After the sunset,the weather started to get bad.The sky got covered with dark clouds and rain started to pour. Cold breeze rubbed against Max's skin as he stood near the damaged home in the village.He felt as if his eyes were burning up because of the lack of sleep.It took almost a night and a day to cover up the damages.His hands became encrusted due to continuous horse riding.His head felt numb. Fixing the issue of other route for temporary use took more longer time than thought.
He, other knights and labours made sure to repair the damages of all houses that got ruined during the landslide before the rain could start.
"Commander, all set,shall we return now?" Frederick asked as he packed the stuffs left and made others to return back before them.
With a deep breath,Max nodded and got on his horseback.
"What a luck!"Max smirked looking up at the sky, rain soaking his upper torso,his mind felt numb with continuous rain pouring.
********
Reaching the castle at midnight ,Max went straight to his chamber.
"Has the lady had her dinner?" Max asked the butler.
"No, My lord."he answered.
" Why?" Max asked turning back to see him as he reached the chamber's door.
"Ladyship said that she has no appetite." Butler replied.
"Please send the dinner for two in our room.Also prepare hot tub." Max instructed.
"As you wish,mylord."
Entering the room,Max gaze fell first over a small figure gleaming under the moonlight standing near the window.It was Merry.
Slowly walked towards her and he hugged her tightly from behind.Marry flinched for a moment at his sudden approach.
"Max!" She exclaimed in surprise.
"Why haven't you had your dinner yet?" Max asked while gently tightening his grip around her and rested his chin on her shoulder's blade.
"I....I didn't feel like eating. That's all."She replied with low tone.
Max paused,he turned her to look at the face he was craving to see.
Her eyes looked lost, her face was pretty yet pale.
"W-Was the place c-condition too critical?" She asked, diverting her gaze.
"Has something happened?" He asked with calm voice,brushing her hairs back,he stared intently, making sure she looks at him.
She shook her head and gave an assuring smile which was of no use.At that moment,he knew something was off.
"Merry." Max asked firmly while holding her arms unwaveringly.
"Y-You must be tired,Max.Let's eat together." She could still sense his exhaustion even though her mind was messed up.
Max didn't want to force an answer out of her. He simply nodded with a light smile and followed her to the dinner table.
As they were having dinner, Max noticed every single details .Merry took smaller bites and only ate small portion from her plate.
They talked about that day's situation but when Max asked about her,she avoided answering that.She acted normally on other topics and even tried to put a smile on her gloomy face.
"Merry, are you upset about something?"
"Is it because of me?" He asked with a voice as soft as he could gather.
"No,Max." She responded lightly and gently petted his hand resting on the table.Max reciprocated the gesture and held her hand with his both hands.Making sure that his warmth also brought ease to her like she did to him.
*********
Returning from bath, Max saw Merry sleeping on her side of the bed.He silently covered her with blanket and laid down near her.
He kept his eyes on her, looking at her made him feel a little distressed.
'Is she upset about how I left earlier?.' Max mind repeated the question.
With this thought, without realising he fell asleep.
In the morning,Max woke up after Merry.They enjoyed their lunch as they did normally.
Max went to his office and Merry to the library.
"My lord,a letter had come from central authorities yesterday ." The butler placed the letter on the desk.
After reading it ,Max eyes twitched slightly.
"Have you opened the letter before?" Max asked indifferently.
" Not me, Mylord.I gave it to the ladyship."The butler replied.
"Did she go through it?" Max asked with slightly annoyed tone.
"Probably...",Butler answered.
The moment he heard him,
Max quickly got up and walked towards the library.
' She must hate even looking at a man as cruel as me.l...' his mind filled with chaos.
"Merry." Standing at the doorstep of library,Max called for Merry, who was putting back the books in her arms back on the shelf.
"Max?" She looked, probably knowing the reason behind his sudden appearance.
Closing the distance between them,Max walked towards her.locking his eyes with hers.
"You read it?" He asked with low tone.
" Y-Yes.." she responded.she responded while clenching the net of her dress.
"You were tensed about this, right?" He asked collectively.
"W-Why did you g-go to s-such extent?" She nervously put forward her words.
"I did what should had been done,Princess." He replied with composure yet his voice sounded dangerous.
"H-How can you d-do that Max?" She responded back with urgency.
She flinched, " D-Do you k-know what could happen to you."stuttering with fear.
Max clenched fist loosened, he looked at her, realising she was worrying about him instead of hating on him.
"I .... couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt, Princess."he said tightening his jaw with anger.
" He deserved it.He is still breathing and I have problem with that too." He added deviously.
" It's inhuman b-brutality." She panicked at his words.She couldn't recognise the person in front her,how could Max be so cruel.
"What he planned to do with you was not inhuman?" I have only cut off the hands which meant to harm you,mylady.But I still feel it's not enough." He answered firmly.A glint formed in his eyes.
Maximillian ordered to cut off the hands of Kenin ,son of lord Qenn ,who attempted to assault his wife.
" Wh-What if central a-authorities take cruel action towards you?!wh-what will happen then?" Almost on verge of crying, Merry bit her lips and responded with terrified mind and soul.
Her tears fell down as she panicked.
"W-What can I do to save you.. huh?!what I...y-you did it because of me..all of this happened all becau-" before she could keep on blaming herself, Max covered her mouth with a kiss.He pressed his lips firmly against her.
Breaking the kiss,he kept her close and looked into her wavering eyes filled with tear.
"Princess, please don't worry about a man like me...I - I promise I will never leave you alone.Trust me I will soon.." Max affirmed with gentle yearning in his voice .
She gently grabbed back of his clothes while hugging him.
" P-Please... never do these kind of things no matter what." Merry felt uneasy.Max gently patted her head to calm her.