Sunlight streamed through the window and into Baron's room, hitting Baron's face in the process. Baron squeezed his eyes tight at the bothersome rays. When that didn't help, Baron decided he might was well get out of bed. He opened his eyes to the new day to see a lovely sight. Haru was snuggled up against his body. How had he not noticed before? Her hair was hanging slightly in her face. Baron gently removed the arm that was around Haru's waist to brush the strands off her face. Her pale skin glowed in the sunlight. Baron couldn't help but blush. Haru looked beautiful and here they were in the most improper of positions!
"Baron?" a voice called out. Baron tensed up at the call. It was Abigail! She probably went to check in on Haru and found her missing. Oh, what was he going to do? She might come in his room to ask him if he saw her. He couldn't respond back. If he did, then she would come in for sure. Maybe he could not say anything and hope that she still thought him asleep. Besides, if he answered her, then he would wake Haru. That was it. He would say nothing.
After a few long agonizing seconds, Baron heard Abigail walk away from his door. Baron let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. As relief washed over him, Baron looked back down at Haru. She definitely looked much better then yesterday. He'd let her rest a little longer before waking her up.
Half an hour passed, and Baron made the decision that it was time to get up and start the day. Baron already had so many errands to do and he hadn't even started them. He had to get them done by the end of the day too. Baron furrowed his eyebrows in aggravation. He banished the raging thoughts from his mind. He glanced down at Haru and kissed her forehead. "Haru? It's time to wake up, love." She made no indication of hearing him. Baron sighed and gently shook her shoulder. "Haru?"
"Huh, what?" Haru said sleepily as she yawned. She opened her eyes and looked up at Baron. She smiled and leaned up to kiss him. Baron made no move to stop her.
"Good morning. How are you feeling?" Baron asked with a grin. He could get use to waking up like this every day.
"Better. Much better" Haru replied with a smile of her own.
"Are you hungry? I know you haven't eaten for the past few days. You should really try something." Haru opened her mouth to answer his question, but her stomach growling answered for her. She blushed and buried her face in his chest. Baron let out a whole-hearted laugh. Haru mumbled something against his chest. "Stay here. I'll go get us some breakfast."
"Fine" Haru grumbled. She was still embarrassed. Baron kissed her forehead one more time before standing up. He quickly pulled on the blue nightshirt he discarded the night before then put on a robe. He slipped on some slippers and was out the door. Haru watched him leave. She felt suspicious of his behavior. He seemed worried but undeniably happy at the same time. He was planning something.
It wasn't long before Baron came back in the room carrying a tray of food. There were some scones, different types of fruits, eggs, and milk on the tray. It was the kind of tray with supports for breakfast in bed purposes. Baron smiled at Haru and kissed her on the cheek as he placed the tray on her legs.
Footsteps could be heard in the hallway. Baron looked at Haru with wide eyes. Baron looked around the room in a panic. His gaze settled on his hand. Baron slipped off his ring and turned into Humbert. He jumped up on the bed and snuggled against Haru's arm just as the bedroom door opened.
"Haru, there you are! I've been looking all over for you" Abigail said.
"Oh hello, Abigail. I didn't mean to cause you trouble. I've been in here for a little while" Haru replied as she ripped a small chunk out of the scone. She held it out in front of Baron's muzzle. He sniffed it then grabbed it with his teeth, gobbling it down. Haru soon followed after with her own bite out of the pastry.
"Oh, you're eating. Wonderful! Are feeling any better, dear?" Abigail said as she rushed over to Haru with a thermometer in hand. Haru instantly opened her mouth when she saw the medical instrument. Abigail placed it in her mouth and waited. Baron meowed up at Haru as he intensely stared at the raising mercury. Abigail just noticed Baron on the bed. "What a cute cat? Is it yours? I've only seen it once or twice." Baron cocked his head to the side at Abigail's statement. Abigail didn't know about the curse. Only the family doctor did.
