A/N: Hello again everyone! Apologies for the absence, but you know... school. Good news though, I'm on break again! But only for a couple days... but still! This means updates, hooray! So here you go guys, another chapter for your viewing pleasure. Hope you all enjoy, and please remember to review!

Chapter Four

As the rays of the morning sun filtered through her window, Rin sat at the edge of her bed watching as the land beyond her window began to stir. The leaves of the estate's surrounding forest were beginning to rustle ever so slightly as the scenery was engulfed by warm, golden light. There was the gentle padding of feet on plush carpet and hushed whispers as one by one the servants filed out to begin their morning routines.

"Do you think I rejoice at the fact that I am to be forever bound to someone like you, whose family is only using mine to move forward in society?"

Unconsciously, she caressed the bandages on her right wrist, which concealed beneath them a dark and rather unkind-looking splotch. She was right. It had indeed bruised, though thankfully not enough to induce a significant amount of swelling, but for now she'd have to avoid unnecessary use of her right wrist. That boy was unusually strong for his size. Quite unusually strong.

After the incident, for the rest of the night Rin had been unable to fall asleep again. Instead, her mind had been too preoccupied in a whirlwind of thoughts, thinking up scenarios of what was to happen now. Surely the engagement had to be cancelled. Absolutely nobody in their right minds would go through with it after such an incident! He would probably send for a carriage first thing in the morning and send her back to her home, disgraced… or worse? Maybe he wouldn't even bother with the carriage- maybe he'd just have her and all her things thrown out right then and there without the slightest regret!

Rin half-choked at the thought.

Despite whatever he thought, she was still a lady!

…But then again, she didn't doubt that such an act would be beneath his character…

"Miss Rin," a gentle knocking at the door as a familiar attendant made her way in, "It's time for…" Teto stopped midsentence, "…breakfast?" She stared at her mistress with surprised, crimson eyes. She… she was actually up early for once? And fully dressed, too?

Teto eyed the deep, cerulean velvet gown Rin had chosen to wear today. It was a fine gown that clung to her small frame like a second skin, accentuated by a white petticoat and white lace trimming. She had seen it among the already prepared wardrobe the castle had provided; however, Teto was surprised because it was a relatively conservative gown. Usually Rin wore dresses of much lighter material and had sleeves that flowed and were cut off at the elbow, but this gown had long, fitted sleeves that covered all the way past her wrist.

"Thank you, Teto," Rin said, rising before her attendant could ponder any further, "I will be down shortly."

"Understood."

But as she turned away, Teto's expression alighted, "Oh! And before I forget, I also won't be attending you for the majority of the day, milady. Today I receive my orientation and training to become familiar with this castle's maid duties, and unfortunately Kaito must take care of some errands in town, but I have been assured that another maid will be sent for you shortly."

Rin looked away. How ironic, even though they were about to be sent away. But she couldn't tell Teto that… yet. "That won't be necessary. I'm sure I'll be able to manage one day alone."

"In this unfamiliar estate?"

"I'll be fine," Besides, it wasn't like she could really get into much more trouble than she was already in now.

Teto paused and studied her mistress. Something about her seemed a bit… off. Shouldn't she be groaning and complaining about how much she didn't want to meet the master? Instead, she seemed quiet, complacent, reserved. And that gown, too… "I must be off now," she bowed but still felt uneasy about leaving her, "Do make haste. You don't want to keep Lord Kagamine waiting. And please, if you need anything, do not hesitate to call for me at once."

Rin nodded as the older girl left the room and let out a heavy sigh of relief. She had seen the questioning look in Teto's eyes and knew she was about a fraction of a second away from a full-on interrogation, and if Teto found out… well, let's just say it was better if she never did. Ever.

Despite Teto's warning, Rin chose to remain in the room for just a bit longer, Lord Kagamine's patience be damned. He would probably have her thrown out as soon as he saw her face, anyways. She wasn't even-

A loud grumble interrupted her thoughts. Rin blushed. Ok, maybe she was hungry. Just a little.

Well… no use being exiled on an empty stomach.

