Disclaimer: I do not own Kyo Kara Maoh. I don't Wolfram. I don't own Yuuri. Man, I don't own Shinou. Oh well…
Chapter 9: The Origin of Jace von Bielefeld I: Part II
"Hey."
"Jace."
"Hey!"
Jace's eyes began to flutter softly as he lifted his tired head up in an effort to sit up straight.
"Hey! Jace! Wake Up! We're here, we're home."
Jace rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands as a loud yawn escape from between his lips. Still sleepy, he opened his eyes enough to see Keji already out of the carriage with his head in the doorway. Keji was staring at him with a half amused look on his face, waiting for him to rouse enough to remember who he was.
Keji shook his head. "Come on Jace. We should go greet mother and eat something. It's been a long ride, and you'd feel better after you've eaten and rested for awhile. We can think about work afterwards."
Jace nodded sleepily, and Keji moved so he could climb out the carriage. Stretching and yawning some more, Jace rested one hand in his pocket and the other on the back of his neck as he looked at the surroundings that made up his home in the von Bielefeld lands, since he hadn't seen it in about a month. It was already dark and the courtyard was filled with lit candles.
Although not necessarily as big as Blood Pledge Castle nor as known for its elegance, the von Bielefeld castle held its own quite capably. From an overhead view, the castle was a building with a square design that surrounded the middle courtyard on three sides, being the top, left and right side, with the bottom being a castle wall that ran from one end of the left side to the right, completing the square. The large front gate was in the middle of the wall, as was a large fountain in the middle of the courtyard.
Each side, or wing, of the building had a connecting tower behind it. The left and right towers were living quarters for the maids and servants and resident soldiers. The other tower was about three stories, which is where Jace, Nora, Keji, as well as other guest, stay.
On the ground along the edges of the building were flowers that his mother collected and planted as a hobby, as inspired by her friendship with Cecile. Keji saw the flowers as a way for his mother to enjoy her time, while Jace liked Nora's plants. She had a colorfully diverse collection of flowers in range from roses and daises to exotic plants such as the beautiful green jade flower and the tacca chantrieri. However, in Jace's onceover glances, there was one special patch of flowers that stood out to him that he hadn't noticed before.
Keji watched Jace as the boy turned his head casually, remembering the familiar surroundings of the castle, before he suddenly took off. "Hold up! Jace!" he called.
Jace took off in the direction of the flowers that captured his attention.
The yellow flowers were just like the ones his Aunt Cecile had back at her castle, but he hadn't brought any samples from the Blood Pledge here, lest they die on the trip, nor had he been able to find any that were around here. Jace was stumped. "How…"
"I believe Cecile calls them, 'Beautiful Wolfram.' "
Jace turned around at the sound of Nora's voice. "Mother, how did you-"
"While you were there doing who knows what, Wolfram apparently sent a bunch of the seeds here to be planed for you when you got back. It seems that he wanted it to be a surprise for when you got home, judging from the look on your face. The deliveryman also brought a letter from Wolfram that should be in your room."
"Oh, why didn't I think of that…" Jace said dumbly. He couldn't recall a moment that Wolfram could have snuck away to send them here, at least without him knowing about it. Well, nothing was ever certain.
"Oh don't worry about it. It was a nice thing for him to do. Now come here and give me a hug." Nora opened her arms and Jace immediately embraced her in a tight and loving hug. At his young age, he was still a bit shorter than Nora, but only by a couple of inches.
It was obvious Keji's looks came from Nora. She was a very pretty woman, kind, sweet, loving, and totally devoted to her land and sons, she treated everyone like family. Eyes just as sky blue as Keji's, her hair only stretched down to the nape of her neck, and like Keji's it was jet-black but smoother as if made from silk. Her smile was one that could bring comfort to the most troubled child and welcomed the challenges of the world. As loveable as she was, one should not be deceived by her gentle appearance and demeanor as Nora was an independent woman that held the strict discipline of her beliefs and would courageously fight against any wrongdoings. She took pride in her children and held her sons to great expectations for whatever they chose to do.
Jace separated from their hug and looked Nora in the eyes. She smiled that motherly smile of hers, always proud of him. "Even if you forget to hug your mother every now and then, I still love you no matter what."
Jace gave a guilty grin. Nora patted the top of his head. "Don't worry, you can just make it up by telling my about your stay over dinner. It should be ready in a few."
Jace nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"Good, and stop with the 'ma'am' stuff, you make me feel old. Your brother has already gone ahead, we should hurry before we have nothing to eat." She chuckled. Jace grabbed Nora's hand as they made idle chat while walking towards the main part of the castle.
Jace, Keji, and Nora sat ready for their meal in the dining room. It was medium sized with an elegant cream and burgundy color scheme. It was great in space, a rectangular table in the center, and windows on the far wall for an overview of the castle grounds. A chandelier dangled overhead and lit candles were placed evenly on the table. Just then, an older man entered the room with two trays full of food on both hands.
He was a handsome Mazoku, clad in an all white attire, with silver hair that was wrapped into a ponytail, silver mustache, a chiseled jaw, broad shoulders, and violet eyes somewhat similar to Jace's except they had a darker hue. He was in great health and shape; humans would mistake him for around 50 or 60 years old, when in fact he was over 800 years old.
"Alright, who's hungry?"
He placed both trays on the table, and looked at Jace. A smile formed on his face. "Why, hello young master, I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Maou's castle. I've prepared your favorite meal just for your return, and dessert afterwards."
Jace returned the smile. "Thank you Albert! And yeah, it was good."
"You and young Wolfram behaved yourselves and strayed from mischief I assume?" Albert raised an eyebrow.
Jace nodded his head.
"Good. I wouldn't want have to make you hold off from my dessert for some ridiculous stunt." Albert wiped off his hands and began serving plates. For tonight there was a feast of sweet potatoes, rice, yeast rolls, butter beans, and a seasoned turkey drenched in his secret broth that made it the turkey luscious and Jace's mouth crave more with every bite.
Jace shook his head as Albert handed him a plate, then Nora and Keji, who were also eager for Albert's mouth-watering delectables.
Ignoring the conversation, Keji immediately dug into the food as he always did, while Jace ate each bite slowly with over exaggerated, childish enthusiasm, as Nora began casually dining. Albert was standing by, eagerly waiting for the verdict.
"Albert," Nora started, "I don't know how you do it, but every meal just keeps getting better and better."
"Yeah, I definitely missed this. And none of the other cooks can make stuff like you." Jace chimed.
A large grin spread against the man's face. "Why thank you very much. Your praise is too much, but please, go on if you insist." he teased.
Nora laughed. "Won't you sit and join us for dinner?" she asked.
"Oh no, I still have to make sure everyone else is doing their jobs right, we have some new rookies on board. Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude."
Keji, who remained verbally silent but was loudly stuffing himself, momentarily stopped to reach for another plate. "Why do you have to act like that Al? When's the last time you ate with us? My little brother is back and enjoying the food, so you might as well enjoy it too." Then he dug back into the food.
Jace nodded and gulped down the food stuffed in his mouth. "Yeah, Keji's right. Enjoy yourself for once. You're always taking care of us, you're family, remember? I just got back and I'm already reminding you of that." He waved a turkey leg at Albert. "It's reaalllly goooodd."
"Don't play with your food Jace." Nora reprimanded.
"Well, I suppose it couldn't do any harm." Albert agreed. He sat down opposite of Nora and fixed himself a plate.
