AN: Hope you enjoy reading~

Chapter 10:

Flavio missed the labyrinth. He truly did. The perils and threats found within were natural and primal, in a sense predictable. The beautiful but treacherous maze held dangers that they could face head on, with their weapons and skills they wielded so easily.

But the increasing peril that Flavio found himself in was something he could not fix with a simple arrow. Not when he did not know what was…stalking him.

God, stalking. Was that what was happening to him?

Every time Flavio picked up and used a knife at the restaurant, whether it was to place it upon a table as a piece of cutlery or simply cut a piece of cake, his mind immediately wandered back to the sharp knife that rested in the bottom drawer of his desk. The one with his name etched into the sharp, silver blade.

And to how he had received said knife.

What would have happened if he had left the door unlocked?

Flavio suppressed a shiver as he concentrated on clearing the tables of used plates and utensils.

Stalking…

Why would anyone want to…follow him? It just did not make any sense to him. Out of everyone in his guild, he had to be the most uninteresting. A Fafnir Knight, an ex-Fafnir Knight, a princess, and a war magus prodigy. Why him? He was just an orphaned survivalist. He was not anyone. No one special.

So why?

What…had he done to earn the unwanted interest of someone?

The startling presence of someone – someone he did not recognise – standing right behind him pulled Flavio from his thoughts. He instinctively lifted his head up and looked toward the nearby window, hoping to use the reflection to subtly lay eyes on whoever was inconsiderate enough to stand in on his personal space.

Flavio felt his breathe hitch in his throat when, in the reflection of the window, his gaze was met with a pair of intense emerald, green eyes. He spun around and found himself face to face with a man, a man called Mandelson. The taller man peered at him, his eyes unnervingly boring into his, his head tilted down toward him, a small smile playing on his lips. Not bothered, perhaps even a bit amused by Flavio's reaction.

It was pure instinct that prompted Flavio to try to step away, to put some distance between him and the man that unnerved him so. But he was trapped. Between him and the table behind him. He backed into the piece of furniture with an audible rattle.

"Good to see you again, too," Mandelson said, his tone light, amused.

"Wh-what are you…?" Flavio muttered, fumbling over his words.

Mandelson, however, ignored his stutter as he turned his attention to gaze around the restaurant. As he did so, he took a half step back. It allowed for Flavio to slip away, to move into a position to allowed for an escape, should he need to do so.

"Ah, so this is the famous restaurant," Mandelson said. "Not quite what I imagine, I must admit. Though, it is somewhat amusing that the granddaughter of the minster is attempting to demonstrate her independence by having everything handed to her and have a guild at her beck and call."

He turned those…unnatural green eyes toward Flavio once more. "Wouldn't you say?"

That…was one of the reasons of contention for the restaurant, yes. Flavio had heard it all before.

"Can I help you with something?" Flavio asked, hopefully coolly and calmly.

"Ah, straight to the point, I see." Mandelson shrugged off his winter coat and draped it over the back of a nearby chair. He sat himself down and leaned back, oh-so casually as he trained those foreboding eyes on Flavio once more. "Will you be serving me today? What a silly question, you are the only waiter, after all. I see no one else. They certainly place a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders."

Flavio felt his shoulders tense against his will. He…certainly knew quite a bit about the restaurant, didn't he?

"If you're not going to order something, I may have to ask you to leave."

Mandelson chuckled. "No need to be hostile. It is not a good look for the restaurant."

Flavio twitched at the chiding but was unable to say anything in response. Unfortunately, he was right. He had to be careful. He simply could not afford getting into an argument with a nobleman when the restaurant needed all the good press they could get.

Obviously, Lord Mandelson knew that.

Mandelson leaned forward in his chair. "Have I done something to earn your ire?"

Flavio hesitated. He could not let the man know just how much he unnerved him. He simply could not allow him to know that piece of information. To have that power over him.

"…Are you ready to order?"

"Hm." Mandelson gazed at him for a moment, his expression passive. Knowing. "I'll have a Sakura tea. Brewed by your expert hands."

"Coming right up," Flavio replied instinctively, though it certainly lacked his usual enthusiasm.

Quickly picking up the dirty dishes he had previously been gathering, Flavio turned, and he found himself hurrying back to the kitchen even though he had wanted to walk away casually. He slipped out the back and to the wash area. Poor Chloe was lumped with the task of washing. She was, obviously, displeased. No one liked to be stuck washing the dishes. But she had been bribed with a large meal of meat for her efforts.

Flavio, however, could not hide out the back forever, though. It would raise too many questions from his companions, after all.

With a deep breath, Flavio steeled himself and stepped through the swinging doors. Immediately, he felt a powerful set of eyes on him, and he suppressed a shiver. He did not need to look around to know the person who those eyes belonged to.

