Chapter 10

"Mr. Lamperouge! Mr. Lamperouge!"

Lelouch looks up from the paper where he is sketching his design for his knife which shall be given to Gino later when they meet at the plaza that night. What he thought would be an easy and smooth task to do was proven to be one of his works that is hard and slow to conceptualize. From the very beginning, he had a design in mind - one that exudes strong masculinity and handsome authority - yet when his pencil meets paper, each line, each curve seems to be asymmetrical, crooked and unconnected. It annoyed him tremendously how his hands couldn't execute what his brain dictates, thus, it is only now, almost a week since his visit to the shop, that he is able to formulate something that meets his meticulous standards. The fresh scent of the garden and the pleasantly warm rays of the sun fuel his creativity that he lost track of time while sitting on the grass.

He finds the little elves running towards him, arms up in the air. However, the differing expressions on their faces bring a curiosity to the man. Rolo with a wide, excited smile on his lips, eyes sparkling with childish self-assurance while Nunnally carries a little irritated frown, wrinkles forming on her forehead as her eyebrows furrow in dismay.

Putting his sketchbook aside, Lelouch waits until they reach his place, panting yet energetic.

"Mr. Lamperouge!" Rolo exclaims with exuberance.

"What is it, elf boy?" he replies as he watches the little one catch his breath - back bent forward, hands on his knees. From where since they started running? Instantly, Lelouch's eyes jumps behind them, expectant of a certain green-haired lady trailing behind. But there is none. Even the nanny is out of sight.

"Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"I do. Why do you ask?"

"Oh. Oh! Can we - "

All of a sudden, Nunnally's hand covers her brother's mouth and she throws Lelouch a pleading look. "Please do not listen to him, Mr. Lamperouge. Miss Ceci will be angry at us."

With all his strength, Rolo removes Nunnally's hand away from his face, quickly kneels beside Lelouch, and says in a rush, "Can we ride horses today, please? Will you come with us, Mr. Lamperouge?"

Lelouch stares at Rolo's soft lavender eyes before turning to the other child.

"Why would Miss Ceci be angry at you?"

"Because we can't ride horses until we are ten years old," Nunnally proudly answers.

"And why is that?"

"Because that's what papa said."

"Well, elf boy," he begins as he returns his attention back to the boy whimpering beside him, "We have to adhere to the viscount's orders."

"What is 'adhere'?" he innocently asks.

"We have to stick to your father's orders. Obey them."

His explanation only heightens Rolo's persistence. Adamant, the child's hands are tightly curled into fists. "But Mr. Steiner lets Leon ride a horse with him every Sunday."

"Who is Leon?"

It is Nunnally who answers. "He is our friend, Mr. Lamperouge. But listen, Rolo. I don't think Leon really ride horses every Sunday because he is still afraid to ride on my toy pony."

Rolo only ignores her and continues to insist on his request. "He called me a 'baby' because I haven't been on a horse before," he complains, his lips in a bitter pout. "I want to show him that I am not a baby anymore."

"We should just tell Miss Ceci about what he said so she can talk to Miss Nu and then Miss Nu will tell Leon that what he said was wrong," Nunnally suggests in the background which earns her a glare from her brother.

"That will make him think that I really am a baby. Please, Mr. Lamperouge, just one ride, please?"

Lelouch's gaze jumps from Rolo whose arms are tightly wrapped around his to Nunnally who has her arms crossed infront of her.

"You can show your genuine regret by starting to be nice with Nunnally and Rolo.""

Gnawing his lips, Lelouch mulls over what he is supposed to do to alleviate both of the children's worries – decision that would compromise both of the parties' arguments.

"Where is Miss Ashford?" he asks.

"We left her napping in our room," replies Rolo.

The confusion in his eyes must be evident that Nunnally quickly supplies the explanation. "We woke up earlier than her."

Lelouch nods. "And Miss Corabelle?"

"She is in the kitchen talking to Mr. Darlton," again, Rolo answers.

"We saw them when we went to the kitchen to get snacks. We left because they are talking about grown-up matters."

"I see. I see."

And the viscount is out on his daytime duties. Hm. His eyes flit between the twins and he watches them squirm as they await his decision.

Weighing the situation, Lelouch could only come up with a solution that seems to be the lesser evil.