"See, now that wasn't so bad, was it? But I'm stuffed." Jace patted his stomach.
"Not me. I'm ready for dessert." Keji wiped his mouth with his napkin. Nora shook her head. "Do you ever get full dear? You've eaten two, no you just finished off another one, so three whole plates already. You're going to burst soon."
Keji gave Nora a sly grin. "It's what keeps me motivated to keep moving." Albert stood up and began walking to the kitchen. "He is a growing young man, so I suppose dessert would be appropriate now."
Already stuffed, Jace was about to leave but decided to stay for some dessert instead. Albert returned with a huge 3-layred cake with sweet whipped topping with an assortment of fruit mixed in with the topping. Keji's and Jace's eyes grew just at the mouth-watering sight.
"Oh my," Nora gasped, "Albert, this cake is beautiful, and quite big. Are you sure it is just for us, or did you plan to have a special someone visit for dessert?"
Albert gently set the cake down on the table. "Of course it is for you my lady, as well as the children. My time is spent here and I enjoy the company quite contently." He began passing out helpings.
Keji took his and commenced digging in immediately. For someone who can be as serious as Gwendal at times, it was interesting to see Keji when he actually acted like a regular demon.
Jace admired the look of it before joining in. "Albert, you really should get out more. You're always here, you need to have fun sometimes." He said.
Nora nodded. "Jace is right. You should explore what the world has to offer, you never know what lucky man or lady you may find."
Albert took a slice for himself and sat down. "True, I don't leave the castle very often unless I'm with the young one-"
"Hey, I'm 60 years old, almost 61! I'm not a child, thank you very much!" Jace cut in.
"Oh, please pardon me," Albert cleared his throat, "As I was saying, yes its true that I stay in the castle unless I'm am out with the nearly 61 year old little one, however, I am an old Mazoku and have had my share of experiences already. I even have some friends outside the castle believe it or not."
Nora gave a warm smile. "I'm glad. I wouldn't want you locked up with just me and these boys all the time. Shinou knows I'd go crazy if I were you. But honestly, we don't know what we would do without you."
"Thank you, my lady."
They ate in silence for awhile, mainly savoring the sweet goodness of the multi-flavored cake. Between Nora, Albert, Jace, and Keji's monstrous appetite, the once huge 3-layed cake was reduced to only a forth of its former glory. Stomachs were happy and full by that time.
Jace leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach, content and convinced he wouldn't be able to eat for at least another week. Now full, he began to get sleepy, letting out a loud yawn.
"Jace, are you still tired from you're trip?"
"I don't see how, he slept just about the whole way here." Keji commented.
"It gets boring without Conrad to talk to or having Wolfram around." Jace said. Keji got a somewhat sour look on his face. Albert got up and began cleaning the table and Nora shook her head. "Why don't you both go and rest. It is a long ride to and from the castle when you leave late. Get some sleep now and that way both of you will be fresh for tomorrow. I, for one, am tired just from waiting for you two to get back, and I think I'll head to bed. Albert, dinner was superb."
"My pleasure."
Nora stood up. "Go rest, both of you. No overworking tonight," she gave Keji a look, "and no last minute mischief," she glanced at Jace, "understood?"
"Yes mother." Jace and Keji chorused.
"Good, and no arguing. Goodnight boys." She said as she turned and walked from the room towards her bedroom.
"Goodnight." "Goodnight mother." They called after her.
Jace decided to take his mother's advice and call it a night. His belly was already full, his eyes were sleepy, and at the moment nothing else made more sense. Albert had finished cleaning the table and was wiping one last spot on the corner of it. "You two should heed your mother's word. Get a fresh start on the tomorrow's morning."
Keji sighed and propped his elbows up on the table, laying his head in one hand. "But I still have a lot of paperwork and stuff to do. Why wait, wouldn't be more productive to get back on it and do what I can now?"
Albert shook his cloth. "You could and I admit, it would be more work out of the way, but Keji, would you rather do them now and go to bed only to find in the morning that you made errors due to your tiredness and have to go start over to make corrections, or would you rather do things right the 1st time with a clear and focused mind?" Keji didn't say anything.
"Think about it. I have some other things to attend to before I turn in for the night, and I'll see you both tomorrow." Albert left the room, catering to his other duties for the night.
Jace stood from the table yawning. "I think I'll go take a bath and call it a night too." He started heading for the door.
"That little comment you made earlier wasn't necessary." Keji shot at him unrepentantly. Jace stopped and turned to face him. "What comment?"
"About Conrad and the other one."
Jace sighed. "The other one? Why do you always have to have mood swings whenever I mention Conrad or Wolfram?" Jace made sure to put an emphasis on the name.
"I don't have mood swings."
"Yes you do. You can be normal at one moment, then when something about Wolfram comes up you turn into jerk."
"So?" Keji shrugged his shoulders.
Jace was confused. "Okay… I just don't understand you. You know, you're actually a decent brother sometimes just until Wolfram's name comes up. I know you don't care for him, but why do you dislike Wolfram so much?"
"I have my reasons. And that's what we need to talk about. for one, I think he's a bad influence on you."
"What? How?"
"What do you mean how? You can't get him out of your mind for even a few minutes. You talk about him constantly, far past the point of annoyance, and you follow him wherever he goes. You're getting too dependant on him and what he thinks."
"That's not true! You're just trying to start something."
"You're practically in love with him."
Jace blushed. "No! I, I, uh-"
Keji shook his head. "Look at you. You can't even defend yourself when it's Wolfram in question. It's not the fact that you love him, that doesn't concern me in the least bit. It's what you loving him is doing to you that pisses me off." Keji rose from his seat and walked over to Jace.
Jace shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know what you're talking about."
His voice lowered. "Let me tell you something, when my father died I had sworn to him as a last wish that I would rule this land for the better one day. When mother and I first saw you after Albert brought you in from the rain that day, I saw potential. You have the potential to become intellectually dangerous, among other things. Since that day you became my brother, I've resolved to make sure that using our combined talents that the wish I promised my father would come true. I taught you almost everything you know about being an advisor, from how to formally settle disputes to regulating taxes down to the rules and regulations on the way things work, and everything was good for awhile, even when Waltorana became sick and first announced Wolfram as the successor instead of me just because he's blood. But you know what? I tired to make things work, being beside Wolfram to make sure everything was good, but you two are the most childish ingrates ever when you're around each other, and all the hard work I've invested into you dies as soon as you see him. You don't even at like the boy who used to strive for the better for our land. So yeah, I don't like him, or the fact that he doesn't take his duties seriously."
Jace was astonished. "How can you just talk about me like I'm just some sort of tool to be used? Do you even know how you sound right now?"
"Do you even know how you're acting right now? Getting all defensive just because I'm saying something you don't like. Get over it, I never said anything about you being a tool. Since mother took you in as a son, I accepted you as a brother, but the potential I saw in you shrivels and dies around that boy."
"I'm not getting defensive; and what do you mean, 'since she took you in, I accepted you', so you're admitting you never wanted me as a brother?"
"Stop twisting my words damn it! My Shinou, you're annoying when you get like this."
"Like you're one to talk."
"Whatever. The fact is right now I do have a little brother that I can at least train to help run a nation, but the title of successor of our great land isn't going to him, or even to me. No, it's going towards some brat who doesn't take anything serious or even live here or even know about some of the most basic laws of our land just because he's next in the bloodline."