Despite having crafted numerous Sakura Teas throughout the week, Flavio concentrated on his task. Mentally talking to himself through each motion. Yet, it did little to ease his nerves. He felt Mandelson's eyes on him. Watching him. Studying him. From clear across the restaurant. The table he chose just happened to be one where no other obstructed his line of sight of the drinks counter. Coincidence or strategic placement? Flavio could only guess.

He hated those eyes, though. They were so…unnatural. He had never seen such vivid green eyes before in his life. They were mesmerising. Consuming. Chilling.

Was he the man that was…following him? No, it could not be him. A man of the gentry? Following a mere peasant like him? It did not make any sense.

With the Sakura Tea ready, Flavio steeled himself once more and headed back toward Mandelson. Each step more difficult than the last.

"You know," Mandelson began as Flavio set the tea before him. "You fascinate me."

"I don't see why," Flavio murmured.

Mandelson managed to snare one of his hands before he could pull away. The grip was not harsh, but it was strong, nevertheless. It was not the strength of the grip that caused Flavio to still, however. He was not entirely sure what it was, what made him to become frozen. Everything about the strange man made him both feel and act strangely.

"That is one of your charms," Mandelson said, his sharp green eyes blazing into his as his hand repositioned Flavio's hand in his, holding his fingers delicately. As one would before they were to place a kiss to the knuckles. "After all, you have no idea how beautiful you truly are."

Flavio's breath hitched in his throat.

…What?

"Thanks for the meal, Mr Flavio!"

Flavio jumped back, unintentionally but thankfully ripping his hand from Mandelson's hold. He turned in the direction of the cheerful voice, his gaze falling upon the happy and cheery group of patrons he had played host to. They had gathered by the entrance, chatting amongst themselves as the slipped on their winter coats to brave the chilly winds outside. A young male medic stood at the front of the group, he being the one who had called out to him.

Ah, right, he remembered now. They were a delightful guild. They had visited a couple of times already. Very polite and friendly.

"O-oh! Glad you enjoyed it!" Flavio replied with a smile and wave. "Take care out there! And come again, soon!"

"See ya later!"

Flavio waved them off, only to pause when he heard a chuckle. Not an amused chuckle, however. He turned around, toward Mandelson once more and found the man gazing in the direction of the entrance.

"She cannot even greet and see off her own customers. And she expects to run a professional restaurant?"

Ugh, they were working on it, ok?

Although…that guild, the one Flavio had just seen off, had admitted to him previously that if he had not been there, had not been waiter and host, they probably would not have visited the restaurant. They truly needed to work on the restaurant's reputation. And on Regina's customer service skills. Regina, herself, admitted that she needed a bit of help.

But who was he to judge? He certainly did not have the most charming of personalities, either.

Mandelson picked up his tea and took a long sip. A flicker of surprise, an actual genuine emotion, appeared on his face as he pulled the cup away from his lips. "Hm. Interesting. You truly are quite skilled with the art of making of tea."

That honestly surprised Flavio. He sounded genuine. That sounded, and felt, like a sincere compliment.

"I would not be surprised if you suddenly find yourself conducting tea ceremonies. They are sure to be quite popular." A frown suddenly tugged at Mandelson's lips, and he looked irritated. "Perhaps too popular…"

Flavio did not know what to make of Mandelson. That compliment, that comment…to be frank, it kinda, only in the most miniscule way of course, reminded him of Fafnir. Sorta. Kinda. The protective narrowing of his eyes, at least.

But that was where the similarities ended.

"Mr Flavio."

"H-huh?"

"There is a fine line between being useful and being used."

Flavio furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"

Mandelson took a moment to draw a sip of his tea. "The minster's granddaughter," he finally said. "She may be taking on the role of a chef, but she is still a noble. And she has no issue using and abusing others to ensure her end goal. And that is what she is doing with you."

"That's not…"

No, that was not true.

"It is you and you alone who is bringing in customers," Mandelson continued, his green eyes focusing in on him. "That is why you are constantly working the front counter and the floor. Why she is working you so hard. And what do you get in return? How does she show her gratitude for you hard work? Nothing. Nothing but pushing you for more hard work."

That was…

He had been working very hard lately. B-but that was because it was the week of celebrations, for Lady Gadriel's birthday. Every business in High Lagaard was busy, working hard. He most certainly was not the only one.

As for a show of gratitude…

"I've never asked for anything," Flavio retorted.

"Something she has taken advantage of, no doubt," Mandelson was swift in his own reply. "A true gentlewoman would not wait to be asked. Would she?"

Flavio did not…have a reply to that. The last few days, he barely got a thanks for all the work he had done from Regina. Barely even a meal of leftovers. Not even a pat on the back. It would be nice to get something for all the long hours he put in.

No, he did not do anything in hope for gifts or displays of gratitude. He liked working the front of house, working the floor. Besides, he received numerous words of appreciation and gratitude from the customers that visited. Received a tip or two along the way.

