CHAPTER XXXI: BROTHER'S DILEMMA PART II

"Yes. I am doing review points from my study. Perhaps that."

"Oh. Then, it is.... just an ink... that you... need." He said while his spirit wearing out.

Beatrice noticed the sad expression of his brother after hearing her answer, so she instantly continued. "But if I will need anything more, I will inform you immediately."

Sigh. "Yes, Thank you, Lil' Sis. Anyway, I will have to go back now. I just really wanted to check you."

"Ah.., Okay, Brother." She stood up. "Thank you for checking on me."

With no glimpse of any real idea why his brother was downhearted, Beatrice could not ask anymore.

"Then, I'll be leaving." He bid his goodbye with a faint smile.

Ronald left the room dissatisfied. He looked around the room of his sister as he entered, but everything was there. He already thought to give his sister a luxurious and expensive jewelry in the estate, but seeing his sister now, he changed his plans. He knew that she would not be enticed by it.

His sister drastically changed in 180 degrees; she totally transformed into a new person. And truthfully, he could not deny that he loved it more. However, the simplicity portrayed by his sister presently became his new dilemma in finding the "best gift of all" for her.

****-------****

While walking in the hallway without any set direction in mind, Ronald saw his sister's maid. The maid was pulling a cart with tea cups and plates. He called it immediately.

"Marielle!?"

The maid turned and politely bowed and greeted him. "Good afternoon, Young Master."

"I need something from you."

"Yes, young master. What can I do for you?"

"..."

This is embarrassing. Now, I am asking the maid. I feel useless right now. Anyway, how can I ask effortlessly without embarrassing myself?

"Young master?"

"Ah---..."

Ronald hesitated to speak and clenched both his fist. He could not think of anything to start with. It was great for him that his sister was somehow dense, but he did not know about her maid. Marielle was hired after he got in the school so it was his first time talking to her directly.

Contrary to his thoughts, the young master showed an awkward appearance. Then, suddenly, the maid cleared her throat and said. "This past few weeks. I found Lady Beatrice was so keen on schedules."

"Schedules?"

"Yes, Young Master. She has always had to go back and forth just to check the time from the big clock in order to follow her daily set schedules. If only there is a small clock that she could bring with her, it will be ease the lady more." The maid said with her both hands clasped.

"Hmm...clock", he mumbled while thinking. Pocket clock. Why did I not think about it? He smiled on his thought.

"Nevertheless, young master, what do you need from me?", the maid politely asked.

Ronald snapped from his stern thinking. "Ah, ahmm. I would just like to ask what—"

The maid tilted her head while waiting for his response. His eyes went to the cart with cups and plates. "what... what Lil' Sis' favorite snacks? Yes, snacks?"

"The Lady loves anything sweets, but nowadays, she was captivated by blueberry cheesecakes."

"Ah Blueberry cheese cakes? Okay. Anyway, thank you Marielle." Ronald turned his back and left humming.

Mission accomplished. He thought that he will go out tomorrow to personally visit the famous clocksmith. He evilly smiled thinking that he had the best gift of all. Just wait, father.

****-------****

"Nico.", called by the Marquees to his butler.

"Yes, Lord.", answered politely by the butler who just entered in his study room.

"What is my son's doing now? How his preparation for Beatrice's gift?" The Marquees asked curiously.

It was unexpected for him when his only son went for him and asked about the best gift of all. As a father, he wanted to somehow tease his son, so he just gave off him an impression of like "It seems you're still have a long run to go."

But it is also intentional to not help him, he also wanted to be recognized by his beloved and sweet daughter as her number one. He was full of enthusiasm and anticipation when his daughter will finally accept his thoroughly thought gift.

The father and son unknowingly had the same on their minds that Beatrice would not be amazed and enticed by jewelries and new trend dresses nor any other expensive accessories.

From the last few days, his daughter's schedule was full of library and visitation to the orphanage. His daughter never attended any party that she used to.

It was suspicious and shocking at first, but if his daughter wishes a change, a better change, who was he as a father to oppose.

"The young master stayed in his room for a week now, My Lord, but today, he paid a visit to his sister." He deliberately reported.

"He went to Beatrice himself?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"It seems my son became so desperate." He chuckled.

Truth to be told, he was enjoying these past few days in the mansion even more before. The atmosphere became more lively. He also felt of how blessed he was having them as son and daughter.

He could not ask for more. But at the end of his thought, he put a slight bitter smile.

He glanced to the right side of his study table. His heart twinged at it. It was a human size picture frame of the marchioness. His wife died due to heart disease. It was a sad reality. On a second thought, he knew in his heart and mind, wherever the marchioness was, she was there looking and guiding them.

"Ron, I am sorry that I would not able to keep my promise to you. As much as I want to stay longer, my body couldn't keep up."

"You don't have to speak much. The doctor said that you just need a plenty of rest."

The marchioness warmly smiled to the Marquees. "Ron, I love you."

The Marquees' eyes widened in awe with sadness. He paid her with a smile too and clasped her hand lying on the bed with both his hands. "Yes, I know, Sarah. I love you too."

"Ronald and Beatrice are both too young, but I would not feel worry because I know that they have the most lovable and responsible father. Ron, please love them, take care of them. I am sorry for asking this to you for a person who will be leaving. I will always be there, even you cannot see me or hear me. I will always be there for all of you. I love you all so m— " The Marchioness did not able to finish her words. With a smile, her eyes closed leaving one teardrop streamed on her cheek. The marquees held her hand tightly and lowered his head sobbingly.

After remembering his farewell to the marchioness, he warmly smiled and thought.

"My Angel, my wife, our son and daughter are growing well on their own. I hope you are happy wherever you are now."

The Butler felt relief seeing the warm smile by his lord. He then explained further. "And the young master scheduled tomorrow himself to go in the market, My Lord.".

The Marquees snapped from his thought hearing his butler's voice.

"I see." He replied with refreshed smile, and continued. "My son and daughter are both well growing now."

"Yes, I agree, My Lord."

****-------****

Hi Fairies!!

New update again. This is my first time trying to put a youtube link. hehe. Just trying.

This a very old japanese song, but hope you love the song. Just like I did. it was just a cover song, but the original was also great. I just cant find a link with english subtitle so i chose this one which has.

Nevertheless, Kobasolo made justice of the song. (*credits to the owner)

Please dont forget to vote, click the star below, and/or follow me.

Lovelots,

Isaiah ^_^