Keji's face was stern. Jace cut in, disbelieving Keji's accusation. "Are you serious? Are you that jealous of Wolfram? And you don't even know how he feels, he really does take this stuff seriously!"
Keji rolled his eyes. "I'm not jealous dammit, this is about the fate of our land, the one, unlike him, you live in. And how would you know he really plans to take anything serious anyway?"
"He told me so himself, today while we were waiting for you. He said so in the bedroom that he's going to be the best there ever was because it was his duty, or fate…or something…" Jace's voice trailed off.
Keji gave a sarcastic smirk. "Ok, yeah, and how long is that going to last? I'll be the one handling everything anyway because he doesn't have the slightest clue about anything, and you practically melt around him."
Jace's temper started to set in. "You know what? Whatever Keji, I don't even care. You're just saying stupid stuff because no matter what you are jealous of Wolfram and you can't see him like I see him."
"Me? Jealous of Wolfram? Ha!"
Keji put his hand to his forehead. "You can't even see how much of a spoiled brat you're acting like right now. One day your obsession with Wolfram is going to get you into trouble with the wrong person Jace. I'm trying to make sure that doesn't happen."
"Whatever." Jace turned and started to leave.
"I'm telling you to be careful Jace. Don't you know those closest to you can be the ones who hurt you the most?"
Jace didn't even bother with a response as he left the room. Keji started on him from nowhere was really getting on his nerves. He could really use a bath to calm down.
The warm steam that cloaked the room and the soothing temperature of the bath relaxed Jace significantly. It wasn't as big as the one at Blood pledge caste, but it was about the same design. It was basically a bathroom with a closet and a large Jacuzzi that was always kept at warm temperature just for Jace. He had sets of clothes in the closet so that he could just take a bath and then dress appropriately for whatever occasion.
The gentle water caressing his naked body gave him the sensation of floating into nothingness. A dark, usually hidden birthmark, similar to a burn-mark, was now visible on the outside of his right thigh. It was shaped like an apple that had been bitten into. It was the only mark on his body that he inherited from his biological parents, from which one, he didn't know. Why he was staring at it and thinking about the parents he never knew was a mystery to him. Maybe it was due to Keji's mentioning of his father.
Jace soaked in the bath, pondering over the things Keji said to him.
'You're practically in love with him.'
'You can't even defend yourself when it's Wolfram' in question.'
'You have the potential to be intellectually dangerous, among other things.'
'You can't even see how much of a spoiled bratt you're acting like right now. One day your obsession with Wolfram is going to get you into trouble with the wrong person Jace.'
"Be careful Jace. Don't you know those closest to you can be the ones who hurt you the most?"
Keji's words kept floating back to Jace's mind as he soaked in the tub. It all confused him. Apparently even Keji noticed how much attention he found himself giving towards Wolfram, so there's no telling who else noticed. Albert, Conrad, his mother and Aunt Cecile and maybe even Gunter were all probably people who have also taken notice. Keji said he was practically in love with Wolfram. Jace shook his head. He knew he had some kind of feelings for his friend, but love? It couldn't be love, he didn't even know what love was.
But wouldn't that be part of the point? Since he didn't know what love was, maybe he couldn't see that he was, indeed, in love with Wolfram, just as Keji said he couldn't even see how much of a spoiled brat he was. That part also confused Jace. If he was acting like a brat, he didn't see how, when he was just standing up for what he wanted. Why did his brother start an argument so suddenly just like that?
Keji also mentioned something about him having potential and noticing it when he first arrived at the castle. Tonight was the first time in a while that Keji yelled at him like he did, yet this time he even went so far as to mention his deceased father, who he doesn't talk about often. To Jace, it's just proof that when it comes to him and Wolfram, Keji was more than serious when he said it pissed him off.
Sometimes Keji seemed to be a complete idiotic enemy to Jace, commanding him around and never giving him a chance on things, but sometimes he says things that make Jace realize he only cares about him and these von Bielefeld lands.
And that last part, about people close to him hurting him, it sounded more like a warning that anything else. Jace wasn't sure what he thought about that. Despite being in a sensually warm bath tub, Jace caught an eerie feeling and a subtle, foreboding chill crawling up his spine.
Loving Wolfram, Keji mad at him, not knowing how he felt, not being able to be certain of anything… all of this thinking and over-analyzing was starting to give Jace a headache. He dipped himself underneath the water for a few moments as if he were trying to hide from his own thoughts.
When Jace resurfaced a few moments later, he wiped his eyes and leaned against the edge of the Jacuzzi. He stared at the ceiling absent-mindedly and sighed. No matter what, when he looked deep down, only one thing was true.
He liked Wolfram.
Alot.
When he first met Wolfram, he knew he liked him. They first met when Waltorana went to an aristocrats meeting at Blood Pledge Caste and decided to bring Jace along to meet the Maou. He wasn't sure if he'd wanted to go at first, but reluctantly agreed and left anyway. It was a long boring trip there and he didn't think much of it. But that changed as soon as he got out of the carriage.
Greeting them at the front gate was the Maou, his now Aunt Cecile, a scary looking man, Gwendal, a strong, relaxed looking soldier, Conrad, and the most beautiful boy he'd ever seen, Wolfram. Instantly he became nervous but was very anxious to meet this boy.
The group approached them, and Jace seemed to forget everything. Waltorana practically had to shout his name to remind Jace where he was as Jace was so transfixed on Wolfram he forgot about everything else.
When he finally got the nerve to say hi to everyone, he got his first feel of the people he knew he would love and accept as family. Gwendal was silent and stern and while he didn't say anything to him, he gave a quick nod before disappearing abruptly into the castle. Conrad smiled at him with that gentle smile he had and Cecile had squeezed him into one of her bosom suffocating hugs instead of the usual handshake that is customary for first meetings.
"Oh! He's just so cute!" Cecile exclaimed.
Wolfram pried him out from her death hug and they argued about first impressions for a moment while Jace stood by attempting to catch his breath. Wolfram then turned to him.
"I'm sorry about that." He extended his hand. "I'm Wolfram, Wolfram von Bielefeld." Jace took his hand, his own somewhat shaking due to nerves and excitement. "HI! I mean, uh, hi. I'm, um, Jace, Jace von Bielefeld. It's nice to finally meet you."
They shook hands and Wolfram turned to Waltorana. "Hello Uncle. I'm glad to see you are well."
"Likewise."
"Um, so your last name is von Bielefeld too, so that makes you my cousin right?" Jace asked. "Yes, technically, in name." Waltorana answered.
"Oh, okay."
Wolfram was confused by the statement. He looked at Cecile and she merely shrugged her shoulders, not understanding herself. He turned back towards Waltorana. "What do you mean, by name? Is he or isn't he?"
"Allow me to explain," Waltorana said, "Jace here, is not related to the von Bielefeld family at all, in fact he was an orphan, a child of the streets. Our butler, Albert, surely you remember him Wolfram, found him sitting in the rain beaten up one evening. Apparently, young Jace here was involved in a fight, trying to protect a shop from a theft, pointlessly trying to be a hero but was, in essence, only a nuisance. Albert however thought his actions noble and since he had no home, Albert brought him to the castle where he was shortly adopted by Nora even though she already has Keji. Jace's life has been a poor one and sympathy is the probable cause of his adoption by that girl."