"Well then," he announces as he rises from the grass. Following his lead, Rolo stands beside his sister, both nervous but anticipating. "After a thorough deliberation of your equally important sentiments..." Placing his hands behind his back, he walks back and forth infront of the twins, in the act of looking very much troubled and helpless, "I suppose that it is alright for a horse-riding activity today." He immediately holds up a finger when Rolo was about to scream in joy and Nunnally was about to protest in dismay. "But there will be certain conditions that should be fulfilled or else all of us will be in trouble. Do you understand?"

Rolo nods enthusiastically. Nunnally remains mute.

"First, you will ride the horse with me. You shall not ride one individually."

Just from the first condition, the Britannia boy is ready to appeal but Lelouch halts him by clearing his throat for emphasis. "That or we won't do anything at all."

"I understand," answers Rolo in a deflated voice.

"Second, we shall only go within the bounds of the fences. We won't be going to the forest for there are dangerous animals roaming in the shadows. Third, you shall do what I say. If I say that we are going back to the mansion, we will go back to the mansion even though you feel like staying outdoors for a little longer. Is it clear?"

"Yes, Mr. Lamperouge."

"Fourth, this is only for today. After this, you won't be riding horses until you are ten. And fifth and the most important condition is to keep this a secret from the viscount, from Miss Ashford and most especially from Miss Corabelle. Understand?"

"We understood, Mr. Lamperouge." When Nunnally didn't join him in answering Mr. Lamperouge, Rolo nudges his sister only to be reciprocated with a glare.

Lelouch bends down to their level and meets their eyes. "You have to promise me," he says in a serious tone. "No one is going to know about it or else we will all get in trouble. Promise me."

"I promise with all my heart, Mr. Lamperouge." With his short fingers, Rolo draws a cross over his heart.

Lelouch turns his eyes to Nunnally who had been worryingly silent throughout his whole speech. He can tell that the young girl isn't particularly impressed with his plan, but he has to ascertain that she wouldn't tattle. "Elf girl... Can you do all of my conditions?"

It is after a few more hesitant seconds that the child is able to answer. Glancing at her brother, Nunnally bites her lower lip as she lightly nods and says in a small voice, "I can. I promise, Mr. Lamperouge."

"Do you really?"

"I do."

Satisfied, he claps once causing Rolo to perk up and Nunnally to flinch. "Well then, little elves," he begins as he stares down at them with playful mischief, "Are you ready to meet unicorns and Pegasus?"

It turns out that riding horses is not as fun as Leon made it out to be. He enjoys it, Rolo does, but it doesn't give him the thrill that he expected he would have when he is finally on one. Instead, it makes his stomach feel funny the longer he rides on Pegasus. Indeed, that's the name of the handsome black steed they are riding right now. But the young boy won't tell Mr. Lamperouge about his uncomfortable situation. After all, he was the one who insisted for this activity to push through and it would be such a disrespect to Mr. Lamperouge's efforts if he would complain about his tummy.

But truly, riding in a carriage is far more pleasant and comfortable than this.

"Are you alright, little elf? You have been quiet."

Rolo's hands tightens around the reins as Pegasus neighs for the nth time. At the very least he must look like he is enjoying. At the very least, he should look like that to Nunnally who is waiting for her turn on the other side of the fence.

"I'm quite fine, Mr. Lamperouge."

"I expected more excitement coming from you now that you are finally riding a horse."

Rolo's eyebrows furrow as he tries to find an excuse. "I just don't want to make Pegasus afraid." A lightbulb. "Mr. Lamperouge, why do you keep calling us 'little elves'?" he inquires changing the subject so as to distract the both of them, his head tilted up to look at the head above his.

"Because you are little and are like elves with the way you scamper around the mansion," Mr. Lamperouge answers simply. He slightly pulls the reigns as they reach a corner turning Pegasus to the other direction.

"How?"

"Hmm. You don't walk. Instead your tiny feet shuffle with tiny steps creating tiny squeaky sounds on the floor."

"Have you seen a real elf, Mr. Lamperouge?"

A small smile appears on the older man's lips. "Oh, I have."

Curious, Rolo twists his body towards his companion - as far as his spinal cord would allow to be twisted - and waits eagerly for Mr. Lamperouge's next words, completely forgetting the funny feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Where?"

