Chapter 4

She is immediately ushered to the viscount's office as soon as she stepped foot inside the mansion. With grumbling protests, the twins detached themselves from her skirt but not before promising them of a storytelling in the sun room later. And with an unsettled feeling, Ceci ignored the stranger who had uttered her name with part amusement and mockery in his voice.

"How was your vacation, Miss Corabelle?"

Ceci blinks at the name like it is something of common knowledge but often forgotten. It is only seldom does she hear that surname, and when she does, she falls in the middle of surprise and remembrance leaving her confused for a moment.

The viscount stirs his tea as he patiently waits for her answer. The veins in his hand is more prominent than when she had left meaning he had been doing manual labor around the land the past few days.

"It was well spent, sir. We celebrated my sister's 21st birthday merrily."

"Miss Shirley, is it? It's such a pity that I wasn't able to send a present for her. I shall prepare something as a late gift. I hope that she wouldn't take any offense from my carelessness and poor memory."

Ceci gives him a calculating look. This is one of his subtle tricks. The viscount, a man in mid-forties, with long silver hair tied neatly against his nape and a pair of kind amethyst eyes, is someone who shouldn't be taken according to his physical appearance. For as much altruism and prudence he exudes, a hidden trickster lies behind his kind mask. A trickster whose ways triumph on guilt and gratitude. She knows this very well. She had known this ever since she had been in his company when she was merely a child, and he was a young man of wealth and privilege. She had been warned about it by his late wife herself during one of those days that the lady invited her for a cup of tea in the garden. Of course, it was said with adoration and stars in her eyes.

"That would be thoughtful of you," begins Ceci, "but my sister was already grateful for the permission you've given me to come home and spend the special day with her. Any more form of extravagant gift might become too much for her humble heart."

"Hmmm," the viscount hums. "How is the shop, then?"

"It is alright," is her fast response, then without breaking eye contact, she lowers her head and adds, "although it would be deeply appreciated if the household would purchase its silverware again from the shop. The income it will generate will tremendously help expand our products and provide more incentives for the staff."

The chuckle that the viscount releases is that of harsh amusement and Ceci has to look away causing her eyes to land on the painting behind him. Help her patience, Lady Anne.

"I believe my stand on that matter has been clear. I cannot have you leave this mansion easily and early. Anyway, enough of the mundane talk. I've called you here to discuss a very important matter."

"What is it that bothers you, sir?" she asks.

The viscount unexpectedly rises from his seat and stands before the window. With his back turned to her, his silhouette forms a long shadow which reminds Ceci of haunting towers.

"A young man claiming to be my firstborne came here three days ago and introduced himself."

"Pardon?"

"I will not bother you with the details but he brought such poor evidence to prove that he is indeed my son. However, I didn't easily brush off that possibility thus, I decided to give him a chance to show me that he is worthy to be called a 'Britannia'. "

Ceci was already lost after hearing the word 'firstborne' and speechless when he uttered the word 'possibility' rendering her silent throughout the viscount's speech, which the viscount interpreted as an invitation for him to continue.

"Therefore, I have a favor to ask of you."

"I shall hear it, sir."

When the viscount turns around, his eyes quickly meet hers and transfix their intense gaze on her face. Tilting her chin up, Ceci returns his stare with her own leveled one.

"The twins are not aware of the situation. He was introduced to them as a guest who would be staying in the mansion indefinitely. Rolo and Nunnally would likely develop an attachment to him as long as he is here and I want you to look after that development. If his claim is proven wrong, I want to spare the twins of heartache and loss for he will be banished from this place as soon as possible."

"I understand."

"At the same time, I ask you to be watchful of his behavior and attitude. You shall be my eyes when my presence is scarce."

"You're asking me to be a spy?"

"Yes," he deadpans. "For I will do everything to preserve the legacy and honor of this family. Nothing and no one shall taint the pristine image of the Britannias as long as I am alive. Your loyalty lies with us, correct?"

But that legacy involves Britannia's ownership of the Corabelles, Ceci thinks but dares not to speak the words. Instead, she nods solemnly, "I shall do what is necessary."

"Thank you... Now, I believe that it's time for you to meet him."

The servant enters the room as soon as the viscount rings the bell. After receiving the master's orders, he leaves the study and returns with someone whose face is freshly embedded in Ceci's mind.

