Chapter 3

OMNISCIENT 

Lumine was left dumbfounded in the living room. She was still thinking about what her master said. She can't really understand her complicated personality. Her mood changes as quickly as a lightning bolt from time to time. 

For a couple of minutes, she remained in her stance. She doesn't know what to do in the mansion. Every corner is filled with silence. 

The nanny appears from the kitchen. She was carrying a box of first aid kits. Her face displays worry, climbing the stairs in a hurry. 

Lumine left dumbfounded again. It seems like she is just air. An invisible. A crow passes by the window: making a crow sound. The bird's timing filled the sound of awkwardness. Seems like the crow was purposely sent by which deity to tease her situation, followed by the embarrassing growl coming from her stomach. 

"Ugh, I'm so hungry." She mumbled, rubbing her stomach. 

God of food, hear my prayers. Please send me an angel to fill my stomach. I promise to be a more patient and obedient follower of Raiden Morningstar, just please please pleaseㅡ 

"You are Lumine?" The nanny earlier asked as she walked down the stairs. 

Seems like Lumine's prayers have been answered. She released a relieved sigh. 

"Yes, I am." She bows. 

The nanny smiled. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. My mind was filled with worries for Raiden that I didn't notice your existence a while ago." 

"It's alright, ma'am." 

"Just call me: Mrs. Kim. I've been Raiden's nanny since she was just a baby. I'm also in charge of every task in this house. I'm the only housekeeper in the household." 

Lumine nodded. "Why is it only you, Mrs. Kim?" 

The woman sighed with worry about the reason. "Raiden has a trust issue and I was really surprised she brought someone into the house. This is the first time she brings a friend home." 

Trust issue? First time bringing a friend? Lumine queries in her thoughts. Knowing that somehow made her feel special. The Raiden Morningstar that everyone feared has brought her to her mansion. The first one to step in among the millions. She considers this chance and herself lucky although being with the monster is a punishment already. 

"Am I really the first, Mrs. Kim?" 

"Yes, you are the first." 

Lumine rubs the back of her neck awkwardly, not sure how to react in front of the woman who was like a second mother to Raiden. But something inside her makes her feel uncomfortable due to the word 'friend' for the fact that she isn't here as a friend but as a slave. 

"I'm glad that finally, she brought one friend. I hope this is not the first and last of our meetings. I'm expecting to see you again, Lumine. You seemed like a good child and truly pretty. No wonder Raiden has brought you here." 

"I hope so too Mrs. Kim." She smiles awkwardly whilst rubbing her nape awkwardly. Her face flushed red. She felt so uneasy about the said words. 

The woman smiled. "Anyway, let's continue our conversation later in the dining room. I still have to cook lunch for both of you. Raiden said you haven't eaten your lunch yet. Dear, what time is it already? Goodness, you must be so hungry now. Just wait here and relax, I'll get you a fresh drink and cookies first while I'm cooking lunch." 

"Uhm, is there anything I can help you with, Mrs. Kim? I'm not comfortable staying still. I want to help you in the kitchen." Lumine smiles politely. 

"No, no, it's alright, Lumine. You're a guest here and are Raiden's friend. I can't let you work in the kitchen, she will scold me." 

Lumine thought: As if! If I knew she would let me do things like how any slave should do. I feel so bad for Mrs. Kim, she's so generous while her petㅡ I mean, Raiden is way too rude to even care about my well-being. 

"Okay, Mrs. Kim. But can I go with you to the kitchen? I don't want to be left alone in this huge place. The silence is deafening me." She scratches her brows out of awkwardness. 

The woman let out a chuckle. "Alright, alright, I can understand how quiet this place is. In the family, it was only Raiden who has lived here with us since she was a kid. Me, the two security guards, and her driver." 

For some reason, Lumine suddenly felt loneliness knowing this side story about Raiden. 

"How about her parents?" 

"It's a difficult story, dear. It's better if you heard it from her." 

Lumine nodded. "I understand." 

The woman just politely smiled and led the way to the kitchen. "Take a seat, I'll get you something to snack on first." 

"Thank you." She takes a seat. 

Mrs. Kim prepared fresh juice and cookies and served them to Lumine who was comfortably sitting at the dining table. She enjoyed the view inside the house. The ambiance was filled with elegance. The house has a theme of grey and white with fresh tall plants in the corner and canvas paintings on the walls. The house looks so artistic and very bright to the eye. Whoever guest would feel comfortable inside even if the place was filled with silence. 

