If there were a person who loved a particular day, Sebastian would be one of them…
"Have you caught a glimpse of the young duke?! Something is quite different about him today! His looks were blinding!"
"It made me forget how to breathe!"
A murmur accompanied by the continuous flirtatious giggle of the maid echoed through the halls as Sebastian descended the stairs, his aura dazzling everyone like the sun. He was dressed in a striking blue formal suit, elegantly paired with a decorative cape adorned with gold buttons. His white-blond hair was styled in layered, mid-length strands with a side part, creating a tousled, swept-back look that framed his face perfectly.
There was nothing different about the way he dressed; his style actually remained the same. Yet the glowing energy emanating from him was captivating, transforming his presence into something strikingly vibrant, as if the gloomy aura that once surrounded him had perished. Now, he appeared remarkably refreshed, his face no longer intimidating but rather inviting, like an iceberg melting under the warmth of the sun. But as soon as he reached a gigantic door, his expression shifted dramatically, twisting into a scornful frown. The warmth that had radiated from him moments before was replaced by a cold intensity that darkened his features like a thunderous cloud stirred by a storm.
"A lot of nobles will be going to the temple for blessing."
His father, the Duke, warned sternly.
"You must not bring shame upon our name as an ASHBOURNE. Conduct yourself with the dignity EXPECTED of our family."
Sebastian hadn't even yet touched the knife to cut the meat on his plate, but after hearing a word come out of his father's mouth, the once-salivating feast on the dining table now left him feeling so full that the thought of it made him want to throw up.
"I never thought of doing that unless you made me do so."
A hint of irritation mixed in his voice, though he was only met with a glare from the duke before the duchess spoke, carefully putting the knife down on the table with her trembling hand.
Even though they were all eating together at the dining table, it felt as if there were an invisible wall separating them, and the duchess was well aware of it.
"I-I have heard your aunt has summoned you to the palace."
"How-how is it?"
The duchess voice trembled, and the awkward smile upon her face was distinctly visible.
"Nothing unusual."
He stated as if he couldn't be bothered to swallow any more food.
"Are-are you meeting so-someone recently, like perhaps a-a lady?"
The duchess's words lingered in the air, causing him to slowly lower his cutlery.
Sebastian then wiped his lips with a fine handkerchief, wearing a look of displeasure painted on his face. His brow furrowed slightly, and his eyes showed a mix of annoyance.
"I don't know WHERE or WHAT kind of rumors you have been hearing about me, but I would not waste my time meeting such a person who only inspires my DISGUST, MOTHER."
Hearing it, the duchess erupted in fury. She suddenly grabbed the tablecloth, causing dishes and silverware to crash to the floor, capturing the attention of all the servants. Yet, their faces showed no surprise, as if this spectacle was nothing new to them.
"Bu-but you are already of an age to be marrying Sebastian!-
-MOTHER, your words make it seem like you are more DESPERATE to get me married than I am."
His voice was stern, like a bomb about to tick at any moment.
"I'm just looking after you Sebastian! If you don't want to marry the marquis's daughter, then a maid or a girl slave would be fine, just so you don't catch the disease!-
-THAT"S ENOUGH! YOU CRAZY WOMAN!"
*SLAM!*
The duke shouted, pounding his fist on the table, causing everyone to freeze in shock as Sebastian crushed the red wine glass in his hand. The room fell silent as blood trickled from Sebastian's hand, mixing with the crimson wine. The unpredictable scene left the servants paralyzed with fear, their eyes widen as panic surged through them, creating chaos in the dining hall.
"Aid his wound immediately!"
As Sebastian stumbled away from the scene, his vision began to blur, and a high-pitched ringing filled his ears. Each step felt heavier, as if the chaos of the dining hall faded into a distant roar. He walked slowly and blankly, fighting to stay upright, struggling against the darkness creeping in at the edges of his sight.
"Look what you've done!"
The duke's voice contorted with anger.
"I-I'm sor-sorry! I just want what's best for our so-son!-
-Then do nothing! Even the air is more useful than you!"
His words had silenced the duchess.
"Clean the table! I've already lost my appetite!"
The duchess, who had lost all her strength, was left kneeling in the dining room with her hands clenched tightly in her hair.
Suddenly, a servant with a bob haircut approached her, wearing an indifferent expression on her face.
"Duchess, let's go to your chamber to fix your hair."
She state gently, reaching out to help the duchess regain her composure.
Meanwhile, at the Duke's medicinal pavilion, Sebastian stared at his bloodied hands. The crimson stains had reminded him of the nightmare he had just escaped from the war.
"We died because of you!"
"WE DIED!"
The voices of his comrades echoed, tormenting his mind with their piercing words like daggers.
"Huff! Enough! E-enough!"
Heavy breaths followed as he struggled to gasp for air, staring at the petrifying, bloodied shadow holding his face.