"Good day," the stranger greets.

Gesturing at him, the viscount says, "This is Mr. Lelouch Lamperouge. Mr. Lamperouge, this is Miss Ceci Corabelle, the governess of the house."

The man, who at a closer look seems to be a couple of years younger than her, closes the distance between them, holds her right hand and gently brings it to his lips. His lips linger on her skin like a foreign tickle as he speaks, "A pleasure to meet a lovely lady like you."

Ceci bestows him a polite smile as she slowly takes her hand back. "A pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Lamperouge."

"Mr. Lamperouge..."

"Please, sir, just call me 'Lelouch'," Mr. Lamperouge says with a chuckle - a chuckle that is very much similar with the viscount's, Ceci notes. "You, too, Miss Corabelle. Back in my little town, I grew up without being addressed as if I've saved a hundred souls from Hell. So all this formality is all sorts of new to me."

Ceci would have believed his sincerity if not for the humility in his message getting overshadowed by the pompous tone of his voice and the glimmer of mockery in his eyes as if his statement is more of a challenge than an honest offer. As if he is trying to break the system established instead of following traditions. Ceci finds it quite brave of him considering his newness in the residence.

Jutting her chin out, she replies, "I shall try my hardest then, though I cannot promise anything for where I grew up, we were taught to address people with proper courtesy."

"Do you also address people with contempt?" he prompts.

She gives him a light, friendly smile. "Whichever you are pertaining about, Mr. Lamperouge?"

The tension is only broken when the viscount clears his throat. She almost forgot that they had an audience, that the master of the house is right infront of them hearing every word they say.

"It looks like you are getting acquainted with each other well. Mr. Lamperouge, I'm afraid that I have to stick with addressing you like this. This is part of your test. And Miss Corabelle, please assist him as he adjusts to his surroundings. I have to excuse myself for I have documents awaiting to be perused."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as they are out of the study, Ceci makes her way to the sun room where the twins and Milly are waiting for her. She makes her way silently just like how it has always been but only to be trailed by someone this time.

She is beautiful.

She is the first rose to bloom during spring, the crystal dew on a leaf at the break of dawn, the golden sunset by the sea, the lone swan on the lake.

She is the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life and he couldn't stop staring.

He had thought he was going mad earlier when he first saw her at the pathway, because how could a porcelain doll be alive and talk to him? How could a porcelain doll possess such calm, feathery voice and stunning golden eyes that seem to pierce through his soul? And when she took a step forward towards him? He held his breath.

When the twins spoke of their Miss Ceci, a woman much older than him was what came to Lelouch's mind. A mother-like woman with a sprinkle of silver in her hair and wrinkles of experience on her face. Not… Not the one who is walking infront of him right now.

Not a goddess.

"How old are you?" he asks before he can stop himself.

"Isn't it a bit impolite to ask a woman her age?" she answers without looking back.

He shrugs as he stares at her smooth white nape. He is starting to get annoyed with himself so he looks away and tries to find a distraction in the hallway. There, that painting of a man looks ridiculous.

"The twins wouldn't stop talking about you as if you are the bearer of God's good news, so I thought, Miss Ceci must be someone who had aged well like an exquisite wine. Someone whose silver hair is forged by her experiences and knowledge."

He almost collide against her when she suddenly turns around. A defiant look shrouds her eyes as she looks up at him. "Well, I wouldn't apologize for breaking your expectations, Mr. Lamperouge. You have to accept my plainness and green hair." With that, she turns away and resumes walking.

"I didn't say that you were plain, Miss Corabelle," he chuckles as he shakes his head. She is far from being plain. "I am twenty-two."

It takes several corners and a set of stairs before she tilts her head and considers his question. But Lelouch is a patient man, especially with lovely women. "I am older than you."

He laughs. "Oh, don't jest."

"I am not lying, Mr. Lamperouge."

His eyes narrow as he examines her figure. If she had said that they are of the same age, he would have believed her. He would even be convinced that she is telling the truth if she answered a lower age than his. But older? There is no way that this woman with her narrow shoulders, a height that only reaches below his chin, blushing skin and youthful glow is older than him. She looks younger than half of the women's population in his town. Even younger than Kallen.

