AN: Whew, I think we're about half way through this story. Yeah. It's a long one XD Hope you enjoy~

Chapter 15:

Flavio did not get any sleep last night. As predicted. All he could see after he closed his eyes were the bright orange glowing flames of the fire as it engulfed the restaurant. And all he could smell was the rancid scent of smoke, even after he had a shower and changed his clothes.

And all he could think about was how it was his fault.

He tried to be rational. Logically, it was not his fault. It could not have been. There was no way he would ever, ever want someone to literally burn down the restaurant. Especially with Regina, with anyone still inside. There was no way he would allow that to happen.

But someone did it for him. In that irrational, deranged mind, they did it for his sake. He was the purpose. Their purpose. Their justification.

And that made him sick to his stomach.

With the sun peeking in through the miniscule gaps in his curtains, Flavio decided that he could no longer tolerate lying in bed, tormented by his thoughts. He threw back the covers and slipped out into the cool morning air. He suppressed a shiver as he slipped on some warmer clothes, promising himself to do some laundry later in the desperate attempt to rid his explorer clothing of that smoky scent.

As he got dressed, his gaze drifted toward the lower drawer of his desk, where the numerous letters sat. Where the devastating letter he received last night lay hidden. And he quickly looked away, purposely looking at anything and everything other than his work desk.

Wrapping his coat around him snuggly, Flavio exited his room and spent a moment ensuring the door was locked tight. The familiar sound of the murmuring voices was comforting as Flavio descended the stairs. As was the sight of the ever-dedicated matron of the inn.

Hana turned to greet him, smiling softly. She, no doubt, noted the dark rings under his eyes, indicating how sleep had alluded him that night. "How are you feeling, Sweetie?"

"I'm hanging in there," Flavio answered honestly, trying to smile in return. "I didn't get much sleep last night. Unsurprisingly. Have you heard any news?"

Hana shook her head. "Nothing yet, I'm afraid. But I have told the guards to keep me up to date for you."

He figured as much.

"Thank you, I appreciate it." A frown tugged at his lips and his gaze flickered over toward the tearoom, where it was locked off. And he promptly remembered what had occurred yesterday afternoon. Before the dinner party. Before the arson at the restaurant. Before he received that letter.

He suppressed a sigh.

"The window in the tearoom-?"

"Don't you worry about that!" Hana quickly cut him off. "You have enough on your mind. Why don't you make your way to the dining room? Breakfast will begin, soon."

Flavio honestly was not that hungry, but he had better get something to chew on.

"Sure." Flavio gave the dedicated inn-keeper a small smile before he turned and quietly made his way toward the dining hall. Normally, he'd stay around the foyer, chatting aimlessly with Hana about this or that. But he was in no mood that morning.

There were a few guests lingering in the hall as he stepped inside, gathered near the buffet tables in preparations for breakfast. Flavio chose a table at the back of the room. At the centre of the back wall, away from the windows. He usually liked to sit by the windows, to gaze outside. But thanks to certain events, he had developed a new paranoia, unfortunately.

Flavio sat down, folded his arms atop of the table, and rested his chin on top of his arms.

He could not believe yesterday and last night happened. It was all so surreal.

The guy with the knife from the tearoom could not be the one who had been sending the flowers and cards. The protective explorers and adventurers staying at the inn would not allow the guy to re-enter after the stunt he pulled.

So, he was the one sending the letters? Must be pretty desperate to talk to him if he was willing to pull a knife and try to break in through a window.

Or just crazy.

But who could be sending the flowers? It certainly was not Mandelson. He was at the party last night and with those eyes, people would know if he was hanging around the inn or the restaurant.

He also was not fully convinced a Viscount would do the dirty work himself.

"Flavio."

Once more, Fafnir's voice brought an immediate feeling of calm over Flavio, and he felt his shoulders relax. He lulled his head to the side, languidly watching as Fafnir walked over to him and grab the back of the chair closest to him, dragging it closer toward him and sat down.

"Did you get any sleep?" Fafnir asked as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders, comfortingly rubbing his hang along his arm.

Flavio shook his head as he leaned toward Fafnir and Fafnir sighed.

"I didn't either," he admitted. "Chloe slept in Bertrand's room last night. I told him to keep an eye on her today."

That was for the best. She experienced the high of her first important society dinner, followed by the devastating blow of enduring the sight of the restaurant burning before her very eyes. All her hard work, the place she found rest and relaxation in, being destroyed directly in front of her.

It was hard to comprehend.

"Sir Fafnir, Sir Flavio."

Fafnir kept his arm around Flavio's shoulders as he turned his head to his left, and Flavio himself lifted his head from his folded arms. Despite her elegant pose and posture, Arianna's pale, washed out features indicated that she, too, did not get much sleep that night.

