The weather went on to sweep nature clean throughout the night. William thought he would be able to sleep just fine, knowing that Remony would be safe in Joss’ hands. Unfortunately no matter long he laid with his eyes closed, he couldn’t reach a stage resembling sleep.

Many matters were on his mind. One of them being what he should spend his small wealth on…

William ignited a rushlight. Accepting his fate to sit here awake until Remony returned home. While he waited, he played with a pence between his delicate fingers. He wondered whether or not he should remain selfish and strive for the image he had in mind. The dream to become someone who was independent and strong. Who lived their own way of life…

To achieve this dream, he needed to save up every penny he earned. The problem was that he would have to neglect his ‘family’…

These thoughts started to cross his mind, ever since he visited Remony and saw how she forked over all her money. She wasn’t the only one doing this. Almost everyone who worked in the castle had a family outside who needed that money to survive...

It had taken him some time to realize this. That in these times a family had to stick together to survive and often forgive cruelties and misconduct to keep its members together. William had thought that since he had no last name and was cut off from his origin, he could work for his own interests and not lift a finger when the Castonales were in a pinch. Because to him, helping them would be the same as helping his father.

A person who seemed to enjoy flexing his feelings onto someone weaker than himself…

But William couldn’t help but feel guilty when he thought: What about the twins?... What about Joss?... Did they deserve to be abandoned just because he despised the leader of that place?...

Amidst his worries, one thing was clear: That poor brother of his couldn’t possibly run a household all on his own! Especially not financially.

William had already gotten his dream sword and something resembling an armor. What more did he need right now, other than time, and an invitation from Harvick to come join him? There really wasn’t much that could tempt him at the moment… So why not let Joss have most of what he earns? Hopefully, then, he would be able to breathe a sigh of relief and not worry so much over Joss’ circumstances.

Right!... From now on, until he has other plans, he will share his earnings with Joss and the twins. Then in the future, Joss will probably get a fine wife and be able to support himself!

Having come to this conclusion, William felt at ease. His heart didn’t quiver and began to beat slowly and *thump*. He fell asleep.

He found out later that morning, that Remony never returned home...

William huffed as he came back. He had searched the whole castle for that girl, with no results.

He was about to put on a cloak to head out to Joss’ home when he saw something move in the doorway. Seeing that familiar figure, William burst out with a, “Where have you bween!?”. His language was all screwed up because of how worried he was.

The girl who he thought had gone missing stood before him all perky and fine. Remony rubbed her eyes and responded a bit tired, “Oh? It got so late, that the gate had been completely closed… So I spent the night at Joss’ home-”. Having said this much, Remony quickly clarified that, “Of course we slept in different rooms! Okay!? So don’t misunderstand...”.

William shook his head a bit bitter at this girl. He had been worried into insanity this morning, not seeing her usual figure brushing out her wavy black hair. He huffed before taking his just revenge. Cupping Remony’s cheeks in both of his hands before fondling them into a bruised red. He had stolen this trick from her dear father.

Remony quickly swatted his hands away before shooting off a complaint, “Don’t! It’s so annoying when you do that”. William shrugged his shoulders and said, “And that’s why I do it!”. Both stared at each other as if they were ready to pounce but then they smiled.

William asked Remony, “So…? How was it?... Did you have fun? Did Joss treat you well?”.

Remony thought back to their little adventure together and clapped her forehead while grinning. “Haha… I must say it was very thrilling to ride on Vash’s back. I’ve never felt my heart beat so fast before. It got especially thrilling the moment Joss fell off because of an unexpected lowered twig. He fell at the poorest of times! Right down a steep hill… Of course, he didn’t get hurt on the outside. But I know he wanted to look cool and when he fell it just looked so… PFT!”, Remony couldn’t help but laugh a bit at Joss’ expense. “Oh, Mirabelle! You should have seen him! His face! And OH! It looked so funny, it was…!? PuHAhahahaha”.

William felt bad for Joss. Poor guy had his superman image ruined… But at least they seemed to have fun.

****

Fresh snowflakes fell from the sky. Tis the season for the weather gods to spread their magic. Brice sat in front of his fireplace, laid back and at ease. Reading something that was quite popular amongst young men. It was called ‘Dame’s Finesse’. A slim book with a maroon leather cover. If the internet existed in these times, it would probably have been something else he looked at...

William who was cleaning the walls for soot and other grime obeyed his curiosity and took a sneak peek at the book’s contents.

Reading inside himself: To court a dame, you must exchange tokens of love. For inspiration, it could be a touch to her clothes. Add a personalized fastener, that only you know how to undo. If done correctly you’ll have an instant chastity belt. Or gift her sweets that suit her preference...

This subtle humorous but genuine sentence made William relieved. He thought this young master was reading something much worse… But instead, it turned out to be something sweet and ‘innocent’. At least Brice wouldn’t get easily bored and thus annoyed. William had these concerns because the young master had chosen not to attend the Winter Weddings this year. Probably because of his unbonded state. Not wanting to experience the same helplessness as last year.

When the remaining wall was cleaned, William went over to Brice and said, “My lord, I have a request. As you know, a new holiday will be held tomorrow and I wish to celebrate it with my… Family. Can I please take a leave tomorrow? I strongly doubt it’ll trouble you much since Rex is still here to serve you”.

Brice didn’t seem to hear him but this was normal. In fact, he liked to play deaf. Only to speak when the other was on the brink of no-return.

He took his sweet time and finally decided to take a gander at William. “So?..”, William had the audacity to ask. Brice huffed, “Whatever… Just be done before the evening. You’ll be needed later”. William made a light bow, then excused himself.

He thought: This redheaded tomcat! He’s definitely going to have a late-night visit by one of his admirers! Again!