AN: Well, just got back from the doctors. And have healed nicely from the operation. Will have a couple of scars, but that doesn't matter. I'm honestly feeling much better, too. And have a bit more energy to boot. So, I'm back and as obnoxious as ever :3 Now, please enjoy reading~

Chapter 6:

It was steadily getting colder in High Lagaard. And, from what the locals constantly told Flavio, it was going to get a lot worse. As someone who hated the cold, he was definitely not looking forward to it.

Yet, Regina continued to pick on him, making him head out into the cold to shop for ingredients needed for the restaurant. She claimed it was because the shop owners seemed to like him more than they did anyone else, and were more inclined to give discounts, but he was not so sure. He never asked for discounts.

Then again, he never bothered to compare receipts with anyone else to see if that was true or not.

But…that could just be his paranoia. That had been on high alert lately.

His mind drifted to what happened yesterday afternoon and he suppressed a shiver. He still could barely believe it happened. Someone had tried to open the door to his room. Did not try to knock. Did not bother to attempt to alert him to their presence. Even after it was obvious that the door was locked, they kept trying.

They have had to have known he was in the room.

No, of course they did. That was why they kept trying.

Why?

What did they have in mind should they have made it inside?

"Ah, Flavio, good morning."

Flavio perked up, both happy for the distraction and to see the owner of the voice. "Hrothgar, hey. How have you been?"

Wearing a thick winter coat and carrying a grocery bag of his own, Hrothgar gave him a friendly smile. "Not too bad," he said as he joined his side, the two instinctively walking along the sidewalk, with the flow of the other citizens of High Lagaard. "Due to the cold season, not too many rookies in the labyrinth to give guidance to. And you?"

Flavio jostled the brown paper bag of ingredients in his arms. "Busy on my feet with the restaurant," he replied with a tired laugh.

"Yes, I can imagine. After the birthday festivities are over, the Christmas celebrations truly begin. It's sure to be a busy season for the restaurant." Hrothgar perked his head up, reacting as those he had just met a realisation. "Oh, this will be your first Christmas in High Lagaard, won't it?"

Flavio nodded his head. "That's right. I heard that, despite the blizzards, they really celebrate the season."

"They do. It will be quite the treat for you. I do hope Ms Regina will release you from the restaurant long enough to enjoy it."

Flavio laughed. "Me, too."

The way she had been working them lately, though…

Oh, wait, Hrothgar was a local of High Lagaard, wasn't he? A rather well known one. Many knew of him, and he knew many of those who called the city home. Could he…?

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

Flavio hesitated for a moment, weighing up his options. He knew nothing of the man he wanted to ask Hrothgar. There was only one thing that truly stood out about him. "Do you know of a man with really intense emerald, green eyes?"

Hrothgar turned his gaze forward as he fell silent, pondering his question. Thankfully, he nodded his head a moment later. "Ah, you must mean Viscount Mandelson. A man of the gentry. Lost his wife about…a year ago, I believe. I'm not close to the man by any means. But, from I do know, he's often referred to as a respectable widower and highly regarded in the high society sphere."

Mandelson. A Viscount?

Flavio needed to remember that name.

He could not be sure if he was the one sending him the flowers and he highly doubted he was the one who had tried to get into his room yesterday. No, there was no way a Viscount would do such a thing.

But they coincided with their meeting. And that did not mean he could not have sent someone to do the work for him. The first vase of flowers appeared just hours after their unexpected meeting. Coincidence? Possibly.

Someone else playing a cruel prank on the both of them? Also, possible.

But he was going to take note of the information Hrothgar provided, regardless.

"Why do you ask?"

"I ran into him the other day, you see," Flavio explained. "He…he said that I look like his deceased wife."

Hrothgar's head reared back slightly in surprise, and he granted Flavio a truly baffled look. "I only seen her once or twice, so I can't say one way or another. But that is an incredibly awkward way to begin a conversation."

That brought a genuine laugh from Flavio. "Right? It ended soon after that, too."

"I can imagine. I would have fled if someone said that to me."

It was reassuring to know that he was not the only one who thought that was such a strange thing to say to a complete stranger. And that he had not overreacted.

"I don't suppose you told Fafnir about him?" Hrothgar suddenly asked.

"No, no," Flavio quickly said around a laugh. "He'd hunt him down for sure."

Not that he would necessarily mind. If he was the one behind the three 'gifts' he had received.

Though…Flavio could not imagine a man of his regard, a viscount, would venture into the inn catering to explorers, just to deliver flowers. Those eyes of his were quite renown. Hrothgar knew who he spoke of just by mentioning them. He would not be caught dead in such a place.