"No, it's Baron's cat" Haru said around the thermometer. The mercury stopped rising and Abigail removed the little glass tube. She inspected it closely.
"It looks like your fever isn't back. One or two more days of bed rest and you'll be good as new. I really need to find Baron to speak with him. Did you see him, by any chance, when you came in his room?"
"No, ma'am. The maids wanted to change my soiled bed sheets and told me to come in here while they changed them" Haru said smoothly. Baron purred at Haru's lie. He didn't like lying, but it was better than Abigail knowing the truth and scolding them for behaving inappropriately.
"I see" Abigail said. Her tone of voice said she wasn't buying what Haru said, but she was willing to let it slide. "Get some rest. I'm sure Baron would love for you to get better, so he can spend the day with you."
"Of course" Haru said cheerfully. Abigail left the room without saying another word. Haru ate some pieces of fruit in silence. She feed Baron a piece of scone once in a while. She also let him lap at the milk occasionally too.
"Haru?" Baron mewled.
"What is it, Baron?"
"I'm going to get dressed then head out. I have some things to do today, and I should really get them started. Is it okay for me to see you after dinner?" Haru's face saddened at hearing Baron say he was going out, but she smiled nonetheless.
"It's alright. I'll just catch up on some sewing. I'm sure when I go back to the orphanage, the kids will be wondering where I was at and if I brought them anything." Baron nodded and butted his head against Haru's hand one last time. Haru scratched behind Baron's ears before he jumped off the bed. He transformed into a half-cat then picked up the ring that fell on the ground when he transformed. He slipped it on, changing back into a human. Baron picked out his outfit for the day then went into the bathroom. Haru ate as much off her breakfast tray as she could before growing tired and drifting off to sleep once again.
Baron finished getting changed and poked his head out of the bathroom. Haru was curled up on the bed. The breakfast tray was on floor. Baron smiled at the sight. He gently went over to Haru and pulled the sheets up over Haru's body. He kissed her on the temple then grabbed his top hat and cane, leaving the room afterwards. He walked down the halls then down the stairs that led to the second floor. He took a left and went to the end of the hall where only one door presided. Baron opened the door and entered his study. Muta was sitting in Baron's desk chair while Toto stood over him. They were arguing over something that a paper said.
"Toto! Muta!" Baron snapped. They both froze and looked at Baron.
"It's time" Baron said as he turned around and walked back out the door. Toto and Muta glanced at each other with a knowing look. They smirked and followed Baron out the door.
"When are you…you know…?" Toto said slowly as his eyes flickered back and forth, scanning the empty halls for any sign of servants.
"Tomorrow" Baron said simply. He picked up his pace once he was out of the mansion.
"Where do you want to go first?" Toto asked his friend.
"The orphanage" Baron answered.
"The orphanage? What are we going there for?" Muta questioned.
"I need to talk to the kids" Baron said.
"Oh?"
"Let's just get this done. We still have other places to go today" Baron said as they neared the Von Gikkingen Orphanage. Muta and Toto stayed quiet and trailed Baron into the building. They stayed by the door as Baron went over to the one female worker working at the desk in the back. The two began talking animatedly. Finally, a smile came over Baron's face. The lady shouted for the kids, and they came running into the room. Baron smiled and crouched down to get eye level with the majority of them. He began talking again to them. Huge grins broke out in the group. The girls were cooing, squealing, and giggling in excitement. The boys were blushing and looking uncomfortable. Baron finished his talk and stood up. He tipped his top hat at the children then walked out the door. Toto and Muta slipped into step beside him.
"What was that all about?" Muta said. Baron just smirked and continued walking.
"Can you at least tell us where we're going next?" Toto said in annoyance.
"We're going to Haru's old house!" Baron said happily.
"What?!
"I want to talk to Haru's mother."
"Her mother?" Muta asked.
"Oh! To ask for her blessing, right?" Toto guessed.