Lumine enjoys her snacks. She's so hungry she could finish the cookies in a blink. She watches the woman cooking then she remembers something. "Mrs. Kim?" She called in a polite tone. "May I ask you something?" 

The woman turned around to face her. "What is it, dear?" 

"As you said, there is only Raiden who stays in this house among the family, so what was the aid kit for? Was she hurt or something?" 

"Ah, right! I was about to ask you about it. I thought you had an idea about the cuts on her hand. I was about to ask you what happened." 

"Cuts on her hand?" She gasped, eyes widened. "Where did she get those?" 

"So you didn't know?" 

Lumine shook her head. "I have no idea. I was in class." 

The woman sighed in worry. 

"She didn't mention anything about the cause of the cuts either. One thing I can assure you of is that she punches something when she's angry rather than punching the person who pissed her." 

Punches something rather than punching the person who pissed her? Lumine thought. She gulped as she rephrased the sentence in her mind. She's not just arrogant and rude but also violent. I shouldn't make the mistake to get on her nerves. 

Despite the strong appearance, her master hides a bitter story, now she understands her a little. Lumine shifted her eyes to the glass of juice. "I hope she's alright..." 

The woman sighed. "I really hope so too. Goodness, that secretive kid seriously," she proceeded on cooking. 

Lumine could not heave her mind away from the matter. She worries about Raiden's state of mentality. As someone who doesn't punch something, especially glass, she's curious about how mad her master was at the moment that she doesn't mind harming her body. 

After a while, Mrs. Kim finished cooking the lunch and preparing it on the table. She used the telephone in the kitchen and called Raiden's line in her bedroom. She called her to come down for lunch. 

Lumine was puzzled for a second, then she realized the mansion is that huge for the woman to use the telephone to summon Raiden. The house is pretty huge ㅡ huge enough alone for one to stay. 

Mrs. Kim prepared a tray containing three different capsules and a glass of water. 

"What is that for, Mrs. Kim? Do you carry any pain?" Lumine innocently asked out of curiosity. 

"Oh, this? No, dear. I'm still healthy and strong despite my age. These capsules are for Raiden. She takes this every day." 

"Every day? Does she carry some illness? Is she sick or what?" She blurted out without pausing. Her inner worries made her so. 

Mrs. Kim giggled upon seeing the face of the worried girl. She is thankful there is someone who worries about Raiden ㅡ aside from herself. The woman was about to respond when she noticed Raiden coming toward the table. 

"No, I don't have any illness. Why are you overreacting? Are you that worried about me, Lumine Moon?" Raiden spoke behind. 

Lumine quickly turned her head to where the voice came from. Her master was staring at her, waiting for her response. "Huh? Ahhh, no, IㅡI mean, I was just curious since I didn't know." Recalling her action earlier somewhat made her blush. She was indeed overreacting knowing who the capsules are. She didn't even know why she overreacted. Maybe she was really that worried. 

"It's none of your concern. These are just vitamins." She takes the capsules all at once and drinks the water. She looks at her slave. "I'll be in the garden. Enjoy your meal." With that said, she walked out of the dining room. 

"Are you not going to eat?" Lumine raises her voice for Raiden to hear but the brunette ignores her. Pssh! How cold. 

"Don't mind that kid, dear. She will eat later. You should look after yourself for now. I know you're hungry, don't be shy and eat all you can." 

Lumine let out a polite smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Kim." 

"Oh, my, you're so adorable, child." The woman giggled. "You're very much welcome." 

At the garden. Raiden was having a phone call with her dad for a while now. From the tone of her voice and the way her brows arched, it was obvious that she is not in her best mood again. Irritation and pissed written all over her face. 

"That's all in the past now. What? No! I can't be under the same roof as her! But dad! Hello?! Dad?! God damn it!" She gripped her phone tightly when her dad hung up, having his final decision about what they talked into. 

Despite the terrible family relationship, they still contact each other. She has not yet cut her ties with her father. Not yet. 

"Urgh!" She groaned whilst running her fingers through her hair out of frustration. She places her phone above the table and takes the box of cigarettes. There was only one stick left. She smokes every time she hits the limit of her anger. She put it in her mouth and looked for the lighter but she couldn't find it. 

"You smoke?" Lumine asked from behind. 