She slowly but reluctantly made her way towards the dining area, retracing her steps from last night. Upon reaching the hallway, however, a servant caught sight of her and redirected her to a smaller, parlor-type room a little further down, where she found a full breakfast spread already laid out for her by a window. She would have been delighted had she not noticed that the table was significantly shorter and that there were only two chairs… So she'd get to be even closer to her favorite fiancé. Joy.

Speaking of which, where was he? Scanning the room, she noticed that she and another maid were its only occupants. She could have snorted, but propriety kept her in line. So much for keeping him waiting when he wasn't even here to begin with. Oh well, no matter where he was she didn't much care. She preferred it this way anyways. As she situated herself at one end of the table, a servant entered the room to whisper something in the maid's ear before scurrying away. The maid looked surprised but nodded understandingly.

"Lady Rin, I've been informed that Master Len will not be able to join you today for breakfast."

Oh, thank Crypton and all that was good in the world! Rin grinned cheerfully and began to help herself to some biscuits and marmalade.

"I think I'll manage the absence quite tolerably, thank you."

After she had stuffed herself to her heart's delight with probably one of the best breakfasts she had ever had, the servants set about clearing the table. Rin stood and caught one maid's attention.

"Yes, milady?"

"Um, did your master give you any specific instructions for after breakfast…?"

The maid gave her a strange, inquisitive look, "Why no, he did not…"

Rin looked shocked. Really? He hadn't told them to immediately start packing her things…?

"Then… what am I to do now?"

If at all possible, the maid looked even more flabbergasted, "Miss Rin, this estate is your new home. You may do whatever it is your heart desires!"

Rin stood rooted to the floor, mind whirling in confusion. What? She was… she was supposed to do whatever she wanted? I mean, not that it was a bad thing… but did he not think anything of what happened last night? Was he insane enough to still want to go through with this ridiculous engagement? How vexing could such a man be!

Soon enough, the servants had finished clearing the parlor and bowed before taking their leave.

Now Rin was truly at a loss.

What was she supposed to do now? She didn't even know her way around the estate! Maybe… Maybe she'd just go back to her room for now…

As she stepped softly into the empty corridor, Rin felt that suddenly the castle had somehow become much larger than before. Which way had she come from again? She remembered walking down a fairly extensive hallway before reaching the parlor… She peered tentatively to the left and was faced with a long, quiet walkway, and to her right… an even longer walkway.

Ugh, whose idea was it to make this estate so symmetrical?

Rin felt a bit of color drain from her face. Well, this was certainly mortifying. She hadn't really bothered to remember her way around because she was, or had at least reasonably assumed that she was, to be thrown out at once.

…

So now what?

"Well," Rin sighed, "Might as well start exploring."

She decided to take the path to her right. It seemed to have more places to occupy her interest, anyways. It was lined with many spacious windows that filled the hall with warm, bright light; across the way were numerous doors of various shapes and sizes. Out of curiosity, Rin stopped at a random one and quickly scanned the corridor before slowly peaking inside. It was a sitting room, much like the parlor she had breakfast in earlier this morning. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like it had been used in quite a while… which was a shame, since it was so charming.

Gently closing the door behind her, she decided to see what the next chamber had in store.

A study! And a very well furnished one, at that. Rin was slightly surprised by some of the texts in the bookshelf- they were some of the most prominent treatises ever written. How her father would have liked to read them…

The next room was another parlor and also seemed like it had not seen company for some time.

Oh, a gallery! These paintings looked pretty old, but well-kept at least.

Oh, another sitting room…

…And yet another parlor? How many did such a place need?

After she had seen enough sitting rooms, drawing rooms, studies, parlors, and galleries to satisfy a lifetime, Rin plopped down rather unceremoniously onto one of the long chairs in a sitting room she had chosen at random. Good thing Teto, or for that matter anyone, was around or she was sure they would have had a fit over her rather unladylike manners at the moment.

The young girl glanced out the window. It looked to be around early midday. Ugh, the day wasn't even half over yet! And she really didn't feel like walking anymore… traversing this estate was already a formidable task in and of itself.