"Not exactly. Haru doesn't have any living relatives to ask their blessing for. I was just going to tell her mother that I planned on marrying her daughter and how wonderful I think Haru is" Baron explained. Toto nodded his head in understanding.
"But how do you know where Chicky buried her mother?"
"She told me about where her house was located once. She said she didn't bury her mother far from it. I'm just hoping we'll stumble upon it" Baron said with a shrug.
"Great, we could be stumbling around for hours" Toto grumbled. Baron shot him a glare.
"I can go by myself. You don't have to come with me" Baron said, throwing an innocent look to his bodyguards.
"No!" Muta and Toto said firmly as they stepped towards Baron.
"We can't have you wondering off. You always get yourself into trouble. Whether it is from helping some stranger on the street or picking up innocent girls like Haru!"
"Being my bodyguards is your choice. I don't technically need you watching me. I could just slip away…like this" Baron said with a knowing smirk. He stepped back from his friends. Toto and Muta turned around to see a man and woman walk past and block Baron from their view. As soon as the couple passed, Baron was gone.
"Oh! I am so going to get him for that" Toto fumed. "Hurry up and scan the alleyways. I'll scan the rooftops."
"Why do I always have to look in the alleys? If anyone should do it, then it should be you! You have dark hair, you're skinnier, and you're faster. You blend in with shadows more, birdbrain!"
"What?! You fat pig, why do always have to complain?! I'm Baron's first advisor, so I'm second in charge. I get to call the shots. Besides, you can't go scanning the rooftops. Every time you see one sign that says bakery or café, you just have to stop in for a snack!"
"I do not, chicken wings!"
"Do to, fatso!"
"Birdbrain!" Muta roared.
"You already called me that you, idiot!" Toto shouted as he tackled Muta to the ground. Muta rolled to the side, Toto wrapped in his arms. As Muta's weight shifted, Toto struggled to get free. Muta was lying on top of him by that point.
"Get off me! I can't breathe!" Toto wheezed.
"Serves you right" Muta said triumphantly. Muta started to stand up, thinking the fight was over. Toto tricked him, however. As soon as Muta was back on his feet, Toto jumped up and kicked the back of Muta's knees with his feet. Muta's legs buckled and he fell to his knees. Toto used that opportunity to lock Muta in a headlock. Muta swung his fist back, hitting Toto in the side of the head.
"OW!" Toto immediately released Muta to hold his throbbing ear. Muta spun around, but Toto used the hand not holding his ear to claw at Muta. His nails scratched Muta's cheek and lip. The skin split open from Toto's claw-like nails. Muta hissed as blood poured out of the wounds.
The fight continued for another few hours. Muta and Toto were oblivious to the time passing by and the group of onlookers gathering around the duo. Whispers filled the air around them.
"Isn't that Baron Von Gikkingen's bodyguards?"
"No, I thought they were his advisors."
"Why are they fighting?"
"Where's the baron?"
Toto and Muta continued pounding on each other. The fight was getting aggressively violent. Toto had black eye. Both of Muta's cheeks now adorned their own pair of scratches. Both men had split lips. Their clothes were torn and Toto was missing his right shoe. "Toto! Muta! What are you doing? Did you get into another fight?" Baron growled. Both men froze in their fighting. Toto was lying on top of Muta with his fist aimed and in the air, ready to punch Muta in the face. Muta had Toto's waistcoat clenched in his fists. His knee was raised to Toto's stomach, ready to be driven in the slimmer male's gut. Upon seeing Baron, they jumped up and quickly dusted each other off like they were good friends helping each other out.
"It was Muta that started it" Toto said in accusation. He shot an icy glare at Muta.
"I wasn't my fault that birdbrain over here keeps ordering me around. He thinks he's all that since he's your first advisor" Muta mumbled.
"Toto, let Muta make his own decisions. Muta, listen to Toto when he tells you to do something" Baron said. "Now come on, we have one more place to go before we can head home. I already stopped at two more places on the way here. It's almost dinner time."
