Chapter 171: Go Now
[FLASHBACK: 14 YEARS AGO, Remsworth Mansion]
Aiden’s unexpected mumble froze Barnes from shock, while he stared at his wide-open brown eyes twinkling with hope. Despite trying to shake his grip away from him, Barnes muttered in a reluctant voice, "I...I am sorry, M-Master Aiden...but I can’t do that—"
"If you won’t go, then I don’t think I can go as well."
Aiden shrugged his small shoulders while mumbling in a nonchalant voice as if his actions had put Barnes in a difficult spot. Blinking at him with confusion, Barnes still tried to persuade him giving his reasons, "Master Aiden...you’re also aware of the rules of this mansion, right? None of the housekeepers, except the head butler or head maid, are allowed to go even near Madam or Master’s room without their permission. Even after knowing this, how can I possibly—"
"Then you can just stand outside the room, bunny...and I will go show the painting to Mom." Still sounding very persistent from his tone, Aiden gave his rigid answer while clenching the cuff of his shirt, "Please bunny...I am scared to go there alone...What if Mom scolded me there? At least...I will have you around who can give me courage."
While gazing into his hopeful brown orbs, Barnes eventually had to give up since he couldn’t harshly reject this innocent child’s plea. Despite knowing none of the butlers or maids would ever permit him to do so, Barnes still inhaled a deep breath as if he was bracing himself up.
"Alright, I will accompany you there, because it’s your birthday today Master Aiden. But...only for today, okay? After that, I hope you won’t ask me something like this—"
"No I won’t, so please, let’s go?" Smiling radiantly at his acceptance, Aiden held his hand tight before they marched to grab the painting and afterward, towards the third floor of the mansion, where Lorelia’s room was located.
Indeed it was a dangerous risk for Barnes, but watching Aiden’s smiling adorable face was able to drain out the fear from deep inside him. He knew they had to keep it a secret from the other servants of the mansion, and so, he tactfully thought of taking the separate stairs to reach the third floor, instead of the one which was located on the main hall room.