Rin twiddled with the edge of her sleeve and pulled back the bandages just slightly. The skin was still rather dark, and still a bit sensitive, but seemed more improved than this morning. She sighed. Perhaps she'd ask for a cold compress later… but what if Teto found out? A wave of guilt washed over the young girl.

She really didn't mean to make Teto worry so much… Though she was beyond grateful for the redhead's presence at the castle, she still felt horrible about forcing her to move from their home in the Land of Orange to this unfamiliar territory, where they had no friends, family, or any sort of connection whatsoever. Fortunately, though, Teto seemed to be getting along with the other servants just fine…

Rin wished she could say the same for herself. That frustrating man… why didn't he just send her back already? As much as she hated shaming her parents, she was at least grateful that this would allow her to return to her family.

Rin abruptly stood from her seat with a huff and marched over to the desk. She needed to write another letter to Lily and let out all this frustration.

As she rummaged through the drawers for some paper, a loud THUD from outside suddenly met her ears.

"Ooww!"

That did not sound good.

Gathering her skirts, Rin hurried into the hallway and found a young, very young, girl sprawled out on the plush carpet, the herbal contents of her basket scattered all along the path in front of her.

"Nngh," Yuki groaned as she hauled herself to her knees, a couple large, shiny drops beginning to form at the corners of her eyes. This was no good… no good at all! All the flowers she picked were ruined now! Meiko was not going to be happy…

"Are you alright?"

Yuki jolted at the unfamiliar voice and whirled around to meet face to face with…

"T-The princess!"

Rin raised a single, golden brow at the rather adorable little girl who was currently staring at her with her mouth wide agape. She struggled to stifle a giggle. Princess?

"Here," Rin began gathering the fallen flowers, "Let me help you."

Upon seeing the princess gather a few petals, Yuki snapped from her astonishment and felt her round cheeks flush a bright, apple red. The princess was getting herself dirty, for Yuki's sake? "N-No!" she reached out and quickly took the flowers from a surprised Rin, "Yuki can do this. This is Yuki's job… Yuki's brother will be mad if he finds out Yuki made the princess do her work!"

Ah, so her name was Yuki? Rin smiled as the little girl rose too quickly and almost slipped on her skirts again. Though the maid uniform she donned was really quite adorable, it seemed too large a garment for someone so small. It must have been why she tripped earlier.

"I'm not a princess. I'm just a lady from a little town from far, far away. You can call me Rin."

Yuki blushed even further and averted her gaze, "M-Miss Rin…" she said, testing out the title, but then added as almost an afterthought, "Is really pretty…"

Rin's eyes widened and it was her turn to flush. Pretty? No way. Lily was pretty. She was nowhere near…

"So, is there anything else I can help you with, Yuki?"

The pigtailed little girl shook her head and grinned, "Yuki just needs to bring these things back to Meiko so she can make lunch! Yuki really loves Meiko's food."

"Is that the name of the castle's chef? Meiko?"

Yuki shook her head vigorously, indicating a yes.

Rin couldn't help but smirk. Just five seconds ago Yuki looked about close to bawling and now she was completely fine, grinning even! "Do you think I can come with you to meet her?"

At this, the young girl brightened significantly and took Rin by her hand, "YAH! Come, come!" She tugged a surprised Rin along the corridor, all the while tooting to her about all her favorite foods that Meiko makes, like Meiko's apple pie, or Meiko's apple sauce, or Meiko's baked apples…

"And then, on Yuki's birthday, the master told Meiko to make Yuki a BIG apple cake! It had so many apples, like 40!"

Rin couldn't help but giggle, "Ne, Yuki, do you really like the master?"

"OF COURSE!" Yuki turned to look at her with bewildered, mahogany eyes, "The master is the BEST! He's the nicest, most handsomest, best master ever! Everyone likes the master!"

The older girl was a bit taken aback. That boy, the nicest, handsomest, best master ever…?

"We're here!"

Rin squeaked as she felt a ladle whoosh past her and clang against the wall by her head.

"Yuki!" a woman with short cropped, amber colored hair stood expectantly in the doorway with a hand on one curvaceous hip. Rin noticed she was still rather young, probably around Kaito's age, but with an air of frightening, womanly maturity about her. She was a rather lovely individual, with deep, almost crimson eyes, and an angled, foxy face. "Where've you been, squirt? Took you long… enough…"

The woman immediately stopped once she took note of Yuki's accompaniment.