Those sharp violet eyes turn on him sparkling with a glint of playfulness.

"Sitting infront of me."

It takes a moment for Rolo's young mind to catch Mr. Lamperouge's joke, his innocence too pure for such implication but when he does, tomatoes grow on his cheeks, his lips pout as he throws his scariest glare to his companion who only laugh at his reaction. He poses such impolite expression that he worries for Miss Ceci seeing what he did.

Miss Ceci... Oh, Miss Ceci!

"What about Miss Ceci?"

"What about the governess?"

"What is she? Is she an elf, too?"

Mr. Lamperouge chuckles as he shakes his head in what Rolo could assume is amusement. "Far from it. Miss Corabelle is not an elf."

"Then what is she?"

"A witch."

For the second time in a minute, the idea takes more time to sink in to Rolo's brain. The impossibility of such comparison, how those two concepts lay at the farthest ends of the rope, so opposite like the day and night, is too much for Rolo to comprehend that he could only utter, "May I beg your pardon?"

To him, Miss Ceci is comparable to a fairy. One who grants wishes, who brings happiness to children, whose words are magic, whose voice a song that lulls him to sleep. And to think that Mr. Lamperouge likened her to a witch. A witch! One who poisons the princess, who curses the king, whose words are spells, whose voice brings nightmare to his sleep. How unthinkable!

Surely, Mr. Lamperouge must be mistaken. But his assumption was proven wrong when the older man says, "Do not tell her, little elf."

"But why, Mr. Lamperouge?"

"Because she will not understand."

Rolo shakes his head. "That's not what I meant. Why is Miss Ceci a witch?"

Raising a brow, Mr. Lamperouge retorts, "Why she isn't?"

More confused, Rolo could only answer with argument which based on his own seven-year experience of being the governess's charge. "Because she is good people. She takes care of us real well. She's patient with me during our piano lessons. She never gets mad at us even when we are being naughty, and sometimes she gives us cookies even though it is not yet time to have cookies but that is a secret. See? Miss Ceci is not a witch. She is a fairy."

"A fairy?" Mr. Lamperouge scoffs.

"But she is!"

"Hush, little elf. We are at the end of our journey." Following Mr. Lamperouge's gaze, Rolo is surprised to realize that they are about to arrive where a sullen Nunnally is waiting. The ride is over and he completely forgets about his tummy.

"Mr. Lamperouge?"

"What is it?"

"Perhaps, you are not looking at the right places."

"What are you talking about?"

Looking up, Rolo fixes his steady gaze to the man behind him. "Or maybe, you have not been looking at all. Miss Ceci is not a witch. You just have to look closely and look long."

The young Britannia did not see the startled expression of his friend for he had already turned around and is excitedly waving at his sister.

As soon as his feet meet grass, Rolo runs towards Nunnally and quickly narrates with exaggerated gestures his rather decent horseback riding experience.

"Come, elf girl. It's your turn," Mr. Lamperouge calls with an outstretched hand, knees bent to match her height but to their surprise, Nunnally shakes her head.

She puts her hand on top of her stomach and says, "I don't feel well, Mr. Lamperouge."

Mr. Lamperouge narrows his eyes. "Are you certain?"

She nods. "I am."

"This is the only time that I'll be offering my help regarding riding horses. The next time you'll be on one is when you are ten. Are you truly certain that you don't want to?"

"Come on, Nunnally. Don't waste your chance. It's really fun! Are you afraid? Pegasus is a nice horse. Perhaps, you don't want a black horse. We can ask Mr. Lamperouge to get Luna, right, Mr. Lamperouge?" encourages Rolo.

"I don't feel really well. I actually want to go back to the mansion now."

"Hmmm..."

As Mr. Lamperouge calls for the stables keeper to tend to Pegasus, Rolo goes to his sister's side and worriedly inquires, "Are you sick?"

"I'm not feeling well," Nunnally repeats while staring at the grass.

"Let's tell Miss Milly when we get back. She will know what to do." He grabs her right hand and squeezes it in assurance.

"Alright, little elves. We will be heading back to the mansion." Going between the twins which forces their hands to let go, Mr. Lamperouge holds their hands and begins tracing their way back. "Remember what you promised. This will stay as a secret among us. Can I count on you?"