Raiden turned to the owner of the voice. The girl was frowning. She raised an eyebrow, shooting glares at the small girl. She pulls the cigar out of her mouth. "It's none of your concern, midget." 

Lumine snatched the cigarette away. "Of course, it is my concern, Raiden Morningstar." 

Raiden straightens her posture and crosses her arms, eyeing the slave with her right brow raised: seeking an explanation for the insolent behavior. 

Lumine raises her chin, not letting her master look down on her even if her height makes it. She has some responsibilities as a slave. She will interfere if she wants. "It is my responsibility to ensure my master's health. I'm confiscating this. I'm not allowing you to smoke any more." 

"Are you scolding your master now? And why should I follow you? I will do whatever I wantㅡ" 

"Smoking is bad for your health." 

"Are you being serious right nowㅡ" Raiden halted when the girl grabbed her hand and put something in her palm. 

"Here. Take that instead." Lumine gives her an apple flavor lollipop. 

Raiden raised an eyebrow. "What is this?" 

"Take that from now on rather than taking cigarettes. It's sweet and good, unlike the bitter cigarette." 

"I don't like the apple flavor." 

"Oh, okay." Lumine takes the apple flavor and gives the strawberry flavor. "Here. It's sweeter and tastier. It's my favorite flavor. Strawberries are my favorite." She smiles genuinely just like a kid sharing candy with her friend. She grabbed a chair and sat down: enjoying the fresh air with a smile. 

Raiden stared at the strawberry lollipop in her hand. A smile crept on her lips. What a cutie, she thought. She keeps the candy in her pocket and tries to calm her mood. 

The two remained silent for a long time: enjoying the afternoon breeze and the beautiful flowers in the garden with butterflies flying around. Nothing beats a calming silence. 

After a long thought, Lumine couldn't keep her concern inside. She clears her throat to get Raiden's attention. She succeeds right away when the brunette faces her with warm stares. "Um... Raidenㅡ I mean..." She lagged for a moment, processing her brain on what to address her master. 

"It's alright. You can call me by my name from now on." Based on her tone, Raiden seemed to have calmed down. Even allowing her slave to call her by her first name. 

"Really?" Lumine's face brightens the reason the brunette finally allowed her to call her by her name. "Um, if you don't mind... can I askㅡ Ahh... Um... Maybe not... Um, never mind..." She shut her mouth: pressing them tight. She hesitates to ask, afraid to receive the same response, that it is none of her concern. 

Raiden let out a faint giggle at the fact she knows why the girl stopped. "I don't bite. Why did you stop?" She keeps her stare at the embarrassed girl. 

"NㅡNothing..." 

"You must be dying to know what happened to my hand right?" 

Lumine raises her gaze and nodded. 

Raiden checked her hand. "This is nothing serious. This will not kill me. I was just pissed over some matters." 

Lumine could only hum in response. She knows there are things better to keep to oneself. Instead of questioning the matter, "Does it hurt?" she questioned her condition. 

"It does not. This is nothing more than losing someone you love." 

"Oh? Are you heartbroken or something? Oh my! Did your boyfriend hurt you and dump you?" 

Raiden raised her brows from the questions. "Don't you think you're being too comfortable right now asking these questions?" 

"Huh? I was just asking." She pushed her lips forward, pouting. "I didn't mean to step your boundaries." 

"Really?" Sarcastically said, she crossed her arms. "Tell me honestly." 

Lumine looks at her master innocently. "Tell you what?" She gulped seeing the brunette's stare. The kind of stare when someone is suspecting you of doing something sinful and if you don't tell the truth you find yourself dumped in the river inside a rice sack. 

Raiden didn't respond right away: sending blank stares. 

Lumine gulped. "TㅡTell you what?" she repeated with trembling lips. 

"Tell me honestly," Raiden stared intensely and asked with seriousness, "How much did Dispatch pay you?" 

Loading. Processing. Lumine did not get the words. She knows Dispatch is a news outlet that covers celebrities. But she didn't get why Raiden asked her that. 

Raiden waited for a response: staring with serious eyes. Lumine remained cluelessㅡ still processing the words in her head. 

A long silence passed, and Lumine could only frown in confusion as a response. 

Raiden gives her a smug face. "Okay. You didn't get my joke." She leans against the chair, looking away, eyes beyond what is over there. The crow passes by again. As if teasing Raiden's lame joke. 