"L-Lady Rin!" Meiko instantly bowed and colored a shade akin to her eyes, "P-Pardon my manners, how may I assist you?"

"Please excuse the intrusion," Rin curtsied, "But I asked Yuki to help me become acquainted with the castle. Would you mind if I stayed here for a bit?"

"No!" Meiko shook her head and instantly began trying to make the kitchen a bit more presentable, running her fingers through her hair and cursing when she realized they still contained scraps from when she was peeling carrots earlier, "P-Pardon me, we weren't expecting the lady here… did Yuki drag you into this?" Meiko eyed the scuffed spots on Rin's dress and then shot an interrogative glance at her young charge, who looked away shyly.

"Not at all," Rin smiled, "It's just that… back at home, my sister and I were well acquainted with our house-staff, and I only thought it proper that I also get to know the people here as well."

At this, Meiko raised her brows. The lady… actually wanted to get to know the staff? Normally most lords and ladies would only bother to remember the name of their immediate attendants, everyone else was beneath concern.

"If my mistress wishes, then it is fine with me," Meiko bowed, "I am sorry we don't really have the necessary accommodations, but if it is fine with you, you may take a seat over there." Meiko motioned to a stool in the corner. Rin nodded and went to it. Meiko then turned to the room's other occupant.

"Yuki," Meiko frowned as she took the basket from her, "Did you drop the flowers again?"

Yuki pouted and fiddled with her apron.

Meiko sighed and pat the young girl on the head, "Well, it can't be helped. Anyways-"

"MEIKO!"

The kitchen's back doors suddenly burst open to reveal two figures, both male judging by the strong and lean builds, one who was currently in mid-leap with his arms outstretched. Rin's eyes widened as she recognized the distinct mop of deep blue hair.

"Meeeiikooo! We're back from town, I'm so tiiir-OOF!" Kaito wheezed as a sudden elbow to the gut stopped him mid-air. He fell to the ground writhing before the brunette lifted him by the collar of his pressed, white shirt.

"Idiot! We have a guest," Meiko hissed and cast a sidelong glance at Rin.

Kaito felt as if Meiko had suddenly elbowed him in the gut again, which she may have, "L-Lady Rin!"

He quickly straightened up and bowed, fretting as he tried to make his attire a tad more presentable. The other male who had been accompanying him, looked astonished and bowed as well. Rin didn't recognize him, but judging by his formal uniform and the sword at his side, she reasoned he was probably a high-ranking guard of the castle, although he had quite long, lavender hair for a guard.

"What is the lady doing here?" Kaito whispered nervously back at Meiko, the blood quickly draining from his face. 'The lord is going to have our heads if he finds out!'

If he finds out! Meiko seemed to sense his distress and communicated back with a warning gaze. 'The lady expressed a wish to become more acquainted with the castle and its inhabitants. Now hush!'

Rin frowned and craned her neck to try and hear their conversation better, "I'm sorry, if it will cause too much trouble for me to be here I can leave at once."

"Oh no!" Meiko and Kaito both said in unison.

"You are welcome anywhere in the castle, the master even said so himself," Kaito explained, "It's just… to want to be among the servants here…" He didn't want to say it out loud, but Rin understood it was supposed to be highly improper. She was expected to spend her time doing some other, more accomplished and productive activity, like sewing. She instantly grimaced. Her fingers ached just thinking of the dreadful pastime.

"Well, it would be improper for me to live here if I didn't get to know who I was living with first, right?"

At this, Kaito was taken aback, "Ah… But-"

"If that is your wish, Lady Rin, we will assist you to the best of our abilities." The previously silent, lavender-haired man in the back stepped forward then and gave her an approving smile.

"Forgive me!" Kaito sputtered, "This man here is Sir Gakupo, captain of the town guard."

"How do you do, Lady Rin," Gakupo took one of Rin's hands in his gloved ones.

"It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Sir Gakupo," Rin curtsied.