Waltorana gave Jace a sideways glance. "Although not blood, not having any real prior knowledge about nobles, and not capable of carrying out all the duties of a noble, and not able to wield a sword properly, I've found that he's at least smart enough to be of some use around the castle, due to Keji's teachings."
Jace was looking at the ground by the time Waltorana finished, suddenly finding the dirt interesting and not wanting to look at anyone else. Cecile frowned. "Waltorana, I see your manners are still as pleasant as ever," her disapproval of putting the boy's past under the blunt and embarrassing spotlight was evident. "Even so, Jace, was it?"
"Yes?"
"My Wolfie here needs a friend. He's always trying to be like his big brother Gwendalyn and grow up much faster than he should. Unfortunately he doesn't realize that everyone should enjoy what they have of their childhood while given the chance. He needs a friend, someone like you."
Wolfram's cheeks turned red.
"Mother! I don't need you telling everyone about my life. I can make friends on my own, thank you very much."
"Yes, and you've certainly done a good job of making them and keeping them for a few weeks. No why don't you and Jace go get to know one another, since I have to go deal with this stuffy meeting all day."
Wolfram looked as if he were going to say more, but stared at Jace for a few moments, who was trying hard to act as if he wasn't noticing anything.
"C'mon, I'll show you around the castle." Wolfram finally said.
"Um, sure." Jace awkwardly followed Wolfram, and despite the awkward playdate-like setup Cecile crafted, Wolfram and Jace got along. Wolfram asked him more questions about his past, to which Jace answered, feeling somewhat odd about being able to talk so easily to Wolfram about it. As they talked, they ended up discovering common interest and becoming friends despite the setup, to the point that they became best friends and remained as such.
Pleasant memories of him and Wolfram from way back then helped Jace relax into the bath and immerse himself in what he was physically feeling. The water held him, held him as if to never let him go into uncertainty. He didn't want to think about anything anymore, just feel.
Jace closed his eyes and slowly ran one of his hands through his hair, then down his chest and stomach to the smoothness of his thighs. This movement along with the water and some imagination allowed him to pretend he was embracing the feeling you could only get when you're around that special someone that makes you feel more valuable than anything.
Jace began moving his hips, gyrating in the water to begin a natural back and forth flowing motion in the water. The water swayed with his body, kissing his skin from his chest down to his smooth stomach, continuing onto the length of his cock and the curves of his butt, and down to his slightly trembling legs. The sensations along with the hormones of being young had Jace's hand finding itself from his thighs to his rod, stroking it in the water in rhythm with his movements.
By now he was at full attention and lost to imaginative sensation, his thoughts running astray as he happened to think back to a day he and Wolfram had been laying about the edge of a pond with their hands behind their heads, both in nothing but shorts and enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other's company in their peaceful setting. He remembered sneaking glances and how smooth and creamy Wolfram's skin looked against the sunlight, his eyes trailing over every visible detail from the size of each nipple to the lusciousness of his legs.
Now rock hard and stroking without concern, Jace's rhythm sped up as he was moaning softly in the bath. Biting his bottom lip softly, he remembered how Wolfram's lips looked teasingly tasteful with every word and could only imagine the feel of them on his.
Jace licked his lips in remembrance, his hand letting go and gripping back tightly on his shaft in repeating patterns to create pleasurable pressure and the tip of his thumb rubbing on his head. He continued this for a few minutes, soft noises escaping from between his lips without his consent before realizing he wouldn't be able to take much more. He gripped harder and began with more rough movement in the water, allowing it to control the motion around his butt and his balls. A few more moments with more pleasant memories of Wolfram, and Jace finally arched his back and pumped his erupting cock as he came in the tub, shutting his eyes tightly and moaning as he did so.
Needing a few moments of recovery, Jace sat on the edge of the tube and thought about what he just did, or rather who he had in mind while he did it…again.
No, it wasn't the first time he masturbated with fantasies of his best friend in mind, as he always felt as if he was being a type of pervert afterwards, but then again he couldn't help it. It was an addicting need of his, and at times those needs, needed to be answered.
Jace cleaned himself up and let himself out of the tub. Tired for the night, he dried himself off, put on his slick violet thong, and set for bed.
He entered his bedroom, again with a heavy gold and violet theme. His bed was king sized with violet silk sheets, a gold colored dresser beside it. On the dresser was a letter addressed to him.
Jace sat on the bed and opened it. He immediately recognized the handwriting as Wolfram's. It read:
Jace,
I know how much you like the flowers. Every time we are around the garden you seem to stare at me with that weird look of yours, then you blush and look away. Whatever, but then you look at the flowers and start to stare off with this peaceful look on your face, before you go right back to staring at me. Its just that it happens so regularly now I thought you might like some flowers of your own. Considering the distance from our castles I doubt any of them would survive for long, so I sent some seeds over the day you left from your castle to come visit me, which is probably now about a month ago. They should have grown since then, and now you can stare at them whenever you want. I really hope you like them. Write me back soon, it's always boring without you.
Wolfram
Of course, this was the letter Nora told him about earlier that he'd forgotten about. Jace read the letter and reread it two more times, a broad smile on his face at the gesture performed by Wolfram for him. Truly, he never had nor will ever fond another one like him.
Jace decided to wrote Wolfram back as soon as he got the chance and to thank his mother for keeping it for him. Right now he was spent, and decided the best thing for him at the moment was sleep. Jace climbed between the silk sheets and closed his eyes, a smile still on his face as he drifted off.
Jace awoke startled the next morning. He was sleeping peacefully before feeling a hard thump on his bed.
His eyes shot open and there was Keji, who had plopped himself on Jace's bed.
Jace rubbed his head. "You know, knocking on the door like you had some manners every once in a while wouldn't be such a bad idea."
Keji seemed to be ignoring him, his eyes casted downward, a somewhat distant look on his face. "Keji, what's wrong? Why do you-" Jace's eyes trailed downward to where Keji's gaze rested, only to find the letter from Wolfram clenched in his hands. "Keji, I-"
"Get up. Eat breakfast. It's time to get you started back on routine. I'll be in the office." Keji said simply. He stood up and casually tossed the letter back on the bed towards Jace, then started to exit the room.
"Hold on, what makes you think you can just come into my room, read my personal stuff, and act like that?"
Keji acted as if he didn't even hear Jace and swiftly exited the room without a word.
Jace sighed in irritation, he hated when his brother did stuff like that, always preaching about how he was just looking out for him. To Jace it sure didn't seem that way. He thought Keji was more nosy and controlling than anything else. He picked up the letter and read it one more time, then folded it and placed it back on the dresser by his bed.
Jace got up and grabbed a towel and headed towards his bath. He decided to make it a quick one, knowing his brother would come looking for him after awhile if he took too long.
After climbing out and putting on his usual attire for around the castle, a uniform similar to Keji's but colored violet and gold, Jace headed straight for the kitchen.
"Hello Jace." Nora said once the blond entered. She was sitting at a small round table, an empty plate in front of her as she had apparently just finished eating breakfast. Albert was busy cooking while another maid was busy doing the dishes, with other maids coming in and out of the kitchen carrying out trays of food or bring back empty trays, presumably for the residential soldiers.
"Hi mother, Albert, everyone. Pretty busy this morning aren't we?"
"No, just another day young master. You have been away too long." came Albert's reply.