That was enough.

Mandelson placed his hands atop of the table and he pushed himself to his feet. "I am that of the gentry. I know how they are. And I see exactly what is happening here."

He turned toward Flavio and took one large step forward, to stand directly in front of him. And despite himself, despite his unease, Flavio found himself unable to move, unable to take a step back to put some distance between them. With Mandelson being a good head taller than him, Flavio had to tilt his head back to look at him.

A fact heightened further when he took a hold of Flavio's chin, tilting his head back, purposely positioning him to stare into his eyes.

Those eyes had, somehow, froze him in place.

"I am merely concerned for you," he said.

"Why?" Flavio asked. "I don't understand why you would bother with someone like me. Is it because I look like your deceased wife?"

Mandelson gaze…softened. "…Perhaps."

That was unexpectedly endearing, and yet…Flavio did not wish to be seen as a replacement. He was not the man's deceased wife. Could never take her place. Had no desire to do so.

Though, he had to admit that he feelings toward the other man had changed. Oh, he still found his attitude frustrating and his presence unnerving, but the man was clearly still mourning the passing of his wife. Six months ago, if he remembered correctly.

Grief could make a person do strange things.

"I'm fine," Flavio said as he wrapped his fingers around Mandelson's wrist and released the grip he had on his chin. "There's nothing nefarious going on here."

Mandelson sighed and shook his head. "I see that you are loyal to a fault. Something that is easily taken advantage of."

He certainly had his mind set on things.

Mandelson abruptly took Flavio by the upper arms. Again, the grip was not harsh or painful, but it certainly was not gentle. And it was startling. "There will be a point where they will take more than you can give. And when you, in turn, have the audacity to say no, they will react…negativity. What will you do then? Who will you turn to?"

What…?

…He was no longer talking about Regina, was he?

Flavio planted his hands on Mandelson's chest and tried to push him away. "…L-let go of me. You don't know what you're talking about."

"Hey!"

The familiar voice, loud in a shout, startled Flavio so much that he jumped back and pulled himself out of Mandelson's hold on him. He turned to his left, where his gaze fell upon Bertrand. The blond-haired protector's attention was focused on Mandelson. And he was clearly displeased: brow furrowed, a deep frown on his lips, and his eyes narrowed.

"What's going on here?" Bertrand asked, his question directed entirely toward Mandelson.

Flavio had no idea how much Bertrand had overheard but felt it best to diffuse the situation. And prevent an altercation, be verbal or physical. And avoid the possibility of Fafnir getting involved.

"N-nothing. He was just leaving."

Mandelson took a step back and smiled, his hands raised in front of him in the universal sign of defeat. "Hm. Very well."

He grabbed his coat and took his time to flare it around his shoulders and slipping it on. He slid his hand into his coat pocket and seemed to rummage around for something. A moment later, he revealed his hand and tossed a few coins onto the table.

A few more coins than necessary to pay for the tea.

"A little tip for your exceptional work," Mandelson explained as he brushed past both Flavio and Bertrand and headed to the entrance. Before he moved through the door, however, he paused in his steps and turned those chilling green eyes toward Flavio once more. "Do consider what I said here today, Mr Flavio."

Unfortunately, the man's words were sure to linger in his head, whether he wanted them to or not.

Bertrand kept a stern eye on the guy until he was out through the door and completely out of sight. Finally, when he was satisfied, he turned to Flavio and folded his arms across his chest. "Who was that?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Flavio answered, honest in his reply has he truly did not know what to make of the other man. "Don't tell Fafnir, ok? He'll get overly protective."

Bertrand's expression remained severe. "He probably should."

Flavio shook his head, almost pleadingly. "No, no, don't. He's been through enough, ok?"

The frown remained on Bertrand's lips, so he was not entirely convinced. "What did he mean? What did he say?"

Oh, good. Bertrand had not overheard the conversation.

Flavio turned and busy himself with picking up the discarded Sakura tea and coins. "Just…just nonsense. Don't worry about it."

Yeah, that was all it was. Nonsense.

"Good afternoon, Mr Flavio!"

Flavio immediately smiled when he heard a cheerful greeting, and he raised his head to turn his attention toward the entrance. He was met with sight of a band of five, likely explorers, and he waved them inside.

"Hey, welcome!" he said in return. "I'll be with you in a sec, ok?"

"Take your time!"

Whether he was taken advantage of or not, he liked working the floor of the restaurant. He liked meeting and greeting customers. He liked keeping himself busy. He liked cooking and making tea and drinks. And it seemed that the customers and newcomers liked having him as host as well.

It was fine.

"Hey, kid-"

"I'm fine, Bertrand," Flavio cut him off, counting out the price for the Sakura Tea while pocketing the rest because, darn it, he deserved it after that conversation. "Don't worry about it."

It was fine. Totally…fine.