Kallen. He has Kallen. What is he doing appraising another woman when he promised to be loyal to his lover?

Finally, they reach where the twins are staying. Nunnally and Rolo's faces instantly light up as soon as they see their beloved governess, completely ignoring his presence. Lelouch makes himself comfortable on a seat by the window.

"Papa bought us a new book. Let's read it, please?"

"Of course, Rolo, Let me see… Once upon a time…"

He ignores their enthusiastic voices until they are background noises, until they turn into white noise and contemplates on what he should do next. So far, the days he is in the mansion are uneventful. It is bothering him, how he should convince the viscount that they are blood-related when he has no resources to use and spend. He had brought some money with him, but it is an amount only enough for emergencies, not for building business that will capture the viscount's attention. He does not know anyone in this place. His 'siblings' are strangers to him. He had spent all his time wandering aimlessly in the mansion and he is getting tired of it. How can he attain the viscount's favor? And how can he get it fast so that he can return to his home at once?

Admittedly, he misses his mother and her constant nagging about proper etiquette. He even misses Bradley's tasteless bragging and pride. But most importantly, he misses Kallen's kisses. He groans at his miserable thoughts. He is a pathetic man, he doesn't even want to look at himself right now.

Reaching beneath the seat, his hand searches for the bottle of wine that he hid there yesterday. Fixing his position, he rests his ankles on the table as he takes a long gulp of the liquor. This is a different brand but it is delicious as well.

Suddenly, someone clears their throat.

"Mr. Lamperouge?"

He smiles at the mouth of the bottle, then he drinks again.

"Mr. Lamperouge." This time, the voice is firmer.

"Yes, Miss Corabelle? What can I do for you?" he innocently inquires.

"He always did that while you're away," Nunnally whispers loud enough for him to hear it.

"We told him that it is bad but Mr. Lamperouge wouldn't listen," adds Rolo.

Lelouch glares at the twins, but unlike before, they do not cower. It's as if a new resolve had washed over them making them brave and unafraid. He glances behind them and finds Miss Corabelle gazing at him. Ah, so that's where their courage comes from. It amazes him, really, the power that she holds over the children.

"You are such little gossips," he sneers.

"Mr. Lamperouge, may I have a word?"

He slowly gets up from the seat and follows the governess outside of the room, bottle still in hand.

"Young masters, please stay here," he hears the nanny ask them.

"Will Miss Ceci scold him?" this coming from Nunnally.

Their Miss Ceci leads him to a separate room that overlooks the little bridge over the small pond. He hadn't explored that part of the garden yet. Might as well do that later for it looks like something is being built over there. Foundations were already established and a number of men are working together.

In the room they are in, a grand piano sits at the center with a luxurious chandelier hanging over it. On one corner are three cellos and on the other end is a large harp that he only saw with angel figurines. For Lelouch, seeing it in person is quite disorienting.

They're inside the Music Room.

"The viscount had told me about your situation, Mr. Lamperouge," Miss Corabelle starts.

"Did he now?" he raises an eyebrow.

"I am in no position to judge whether you spoke of truth or not, but as the governess, I would deeply appreciate it if you poses as a good example for the twins. After all, you may or may not be their older brother. Smoking is prohibited within the vicinity of the mansion. Drinking carelessly infront of them is something that is unsightly and please refrain from putting your feet on the table."

Narrowing his eyes, he takes a step towards her. She does not back down. "Are you lecturing me, Miss Corabelle?" he asks in a low voice.

"I believe," she intones, "that you are old enough to know how to act properly in public. Now, if you may excuse me." Her shoulder brushes against him as she passes by Lelouch.

Did she just insult him? Does she think that she is superior because she practices courtesy and manners all the time? He knows a lot of people who call themselves nobles but have hideous agenda in their hearts. Formalities is just an instrument to mask the monster of greed in their hearts in order to live harmoniously with the ignorant and hopeless souls.

"You are not my governess to tell me what to do," he counters.

A few steps away from the doorway, Miss Corabelle turns around and gives him that same stubborn gaze that she bestows him earlier. Those golden eyes are too expressive for such a cold woman. She stands there in her black dress, hands clasped over her stomach like the saint that she is.

"And you are not yet a 'Britannia' to act like the master of the house."