But that did not mean he could not hire someone to do the dirty work for him.

So…who tried to get into his room yesterday? And why?

Hrothgar looked toward him and gave him a knowing smile. "Fafnir is very protective of you. More so recently."

Flavio smiled fondly. "He's always been protective. But yeah. I guess so."

"He definitely acts differently around you."

"Yeah?"

"Indeed." Hrothgar nudged him with his elbow. "He has a smile reserved only for you."

A small part of Flavio knew that he should brush off Hrothgar's observation, countering it was because the two of them had been friends for years. They were comfortable around each other. It was perfectly reasonable that they would act differently with each other than they would with the rest of their guildmates.

"Really?" Still, a part of him was hopeful.

Hrothgar smiled and nodded. "Hm."

A smile reserved just for him, huh? Just for him and no one else. What a nice thought.

He hoped that smile remained just for him. He…did not want that smile to turn toward anyone else. It might be selfish. It was probably very selfish. But, to have Fafnir smile fondly, gently toward someone else…

A chuckle from Hrothgar pulled Flavio from his thoughts.

"Ah, you've got some potential customers," he said, amusement in his voice.

Flavio blinked and he was thrown back into reality. They had reached the entrance of the restaurant, and a small gathering were seen under an awning by the front windows. They looked somewhat familiar and there were five of them in total, so Flavio assumed they were explorers.

It was not uncommon for Flavio to return from an errand to find a group of people gathered by the front windows, debating whether or not to enter. They were likely weighing up the gossip of good food against the iciness of the main chef.

Since they were explorers, they were likely protective of their money. They would need a good reason to spend it at a restaurant. Still, a little bit of luxury would not hurt every once in a while.

"Perhaps they need some encouragement?" Hrothgar not-so subtly suggested.

Flavio pretend to release a long-suffering sigh. "Yeah, I better get to work." He turned to give Hrothgar a quick pat on the shoulder before he headed toward the restaurant. "Do stop by some time. And stay out of trouble."

"I will," Hrothgar returned, ever polite. "Good day."

Flavio balanced the heavy grocery bag in his arms as he nudged the door open with his hip. "Hey, it's freezing out here," he called out to the group huddled under the awning. "Why not come in for a nice, hot Sakura Tea to warm yourselves up?"

As he edged the door open, the bell ringing from his efforts, the group shared a few looks amongst each other before quickly deciding to join him. Being inside a building was a better option than being outside. And a warm drink as an added bonus? Too good to pass up!

Flavio held the door open with his foot as the group of what he assumed were five explorers, likely newcomers like him who were not accustomed to the cold winters of High Lagaard, huddled inside after him.

It was much, much warmer inside the restaurant and Flavio breathed a sigh of relief. Man, and he had not experienced the brutal blizzards yet!

"I'm back!" Flavio called out. "We have customers!"

He walked over to the counter and set the heavy bag of groceries down. He quickly unwound the thick scarf around his neck with one hand and picked up five menus with the other. He received no word from any of the others in the restaurant, and he was about to call out again, only for Bertrand and Chloe to wander from the kitchen.

"Kiddo, take the ingredients to Regina," Bertrand told Chloe, picking the bag of groceries from the counter before promptly placing them in her arms. "She's been waiting for them."

"Kay," Chloe replied simply. She, however, faltered when she took the full weight of the shopping and nearly fell backwards. She grunted under her breath, but stubbornly refused to admit defeat. So, on shaky legs, turned around and hobbled back into the kitchen.

Flavio watched silently as the young war magus moved out of sight. Her stubbornness was endearing, so despite his innate need to always lend a hand, he would allow her to take the groceries to Regina.

After all, Chloe, too, had been changed by what had occurred in Ginnungagap. Yet, it was because of what could have happened to Bertrand, her Trand as she lovingly and fondly called him, that terrified her. It was no surprise, of course.

She could have lost him.

To make the whole ordeal even more traumatic for the young girl, they were forced to fight Bertrand in his Fafnir Knight mode.

That was a battle no one wanted, least of all Chloe. But it was their only recourse. It had to be done in order to save him. To bring him back from the brink.

Even so, it was a difficult battle.

After everything that had occurred in that…in that God forsaken labyrinth, Chloe wanted to be stronger for him. Physically, mentally, spiritually. And, of course, to do that, she wanted to spend more time with the old man.

That was something Flavio understood all too well.

"Where's Fafnir?" Flavio asked as he straightened the menus.

