Disclaimer: I do not own KWMS and P&P... all rights reserved to their respective owners..

And now...presenting...

Chapter 26


Standing before Misaki was a proud elderly woman of authority.

Her words were still echoing in Misaki's head.

"...you and my nephew, Takumi..."

'I have a bad feeling about this,' Misaki thought.

"I was alarmed by some news, Ms. Ayuzawa," began Lady Everglott as she paced to and fro in the room, "I presume that you knew that already? It does have something to do with you, after all."

Misaki had already suspected, yet she pretended that she didn't, for the truth is, she really didn't know anything about the 'news', "I'm afraid, milady, that your words gave me quite confusion," she said instead.

"Don't take me for a fool, girl," Lady Everglott said, "I had my intentions to come here not just to confirm it but also to deal with you in regards of the subject."

"I'm afraid that I don't follow you..."

"Oh, would stop pretending that you do not know!" Lady Everglott said with an angry voice, "Or if you insist, then let me tell you frankly: break your engagement with my nephew."

'My... engagement?' Misaki thought.

"Rumors had already reached as far as my palace," Lady Everglott said agitatedly, "Knowing your character back in my ball, I had thought that this is just a mere rumor, yet I also knew Takumi's frequent vists here."

"Indeed, milady," Misaki said, "I assure you, there's no such engagement formed between me and your nephew."

"Then I thank you, Ms. Ayuzawa," said Lady Everglott calmly, "You have given me satisfaction with your answer, yet there's still one more."

"What is it?"

"Do you give me your word that an engagement between you and Takumi will not materialize?"

"That I cannot do," Misaki said.

"What do you mean?" Lady Everglott said with a heightened tone, "Why?"

"I cannot promise you that, milady," Misaki said, "If ever your nephew will ask me for my hand, I do not see any reasons to decline his proposal."

"Oh, I'll tell you a reason," the old woman said, "Takumi is to be betrothed to Ms. Angelique. That is why I organized a ball not just to celebrate her return and the success of the case, but to announce the engagement officially. Now, do you now have your reason?"

"If your nephew is to be affianced, then he will have no reason to ask my hand," Misaki said, "I knew him almost as well as you do, your ladyship; he wouldn't do anything unnecessary especially if there were no good reasons to do it, in other words, he does what is right for him and to the people surrounding him. He has already a mind of his own, and he does not need any permission from others especially..."

Misaki did not have any chance to continue what he wanted to say, for she was interrupted by Lady Everglott who slapped her in her face very hard.

"I do not need any advice from some uneducated person like you!" exclaimed Lady Everglott, "I was only protecting Takumi from indignity of marrying someone like you; you, a scandalous woman who almost married a criminal who intended to destroy Takumi. You should be thankful enough to the Inspector who saved you from such person, who might have ended your life as well! And now, you shamelessly intended to take advantage of Takumi and make him marry you so that you could get his fortune! I have never met such a disgraceful woman unashamed of her actions."

Misaki was only silent as she heard her insults.

"You have crossed the line, Ms. Ayuzawa, but I'll let this pass," the lady said.

"What do you mean?"

There was a pause, and then Lady Everglott calmed down again and said, "I am determined to change your mind, Ms. Ayuzawa."

"I am afraid that any methods won't do."

"Are you in love with my nephew?"

Misaki didn't say any word.

"Then, how much is it for you to stay away from him?"

Misaki was then dumbfounded.

"I'll propose a deal; say your price and then stay away from him, and if you want, I'll make it double," Lady Everglott said.

"Like I said, nothing will make me change my mind," Misaki said, "I pay my respect to you since you are a woman of rank and the Inspector also respects you as his patron, but then again, you also have crossed the line, Lady Everglott."

"What are you saying, girl?"

"You have just insulted me inside my home in every way you could, and I have nothing to say to you anymore," Misaki said, "Even though I am only poor, yet not even your money could buy me."

Then, Misaki walked towards the door, opened it and said, "Just walk straight ahead and you'll reach the front door. I'm afraid that you had overstayed your welcome here."

Then, the lady's faced turned sour, stomped out of the room as she exclaimed, "I have never been so insulted in my entire life!"

Misaki only stood by the parlour door, yet she knew that the lady had already left when she heard the front door closing loudly. Then, she went to her room and stood in front of her closet.

Misaki's faced darkened as she remembered what had occurred between her and Lady Everglott, and one question had remained in her mind.

"Are you in love with him?"

'Am I... really..?'

She remembered what she had said to Lady Everglott that she won't reject Usui's proposal if ever he will ask for her hand. Then, she remembered weeks ago when she almost submitted herself as she and Usui almost shared a kiss in the Château woods. Then, she also remembered a decade ago of her conversation with the Inspector, when she proposed a deal with him.

"Will you accept my deal?"

"I will," Inspector Norris said, "but on the grounds that everything will be a secret. And there's one more thing, Misaki."

"What is it?"

"You must not fall in love with your clients," he said, "Rather; you must close your heart from now on."

Misaki smiled a little to comfort herself, but her eyes were so sad that she realized what she had agreed on. At first, she thought that his condition was too easy to do, but now...

'Ridiculous,' Misaki thought, 'Why I thought of such words...'

Misaki then opened her closet and said, "Well then, what shall I bring..."

-0-

At the palace in Nottingham, Usui was enjoying his afternoon tea when he heard someone entering the dining hall.

"CONFOUNDED GIRL!"

Usui turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Lady Everglott stomping in the room.

"Welcome back, your ladyship," said Usui very calmly then he took a sip of his tea, "It seemed like something went wrong today, eh?"

"Seemed? Oh, Takumi, you knew me very well if something went really wrong with my agenda..."

"Then, I think I should..."

"Do not think of leaving this room," Lady Everglott said, "At least, you should know what had happened..."

Then, Lady Everglott told him about what had happened between her and Misaki.

"...such a disgraceful girl, isn't she? I planned to invite her in the ball had she agreed... Oi, Takumi! Where do you think you're going?" exclaimed Lady Everglott.

True enough, as the lady's tale ended, he rose and went out of the room hurriedly.

-0-

By nightfall, Misaki had already prepared everything for her trip.

She looked about the room with melancholy, remembering those times when her father was still alive.

And she remembered as well those events that had occurred after her father's murder.

The sole reason why she turned out to be who she was right now.

She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate her thoughts to something else. After she opened them, she walked towards the front door, and after a final looked in the hallway, she opened the door.

Surprisingly, a person was already standing in front of her.

The tall, handsome figure with golden hair and worried emerald eyes, and all she could do was to stare at the man.

He then saw Misaki holding her luggage and all dressed up to leave.

"Where... where are you going, Ayuzawa?"

_END_


Sorry, Lexie-chan... I didn't send this one to you... T_T

I'm really sorry guys... I tried to update fast, but I was very busy with schoolwork... It's not easy to be in med school, especially if you have duties to your school... T_T

I rarely see my high school friends now, and I miss them very much...

Just recovered from fever plus fatigue as well...

Ohh... prelims are about to start...

Until the next chapter! :)

~otaku911