"Are you declaring war against me?"

Ever so slowly – almost taunting, a mockery – a biting smile appears on her pink lips. "Mr. Lamperouge, war has no place in this estate."

And she leaves.

Lelouch is left in the music room chasing her ghost, surprised and speechless. But oh, so, so entertained. A bubble of laughter begins stirring in his chest until it escapes like a prisoner longing for his freedom. He laughs there, alone, until tears burn in his eyes. He had never encountered a woman like her before. A woman who attacks with wit, poise, and venom. A woman so terrifyingly beautiful and smart he is easily captivated.

Ceci Corabelle, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his entire life. But in that brief time they spent together, he learns that that beauty comes with poison. That beauty is as frigid as winter.

He is not wrong when he said that she is the first rose to bloom in spring, but Ceci Corabelle is also the snow that kills the rose with her frost.

"I'm sorry for I wasn't able to warn you about him," Milly apologizes as soon as they exit the twins' room that night. "It happened so abrupt. No one knew where he came from, nor his family. 'Lamperouge' is a name we had never encountered in this mansion before so everyone was confused why this stranger was suddenly given the best treatment as per the viscount's orders."

Ceci lifts the lamp illuminating the hallway infront of them. "Who knows his true story?"

"Well, you, me, and Mr. Waldstein. The rest, they were told that he is a very important guest who will be staying here for a while."

She nods. "Tell me what happened while I was away."

"The children were scared of him."

"Because?"

"Because of the way he speaks and acts. During the day he arrived, Nunnally told me that he offered them to drink wine with him."

The grip Ceci gives Milly's arm is tight enough to stop the latter's blood from circulating. Wide eyed, she gasps, "He didn't!"

Milly shakes her head. "Unfortunately, he did. Of course, the twins protested and told him all of your lectures. But then, Mr. Lamperouge made them play 'Hide and Seek' with him. And whoever he finds first would take a sip of the wine."

Ceci is completely aghast now, her mouth hanging open. "And then?"

"Just in time, I returned from preparing their food only to find the living room empty except for Mr. Lamperouge. I was looking for about ten minutes before I finally found them hiding under the piano. And who knew how long they've been hiding down there."

"Good heavens, my sweet angels."

"The following days were filled with Mr. Lamperouge's taunts and sneers against the twins. He would interrupt our study time or join the twins in their games, which would eventually turn into his games. I don't know why he is hostile against them. They are just children, for Heaven's sake!"

Ceci bites her lips to avoid spouting curses and unladylike phrases but she is fuming. She cannot believe that she felt guilty about the way she had treated him a while ago. She even thought that she had been too cold and cross with him and was ready to apologize for her behavior tomorrow, but hearing all of these now, hearing how he terrified her beloved children while she was away, thinking how powerless they must have felt, she wishes that she had said more to make him aware of his place in the mansion.

No one will be able to hurt Nunnally and Rolo as long as she is here. She wouldn't let a stranger, no matter who they are, trample their feelings and stain their pure hearts. They are the only reason why she is still staying in this place – why she is willing to extend her stay in the mansion and put off paying the contract fully. She will stay here until they reach the right age to stand on their own, until they are sent off to boarding schools where they will grow into a fine lady and a gentleman.

But as long as they are under her care, Ceci will do anything to protect them.

Milly pulls her as she almost bump against a corner. They turn left and navigate the dark hallway. "But it's such a great loss!" the nanny cries.

"What is?"

The nanny slaps her own forehead. "He is so handsome! Have you seen those eyes? They're like the clearest and most expensive diamonds! Just looking at his disheveled hair makes me want to run my fingers through it. I bet they would be soft as feathers. And when he smirks, good grief, any angel would fall from Heaven just to worship those lips."

"His pretty appearance is quite useless if his attitude is as bad as a rotten apple," Ceci grumbles.

"I know," Milly sighs.

But that is the one thing Ceci cannot deny. Mr. Lamperouge is indeed a handsome young man. The first time that she saw him smoking, she thought of a prince – an exiled prince for that matter. His longish raven hair looks like the most expensive silk under the bright sun. His high nose exudes nobility and authority. Cheekbones that look like they are sculpted from marbles and lips that hold mischievousness and recklessness. But most of all, those amethyst eyes. They glimmer. They spark. They hold forbidden secrets. Ceci had summon all of her control to avoid being mesmerized by those gems as she talked to him earlier and she thought she did well. But it was a hard fit, especially with the way he had stared at her throughout the whole time – as if he was trying to figure her out, as if he was enjoying himself. It is odd, how their short encounter had already left her breathless and exhausted for the day.

