A.N. This is my first fanfic, so I want you to realize that it will not be perfect. Writing isn't my forte, and don't get me started on my grammar.

If there is one good thing you could do for me, it would be to give me an honest review. Don't go easy on my just cause I'm new, let your criticism flow.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rune Factory 2 or any of its respective characters. Common sense people.

…

De Sainte Coquille Mansion, Winter 16th, Cecilia's P.O.V.

Over the last three days Max had changed. Once a flirty man, he had become insecure and unsure of himself. His once lush blond hair had grown tangled and unkempt, and mud crusted rags clung to his body like leeches. Maybe a maid shouldn't make note these things, but, then again, I am not just his maid. I am also his friend.

"Cecilia," Max mumbled quietly as I entered the room, the light from the fire dancing on his eyes, "why did she leave me?"

I blinked, taking the moment to savor the sweet aroma of mint which filled the room. Mint had always been my favorite smell, it reminded me of my days as a little girl. More specifically, my days in the Kardia Library.

The fire crackled suddenly, causing the illusion of the warm library to fade back into reality, "Your tea is ready, sir."

Max continued to stare into the fire, his eyes unblinking, "How long ago did she leave me, Cecilia?"

"Sir, your orange tea is ready," I said, slightly louder than before. Annoyance started to build in my stomach as I stood expectantly beside the disoriented fool, but I dismissed it. Who was I to judge another without first experiencing their situation?

Max, still in a trance, continued to mutter, "The worst part is the guilt."

I pulled out the silk chair which sat, untouched, by Max before sitting down in it, "Max, your orange tea, it's ready."

Max closed his eyes for a moment as if lost in thought, "Throw the cursed drink away. I have no need of it."

I slowly tilted my head down until the tea came into my line of sight. Steam, nearly invisible, wafted up from the clear liquid into the crisp winter air. I couldn't help but pity the poor man. All that he had once loved now only brought him pain.

"Cecilia, your job may not be to council me, but I bade you listen to me for just a moment," Max whispered suddenly, almost causing my to jump. "Why did she leave me for that… that… that nobody."

I stayed silent, studying Max's face as the obnoxious sound of Herman's awakening erupted throughout the mansion. I couldn't answer his question, no one had ever broken my heart before.

At least, not over love.

Max's expression changed from one of deep thought to one of frustration as the silence wore on, "Tell me, Cecilia, why she traded in a life of luxury and ease, a life most women would die over, for a life of dirt, and mud, and poverty."

"Well," I said quietly, making sure to speak in an understanding tone, "love can make people do illogical, and often stupid, things."

Max's tone had started to grow increasingly angry, and he pounded the table in frustration, "I loved her, Cecilia, I loved her since the day I met her. I gave her my love, my life, and my money, yet she cast it aside for some filthy farmer."

I decided to remain silent. My life had been filled with hardship and suffering, so I had learned to stare pain in the face. Max, however, had been spoiled since the day he was born. How could I possibly sympathize with him without sounding shallow?

Max's eyes burned with fury, and he smashed the tea aside with a fearsome force, "Answer me!"

I backed away immediately as Max rose from his chair, his reddened hand outstretched. What had I done to enrage him so?

The twin doors opened suddenly, causing a wave of chilled air to rush into the room. Both Max and I turned as Herman half-bounced, half-rolled, through the doorway. His fatty face brimmed with a grin as his eyes scanned the room before stopping on me.

"Cecilia, what is all the ruckus down here?" Herman laughed merrily.

"Nothing," Max hissed through yellow, unbrushed teeth.

I watched as Max slowly stormed out of the room before rising. Herman was not one who liked to wait for his breakfast.

…

A.N. This may seem like a one-shot, but I'd rather continue it if the community doesn't mind. Hope you found the chapter to your liking, and I'm sorry if it's kind of short. I've poured several days of brainstorming and three hours of typing into it, so it wasn't a simple feat. Anyway, review, review, and review.

Edit: Fixed the Jasper-Herman mix-up. Thanks LiteracyLover.

Edit #2: Fixed the other Jasper-Herman mix-up and the crested-crusted words mix-up, thanks KnT.