Even the physicians assigned to him had a hard time cleaning his wound; he swatted their hands away like a madman, creating a nightmarish illusion in his mind.
Just as the shadow slowly moved its hands toward his neck, ready to strangle him, a voice rang in his ears.
Milord!
Called by the man in a stoles, his face was vibrant offering a glimmer of hope to Sebastian as he teetered on the edge of the darkness that threatened to consume him.
"Huff!…Huff!…Ha! I almost lost it."
Hours passed before he found himself sitting inside the temple while staring at the holy table, its surface gleaming under the soft light. His right hand, wrapped in crisp white bandages that the physicians had struggled to apply, clasped anxiously against his other hand.
As the choir sang a haunting hymn, its melodies twisted in his ears like relentless torment.
Sebastian sighed, observing the nobles in their opulent garments, wearing a façade as they silently form a connection inside the temple rather than seek solace from the God. Now, the sacred space felt more like a stage for their social pursuits.
As the mass was about to come to an end, Sebastian still did not catch even a glimpse of Julianne's shadow. Without him by his side, time felt distorted; what should have been just an hour of mass felt like an eternity, worsening his headache, as if his head was splitting in half.
After an hour of what he felt was mental torture, a slight smile carved itself onto his lips when he spotted a familiar figure mingling in the crowd. Julianne was there, standing with nobles flocking to him, asking for his blessing. He wore the same simple priestess uniform, yet his dazzling appearance certainly stood out among the crowd.
"Julianne!"
Sebastian's voice brimmed with joy as he called out for his name, but that quickly overshadowed by confusion etched on his face. For a brief moment, their eyes met; however, Julianne's gaze immediately shifted to the nobles before he distanced himself to bid farewell. Though he never spoke a word, his actions and expressions conveyed an unsettling sense of malaise, leaving Sebastian in great distress.
"I am Baron Henry Hwarette, pleased to meet the hero of the war and the heir of the great dukedom of the empire!"
Sebastian did not answer but gave a scornful look at the baron before he reluctantly shake his hand. His expression was far from happy as he grasped the baron's hand. The baron held a staff and was dressed in a dark suit that strained against his rotund figure. His face offered no attempt to conceal his malicious intentions, which were all visible to his face.
"Looking upon you reminds me of the duke's greatness."
He paused, his eyes mocking.
"I cannot help but notice the striking resemblance that stands before me."
Sebastian scoffed, a smirk form on his lip.
"I'll take your SARCASTIC remarks as a compliment, Lord Hwarette."
His voice sent shivers down the baron's spine, causing him to break a sweat.
"My-my apologies for the ramblings that have escaped my lips! Ha-ha!ha! It-it seems my advancing a-age has rendered me to spoke so foolish!"
The baron spoke followed by his tittered laughter.
"It-it seems his lordship is a busy person as I thought! You-you are always welcome at our humble re-residence! My daughter Cecil would be delighted to meet you! If you-
Sebastian did not allow the baron to finish; he merely glared at him before turning to chase after Julianne.
"Julianne!"
He called his name a second time. Though he didn't turn to look, he could sense Julianne quickening his pace. Yet, that was no match for Sebastian's long strides, which devoured the distance between them. In an instant, he reached him, his hand closing around his wrist with a firm but gentle grip.
"Who would have thought that just one week could feel like an eternity?"
"...And though I don't want to admit it, your behavior makes it seem like you're avoiding me."
Silence had consumed the space where they stood for a minute, with Sebastian refusing to let go of Julianne.
"I don't think that's the point, milord."
"The temple was bustling with nobles today, and it's my duty to give them blessings. Now, if you may—
Julianne was gently pulling at his wrist, but Sebastian still wouldn't let go.
"I've written you a letter. If you are not avoiding me, then why would you not reply to the letter I sent?"
Sebastian lowered his head, his voice barely above a whisper as he awaited for Julianne's response. When he finally spoke, his tone was blunt, he did not even dare to spare him even a glance.
"I believe you have misunderstood, milord. A reply shall be sent forthwith if it concerns only the matters within the letter regarding the temple."
When Julianne turned to face Sebastian, his pupils narrowed and trembled as the expression on his face was a stark departure from the indifferent, cold-blooded demeanor spoken of in gossip. Right in that moment, he knew that the expression on his face had given him a sharp pang in his chest.
"I see…"
His heart sank as he saw the bandage covering his right hand.
He sighed, then smiled, though it was just a slight one.
"Do you have time for a humble servant of the gods like me, milord?"
Sebastian then smiled, surprised by the sudden invitation, but it filled him with a bubbling joy tight in his chest.
"I would love to…"
As he looked at Sebastian's sincere, delightful smile, Julianne clenched his hand, hiding it behind him, setting aside the genuine warmth he felt inside.
******
Please ADD <19TH CENTURY LOVE: HOLY POSSESSION> to your LIBRARY to be notified when an update is posted. Thank you! :)