Both women continue to trudge the hallway with hushed voices, careful not to awaken the other residents of the mansion. Ceci laughs and comments on each of Milly' entertaining stories, but at the back of her head, a worry for what tomorrow would bring to her, the twins, and the dark stranger is already growing like a seed breaking into a plant.

Dinner earlier is worse than yesterday.

Actually, he becomes more and more uncomfortable each time he joins them for dinner.

The way the viscount doted on his children as the twins beamed and giggled at him was sickeningly sweet he had to focus on eating his food just to avoid the sight before him. Because he never had that in their home. His mother never doted on him like a mother would on her only son. Marianne loves him in her own strange way, or he likes to think so. She never explicitly showed that she was proud or fond of him unless he was praised by other people for his handsome looks and intellect which she would easily claim that he inherited from her.

Instead, what he often got from his mother were endless admonishment for his willful attitude and resentful glares from the other side of the table whenever he got himself into trouble. Troubles with women, with alcohol, with the whole town. Of course, he had tried to impress her before. He had tried to be a good boy who she could be proud of – who she could love wholeheartedly and erase the pain of her past. But his efforts were not enough and as time went by, his young heart had gotten tired of seeking the attention she refused to give him. So he decided to live his life as he wanted it to be. He stopped pretending to be a good boy and became someone who wouldn't regret a single moment of his life. He started spending time with Bradley and his reckless ideas. He started entertaining women's attention that was willingly given to him. He started drinking in any occasion, and even without occasion. And much to his surprise, that had gotten his mother's attention, as bad as it was.

But here, it seems like he has to go back to pretending as a good man in order to get the viscount's trust. Look how fate is playing him.

"I've been thinking if I can be of any help to you, sir," he offered during dinner interrupting the merry moment of the three.

"Help?" the viscount echoed curiously.

"Yes. I actually had nothing else to do and it is such a regret that a lot of time had been wasted with only me roaming around the mansion like a ghost."

"Well, we are building a gazebo by the little pond. Perhaps, you can lend us a hand with the labor."

"You're directly involved with the work?" Lelouch asked, surprised.

It was Rolo who answered. "Papa is good at building things. He made Nunnally a dollhouse as a gift for our sixth birthday."

"And it is the strongest dollhouse ever made. Anya's dollhouse, which was bought at the same time as mine, is already in their attic because the roof had holes," added Nunnally.

He smirked at the twins before facing the viscount again. "Then it would be a pleasure to help you. It will also be a good time to get to know each other more, isn't it?"

The viscount nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed."

"Can we help, too?"

The viscount turned to his young son and said, "Hmmm… Yes, you can, Rolo. But not until you are done with your lessons with Miss Ceci."

"Oh, oh! Can Miss Ceci help, too, Father?"

"We can ask her. But we don't want to tire her that much, Nunnally."

"I'll ask her!"

"Speaking of the governess, where is Miss Corabelle? Why isn't she here with us for dinner?" The absence of the governess had been bugging Lelouch since the dinner started. He had expected that she would be eating with them because she was the guardian of the children and all, but his assumption was disappointingly proven wrong.

"Miss Corabelle does not eat with us," the viscount answered before taking a sip of his water.

"Why?"

"Because she is not mama," the twins automatically declared as if they had answered the same question many times.

The vague answer confused him more but he didn't push for other information. After all, he didn't grew up in a house with a governess so he wasn't really knowledgeable about the how things work with homes with governesses. Perhaps, it's a tradition? A policy?

So tomorrow, he will be spending time with the viscount at last. With those little elves around. Lelouch puts his arm over his eyes and smiles to himself as he lies on his bed. He hears voices pass by his room but he ignores them as he muses about what tomorrow would bring.

It would certainly be an interesting day. A day to wear a mask that he had long kept away in the vaults of his childhood. He wonders if this time, he would be able to capture his trust. He wonders if this time, he wouldn't fail to capture their affection.