"Yes, Mr. Lamperouge," is Rolo's instant answer.

Nunnally never responds.

Ceci wonders, had she never looked up from the book she was reading, would she even do something to make her presence known? How long has she been silently standing by the door of the library? Why didn't she approach her at once just like what she always does? Why is there worry and fear in her gentle purple eyes?

All her musings are slowly answered as Nunnally - who is now sitting beside her - hesitantly gazes up at her.

"What is wrong?" Ceci asks as she smoothens her charge's soft, wavy, brown hair. When Nunnally remains quiet on her seat, Ceci changes tactics. "Where is Rolo?"

"He is with Mr. Lamperouge."

"Then will you tell me what is bothering our little Miss Nunnally?"

Nunnally bites her lips and Ceci can clearly see the conflicting emotions mirrored on her lavender eyes making her quite worried now.

Then, the young Britannia whispers, "Miss Ceci, I promised to not tell anyone but..."

"But?"

Blinking, Nunnally scratches her cheek - a gesture she sometimes does when she is uncomfortable. "Please don't get mad but Rolo rode the horse today."

"What?"

"I told him that we shouldn't because papa said so but he convinced Mr. Lamperouge and Mr. Lamperouge made us promise not to tell anyone because we will get in trouble but we also broke our promise to papa and… and…" With wide scared eyes, Nunnally asks, "Are we going to Hell for being naughty children?""

Instantly, Ceci shakes her head as she gathers the girl in her arms, comforting the latter's fears and worry. "No. Of course not.""

"But Father Bartley said last Mass that children should always obey their parents, that means that children who don't are bad people and bad people go to Hell. Miss Ceci, I don't want for us to go to Hell."

"You're not going anywhere but where you are loved and cared for. The viscount, Miss Milly and I won't let anything bad happen to the both of you. You mentioned Mr. Lamperouge?"

Slightly comforted, Nunnally tears herself away from the embrace to hesitantly nod at the governess's question. "Yes. But please don't be mad at him, Miss Ceci. He only did that so Leon would stop making fun of Rolo.""

"I understand." Ceci rises from her seat with Nunnally's hand in hers. By the doorway, the young Britannia tugs at her hand halting their unhurried steps.

Without looking up, voice helpless, Nunnally murmurs. "They will be mad at me for telling you our secret. Rolo may not talk to me forever."

Ceci puts her index finger under the child's chin and lifts her face to meet her anxious gaze. Ceci hopes that her gentle expression will ease some of Nunnally's innocent qualms if not make them completely go away. Moments like this reminds her that despite being twins, despite being together all the time, thinking almost the same way and with almost similar principles and manners, Nunnally and Rolo are still two different individuals, two children who will not always agree on all matters, who will fight every now and then about things they see differently, who also consider different sets of rights and wrongs from each other. And as they get older, their differences will be more prominent, more undeniable and inevitably, those will cause arguments and misunderstandings between the two. It's a matter of good upbringing and proper guidance so at the end of the day, they will still be each other's strength and conscience. At the end of the day, their bond grows like a sturdy tree and will not tear like a worn out rope.

"They will be mad at you," she says seriously. "Promises are very important commitments you do with another person. Breaking one will make them sad and yes, angry. When you promise someone that you'll do something, they put their trust in your words. So you should always be careful on making promises. Make promises that are sincerely from your heart and ones that won't bring nightmares in your sleep. But, do not worry, my child," she smiles at her encouragingly, "I'll talk to them so they wouldn't be too mad at you, especially Rolo. Your brother is a good boy. His heart wouldn't carry such big anger but only love and understanding. Just like you." Ceci lightly pinches Nunnally's cheek to lighten up the mood and she is granted with a small smile.

They find the pair inside the Art Room where Mr. Lamperouge and Rolo are behind large sketchbooks, their faces completely blocked by the material.

Ceci does not announce their presence at once and listens to the exchange of words between the older man and the young boy.

"Is this alright, Mr. Lamperouge? I tried to draw the right shape but my pencil cannot draw it."

"Ah, yes, it's totally the pencil's fault. Perhaps, we should buy a new one, eh? If only man invented pencils that perfectly obey the artist's imagination, maybe, we won't be having a hard time drawing now."

At this, Rolo giggles as he says, "But everyone will be good at it then. No one will stand out. Sketching shall be as ordinary as eating and not a special talent as it is now."

