Forbidden Flower of Moriarty || Moriarty the Patriot Fanfiction ||

Chapter 4: Tea Party

A/N: I did an outline of mature Elise. (*^▽^*)

Sorry if it's not good... this is kinda rushed hehehe.

Uuuuuuh... I really didn't expect this many views and votes. Thank you very much!

I have to finish my other books...oh boy...

Happy Reading!!

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Having no servants in the house, Louis and Elise took over those responsibilities. Being the youngest siblings in their small mansion, they took turns in cleaning and cooking, though for cooking, Elise was in charge in most of it. The property affairs in the mansion were also taken care of by both of them, since their older brothers are busy with their own work as a lieutenant for the military in London and professor at the university.

"How is the situation with the land rent, Louis?" William asked him while they were having dinner.

"It improved a lot. Elise's suggestion of allowing the payment using crops instead of money was effective and saved most of the farmers from the hassle." Louis answered and faced their youngest sister next to him. "Isn't that right, Elise?"

William took notice of her strange behavior. She was looking at her half eaten dinner absentmindedly, as if she was thinking something deeply.

"Elise?" Albert called her out and she blinked to reality.

"I-I'm sorry. I was being inattentive, nii-sama. Were you asking me something?"

Although she seemed to have returned to her usual self, there was a hanging sense of sadness around her and also, subtle anger. After dinner, Elise went to the study room as Louis took charge for the washing of dishes.

"Something happened to Elise, am I right?" William said as he leaned by the doorframe next to the kitchen.

"It seems so. Ever since she came back from the market, she was acting a bit strange and she looked sad even." Louis replied worriedly while wiping the washed dishes.

"I will go talk to her." Albert said as he carried the tray of porcelain cups filled with freshly brewed tea. "Thank you for brewing it for me, Louis."

"Of course, Albert-nii-san."

William spoke before he can leave. "Please inform me if her medicine's running low. I will make some in advance, Albert-nii-san."

"You have my thanks, William. Tell me if there are ingredients missing or low on supply as well."

"I will."

The study was brightly lit by candles when Albert entered. Elise was leaning by the glass window overlooking their garden, her face troubled as she gazed outside. The eldest was careful not to startle her but he knew that she's already aware of his presence upon entering.

He decided to directly ask her. "What's the matter, Elise?"

The young woman sighed shakily as she tightly clutched her chest. Worry and concern welled in him when the signs of her attacks acted up and he placed the tray quickly on a table before rushing to her side.

"It's all right, nii-sama..." She took a couple of breaths before relaxing. "It's been a while since these signs acted up on their own. But mercifully, it is something even I can manage myself."

"Even so," Albert's tone was filled with worry, "do not hesitate to tell me or your brothers. We understand your need for independency but we cannot help but worry for you. Here, I brought tea for you."