Bertrand tilted his head to the right. "Out the back, sorting through the storage with Arianna."

Flavio suppressed a sigh. So…his 'errand' was an excuse to get him out of the restaurant, huh?

Fafnir…only saw Arianna as a sister. He told Flavio that himself. Reassured him. And Flavio believed him when he said that. He truly did. But Arianna's feelings for Fafnir, on the other hand…

Flavio tapped the menus loudly against the counter accidentally. Could she…win him over?

"Kid? You're spacing."

Bertrand's voice immediately pulled Flavio from his thoughts, and he immediately snapped his head up. "O-oh, sorry," he instinctively said. "I'll get to work."

He gathered the menus and placed them in the crook of his elbow. With a practiced smile on his lips, he turned on his heel and headed over to the group of guests that followed him inside.

They were situated at a round table at the back of the restaurant, in front of a bay window. They spoke in hushed tones, seemingly unwilling to bring attention to themselves. Though, it might be because of the minor reputation the restaurant had.

Hopefully, Flavio could put their minds at ease.

"Hey, welcome. First time here?" Flavio received a series of positive responses. "Well then, why don't I get you guys a warm drink while you pour over the menus. Take as long as you need. It's freezing outside, so you'll need your energy to take on that winter chill again."

As he handed out the menus, he saw the tension in the shoulders drain away and he felt relieved. They definitely heard a certain reputation about the restaurant and were hesitant. Leery even. But he, thankfully, was able to put their minds at ease and they started chatting with him in return after that.

They were definitely explorers and newcomers to High Lagaard. Thankfully, extremely easy for Flavio to talk to. Though, to be honest, he could talk to just about anyone giving a topic. And since they were of the same profession, the topic came naturally.

"So, three Sakura Teas and two High Lagaard Coffees to start with? You got it!"

Regina appeared busy out in the back of the kitchen preparing something, so he would get the drinks himself. They were easy enough and he had done so plenty of times. Since the opening of Petal Bridge, the Sakura Tea have become very popular. He understood why, especially in such cold weather.

An added bonus was that he could make the drinks at front of house, so he could keep an eye on things. And attend to the other customers should they need anything. It also allowed him to keep a watch out for Fafnir when he stepped back into the main restaurant.

A fresh, floral scent suddenly caught his attention, and he turned his attention to his left. It was a quick glance. Just a curious one. Not one to linger for too long.

But he did a double take, his eyes widening when his gaze fell upon something he did not want to see.

A vase of flowers.

With a white card sat amongst the white petals and green stems.

His heart started to pound loudly in his chest as he stared at the vase.

N-no, it was…it was just a vase of flowers. They were a common decorative piece. No better way to brighten up a room. To bring a fresh, floral aroma to a place. They were especially appreciative during the winter months, a hopeful reminder of the coming spring.

Perfectly normal.

But…it was a vase of irises. Just like the ones from yesterday.

"Flowers…?" Flavio muttered.

To be so afraid of seeing a vase of flowers. In just a few days, something so innoxious, something so benign, had become a thing to instil terror in him.

"Yeah."

Bertrand's voice was sudden, startling Flavio to the point that he jumped a preverbal foot in the air. He, thankfully, had not been doing anything at the time, other than patiently waiting for the kettle to boil. He spun around, his gaze colliding with that of his protector teammate.

How long the other man had been at the counter with him, he did not know. Just like how long he had been staring at those unintentionally terrifying flowers.

Bertrand arched an eyebrow at his reaction. He, however, chose not to comment on it, instead directing his attention toward the flowers. "They were found at the door this morning, apparently. No name, just a card saying, 'keep the curtains open' or something nonsensical like that."

"Curtains…?"

That brought a new trill of fear through Flavio. Despite everything, there was still a small chance that he could have convinced himself it was all just a coincidence. That someone else had delivered them. That someone else had brought them for the sole purpose of brightening up the place. It was possible.

But that note quashed all doubts.

They were for him.

No…no, he could not start receiving flowers at the restaurant, too!

Bertrand suddenly clamped a hand on his shoulder, startling him once again. "You ok there, kid?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." That was an instinctive, automatic response.

It was a lie. He was far from fine.

And it appeared that Bertrand did not believe him. "You sure?"

Flavio purposely straightened his posture. He needed to get a hold of himself. He could not let anyone know why a vase of flowers were creeping out. Not after all the trauma, all the chaos, all the uncertainty they had endured. He could not, would not be the cause of more trouble for everyone.