"What?! That's not fair" Muta said in disbelief. Toto smirked. One for Toto and zero for Muta!
Baron ignored Muta's whining and made his way through the crowd of people. He was tired and hungry and wanted to go home. He practically sprinted out of the West Gate and down the secret trail in the forest to get to Haru's old house when he ditched Toto and Muta. He was horrified when he got there to see the roof had caved in. It was a good thing Haru's mother told her not to stay there anymore. Haru's mother's grave was easy enough to locate. Baron explored the territory around the house to find a small path out back. He followed it to a small hill and on top of the hill was a large boulder. On the boulder, the words 'Naoko Yoshioka: Beloved mother and wife' were engraved sloppily but neatly at the same time. Baron was relieved to see the stone, and he feel to his knees. He poured his heart out to Naoko. He told her of his love for Haru, all the activities they did, and well, everything. After that, he saw it was getting dark. He went to find Muta and Toto fighting. They were bleeding all over the cobblestone!
"Is the last place the jeweler's?" Toto said quietly. He knew Baron was still mad at him, but he also knew Baron was glad they didn't find him. Baron was probably happy to have some alone time, even if it was in the woods…talking to a grave.
Baron nodded at the question. "It should be ready" he said softly. His cane clicked on the cobblestone as he walked.
"Ready? You mean you already picked out a ring?"
"Yes" Baron said. They trio made it to the jeweler's in record time. The bell rung as soon as the door opened, signaling their arrival.
"Ah, Humbert! How lovely to see you again!" the shop owner said as he polished a diamond. "Are you here to see the ring? I heard you were courting a young lady, but I've never seen her yet. I've heard wondrous things about her. I almost couldn't believe it when I got your order."
"Actually Mr. Crawford, I'm here to pick it up!" Baron said as he went over to the counter with a grin on his face.
"That's splendid news! When are you proposing to her?"
"Tomorrow."
"Ah, well, I hope you bring her by when you come to pick out the wedding bands!" Mr. Crawford said hopefully.
"Of course! Anything for a friend of the family's" Baron said as he twisted his ring on his finger. Mr. Crawford sent Baron a thankful smile and went into the backroom. Baron, Toto, and Muta waited silently in the shop. Mr. Crawford emerged holding a small green velvet box. He held it out for Baron.
"Take a look and tell me what you think! It took me a while to find the gems, but I think it came out beautifully. I'm sure the young woman you plan on marrying will love it."
"I hope so" Baron sighed out as he opened the small box. Inside the box was a gold band that had a greyish silver cat's eye gem in the middle with a white sheen. On each side of the gem was a small piece of jade. The ring was almost a replica of Baron's except that the band was thinner, had jade, and a different colored cat's eye gem. Baron picked out the cat's eye gem to match his ring then the jade to match Haru's cat hair comb. Toto and Muta peeked over Baron's shoulder to examine Baron's purchase.
"That's amazing, Baron" Toto gasped.
"I think Chicky will like it" Muta said in approval. "Although, when you get the wedding rings, then I suggest you pick something simple. I think she'll appreciate it."
"Indeed, she will" Baron said as he closed the box. He shoved a hand in his pocket and dug out some money. He handed the bills to Mr. Crawford.
"Thank you" Mr. Crawford said as he opened up the cash register and put the money in.
"I hope I'll see you again soon. Have a good day" Baron said with a tip of his hat.
"You too, Humbert. Toto, Muta, I hope I'll get to make your rings also when the time comes" Mr. Crawford added. Toto blushed while Muta just snorted in amusement. Toto, Muta, and Baron left the shop and headed home. Baron held the ring box in his hand and stared at it. This was it. This is what he has been waiting for. Baron gave the box one last look before pocketing the small object. His hand stayed in the pocket and gripped the box tightly in anticipation.
A/N: Nothing exciting about this chapter. It was just setting things up for the next chapter. I still want to hear your opinions about what relic you think the curse is tied to. I love hearing your opinions.