"Morning, Arianna," Flavio greeted, choosing not to ask her how she fared during the night. Instead, he motioned to one of the chairs with a tilt of his head. Inviting her to join them in their tired, pity party.

Instead, Arianna remained standing. And rather uncharacteristically, her hands fidgeted in front of her. "I would like to visit Dame Regina at the hospital," she said, before she hesitated for a moment. "Unaccompanied, if possible."

Flavio tilted his head to the side while a slight frown tugged at Fafnir's lips. Before he could ask whether she was sure, whether she was all right, Flavio nodded.

"Yeah, I think it is best that Arianna be with Regina today," Flavio stated. "Just the two of them. Regina is more likely to open up with just Arianna there."

At his words, Arianna visibly relaxed. "I'm glad you understand, Sir Flavio."

Well, it only made sense. The two had grown close, after all. And Regina would feel as though she needed to put up a strong front if everyone rocked up to see how she was doing. After all, she was that of the gentry. They had reputations, facades they needed to maintain. If only Arianna was to visit her that day, the pressures to uphold that mask would not be as heavy.

That restaurant was her greatest dream. It hurt her the most. Regina needed to grieve properly.

Flavio reached up and patted Fafnir's hand lightly. "Fafnir, you should escort Arianna there. The paths are still icy."

"Yes, this is fine," Arianna replied. "But Sir Fafnir should return immediately. He is needed here, after all."

Flavio felt a small smile tug at his lips. He was not the only one being considerate.

"Alright," Fafnir agreed, which was not a surprise.

Flavio looked up just as Hana began to fill the buffet tables with breakfast. "Take some breakfast with you," he suggested to Arianna. "I don't know what the hospital food is like, but I'm sure it won't compete with Hana's cooking."

Arianna clapped her hands in front of her, a bit of colour returning to her cheeks, just so grateful to be of use in some way. No matter how small. "Yes, a wonderful idea."

"You better eat something, too," Fafnir stated, leaving no room for argument.

Flavio rolled his eyes fondly. "Yes, yes," he said as he pushed himself to his feet. "I'll take some food up to Bertrand and Chloe, too."

The three of them joined the throngs of other guests at the buffet tables. The scent of the fresh bread and hot food did stir Flavio's appetite, but he focused on choosing foods that he could take up to Bertrand's room. Hopefully, there will be something left for him to get into when he returned. He really needed to eat something.

Arianna chose some fresh bread and baked goods that she could take to the hospital. She carefully wrapped them in a large napkin.

After gathering what they needed, and already dressed in their warmest clothing, Flavio walked Fafnir and Arianna to the front entrance to see the two off.

"Until this evening, Sir Flavio!"

"I'll be back soon," Fafnir promised.

Flavio smiled and waved the two off. His smile slipped from his lips the moment they were out of sight, and he slowly lowered his hand to his side. The cold of the outside was nothing compared to the loneliness he felt without Fafnir being close by.

He felt…vulnerable.

But…he needed some time to himself. To think. To gather his own thoughts.

Tray of food in hand, Flavio turned on his heel and headed upstairs to Bertrand's room. And in doing so, he walked past his room. It was pure instinct that made him stop and inspect the door to his room. Outwardly, nothing was amiss, thankfully. Yet, from where he stood, he could not see if he had anymore unwanted notes shoved under the frame.

At least there was not a knife sticking out of the wooden panelling.

Flavio shook his head to rid himself of that memory and hurried to the door that led to Bertrand's room. He balanced the tray in the crook of his arm once more as he knocked lightly with his knuckles. A moment later, the door opened, and a dishevelled looking Bertrand greeted him.

"Hey, kid," Bertrand muttered quickly, his voice purposely low.

"Chloe sleeping?" Flavio asked in response, as he could see that Bertrand did not manage to get many hours of sleep in himself.

Bertrand nodded and indicated toward his bed with a tilt of his head. "A couple of hours."

At least someone managed to get some sleep. Flavio was almost envious. "I brought you two some breakfast."

"Ah." Bertrand took the tray of food from him but said little else.

And they did not talk much after that. There was not anything for them to say, really. Chloe was asleep in Bertrand's bed, so it was best that they remained as quiet as possible.

Flavio left the room and quietly shut the door behind him. He leaned his back against it for a moment to muse to himself. Should he return to his room? Probably not. He should get something to eat himself. At least attempt it. It would make Fafnir happy.

Yeah, he would do that.

As he pushed away from the door, a movement from the corner of his eye caused him to flinch. He immediately stilled and turned to his left. There was not anything of immediate interest. He was probably seeing things. Edgy after everything that had happened. Or just another explorer.

He should just walk away.

But…it would not hurt to have a quick look, either.

Flavio quietly edged his way to the end of the hallway, where another hallway branched off. He placed his hand on the wall, to use it as leverage to peer around the corner.

And found himself looking into a pair of silver eyes.

His heart immediately dropped into the pit of his stomach as realisation and dread washed over him.