"And you've already met our cook, Meiko, and our youngest little scullery maid, Yuki. Her elder brother, Kiyoteru, is the groundskeeper and oversees the gardens for the most part. We just came back from town, so you must excuse our rather disheveled appearances, milady."

Rin's ears instantly perked, "Is there town nearby?" She hadn't seen very many on the way here.

"Why yes!" Kaito chirped, "It is a little further south and quite the charming and thriving establishment, no doubt managed so masterfully by Lord Len."

"There's lots of fun things in town!" Yuki also joined in on the conversation, "Miss Rin can visit Yuki's house!"

"Lady Rin, if I may suggest, you should accompany the master during his next outing," Meiko added, "He also has not been to town in some time."

Rin grimaced at the thought, "N-No… he seems quite busy, I wouldn't want to take him away from his work." She laughed nervously.

"Indeed! The master works so diligently," Kaito sighed dejectedly.

"If milady wishes to see town, I would be happy to escort her," Gakupo bowed slightly.

Rin's face lit up, "I would be delighted!" Anything to get out of this dreary castle, and be as far as possible from a certain you know who.

"Yuki wants to come too!" the girl waved her arms excitedly, "And Meiko come, and Kaito!"

"But if I go, who will cook the foo-"

"Then it's settled! We shall escort the lady to town next wee-OOF!" Kaito clutched at his gut.

"Idiot, you didn't let me finish my sentence!" Meiko seethed, and then added quietly, "Plus I don't think the master would appreciate us taking leave, especially with Lady Rin, without first consulting hi-"

"Wonderful!" Rin chimed in and grinned, "I'll be expecting it!"

Meiko glared at Kaito. 'See what you've done?'

Kaito shrugged and laughed nervously. 'Heh, sorry…'

"I would rather die than ever be married to a monster such as yourself."

Len growled and crumpled the document he had been reading before hurling it at the door across from him. That headstrong, foolish, lout of a girl! Who did she think she was? Speaking such words to him… calling him a monster! He wasn't a monster…

"Never speak my name again, you… you monster!"

Len slammed his palms on the desk before groaning and burying his face into his hands.

The melodic sound of a voice like bells, whispering sweet nothings…

The sight of silken, teal-colored tresses…

The sudden flash of bright crimson liquid on silver metal.

An anguished scream, the intense contempt behind once gentle teal eyes.

The cold rain as it pounded upon him, all alone in the courtyard…

Betrayed…

Len stood so fast from the desk that the heavy chair fell back with a clatter. He reached up to loosen his necktie as he paced about the chamber. These memories, why couldn't they leave him in peace? He cursed under his breath. Damn that woman. Damn this situation… Damn everything!

He sank back down at his desk and rubbed at his temples. Not to mention he still had that other woman in this castle to deal with…

Len cast a furtive glance at the papers still splayed out across his desk. All morning he had been reviewing and re-reviewing a copy of their marriage contract, searching, scrutinizing for any last trace, any little bit of a loophole he could find, but there was none.

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing he could do!

"If hitherto both parties were thereupon to mutually agree on an honorable annulment of the marriage, then ten thousand bullion compensation are to be hereby bequeathed to the previous bride's family…"

That was almost half the estate's entire worth.

So in essence, breaking off the engagement would be the exact same as divorcing himself of half the castle.

And like hell he would give his ancestral property to that girl's money-mongering family… either way she would be getting something, and he would be in the losing position. Damn that soothsayer! How could his parents agree to this unbelievably idiotic proposal?

There had to be some other way out.

But how?

Rubbing his brow, Len picked up the paper again and reread the passage for probably the 15th time that day.

"If hitherto both parties were thereupon to mutually agree…"

Well, he was certain both parties were in agreement at this point.

"… On an honorable annulment…"

Honorable.

That was such a vague word.

So if he could somehow orchestrate a situation where the annulment was "dishonorable", the clause would then be nullified?

What would dishonorable even entail?

Len furrowed his brow in thought and fiddled with the edge of the page.

A dishonorable annulment…

…

Perhaps… an elopement?

At this, Len began to sit straighter in his seat. An elopement certainly was a dishonorable form of annulment.

Aquamarine eyes widened.

