Petals of Blood | Vampire Knight

CHAPTER 7

Juuri anxiously scanned the hall, her heart heavy with worry. It had been hours since they started searching for her son, but there was still no sign of him.

Her unease deepened as she glanced at the servants, who were also tirelessly looking around for their young master.

She couldn't blame them; she knew how difficult her son could be. He always kept the servants at arm's length, not because he disliked them, but because, in his mind, they were irrelevant.

"Why should I care about their presence when I can do everything myself?" he'd once told her.

She had been taken aback by his words but decided to let him be, only asking that if things ever got too tough, he would seek help from the servants, or from her and Haruka.

In response, her adorable son had simply given her a cute nod.

"Juuri-sama," a servant with blonde hair spoke respectfully, bowing her head, "the young master isn't in the living room or his bedroom."

The other servants shook their heads, their faces filled with concern. It was clear that they, too, were worried.

"Where has that troublemaker gone?" Juuri sighed, her frustration barely concealed.

Just as they were about to resume their search, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, followed by a loud shout.

"Oka-san!" A small figure came rushing toward them, a bright smile spreading across his delicate face as his rosy lips curled up in joy.

Juuri let out a breath of relief and opened her arms, ready to embrace her son, who ran into her hug with equal eagerness. She held him tightly.

"You had me so worried!" she scolded.

"Oka-san, that hurts!" Juriki whined as his mother tugged gently but firmly on his ear.

"It should hurt, young man! What did I tell you about wandering off? What if you were attacked by a rogue?" Her voice carried both seriousness and worry, and Juriki blinked in surprise before trying to reassure her.

"Oka-san, don't worry. I can take care of myself just fine!" he said, his voice brimming with pride and determination.

Juuri's stern expression softened into a smile tinged with relief.

She sighed and shook her head before taking Juriki's hand in hers. "I know you can, my little petal. But as your mother, I can't help but worry."

She gently patted his head, and Juriki, instead of arguing, leaned into her touch. "Oka-san..." he murmured, trailing off. He cradled the quiet bunny in his arms, stroking its soft fur.

Suddenly, a maid hurried toward them, looking out of breath. Both Juuri and Juriki turned to her with confused expressions. As the maid reached them, she panted heavily, clearly winded from running.

Juriki blinked, trying to recall where he had seen this maid before. He rarely paid much attention to the servants, so it surprised him that she seemed familiar.

"Luna, are you alright?" his mother asked, concern evident in her voice as she patted the maid's back. The maid's face flushed in response.

Juriki suddenly remembered: she was the one who had given him Mister Rabbit.

She had been an anxious mess, even more nervous than the bunny itself. He had thought that a mere flick of his finger would send her into a panic.

"I-I apologize for my rudeness, Juuri-sama, Juriki-sama!" Luna exclaimed, making Juriki wince at the sudden loudness. He immediately straightened up, feeling his mother's eyes on him.