"Did you and Keji decide to not listen to my advice and get into another argument last night? He stomped in here all moody and anti-social. He only got some bread then heading straight to that office. I promise that boy is going to run himself ragged, he and Cecile's oldest have much in common when it comes to work ethic, and at this rate neither one of them is going to settle down and give me a niece or nephew or daughter or son-in-law." Nora shook her head. "I would personally prefer they found a nice young lady, then it would be all the more babies to spoil."
Jace tried to sit down beside Nora at the table and nearly missed the chair as she said that. "Uh, well, given Keji's current priorities, I don't think he'll be having any kids any time soon."
"Shame. But did you two get into a fight last night?"
"Just a small one." Jace nodded. Albert came over and placed a small plate of fresh food and a glass of juice in front of him as though he had the plate ready and waiting.
"Was it about Wolfram?" Nora asked, giving a knowing look. Jace nodded again, his mouth now too full to answer.
"Wolfram hasn't done anything to Keji, and yet Keji acts as if Wolfram stole away his one true love."
Jace hesitated, but decided to tell Nora what Keji said last night anyway, at least to an extent. "Keji said it was because I was in, er, because I act differently whenever I'm around Wolfram than when it's just me."
Nora raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is that so?"
Jace swallowed the rest of his food and nodded. "Yeah, he said it was because everything I've learned seems forgotten around Wolfram, and doesn't think either one of us takes anything seriously. And he's worried Wolfram's going to change me into something I'm not suppose to be, or something like that, like Wolfram would ever intentionally hurt me. He's just trying to be controlling like always, I don't see what his problem is." Jace finished, drinking his juice.
"It seems to me that Keji is jealous of your being in love with young Wolfram." Albert stated matter-of-factly as he collected Jace's quickly emptied plate.
Jace nearly drowned/choked on his juice, almost spilling the glass in his hand. "W-What? I never said anything about being in love with Wolfram!"
"You don't have to, we've known and watched you long enough to know when something changes in you. And try not to spill anything Jace." Nora said.
"B-but, what do you mean, 'in love', with Wolfram? What makes you think that?"
Nora smiled, trying not to chuckle. "Why do you look so surprised? It's only natural that we know these kinds of things."
"But I never said I was! You're making up stuff."
"Now Jace, don't you think that's a bit cruel? We see the way your smile never leaves whenever he's around. We see the way you two get along as if you were in an actual relationship. Whenever you had a problem, who do you go to first? It isn't me, or Albert, or Keji, it's always Wolfram."
Jace's face flushed beet red. He stood from the table and decided it was about time for him to join Keji in the office. "I think it's time for me to go find Keji."
Albert startled him by sneaking up and placing a hand on his shoulder from behind. "But why, young master, we haven't even begun to discuss the duties of being in a relationship, or even marriage should your future pursue it. You do know about male consummation, do you not?"
If Jace's face had a maximum hue for the color red, he reached it right then as he shrugged Albert's hand off his shoulder and bolted from the kitchen, leaving Albert and Nora laughing behind him.
The two calmed down a few minutes after Jace left, wide smiles in place. Nora stayed at the table while Albert went about his daily musing around the kitchen, placing this here or cleaning that over there.
"Well Albert, this shall surely keep me in high spirits for the day. Its always fun teasing that one."
"Indeed it is my lady. The boy is so infatuated he can't help his obviousness."
Nora placed her elbows on the table and clasped her hands together, resting her chin on them with a dreamy far-away look in her bright eyes. "But Albert, wouldn't it be wonderful if Jace and Wolfram became a couple? They would be sooo cute together. And if Keji finally finds someone too, then all would be perfect! It would be a bonus if Conrad and Gwendal also settled down, they're such sweet boys."
"Certainly." Albert remotely replied.
"But perhaps, maybe Keji secretly like Wolfram but doesn't want to admit it? That may explain his jealous tendencies!"
"Quite so."
"Oh! Maybe Wolfram will even say he loves them both but can only choose one, which makes Jace and Keji duel in a hard-fought battle for his love…but nobody gets killed!"
"Sounds exciting."
"Oh but wait, then that means that someone would get hurt and I don't want anyone to get hurt or be left out."
"Of course not, my lady."
Nora brought one hand to her chin again as she though hard. "Hmmm… I got it!"
"Is that so?"
"Ok, what if Keji and Jace have a duel, but then Wolfram interrupts it claiming he couldn't bear to see either one of them hurt the other. And right after that, a beautiful prince or princess rides in on a sturdy white bronco, and steals Keji's heart at first sight, making him realize he never really was in love with Wolfram anyway, just acted out of jealously. Wolfram accepts this and he and Jace get together while Keji rides off into the sunset on the back of the beautiful white bronco. Then Wolfram slaps Jace and announces his proposal for marriage, to which Jace gladly accepts. Then they wait a few months for preparations because it's going to be a BIG celebration, and right before it starts, Keji and his beautiful spouse appear with children, either adopted or biological, making me a wonderfully happy grandmother! Jace and Wolfram get married and live happily after until the day comes that they announce they're going to adopt and then I can spoil even more grandchildren! Wouldn't that be even more wonderful Albert?... Albert?"
Nora turned her heard around the room and found that Albert was not even in the room anymore. "Hmph, how rude. Men, they never fail to miss the admiration of a beautiful love story." Nora pouted. "Cecile would love it. I'd have to remember to tell her this next time I see her."
A few minutes later Albert appeared. "I'm sorry my lady, an issue with two of the maids came up and needed my assistance. Excuse my absence, would you like to share with me your sudden solution again?"
Nora turned her head in mock hurt. "Ugh, once again you leave me for those ladies Albert. When will you realize that I'm all you will ever need?"
Albert sat down with a smile and placed his hand on Nora's. "Why, no other woman will ever steal my heart like you have, Nora my lady."
"Oh Albert, you're such a romantic, how could I ever stay mad?" She flashed a smile at him.
"You can't." Albert grinned. They laughed for a bit then quieted down. Nora looked at Albert.
"Albert, it's the times like this and the thought of my sons happiness that keep me going to pursue peace and stability within these lands. I have another meeting to attend in a little while. I dread it soo much."
"Does it concern the murders again?" Albert asked, concern in his voice.
Nora nodded.
"Yes, another boy was killed last night. This time he was found disfigured in the trash in an alley." She said morbidly.
Albert shook his head in disgust. "That makes the fifth one in the 2 months. A heart, liver & kidneys, lungs, pancreas… what was taken this time?"
Nora didn't say anything, her face becoming noticeably more horrified. It seemed as if she was struggling to speak.
"Nora, are you okay?"
She looked at him openly into his eyes, locking sky blue with violet. Her eyes shined with disgust. "Albert… the boy's genitals were removed."
It took a few moments for Albert to register what his ears just heard.
"What? That is sick!"
"Yes, I fully agree. The people are going to revolt if something isn't done soon, but whoever's doing this is very cautious, not leaving a single shred of evidence at any of the crime scenes. This is far from an easy problem to solve."
Nora became quiet as tears welled up in the corner of her eyes. Albert squeezed her hand in reassurance, to which she squeezed back.
"Waltorana's sick, and it's on me as his fill in to find this person. I can't do it, I'm scared Albert. I'm absolutely terrified to see the face of someone capable of this. I heard the news late last night, in this early morning in fact. A guard awoke me to report with the news. I cried Albert, just as I'm doing now. The boy's being killed are no older than Jace or Keji, Albert, I don't know what I would do or how I would feel if any of the victims were my sons, and I can't even begin to imagine how this family feels, how the mother feels, at this loss. These aren't even grown men Albert, they're children! Children! I couldn't even sleep after the soldier told me the news. A child belongs to his mother Albert, how can someone just assume the right to just snatch that child away?"