That was it! If it somehow turned out that one of them, no, Rin, were to participate in an elopement, then that would be a dishonorable annulment, and it could be argued that Len hadn't necessarily been in "mutual agreement" to an annulment- so therefore the clause would have to be nullified! And he wouldn't have to bestow half of his estate to that girl after all!

…Except for one problem.

Rin would have to elope with someone… and how was he supposed to plan that?

Len groaned. As soon as he overcame one obstacle, another sprouted in its place.

Suddenly, he was seized from his ruminations by a tapping at his door.

"I don't believe the master will be leaving his room for lunch today, once again..." Meiko frowned to herself as the maid who had come to inform her of the news bowed and went back to her duties. The brunette sighed and glanced at the trays she had set forth: two steaming bowls of stew and meat pies with freshly baked rolls and a berry trifle for dessert.

"Kaito isn't here to take the tray to him either," Meiko's frown deepened. The master was probably in his study in the east wing, and normally nobody was allowed there except Kaito.

Rin studied the downcast cook. She felt sympathetic for the poor woman. Meiko had worked so hard to prepare everything, but Len didn't want to eat it? That boy had to be insane! Meiko's food was some of the best she ever tasted, if Rin lived here she surely would have gone quite fat from enjoying her cooking so much!

…She then realized that may very well become a very real occurrence, if she continued to stay here…

But still, it was better to enjoy it then let the food go to waste! Master or not, there was a limit to how spoiled someone can be.

"I can take it to him," Rin's voice caught Meiko's attention, "I mean, it would be good for me to further get acquainted with this castle after all, right?" And also know exactly what room to avoid…

Meiko's eyes widened, "Oh no, that's not right. We can't have the lady do such a menial task-"

"We also can't have such great food go to waste, either," Rin retaliated, "I insist, Meiko."

The cook sighed. She couldn't argue with her mistress, "As you wish, milady. The young master should be in his study in the east wing. It is the fifth door along the corridor to the left."

Rin couldn't help but flash a triumphant grin, "Thank you very much! And I'll be sure to come back once he's finished every last bite."

As Meiko watched the young girl carefully balance the silver platter, she leaned against the frame and let a small smile cross her lips. She couldn't remember when was the last time such a refreshing character had entered this castle.

"She could very well be the one…"

Len stared inquisitively at the door. Hadn't he sent Kaito on an errand earlier today? Another knock, this time much louder than before. He didn't remember hiring such an impatient servant. This had better be urgent.

But as he rose to answer, the entryway suddenly burst open to reveal a certain, defiant young blonde. One hand was on the hip of her deep, velvet gown, and the other carrying a rather hefty, silver tray.

"Rin?"

Without a word, Rin brushed past him- did she even flick her hair in his face?- and placed the tray upon his desk before taking a seat across from it.

For a moment, Len continued to stand, attempting to process what had just occurred.

At the desk, Rin was grateful that she sat with her back towards him, lest he see the bright scarlet that currently stained her cheeks. She knew the boy had no manners, but she hadn't expected to see him in such a disarrayed state, with his necktie loosened and his upper shirt buttons undone, exposing his collarbone and the lean, toned musc- NO!

Rin felt the heat in her cheeks become replaced by mortification as she resisted the urge to slap herself. What on earth was she thinking? She heard heavy footsteps against the floorboards as Len resettled himself at his desk. Rin diverted her attention and tried not to look at the creamy, exposed skin.

"I would have thought," Rin began, shakily, in an attempt to lessen the tension and regain her composure, "You had enough manners to at least respond when someone knocks at your door." She had never seen a man's skin before, and never imagined it would affect her so.

"What is this?" Len gave the tray a cursory glance before boring into her with that intense, aquamarine gaze of his.

"I brought your lunch," she said, still refusing to meet his eyes. She heard the ruffling of cloth. Oh thank Crypton, he was readjusting his attire.

"Is it customary where you come from to have ladies do the work of the servants?" she heard him say snarkily, "Are your servants then treated as gods? No wonder your mannerisms are so horrific."

Rin felt her cheeks puff indignantly, "You know, Meiko always makes all this great food for you because she worries about your health and you won't even look at it? And then you question my mannerisms!"