"You've got a great point there, elf boy. Now, is that her hair? You can put more waves here, and curve lines to add texture. Yes, that's it.""

It still makes Ceci stop on her tracks whenever she listens to the good-natured and surprisingly thoughtful conversations occurring between Mr. Lamperouge and the twins. Somehow, the times that the man showed undesirable manners towards the children are slowly fading into faint memory overpowered by moments like this where only friendly words, and even learnings are exchanged between them. And Ceci loves to listen. She cannot deny it for she, too, learns just from listening to Mr. Lamperouge's art lessons. Admittedly, her drawing skills also improved upon applying his techniques though she never verbalized that to him.

And surprisingly, Mr. Lamperouge is good with children if he puts his heart and mind on it.

"I regret to interrupt your wonderful time together," she announces instantly catching the attention of the two.

"Miss Ceci!" Rolo quickly puts his sketchbook down and runs towards his governess.

"Hello, dear. What are you up to?" she asks.

"Mr. Lamperouge and I are sketching people! He taught me how to draw hair properly."

"That sounds exciting. Well, can I borrow Mr. Lamperouge for a while?"

Farther into the room, the man in subject playfully responds, "Can she, elf boy?"

With the attention suddenly on him, Rolo's head whips back and forth the adults who he both adores. "Yes, you can, Miss Ceci. I can teach Nunnally what she misses while waiting for you."

"Thank you, Rolo. Be good to each other, alright? Miss Milly will be with you shortly."

She takes them to the Sun Room – a floor beneath the Art Room, somewhere the children wouldn't be able to hear, or worse eavesdrop their conversation and have them misunderstood it.

The soft sunlight gracefully passes through the closed windows, keeping the room warm and as sunny as it should be to live up its name.

Ceci then realizes that this will be their first proper conversation after that confrontation in his room. No more flitting glances, no more subtleties and concealed attention. They will be out in the open and finally, meeting eye-to-eye after several days.

They stand infront of one of the windows with a few steps bridging the gap between them. Their shadows form unmoving towers on the floor, deeply rooted on their places. Ceci keeps her hands clasp on top of her stomach while Mr. Lamperouge casually puts his hands in his pockets.

"I heard that you went horseback riding with Rolo earlier with the knowledge of the viscount's order," she calmly begins, golden eyes unwavering.

"I see that someone had broken her promise of not telling anyone," Mr. Lamperouge shrugs.

"Please, Mr. Lamperouge, I am not here to argue with you but to talk about how we must guide the children to learnings and manners of good values especially when they find themselves in situations where they are caught between what the adults told them and how they feel about such things."

A nod then a sigh. The man touches the side of his neck, a sheepish expression reflected on his face. "I apologize for that. Rolo just seemed to be troubled by his friend's words and I wanted to at least help ease up some of his worries.""

"Thank you."

"Pardon?"

She knows she caught him by surprise with the way his violet eyes widen and his mouth left hanging open. But indeed, she is grateful to him for thinking about her ward's feelings and making it a priority during that moment. She gives him a small smile to emphasize her sincerity but it seems like it rendered Mr. Lamperouge speechless for a longer time.

"Thank you for considering Rolo's feelings. I believe that you acted on what you thought was right. Nunnally told me about what happened and asked me not to be mad at you. I am not, Mr. Lamperouge, even if she didn't tell me. So I hope that you wouldn't scold her for breaking her promise. She, too, was just acting on what she believed was right.""

"I wouldn't. She was opposed with the idea from the very beginning so this doesn't come as a surprise. But... Does this mean that you won't tell the viscount?"

Ceci shakes her head. "But we have to classify situations wherein the adults mustn't give in to the children's requests from situations that will help them discover and grow into respectable grown-ups."

"I understand your concern, Miss Corabelle and I believe your intentions are well." Mr. Lamperouge raises one long finger. "But can I say something?"

She nods once. "I would gladly hear it."

"I think the twins need to let themselves loose. Let them play without worrying what should and shouldn't be done. Let them be children, which they really are."

Tilting her head to the side, Ceci's eyebrows furrow forming lines of confusion as she tells the man before her, "They are allowed to play anytime as long as they are done with their lessons. They have regular playdates with their friends, too. I'm afraid I do not get your point, Mr. Lamperouge."

