Hi everyone! Here's the long awaited new chapter of CinderYuu. The story is finish and completely uploaded on AO3 but I had completely forgotten that I uploaded some chapters on here. So I'll get the rest of the chapters up on here for my readers on to enjoy as well.
Chapter 3
Plans for a Ball
Returning home and once Asuramaru has been settled back in the stables, Yuu heads inside to find his friends waiting for him with grave expressions, very nervous about something. Having a strong feeling that something is going on, Yuu approaches Kimizuki and asks, "What's going on?"
"When she found out that I was going to cover for you after Lady Lorraine left, Mahiru became very displeased. She wants to talk to you in her room, privately." Kimizuki answers, sounding very nervous.
To hear that Mahiru is not happy about this, Yuu lets out an annoyed sigh. He'll never have any peace whenever she's in a bad mood. "I better go deal with her."
With that, Yuu went up stairs in silence and knocked on Mahiru's door. "Enter." Mahiru answers from inside. Opening the door, Yuu steps inside and shuts the door behind him. Then he turns to face his eldest stepsister, noticing that she has her wicked glare across her face. "Come closer."
Yuu obeys without a word and stands closer to Mahiru. "You summoned me."
"Yes. I heard about Shiho Kimizuki planning on taking over your work so you can have the day off. That was a foolish decision for I am the only one that says who has a day off or not. As punishment, you shall be doing all of the work and I'll have everyone else stay in their rooms until I tell them to return to work."
Yuu already felt that this is unfair to him and everyone just because Kimizuki wanted to help him. "But that's not fair to me and the others."
"Silence!" Mahiru orders and Yuu bites his tongue to stay quiet. "If you have time to ride out, then you have plenty of time for your work. Now to start with. There is the large carpet in the main hall. Clean it!" Mahiru starts off the list she'll put Yuu to work with. "And the windows, upstairs and down. Wash them! Of course, and the tapestries and the draperies."
That's already been done. "But I already finished with them."
"Do them again!" Mahiru takes a sip of her tea as she continues the list. "And don't forget the garden. Scrub the terrace. Sweep the halls and the stairs. Clean the chimneys. And as well there is the mending, sewing and ironing the laundry."
With the list clear in his head and knowing that Mahiru is done with making the list, Yuu turns to leave when Mahiru speaks again, "Remember, while you work, none of the other servants are to help you. This is your punishment."
"I understand, Mahiru." With a silent sigh, Yuu leaves the room to get right to work.
At the palace, the King Sirius is pacing in his office, waiting for Guren to return with his son. However with each passing minute, Sirius grows more and more impatient. Then just as noon start, Sirius hears a knock at his door. "Enter." He gives the guest permission and once the door opens, he sees Guren and Mikaela step inside his office.
Stepping forward as Guren shuts the door behind them, Mika stands straight as he faces his father. "You summoned me, father."
"Yes Mikaela. We need to talk." Sirius says in a very serious tone, Mika easily sensing what this is about. "You've been avoiding your responsibilities long enough."
Knew it. Mika sighs to himself as his father continues, "It's about time you get married and settled down."
"Father, would you stop forcing me?"
"You think I'm forcing you? I'm actually already planning a way for you to find a wife or husband."
"What do you have planned?" Mika asks as he raises an eyebrow. Maybe this could give him a chance to see Yuu again.
"Sire, can't we just let him alone? You know he doesn't go along with you when it comes to the matters of love." Guren points out, the one person in the entire palace that knows Mika best.
"Love." Sirius scoffs at the mere word. "It's all about two souls meeting and coming together in arrangement and under the right conditions." Sirius argues.
This is starting to get annoying. "Just tell me what you're planning already, father."
Hearing the annoyed tone from his son caused the king to glare at him, a silent message reminding him to watch his attitude. "I've decided to throw a masquerade ball in your honor." this had surprised Mika, making him think that maybe this is the chance he needs.
"If all of the eligible maidens and lads in my kingdom just happen to be there, surely one of them will catch your eye." Sirius says with a smile now forming on his face at the idea of his son finally finding someone to wed. "Once you do find someone, there will be soft lights, romantic music to dance to."
"Excellent plan, sire. When shall we arrange the ball for?" Guren said as he steps closer as they discuss the plans while Mika loses himself in his thoughts of Yuu.
"The masquerade ball shall take place tomorrow night." Sirius adds. To hear that the event is to be held tomorrow, Mika at once decides to see Yuu again tomorrow morning.
With that, Mika leaves the office for his chambers to write a letter to Yuu that he'll have the messenger deliver to him along with the invitation.