Albert felt Nora's pain intensely. He shooed away the other maids who were obviously listening, their steps and movements had slowed so they could listen. They left without a word, not being able to bear Nora in such a state. Gossip about this discussion was sure to spread soon though.
Albert slid his chair closer to Nora and she embraced him without a second thought, burying her head deep into his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him tightly. Albert said nothing as he returned the comfort and allowed Nora to shed some of her pent up sadness.
Nora pulled back from Albert some. Her eyes were cast downwards in some contempt and despair. "You remember after the first murder, when I left to visit the family for the first time? Do you know I've replayed that same memory from that time over and over again in my mind, and it has yet to settle. I doubt it ever will. Albert when I arrived, my heart couldn't take it. The boy was younger than Jace, and when I saw his mother, she was dead on the inside. I believe his name was Roy, Roy Baxton. He was an only child, a child that loved boats and ships. When I arrived, I wasn't the only one, as many friends and relatives were there also. I found out later that the boy had a dream to work out at sea on a boat."
"Albert, the atmosphere reeked of death and depression while I was there. No one could even bare to speak. But the worst thing was a little girl, one that the boy apparently cared after like a younger sister since she didn't have much except an emotionally and verbally abusive older sister. She cried, Albert, and couldn't stop crying. She demanded to know where Roy was, and no one could stand to tell her. She was an adorable child, with brown hair and brown eyes and tears like that should never come from a child. She kept asking, pleading to find an answer, and nobody said a word. So I told the child Albert, I had to tell that child her best friend and older brother figure was dead. She broke into hysterics against me, burying her face in my dress until her tears subsided. When I looked into her eyes again, it was like watching the life drain away slowly from her body. Her adorable brown eyes that were so full of emotion were no longer anything but a way to see that this news killed her soul. I had to leave, I couldn't take anymore."
Nora leaned against Albert for a few more minutes, not able to say another word. Albert hugged Nora close, saying he was there for her anytime she needed it, without even speaking a word.
Nora separated from Albert slowly, showing him her gratitude for being there through her eyes. She decided she needed a few moments alone before she could build herself up to discussing such a topic for the meeting. As she left out the kitchen, she could only ask herself one question:
'What kind of soulless monster is capable of destroying lives like this?'
Unknown to Nora and Albert, they had another set of ears listening to their conversation.
Jace had headed towards the office and had forgotten to thank Nora for placing the letter on his dresser. Knowing how much of a workaholic Keji pushed him to be and knowing that his paperwork had piled up over the past month, he decided to properly do it now before he forgot again. Consequently, Jace managed to arrive right when Nora's and Albert's conversation switch to the topic of the murder of the latest young boy. He knew all about the previous murders, it was nearly impossible not to with all the gossiping around.
The tone of the conversation sounded heavy, and he had decided not to interrupt. He was about to leave instead of rudely eavesdropping, but couldn't make himself turn away, his curiously getting the best of him. He ended up listening, and leaving with moistened eyes when Nora described explaining to the young girl about Roy's death. He wasn't able to stand to hear anymore or listen to his mother's pain.
Jace walked through the hallway with a deadened look on his face. Although severely close, he had not let a single tear escape from his eyes. Soldiers died all the time, and all people die eventually, that was the rationalization he used to hold back from crying. However, these were kids, not soldiers, and in witnessing his mother's reaction to the events, he couldn't completely hold back the harbored hatred for whoever was committing these acts.
Jace resolved whoever was doing this needed to be stopped. He hated the pressure the situation was putting on his mother, and he hated how it made her feel, not to mention the way everyone else felt. He could only imagine the fright the younger children of the land had, scared of the nightmare it seemed they were living in, where children were abducted and gruesomely murdered without a moment's notice. It had to stop, and Jace made up in his mind right then to help do whatever he could to help put an end to it.
Because of his sad expression, several of the maids he passed by asked Jace whether or not he was okay, to which he only responded with a nod. He didn't feel like talking his eyes became attracted to the floor as his feet chauffeured him through the hallways, unknown to him as to where he was actually going.
Eventually he did end up outside the door of the main office, the one he shared with Keji. They both have their own individual offices, but for most of the work they do it was more beneficial to also have a shared space. Jace stared at the brown, plain wood, undecided as to if he was actually going to go inside or not, his entire mindset dazed by the conversation he just overheard.
Ultimately deciding to push forward instead of being caught up on things, he opened the door and silently closed it back, then made his way towards his desk, opposite of Keji's. The room was a fairly large-sized room, with the wall opposite of the door being entirely made of reinforced glass for a view overlooking the courtyard. In the middle of the room was a large table with a map of the von Bielefeld lands carved into it. Various papers and items laid on top of it. On the left side of the room was Keji's area, a desk with a magnitude of stacked papers and file cabinets no taller than the desk on either side. On the right side of the room was Jace's area, fairly similar to Keji's except with only one file cabinet.
Keji was hunched over at his desk, reviewing and writing on different papers when Jace entered. The boy moved so silently that Keji heard neither the door open nor close, nor Jace moving to go sit at his desk.
When Keji finally did look up, he saw Jace sitting quietly, appearing to look at the papers on his desk but staring off into space. Keji watched quietly for a few moments before continuing with his work.
Jace sat immobilized, staring at the papers on his desk. Multiple stacks were sitting before him, consisting of complaints, taxable information and adjustments, noted changes in ownership property, address changes, a copy of store records, recording various stats for each month and week, among other various request, all needing to be reviewed. For most around Jace's age, they were too young and immature to handle the constant workload, however Jace was intelligent and due to Keji's teachings Jace was able to sort and complete different menial papers, even though Jace had to work on the maturity part himself. Keji claimed it was all part of learning to be a good advisor.
Keji, being a natural politician and having more experience, handled land distributions, ownership rights, battle strategies and the merit of different recommendations, foreign polices, the overall budget, legislations, tax adjustments, and so on. But even though they were part of the higher ups, neither Keji nor Jace were of noble blood and were not able to put anything into action. That job was left for Waltorana and his current advisor, the one Keji shall one day succeed. But between the two of them they made Waltorana's work significantly easier, even there was no less of a workload.
Deciding they weren't going to sort themselves, Jace started sorting the stacks, the first apparently not being about anything except domestic disputes and petty rivalries. By an hour's time, he was down to the very last paper of one of the stacks that had just been submitted a few days over two months ago. It was another complaint, this one about trespassing.
Jace rolled his eyes. This one seemed just as interesting as the other hundred papers he sorted. Right when Jace was about to put the paper in it's place and start on compiling the total month's income, something on the paper caught his eye.
Jace picked up the paper reread the details of it. The complaint was of a boy trespassing across a man's yard late at night. It claimed that the boy would cut through his backyard and mess up his garden. It seemed there was a toy boat found in the garden one night after it was ran through, and it just so happened the boy next door had an extensive collection of toy boats and ships. Confronting the mother or the boy didn't help matters, and it said that if something wasn't done soon, he would have to do something himself. The complainer's name was signed Rye Whittaker. Jace had a weird feeling in his stomach as he was reading through the information. He found out why as he read the last part of the paper:
This formal trespassing complaint shall be taken under consideration against the following person(s):
Roy Baxton
Jace gasped and read and reread the complaint in his hands at least two or three more times in order to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. He couldn't believe what he just found, his mouth wordlessly moving as he read the name over and over again, and got the same result. Roy Baxton, the same child who was found after the very first murder, had a complaint filed against him filed a few days beforehand. And there was a name for suspicion right there on the paper, Rye Whittaker.