"My point is," he takes a step forward, voice careful as his eyes gaze at her with caution, "Let them make mistakes at least once, let them run on the lawn without the fear of getting their dresses dirty, let them get dirty. Allow them to break orders - that is if such orders are deemed unreasonable, or against the greater good. Have them ride horses before they are ten."

"And what would they gain from being... being... " With the lack of finding a better word, Ceci could only end her question with the word "rascals" but even that feels so wrong to use while referring to the sweet twins.

The man takes another step forward and Ceci has to tilt her head higher so as to meet his glimmering amethyst eyes. "Lessons," he says in a low smooth voice that rumbles her chest, "Experiences, independence that people who stick to the rule miss out. Sometimes, breaking the rules is the way to grow and move forward. Sometimes, making mistakes will help you become a rightful person."

For a moment, Ceci just stares silently at the man before her. She notices the how his eyes glow silver when light shines upon them. She notices the tiny mole lying beneath his left eye that is only noticeable at the small distance separating them right now. His eyelashes are long - long enough for any woman to envy, long enough to make any woman swoon. Suddenly, she wonders how many have fallen just from the sight of him batting his eyelashes. Too many, she supposes.

Truly, Mr. Lamperouge is one handsome man. His beauty rivals that of the nobles and royals, that which people gush about during parties, sculptors wish to capture in their stones and painters in their canvases.

No wonder why Milly always notes about his appearance. Perhaps, that is also why she doesn't mind the growing pain at her nape while staring up at him. He is indeed pleasant to look at.

Staring... Oh, Heaven's, she is indeed staring up at him for too long! Embarrassed, Ceci quickly averts her eyes all the while noting that he, too, had been looking at her as long as she had. And when had they been standing so close to each other? She doesn't remember him taking another step closer.

Clearing her throat, Ceci says, "You are making a fair argument, Mr. Lamperouge. I shall remember your wise words from now on. If you would excuse me."

She had already turned around, ready to flee from the room as soon as possible, when he calls out to her.

"Miss Corabelle?"

Oh, just let her wallow alone in shame for a while! She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and plasters a welcoming smile as she turns to him.

"Yes, Mr. Lamperouge?"

He smiles at her a smile that greatly reminds her of Gino's bright ones. Though, the one that Mr. Lamperouge shows her is more of a charming smirk.

"Perhaps, the best way for the twins to wisely grasp the concept I proposed earlier is for them to see their beloved governess herself loosen the ribbons of formality and strict properness around her."

"I am very much fine with the way I am."

He shrugs. "I'm just saying. At least, they'll still have a reliable example to look up to."

When Ceci finally returns to her wards, surprisingly but not completely unexpected, the twins are at war with each other. Milly relays to her what had transpired between the two while she was away talking with Mr. Lamperouge.

It turns out that Nunnally and her ever truthful self confessed to her brother about opening up with Ceci which led to an upset and betrayed Rolo who declared that he won't be talking to his twin sister ever again.

Ceci tries to calm the two and lessen the animosity that is mostly emanating from Rolo, but unexpectedly, the former refuses to reconcile despite Ceci's efforts - despite trying the ways she always did to make him feel better. And more surprisingly, the little boy runs out of the Art Room and when Ceci follows him, she finds him on the corridor, clinging to none other than Mr. Lamperouge's right leg.

"It seems like we have a crisis here," the man comments.

"A crisis, yes, but nothing we couldn't handle."

Mr. Lamperouge only raises a brow in response then glances down at the boy who is hiding behind his thigh. "What do you want to do, elf boy?"

"I... Will you teach me again how to draw hair?" he answers in a small voice, avoiding his governess's eyes.

"Alright, we'll do that," Mr. Lamperouge retorts, then to Ceci he says, "We'll see you later, Miss Corabelle."

Ceci stops herself from appealing when she understands the meaning behind the man's gaze.

She stands there watching them go, willing Rolo to look back to assure him that everything will be right. Or perhaps, to assure herself that everything will be right. But he didn't, instead it is the taller figure who, without looking back, raises his palm to the level of his shoulder and slowly closes his hand into a fist.

It is alright.

Unconsciously, Ceci smiles to herself. Look who is comforting her. Oh, look how the tables have turned.