Sabrina Luthferd

Boredom. I haven't felt this way before because I am too busy to even have a private life. But right now, I am experiencing a boredom that is not easy to remedy. I have done everything I can do: I helped with the household chores, talk with the people here in the manor, and even read books in the library of the mansion.

But still, here I am. Bored out of my mind, staring at the windows as rain fall from the sky. Apparently, there is a strong storm passing by and the gloomy skies adds to my gloomy mood.

I cannot go out to take a walk in the garden- that is the least that I can do to ease my boredom!

"I do not really understand how nobles spend their days!" I groaned before turning away from the window.

I was startled as Brother came into my view.

"B-brother?" I asked.

"It seems like you are not doing anything right now. Would you like to play chess with me?" He asked.

My eyes glowed at the mention of doing something...! I am delighted!

I nodded, eager to play.

"Then, follow me to the game room. Sebastian. Set up the chess board."

And as if on cue, Sebastian emerged from the dark corner of the room. "Understood." He bowed before walking away.

Brother smiled a little. "Let us go?"

I nodded once again before following him to the game room.

I haven't done any activity with Brother that only involves the two of us. I feel happy by the thought of it and cannot help but smile.

"Julia."

"Yes?" I asked.

"How is your stay here?" He asked.

"It is fun but I cannot hide the fact that I cannot do anything that will help me ease my boredom."

I kind of expected that Brother and I will be spending more time with each other given that I already retired as a singer. But well, Brother also has our business to take care of. So in the end, I just get bored out of my mind. This is a rare opportunity. I must make the most of it.

We entered the game room. It's just the same as the design of my bedroom except for the fact that well, it doesn't have a bed but a pool and a small table with two chairs instead.

Sebastian was setting up the board and is about to put down the last piece. I quickly sat to the black side of the chessboard. I really like the color black.

Brother simply sat down on the remaining seat.

"I will start then." He said.

"Do not hold back, brother! I will beat you with my full strength!" I said, grinning.

Brother smirked smugly, "Oh? Don't mind if you lose then."

"Bring it on."

And thus, started our battle of wits.

Master had thought me how to play chess. I was deprived to play with other children my age because of my work as an errand girl. My job would end by the night in which every child is already in slumber. He would then play chess with me. He would apologize, telling me that I should play with kids my age but instead, I was stuck with him, playing a complicated game. But I did not mind. I have always liked to play with Master. I have seen him as my father and have loved him so much.

"Checkmate." Brother announced.

I only have the queen and king left on my side while he has the king, knight, and a pawn.

My king's caught by the knight. It is an easy job to dodge that attack just by moving it to the.. Left.

But then again on his next move, the pawn hit the end of my base, respawning the queen on its stead. I moved my queen to the Knight's position, removing it on the platform.

So now, we both have the same pieces left.. I clicked my tongue. How the hell will this thing end?

"It seems like our game will be in a draw." Brother commented with a frown.

My forehead creased. I do not want it to be a draw.

"But I want it to end with my victory. A draw is meaningless - a waste of time." We both said.

I stared at him, amused in which he return with a bewildered expression. I laughed a little. "We are both competitive, huh?"

He smiled a little. "That is true. Would you like another round?"

I nodded. Yes, of course. Spending some quality time with you is something I would like to achieve.

"But you know, brother.. A king is useless without his queen. His actions are limited. The queen, on the other hand, holds much power." I said, smiling a bit.

"If the king is dead, it's game over. The queen will be then, rendered useless." He said. "The king is the only one that needs to remain alive. He must be the one to survive even if it means that he'll be alone."

I slumped on my seat, frowning. "Why does it have to be that way? A king's job is to keep his pawns alive and together, they will achieve victory. Winning alone does not give any joy to a person."

"Oh. It gave me joy."

My eyebrows furrowed. What does he mean?

"You'll die alone if you think that way, Brother." I joked.

"Will you leave me?" He stared at my eyes, his expression serious.

I was taken aback by his words.. I feel my cheeks heating up. I turned to look away.

"Never." I mumbled.

"Even if it means that I'll drag you to hell with me?"

"Yes." I answered with a straight face, staring at him once again.

It was his turn to look away and cough awkwardly.

"Umm. We are technically living in hell already, brother." I mumbled.

...I remembered those times when I was in the streets, alone.. No one batted an eye. When I begged for alms, they will brush me off and yell profanities. They just do it because I was filthy, in rags, and a little kid. And now, it's the complete opposite because of the status I have gained.. This fact truly disgusts me... And what disgust me most s our society.

"...Julia?" Brother said, waving his hand in front of me.

I smiled. "Yes, brother?"

"I will be repeating my question. Do you remember some things about our past?" He asked, propping his elbow on the table and leaning his chin on it. He was wearing a small smirk on his face.

...He looks irresistible with that look... Err.

I avoided eye contact and let my cheeks heat up.

"...Your smile and laugh." I muttered.

" ..What?"

"Your smile and the sound of your laugh." I said, a little bit louder.

"...My.. Smile?... And laugh?" He asked.

"I... Like the sound of it.. I would see a vague image of you, smiling. We appear to be in a garden.. Then.. You would call for my name... Then laugh. It sounds so sweet." I answered, staring at his sapphire blue eyes and smiling a little bit.

Julia!

....Yes.. It makes me feel at home.

He looked away, coughing. "I should get going.. I still have work." He said.

...That's a shame. I want to spend more time with him.

He stood up. "Sebastian, clean this up then bring tea in my study room."

"Yes, young master."

He walked out the room with a small wave, leaving me with Sebastian.

"Are you really fine living in hell?" Sebastian asked.

"We are technically living in hell already, Sebastian." I said, quoting what I once mumbled.

I glanced at him to find him smirking at me.

"You're interesting, mistress." He chuckled.

I frowned.. He's looking at me like I was some circus clown. I picked up the king piece before playfully throwing it at him. He caught it with ease, as expected.

"I don't dislike it." He continued.

"Whatever you say.. Sebby."