"I don't know what you're doing over there, but you're getting distracted. You need to focus and try to get those stacks completed and sorted."
Jace looked up at the sound of Keji's voice, noting that his brother wasn't even looking at him to know why he was suddenly all worked up.
Jace moved from behind his desk and bolted over to Keji's with the paper clasped tightly in his hand. "Keji! You'll never guess what I just found! I got-"
"You're right, there are too many papers for me to guess. But I don't want to nor care to. Go back and do your work." The sky blue-eyed Mazoku replied, disinterested.
"But you gotta-"
"Go do your work Jace. Stop trying to tell me every little thing about people's lives and just do your job."
Jace gave an exasperated sigh. "Would you stop being an irritating smartass and just listen to me?"
Keji finally picked his head up to look at Jace, irritation heavy in his gaze. "No. Now for the last damn time there's work to be done and go sit down on your smart ass and do it, smartass."
"Dammit Keji! I'm trying to tell you-"
Keji pointed at the door. "You know what? Bye. You're distracting me. Unlike you I'm trying to complete the work asked of me by the people of this land, and if you're not going to do the same then just leave and let me at least work in peace."
"Agh! Fine!" Jace yelled in anger, frustrated that he was not even able to complete a sentence. He turned on his heel and stomped from the room, opening and slamming the door shut in loud spitefulness.
Keji looked at the door and shook his head before turning back to his papers.
"Too easy."
Jace stomped down the hallway without having any particular destination in mind. He was pissed off with Keji. Why is it that brother of his never seemed to listen to anything he had to say? Jace looked at the paper in his hand one more time, reading the names on it. He folded it up and placed it inside his pocket.
"If Keji won't listen, who else can I trust to tell this to? Ugh, that stupid idiot!" Jace shook his head. "I need some fresh air." And with that, the boy decided to head outside towards the flowers.
Tuned into his own thoughts as he walked and not paying attention to his surroundings, Jace abruptly bumped into someone by mistake. He blinked his eyes and rubbed his hurt nose. "Sorry, my fault."
"It's quite alright young master."
Albert patted the top of Jace's blond head, before noticing the contention on his face. "Is there something wrong?"
Still miffed about Keji, Jace shook his head no. "No, I'm alright."
"Nonsense," Albert didn't believe him in the slightest. "I'll have you know, young Jace, that I can tell when something heavy weights on the mind. Come, lets discuss this over a snack." Jace started to argue against it, but thought better of it as he really didn't have anything else to do, so the two of them made their way back to the kitchen in silence.
When they got there, Jace sat down at the table in the same seat as before, while Albert prepared them a sandwich. As Jace waited, he couldn't help but allow his mind to lead him back to the conversation he overheard this morning. The way his mother spoke, the pain she felt described the boy's family and friends were in, it immediately made him forgo his anger towards Keji and instead replace it with despair.
Albert, finished with the preparations, placed a sandwich in front of Jace, and then sat down with one for himself. Albert took a few quite bites as he studied the troubled boy, before finally breaking the silence. "Tell me what it is on your mind."
Jace wasn't sure what to say. He didn't exactly want to admit he was eavesdropping on a private conversation between him and his mother.
"Is it about what you overheard this morning?"
Jace looked up immediately, surprise evident on his face. "But, how did you know?"
Albert finished the last bite of his sandwich. "Do you really believe that within all of your juvenile trials with young Wolfram I wouldn't be able to tell whenever you are sneaking around?" He dabbled a napkin at his lips as he spoke.
Jace looked back at the table guiltily. "I'm sorry Albert."
"As you should be. That was a private discussion between your mother and I, and you should respect discussions you're not involved in. Nevertheless, is am I right? And please, don't be shy with your sandwich. I ate mine rather quick, and it seems yours looks very appealing also."
Jace decided to eat his snack before it was eaten for him. "Albert, why do you always look out for us so much?"
The man seemed slightly thrown by the question. "Hm? Well, I guess the simple answer is because I want to. Would you rather I keep to myself?"
Jace shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean. I mean, all the other maids and soldiers help us and everything, but nobody else cares for us as much as you do. You cook for us, clean up after us, you watch over me and mother and Keji, you even scold me, and even Wolfram too, when we need it. You talk with mother and are there for her when she needs it whenever me and Keji aren't here. You give us all advice, and you never seem to have a bad day."
Albert laughed. "Well, your right about some parts. Yes, I do care for you and Keji and your mother, but please don't be deceived by thoughts of me never having a trying day. Sometimes I force myself to get up and face the day, knowing the workload that lays ahead of me. My duties, as the head servant, are plentiful, and they never seem to shrink. And yes, they are days when you or your mother or even Keji make ridiculously tedious request, and at those times I would definitely like to deliver a piece of my mind. Regardless, I do these things because I want too."
Jace raised an eyebrow, not expecting that from the usually collected gentleman that was Albert, but it was true no one was perfect.
"Wow, I guess I never thought about it that way before. But you know what I really love about you Albert?"
"I don't believe I do."
Jace smiled thoughtfully for a minute, before it faded away. "More than anything else, I love how you treat us like a real family instead of some all important figure on a pedestal. And to me, Albert, you're like a real father." Jace looked directly into the man's violet eyes, similar to his own.
"I've never known either of my parents, or anything about them. I don't know they're hair color, what was their favorite food, what my grandparents were like, what they look like, nothing. All the orphanage tells me is that they had died young. And that place was horrible. We never got treated like children. It hurt us, and the older kids who didn't know how to deal with the pain would pick on the younger ones like me. I had to leave, the way I felt back then, it felt like it would be so much better to die on the coldest nights in the streets during the hardest rain than to stay in that hellhole one more night. And a few days afterward is when you found me."
"I don't think I've ever really told you how much it means to me that, even after all this time, you still care about me. Albert, I don't know what I would do without you, and I want to say thank you, and I really love you Albert. I guess just thinking about how mother talked about the boy being gone, and how now no one will ever get to talk to him again, really makes me want to let you know how much I truly appreciate you, Albert." Jace stopped there, feeling a lump settling in his throat.
By the time Jace finished, Albert's eyes had moistened. The words spoken to him from the boy had gotten to him. "Jace…" he wasn't sure what to say.
Jace looked away, blushing with an embarrassed smile on his face. "I, I'm sorry Albert, I don't know what I'm saying. I, I don't know, I guess I-"
"Did I ever tell you about my family Jace?"
Jace looked up, pondering the question. As he spoke, Albert looked at the table but seemed to stare into the past, a reminiscent twinkle in his eyes and sad smile on his face.
"Before I came to this castle, seemingly not to many years ago, I had a family of my own. I had a wife and two children. My wife was the most beautiful Mazoku I'd ever laid eyes on. Her name was Isabel, with flowing brown hair and the most beautiful and sincere blue eyes I have ever seen. Our daughter, Isabella, named after her mother, took after her mother in looks but Isabel always insisted that she got her personality from me. I don't know about that part, Isabella was a kind girl, intelligent, sensitive, never a burden on anyone and was always a joy to have around. David was my son and older than Isabella, sharing my violet eyes and long silver hair. He took more of his looks from me, but definitely got his qualities from his mother. Both of them were smart, caring, headstrong, outspoken, and surprisingly stubborn when they wanted to be. Actually, they were a lot like you."
