Disclaimer: Noblesse isn't mine.

Broken Glass (Part 12)

This was awkward. More than awkward. This was nearly unbearable. If he had known how uncomfortable this would be from the start, he would have never made the request. He would have never waited for the master to answer. They could have remained in the mansion for an eternity, and that would have been better than this. But this was necessary. Frankenstein needed to know the boundary lines, the territories where each clan resided. He needed to know their strength and their numbers. He needed to endure it. If worse came to worse, he would need to learn much more about the Nobles if he had to make a hasty escape.

The master was looking at him with a sad expression that made the man seem so young. So much like a child.

"Isn't this nice?" Frankenstein buried the lie beneath a smile.

The master made no move to speak, nor did Frankenstein desire to hear the answer if there had been one. Surely the man was aware that the eyes of the Nobles were upon them. Most of the knights ignored them, passing by without so much as a greeting, but those of prominent standing took notice. Their words fell silent, hanging half-spoken from their lips, as looks of displeasure or uncertainty cloaked their faces. Some traded stiff glances with each other while others offered a polite nod of acknowledgement. No one approached, and the master walked by without stopping.

"This is pleasant, wouldn't you say? It is not often that we can make the time for a leisurely afternoon like this. Where would you like to go first? If the market is nearby, we could purchase a few supplies. Or is there somewhere that you had in mind?" Frankenstein continued to smile as he slanted his gaze toward the observers.

The clan leaders must have heard that he had been placed with the master. That was clear. They were aware that he did not belong among them while the knights must have not been given this information. A few of the clan leaders had guarded him during his stint in prison while the rest must have recognized him by description, but that didn't excuse their unease around him now. They were nobles, clan leaders. Even if he was a human that had gained power, they wouldn't have reacted this way to him. They hadn't treated him this way as a prisoner. Why would they do it as a servant?

"It is not because of you."

The master's voice. Frankenstein had hear it so few times, but the sound of it broke through his thoughts with a confidence that countered the look in the man's eyes. When he spoke, he no longer seemed like the helpless master. The child that needed to be protected and cared for. It was as if he had risen above the clan leaders to become the man that had stood on equal terms with the lord. A man to contend with. A man to be feared.

Frankenstein fell behind, standing still as he watched the master walk ahead of him. The clan leaders near him resumed their activities. The master was right. They were not reacting to his presence at all.

And then, the first whisper floated through the air behind him. "Why has he come here?"

"The lord didn't send for him." The reply sounded soft as breath.

"He has the human with him."

"Is he here for-"

"Do not even think such things." A third voice mingled with the first two. "Just let him be. He's not-"

The master stopped in the middle of the path. The clan leaders once again fell into an anxious silence.

"Are you waiting for me?" Frankenstein broke free from his standstill, drawing near to the master while the others held their distance.

The master's head turned slightly, dipping once in agreement.

He was waiting for his servant, for the human that had dared to cross the gap when the nobles had hesitated. They stood aloof. What was it that had formed this separation? How could a single man place the clan leaders in this state of unrest?

"Who are you?" The words escaped his mouth before he could restrain them, but Frankenstein did not attempt to revoke them. He was desperate to hear the answer.

"Raizel-nim!"

Frankenstein recognized the voice at once and turned to see Gejutel K. Landegre stroll across the courtyard.

"It has been a long time." Gejutel halted next to them as he offered a respectful greeting. "I was not expecting to see you on the palace grounds."

The master did not speak, and Frankenstein provided an answer in his stead. "We are merely taking a walk."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I wished to see more of Lukedonia. The master of the house agreed to accompany me."

Gejutel nodded and looked to the master. "The lord has just dismissed the clan leader meeting. If you would like to see him, he should still be nearby. I'm sure he would be delighted to see you."

Frankenstein frowned. "We have no purpose to see the lord."

"Perhaps, but if he hears that Raizel-nim had come within the castle gates and did not pay his respects, he would very likely go to visit you at the mansion."

If the lord came to the house, he would expect to be served. That man was not like the master. He would fabricate countless orders just to watch the peacock struggle against his cage. Frankenstein folded his arms over his chest. If he must see the man, it would be on his own terms. "Where is the lord?"

A/N:

Vi,

What can I say? Your happiness and excitement are contagious. Whatever "I-am-so-awesome-because-a-fanfic-writer-acknowledged-me" dance you may do, I guarantee you I do the same for a "Somebody-liked-my-story!" dance. Haha, especially when someone figures out something that I have hidden or likes a part of the story that I loved. Like when DulcetRipple (another favorite) pointed out Franky's smile a couple chapters ago. Stuff like that really keeps me motivated, and this is my favorite story to write right now. Anyway, I appreciate it. And you should get an account! Or are you trying to force me to leave author notes like this? Kidding~ Kidding~ This is fine.