Len growled threateningly.

But Rin refused to back down, "Are you going to give me another first-hand demonstration of those wonderful, noble-class manners you're always lording over me and my country boorishness about?"

"You-!"

As soon as he opened his mouth to retort, to his surprise Len felt something warm and buttery touch his tongue. On instinct, he closed his mouth and felt a slender finger press upon his lips, keeping them shut.

"Don't expect me to do that ever again," Rin had torn off a piece from a roll and placed it in his mouth when he was about to argue, "Your servants work hard for you, this is the least a pompous buffoon such as yourself can do to show your gratitude. Now chew and swallow."

Len obediently followed her instruction. As soon as she felt his jaws move, Rin withdrew her finger. A light shudder coursed through her body. The way his lips felt under her fingers was… unnerving.

She cleared her throat and grinned, "See, was that so hard? And only took you a couple seconds too."

Len, however, was far from amused. "Get out."

"No," Rin crossed her arms over her chest, "I'm not leaving until every last bit of food is gone."

Len once again prepared a retort when something at her sleeve caught his eye. It was the very edge of… a bandage?

Suddenly, without warning a hand shot out and gripped Rin about the wrist so tightly she could not help but cry out in pain.

Len yanked her towards him and glared down at her with a single, raw emotion. Contempt.

"Know your place."

…Had he caused that?

A wave of remorse washed over him.

Len turned back to his work, "Do as you wish."

Rin opened her mouth to counter his- wait, what? She could scarce believe her ears. He hadn't ordered her to leave at once? He was actually letting her stay?

This… This was certainly unexpected.

Soon enough Len was settled back into his normal routine of perusing his documents, while taking a short break every now and then to eat some stew. Rin sat across from him, quietly observing his work and the rest of the room.

It was a room very similar to the other studies she had seen earlier that day, but décor was just a tad bit darker and showed more signs of use. The worn state of Len's lamp desk gave testament to many sleepless nights spent up in this room. Her eyes then wandered to the bookcase, which contained several volumes of records, probably of old transactions, accounts, land surveys, etc. Aquamarine eyes softened. He really did work quite hard. No wonder Kaito fretted over him so much.

The two continued to more or less enjoy each other's silent company for some time. Rin found that being in the same room as the young lord actually wasn't as unbearable as she thought it would have been, as long as he was being "civil" of course…

She wondered again what his "nice" side was like. What part of him made his servants love him so much?

A rather loud grumbling suddenly interrupted the silence.

Instantly, Rin's face turned a deep, deep crimson.

Len looked up from his paperwork.

Another grumble.

If at all possible, Rin turned even redder and threw her arms over her stomach. Dear Crypton, this was not happening.

The young lord placed his papers back on the desk and regarded his fiancée with a smirk.

"So while you were caught up in your great mission to bring me lunch, you neglected to eat your own?"

Rin struggled in vain to form some sort of coherent excuse, "I, well, err…"

Len pushed the tray of half-finished stew towards her, "Have some."

She frowned. "I don't need-"

Suddenly a spoonful of warm broth slipped into her mouth. Aquamarine eyes widened as she realized Len had done exactly what she had done to him earlier.

"I've had enough," Len said as he resumed his work, "Eat."

Rin hesitated, but did as she was told.

Once again they fell into companionable silence, save for the gentle clink of silverware and the scratching of pen on paper. Every now and then Rin would gather the courage to inquire after his work, to which Len gave curt but polite answers.

Soon the rest of the trifle was polished off and all that was left was the tea, which Rin reasoned Len could finish at his leisure. She rose to gather the platter.

"If you're finished, I'll take the tray back to Meiko now."

The young lord gave her a nod to indicate his approval but not once lifted his eyes from his paperwork. Rin rose and bowed nonetheless before taking her leave. In retrospect, this had not been such a terrible experience… at all.

As her fingers graced the doorknob, Len called out one last remark.

"Thank you," he said, "For lunch."

A/N: Yay for more introductory, build-up chapters haha. Hopefully I'll have the next installment up soon now that I'm on break. Remember to leave a review, as always!