Jace wasn't sure if that was a compliment or if Albert was messing with him again. Nevertheless he was very interested in Albert's story since he had never thought about the man's past before. "Why haven't you ever said anything about them before Albert? Where are they now?"
Albert's smile dissipated. "They have all past now."
"Oh." Jace said dumbly, not knowing what to say and feeling the heaviness of the awkward silence that followed. He was glad when Albert started talking again after a few moments.
"Isabella stayed home with me and Isabel throughout her life, battling a sickness that seemed to grow worse as the days passed by. At one point she seemed to be getting better, but eventually she lost the battle. Isabel and I fell into despair but recovered after a number of years. It was harder for Isabel, but one factor that helped was the news of an incoming grandchild. David, being the oldest, grew up and got married to a stunning young lady. Green eyes, blond hair, and could put David back in his place without hesitation should he ever get carried away with something, as he was prone to do. He was always so full of ideas but sometimes lost sight of what he was doing, but it was because of that young lady's strong will that David found her irresistible. I believe, Emily was her name, yes that's right."
Jace did not say a word while Albert spoke. He couldn't help but be intrigued, even if it was a morbid tale.
Albert continued. "A few years after Isabella's death, after remaining surrounded by constant reminders, David decided it would be nice to take a short journey as a vacation, to just get away. At first, Isabel and I rebutted the idea, claiming we didn't need a vacation, still David was persistent and Emily fully supported the idea, also thinking it would be alright. Slowly we started giving into the idea of a family vacation, despite the fact Isabella would not be with us. Right before we were ready to agree we should go, Emily's doctor decided it would be better for her and David to stay instead. Isabel and I were instantly ready to call it off but once again David pressured us to go anyway. Isabel and I talked it over, and after making them promise to write to us if anything happens, we finally agreed for us two to go for a vacation at the hot springs. We gathered our things and left for a wonderful 2 week vacation to the springs, leaving David's Emily's smiling happy faces behind us. We didn't hear a word from them the whole time we were gone. However when we returned, we found tragedy. The people told us the most horrid news we could ever imagine, that David and Emily's home was raided during a riot by humans, and they were both found dead. Worst off, the baby had been born a week after we left, but when my son and his wife's bodies were found, the baby was missing. No one knows anything about what happened to the child or any detail about it, except it was a boy. we don't even know his name. I had missed the birth of my first and only grandchild, missed the chance to protect my family, but still had to witness the severe depression Isabel experienced until she finally past one cool winter morning, watching the snowflakes fall outside through her window while lying on our bed."
Albert stopped there, feeling as though he needed a moment to gather himself. Jace felt himself overwhelmed by a wave of sympathy for Albert, having lost everything in the course of a few years. "Albert, I'm so sorry for what happened."
Albert put his hand up. "Don't, you have nothing to be sorry for. Of course I still think about it but this happened nearly, how many, 60, 70 years ago? I'm not sure anymore, but I remember my family as clear as a cloudless day. I believe it's because you and your family remind me so much of mine that I love it here so much. I know I can't ever replace what I had, but I do know I can always do what I can."
There was a bittersweet tone to the man's voice. Jace couldn't even think of what to say, but he got up and rounded the table to give Albert a warm hug, to which the man received with a sad smile. Jace pulled away, a reassuring look for all it was worth directed at Albert, the experience making him feel even closer to the man than before.
"I'm glad you are able to keep those memories Albert. The only thing I have is a birthmark. It's actually kinda weird looking, it looks like a bitten apple." Albert's eyebrow arched slightly. "A bitten apple you say?" Jace nodded. "May I see this birthmark?"
Jace's gaze turned towards the floor, a blush forming on his cheeks. "Well, I would but it's kinda private. And I guess nobody knows its there, besides whoever took care of me while I was young."
"Still, may I see it? I promise to not tell a soul of its location." Albert persisted. Jace thought there was nothing special about his birthmark, but still Albert wanted to see it. "Alright." He finally agreed.
After looking around and making sure no one else was around, Jace undid the front of his pants and slid them down, exposing his thong to the air of the room. He turned his right thigh towards Albert and placed a finger on it. "See? Doesn't it look like a bitten off apple?"
Albert nodded. "Yes, it does indeed." Albert stared at the mark for a few more moments without saying anything, making Jace feel partially uncomfortable. "Thank you for showing this to me Jace, and I shall keep my word about keeping this a secret just between us."
Jace pulled his pants up and fixed them back. "Thanks Albert." The silver haired man was about to reply before noticing a slip of paper sticking out from Jace's pocket. "What's this?" he asked, pulling it out.
Jace had forgotten all about his reason for being mad at Keji. "Oh yeah! Please Albert, you have to take a look at it. I think I found something important!" he exclaimed
"Lets see…" Albert said as he read the paper. By the time he finished, his eyes were wide and his hands were trembling. "Oh, my, Shinou. Jace, did you find this while in the office?"
Jace nodded. "Yeah, I was sorting the paperwork because I figured it would be easier than doing the taxes, and at the very bottom of the first stack, I found it." Albert became really quiet then. Jace could see in the man's dark violet eyes that he was thinking of something. "Jace, does anyone else know about this?"
Jace shook his head no. "I tried to tell Keji, but he just kept yelling at me to get out of his office because I was distracting him."
Albert nodded nonchalantly before folding the paper and placing it in his pocket. "This can be a vital clue to solving the mysteries of the child murders. We can present this to your mother's board as evidence against this Mr. Rye Whittaker, however, it's not worth it if there isn't anything else to help back it up."
Jace was somewhat lost. "Okay… so then what are we going to do?"
Albert's expression became intensely serious. "Jace, I need you to go into the records office and find anything you can about the history of this man."
"Got it."
"Meanwhile I think I will just do some conspicuous snooping around the town as well as talk to the neighbors and whatnot."
"Okay."
"Alright. Hmmm, this means I won't be around for dinner tonight. I'll have one of the cooks start preparations immediately, and if anybody ask, a friend of my in town has come down with a sever sickness and I am staying overnight to make sure he is properly cared for."
"Done." Jace smiled, he was beginning to get filled with a sense of nervousness and excitement. Whatever he found today, could actually lead him to find and bring to justice the person that has been committing all of these hideous murders!
Jace held a fist out in front of him, a sense of adventure along with a determined look in his eye, and a slick grin plastered on his face. "We're going to find out if he's the guy we're after Albert, and if he is, we're going to bring him to justice! He'll pay for everything he's done." Albert grinned and placed a fist on top of Jace's. "Indeed he will, young master."
"Hold up, I don't think so…" came an unexpected voice from the doorway.
Welcome to the end of The Origin of Jace von Bielefeld I: Part II. Does anybody else wonder who would walk in on a conversation like that, and what'll think about it? I do.
Next chapter is the temporary conclusion to the Origin of Jace and his goal is to get it out before Halloween. Is this Rye Whittaker really the gruesome murder of the children? And why? You'll just have to wait to find out.
Thank you for reading this chapter, I really appreciate. Comments and suggestions welcomed! Until next time!
~Kriter~