Yes. You are right, Young Master."
_____ ___ _
On the other side of the arena, away from the noise and excitent of the competition, Margery stood in a quiet, shaded area. Her eyes filled with warmth and concern as she looked at the frail young woman sitting before her.
"I am really glad to see you again, my lady!" Margery exclaid, her voice filled with genuine affection. She reached out and gently held the hand of the young woman.
Aurelia Lighthaven, Adrian's sister, smiled weakly. Her once vibrant eyes were now shadowed with fatigue, but they still held a spark of determination. "It's good to see you too, Aunt Margery. I've missed you."
Margery's eyes softened with sympathy and love. "I've missed you, my dear. You look a lot tired. Are you ok? How are you feeling? You aren't ill, are you?"
"Haha, don't worry Aunty, it's just I'm a little tired because of the competition. But today I can finally take a good rest." Aurelia replied.
Margery sighed in relief but still held a hint of worry in her eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. You know, everyone back at the estate has been eagerly waiting for your return. They're all so worried of you, just as I am."
Aurelia's smile faded slightly. "That ans a lot to , Aunt Margery. I wish I could return... but..."
"You are worried that Young Master might refuse, right?" Margery muttered. "Then, let tell you a secret. After that unfortunate day, as soon as Young Master returned to the estate, he didn't co out of his room for three days straight. I don't know why but he seed burdened by a sense of guilt.
When he finally erged, he beca even more taciturn and reserved and his resolve grew more than ever to excel in everything he does."
"T-That happened?" Aurelia muttered with a hint of disbelief and relief. "Then... Why did he do that? Why did he say those things?"
"..." Margery looked at her young lady, a mixture of sadness and pity filled her eyes.
"I don't know what exactly happened back then, my lady," Margery began softly, squeezing Aurelia's hand gently. "But I do know one thing for certain—your brother loves you deeply. His actions, though they may seem harsh or confusing, always have a reason behind them. He has carried a heavy burden since that day, and I believe everything he does is with your best interests at heart."
Aurelia listened intently, her gaze fixed on Margery's kind, reassuring face. "Do you really think so, Aunt Margery?"
"I do, my dear," Margery affird with conviction. "Young Master Adrian may not always show it in the conventional ways, but his love for you is unwavering. He has dedicated himself to excelling in everything, not just for himself but for you too. He wants to make you proud and let him do it while you just stay safe and healthy."
Aurelia's eyes shimred with unshed tears. "I... I miss him, Aunt Margery. I miss how things used to be between us." eads.
"I understand, my lady," Margery said gently, brushing a stray hair from Aurelia's forehead. "Perhaps it's ti for you to talk to him. To let him know how you feel and to hear his side of the story."
Aurelia hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "I don't know if he'll want to see . And... I don't have the courage..."
Margery smiled warmly. "You are his sister, Aurelia. He loves you more than anything. Give him a chance to explain himself. I'm sure he will be relieved to see you."
Taking a deep breath, Aurelia nodded slowly. "Alright, Aunt Margery. I'll... I'll talk to him. Thank you for everything."
"You're welco, my dear," Margery replied softly. "Now, rest up. Regain your strength. Your presence is a source of strength to him as well. I will et you tomorrow or soon."
With a final squeeze of Aurelia's hand, Margery stood up, her eyes filled with affection and concern. She watched as Aurelia left, closing her eyes in a mont of peace.
As Aurelia turned to leave, she glanced back at her one last ti smiled sweetly, and ran off while waving her hand. Margery watched her, silently sending a prayer for her well-being and hoping for reconciliation between the siblings who ant the world to her.
'You were right My Lady... Even though they aren't related by blood, their bond runs deeper than any real siblings. I hope they can find their way back to each other.'
With a heavy heart and a sense of hope, Margery turned and made her way back towards the bustling arena. She knew she couldn't disappear for a long ti, or else who knows what trouble the Royal Family might cause her, or even her masters...
anwhile, in another corner of the arena, Adrian stood with Uncle Gerald, their deep conversation about to co to an end.
"Goodbye, Uncle Gerald," Adrian replied warmly, clasping the older man's hand in gratitude. "Thank you for coming and for everything you've done."
Uncle Gerald smiled kindly, his eyes reflecting pride and affection. "It was my pleasure, young master. You've grown into an exceptional young man, and I have no doubt you will continue to shine in the quarter-finals and beyond."
Adrian nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I won't disappoint you, Uncle Gerald. I'll give it my all."
"I know you will," Uncle Gerald said assuredly. "Take care of yourself, Adrian. And rember, we're all rooting for you."
With a final nod, Uncle Gerald turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Adrian watched him go, his friendly expression slowly turning indifferent.
'I hope you won't make the mistake you did in the novel... Uncle...'
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