He couldn't.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"You just lost colour-"

"I'm fine," Flavio insisted, cutting the other man off. He took a step back, purposely dislodging Bertrand's hand from his shoulder. "Anyway, I've got work to do. Can't keep our customers waiting."

… … … … …

The weather outside had only grown more frightful; overcast and the wind chilling. It would not surprise anyone if it began to snow closer to sunset. It was the perfect day to spend curled up in front of the fireplace with a good book.

Yet, Flavio was busy working at the restaurant.

Not that he minded. It kept him busy, his thoughts and attention focused elsewhere. And it brought him a sense of fulfillment whenever a satisfied customer or two left the restaurant.

Flavio saw his latest group of customers out the door, onto the uninviting streets of High Lagaard. "Feel free to come back anytime."

"Only if you're the host!"

Flavio had to laugh. It was always a boost to his self-esteem when the customers favoured him over everyone else. "I'll try my best."

He waved off the happy and satisfied group, and turned to head in from the bitter cold. But from the corner of his eye, he noted that someone had knocked over the advertising sign. Likely by accident. Probably slipped and stumbled or something. It would take him just a moment to fix it.

"Mr Flavio, are you working now?"

Flavio turned his head to the right, where another group of five stood. "Sure am," he smiled warmly. "Head on in. I'll be with you in a minute."

As a new batch of guests moved into the restaurant, Flavio crouched down to fix up the advertising sign. It was thankfully in one piece. Nothing broken, so was likely knocked aside by someone in a hurry or bumped into. No harm, no foul.

"My, you're a popular one."

A silky-smooth voice caused Flavio to still. It was familiar, though he had only heard it once. About three days ago. Slowly, he turned to look over his right shoulders. And found himself looking into a pair of green eyes.

Piercing emerald-green eyes…

"We meet again, Beautiful Stranger."

With pitch black hair and clothing of equally dark colours, his eyes held a truly intimidating quality. They were…unearthly, almost. Unnatural.

"You…?"

The man smiled. It was not a smirk nor a sneer, but the smile was not kind. "You haven't forgotten me already, have you?" His expression changed swiftly, from subtly condescending to charming as he reached down to snare Flavio's hand in his and pulled him to his feet. "Ah, perhaps it is because I failed to properly introduce myself last time. I am Lord Mandelson."

He unexpectedly kissed the back of Flavio's hand. "It is a pleasure."

Flavio simply stared, unable to move for some inexplicable reason.

Mandelson. So, he was Mandelson, just as Hrothgar said.

Flavio quickly regained control over himself and drew back his hand sharply. "Have you been sending me flowers?"

"Flowers?" Mandelson repeated, his smile still charming though his expression playful. "My, is that a request?"

"N-no!" Flavio stuttered, unexpected flustered.

Mandelson's green eyes, and only his eyes, narrowed sharply. "Have you been receiving flowers?"

There was an underlying sense of possessiveness in Mandelson's voice that made Flavio's uneasy. "Th-that's none of your concern. I need to go."

Before Flavio could turn and walk away, Mandelson snared him by the elbow. Flavio flinched under the touched and whipped around to face him, an order to let him go on the tip of his tongue.

The words, however, fell silent when his gaze collided with Mandelson's. And there was a particular…emotion in his gaze. One he could not quite put his finger on. One that was a mixture of knowingness and pity.

"Now, there's no need to be so defensive. You wouldn't want to worry your guildmates, would you?"

Flavio furrowed his brow. A part of him wanted to blow him off. Yet, the other half of him was cautious. What did he know about his guildmates? What did he think he knew?

What kind of man was he dealing with?

"Indeed," Mandelson continued. "It must be hard, having a princess and a knight as teammates. I have great sympathy for you."

"What do you mean?" Flavio frowned.

"Everything centres around them, doesn't it? Everything, everyone else comes second. Especially when it comes to the princess' happiness and desires. A knight is responsible for that, after all."

Flavio was not…entirely sure how to respond to that.

Mandelson loosened his hold on Flavio's elbow to wander his hand along his arm, his shoulder, where his fingers slip under his chin. "I wonder, what would happen if someone were to try to get between a princess and her desires? Nothing good, I imagine. After all, no one can defy fate for very long, can they?"

Defy fate…?

Flavio frowned and brushed aside Mandelson's hand. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Unperturbed, Mandelson let his hand drop limply to his side. "Well, that has nothing to do with me." He smiled, charmingly once more, as he brushed past Flavio and waved an idly hand over his shoulder. "Until we meet again, Flavio."

As Flavio stood alone on the sidewalk, he feared the next time he would run into that man.