It was the guy from yesterday…

A hand was pressed against Flavio's mouth before he could react. Another hand roughly snared the collar of his clothing, and he was abruptly pulled toward his attacker. His back was slammed against the wall, prompting a muffled, strangled gasp escaped his lips. Fear rushed through him as immediately reached up the grasp desperately at the man's wrist.

The man, however, barely responded to his struggles, simply presenting himself in front of him. Thankfully, keeping inches between them and not violating his personal space.

"Just listen," the man said, his voice low in a hush as not to draw attention to. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Flavio, of course, did not believe him for a moment. Not with the way he had wielded that knife the last time they had met. But he did not seem to have it with him not. Not in sight, at least. He could have it within reach. The best thing Flavio could do was be compliant.

Swallowing thickly, Flavio meekly nodded his head.

"I don't have much time," the man continued, his silver eyes boring into his. "Sidero have too much power. Go to the bar. Check the photos. He's not the same man. The previous Mandelson had a mole under his eye. This one doesn't."

Flavio furrowed his brow at the man short, quick ramblings.

'This one'? Sidero? Who the hell was that? What in the world-?

"You're not the first that looks like Wioleta. You won't be the last. The others have disappeared. You can't, too. They've taken too many already."

What? What was he talking about?!

"Hey!"

Flavio's captor abruptly lurched away from him, literally throwing himself backwards, before he turned sharply to his right and sprinted away. Flavio gasped aloud and leaned heavily against the wall behind him, coughing lightly.

He flinched when another figure appeared before him, but he soon breathed a sigh of relief when he recognised the redheaded protector.

"Flavio?" Hrothgar placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"

"Y-yeah."

Hrothgar soon furrowed his brow, his protectiveness coming through. "What happened? Who was that? Did he do anything?"

Flavio rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "No. Just ramblings. Nothing he said made sense."

That guy. He was clearly a conspiracy theorist. Just what he needed.

He attracted all kinds, didn't he?

But…

What that man said could be debunked. He just needed to go to the bar and looked for a photo with Mandelson in it. Why Cass would have a photo of a Viscount in his tavern, Flavio had not a clue. But the man did have an interest in collecting photos and he did present them around his tavern. So, maybe…

Did Mandelson have a mole under one of his eyes, though? Flavio could not remember. Those bright, almost unnatural emerald green eyes drew all his attention. To be honest, he could not describe the rest of his face. Just his eyes.

Hmm.

He would not be a decent member of the Midgard Library if he just brushed off the possibility as paranoid ramblings. He needed to make sure, for his own sake.

Hrothgar looked down the hallway, where the strange man had disappeared in, a deep frown on his lips. "You are certainly having a hard time lately, haven't you?"

Flavio gave a short, half laugh. Hrothgar did not know half of it!

"I just came back from the restaurant," Hrothgar began. "The flames are out, so the investigation is now underway."

Flavio winced. "How bad is it?"

"The restaurant isn't good," Hrothgar sighed. "But from what I understand, your storage and grimoires received little damage. Only the restaurant itself received the baulk of the damage."

He supposed he should be grateful for minor miracles. At least they could return to the labyrinth and gather ingredients necessary to get the restaurant back up and running. If Regina wanted to try again, of course.

Hopefully, Arianna would help convince her to keep reaching for that dream of hers. To come back from such a devastating blow was sure to earn her the respect of the people of High Lagaard.

"Flavio?"

Flavio immediately pushed away from the wall and stepped out into the hallway. "Here, Fafnir."

Fafnir stood in front of Flavio's room. A slight frown graced Fafnir's lips as he turned to face him. "You weren't at breakfast," he said, a slight accusation in his tone.

"Ah, well…"

Hrothgar folded his arms loosely across his chest. "Flavio had just been accosted by someone."

Flavio could not help but sigh as Fafnir immediately bristled protectively and quickly stalked over to him. He allowed the other to fuss over him, carefully inspecting for any injuries, knowing full well that no matter how many times he told him, promised him that he was fine, he would not be satisfied until he saw for himself.

"Was it the one from the tearoom yesterday?" Fafnir asked.

And that made Hrothgar's own frown deepen. "What else happened yesterday?" he immediately asked.

Hrothgar must not have known about the incident in the tearoom yesterday. That explained why he did not chase the guy down himself.

With two different but protective men hovering, Flavio had to spend minutes engaging in two dissimilar yet similar conversations. Hrothgar's protectiveness could be pacified with a few promises of caution. Fafnir, however, was sure to be glued to Flavio's side for the rest of the day and night.

Not that Flavio was going to complain.

But Flavio could not get what that man said out of his head. Their, ah, conversation was short. Brief. Ramblings of someone who had obvious paranoia issues.

He just needed to make sure.

"Fafnir, can we head to the bar for a bit? There's…a change in scenery would be nice."