Disclaimer: I wish I own Noblesse, but that will forever be in my dreams only.
Chapter 2: Advice
As Seira turned to go back inside, Rael shuddered and collapsed on the railing.
"Good for you." A voice said from the darkness.
Rael jumped back and almost fell off the balcony.
"Don't tell me you were really surprised." Said Regis as he stepped into a halo of light. "You must have been really nervous, to not notice my presence."
"You!" Rael growled. "What are you doing here?"
"If you must know, I was there when the owner berated you for your lack of usefulness in the house." Regis smirked. "I happened to overhear as you loudly held a conversation with yourself on the balcony."
Rael's blush which had abated somewhat suddenly came back at full force. "You have no right to eavesdrop on me!" He shouted.
"How unelegant." Regis sniffed. "I also happened to be the one who informed Seira of your wish for conversation."
Rael was speechless. "Y-you! What-!" he spluttered.
"To be honest," Regis continued as if Rael did not speak, "I did not expect this outcome." He touched his chin as if deep in thought. " I expected you to make your shameful goodbye and leave."
"You heard everything?" said Rael, ashen faced. "Will you force me to leave?"
"I wish to give you advice." Regis said simply.
Suspicion bloomed at the back of Rael's mind. "Why would you want to help me?" he asked.
"You misunderstand," Regis clarified. "I only wish to give you advice. It remains to be seen whether that will help you in the end or not."
"What is your advice then?"
"In approximately 10 minutes, Seira will be going out to fetch suppliers for dinner. Offer to accompany her."
Rael glared at Regis incredulously. "How will that help me?"
"I already told you." Regis sighed. "that is my advice. It is up to your actions whether it will help your case with her."
"Alright!" said Rael, finally making up his mind. "I will go down and offer my assistance.
"Change your clothes." Regis suddenly said.
"What is wrong with my clothes?" he retorted defensively.
"Do you want to be mistaken as her butler?"
"Fine!" he sniffed. He turned to go inside the house but suddenly remembered something. "What if she declines?" He gulped, all too familiar with the years of declined offers.
"Just tell her that I am indisposed so I sent you in my stead."
He nodded and reached to turn the door lever.
"One more thing," Regis added as an afterthought. "Don't forget to listen to her instructions.
A/N: I have always thought of Seira and Regis to have a sibling like relationship. I am sure he does not approve of Rael because he know what Seira's "type" is. Not because of any secret love he is hiding. They do look good together, though. It would be nice to see a grownup Regis who is tall and hunky like his grandfather.