Still confused, Lumine copied the brunette's position. She rubs her temple awkwardly and plays with her fingers: not sure what to do. I just ruined the mood, she thought. 

The silence reigns for a moment. 

Lumine's phone rings. Their attention was brought to the phone above the table. Her brother, Aether, is calling. She picked up the phone and excused herself. "What?!" Her sudden loud blurt caught Raiden's attention. She stares furiously at her servant who is panicking at the moment. 

"What about mom, Aether?" She ran her fingers through her hair worriedly. 

✆"MㅡMom is," he cries. "Mom was rushed to the hospital, sㅡshe's," he could not continue his words as he trembles in worry. His sobs sounded so heavy. 

"Which hospital are you at?" She bites her lower lip as her voice trembles. "Hush, mom will be alright. I'll be there," she hangs up and paces quickly toward the gate. 

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" Raiden called out but got ignored. She chased her servant. "Lumine!" She caught her at the gate, pulling her by the wrist to face her. 

"Raiden, please!" She begged sternly. "I need to go to the hospital. My momㅡ" 

Upon clarifying the situation, Raiden did not hesitate to drag Lumine to her car. She opens the passenger's door. "Get in," she stormed to the driver's seat and hopped in. "Hurry up." 

Lumine hopped as she understands what is happening. It was confusing why Raiden is giving her a ride, yet she is glad to receive help from the person she least expected. 

"Which hospital?" 

"Your hospital." 

Raiden starts the car and drives towards Morningstar Hospital. 

On the way, Lumine was quiet. She didn't make any sound. She did not cry or anything. Her gaze glued to the road with a serious face. She was nervous and worried a lot but hid it. 

She is nervous to face her mother. She couldn't dare to look at what condition she is in right now. She still remembers the last time she saw her mom. A slap landed on her face but she didn't hate her mom for that. And she is worried: doesn't know what to do after a long time of rebellion. A part of her blaming herself. She is aware of her mom drowning herself in liquor when she's stressed. Aether told her that. The reason was longing for her and her father. There is nothing she can do about that truth. She won't break her promise. She will not return home without bringing her father. Yet something unexpected like this happened. 

Morningstar Hospital. 

Lumine runs to the counter, asking where the emergency room is. She rushed to the elevator once she got the information. "Aether!" She rushed to her brother who was crying on the floor, hugging his knees, leaning on the wall whilst gripping his hair. 

Aether raises his head to where the voice is coming from. "LㅡLumine!" His sobs became louder when he saw his sister. 

Lumine kneeled and hugged her brother, bringing his face to her chest. Aether was in a complete mess. He was still in his uniform and red stains were in it. 

"Hush... mom will be alright. She's strong, we know that." Lumine kissed his crown whilst rubbing his back, trying to soothe his feelings but that only made him sob like a child. She rubs his back and rests her chin on his crown. "Shhh... everything will be alright, Aether... mom will be alright... she will wake up soon, I promise you that." she gulped, trying to stay strong. She can't show weakness in front of her brother. She has to stay strong as there is no pillar of the home to look after them at the moment. She has to be strong so her brother will have strength and fate. 

For a long moment, the siblings remain in that position with one whimpering out the pain, one fighting the pain, and one watching them full of concern. 

Raiden left after a moment to give the siblings the space they needed. She reaches the counter and makes a call. She can do it freely, after all, the founder of the establishment is her grandfather. "Yes, grandfather. Please teach me. Hm, I love you too, please take care of your health." She put down the telephone and returned to the front of the emergency room. When she got there, she saw no one but a nurse who just came out of the emergency room. 

"Excuse me," 

The nurse bows as she recognizes the granddaughter of the founder. "Oh, greetings, Miss Raiden. What can I help you with?" 

"Where's the patient you guys operated on a while ago?" 

"Ah, Mrs. Moon? The operation went successful and we transferred her to her room just a moment ago. Why? Do you know the patient, Miss Raiden?" 

"Which room?" Raiden asked instead of responding to the nurse's question. 

"Room 128. But what are youㅡ" 

Raiden did not listen more to the nurse's response, no time for idle chit-chat. She rushed to the elevator and met the doctor who just walked out of the room. 

The doctor bowed to her. "Greetings, Miss Raiden." 

Raiden just nodded and ignored him. She has no business with the doctor anymore as she got the information she wanted to know earlier from the nurse. The doctor tilted his head in confusion, curious why the granddaughter was visiting a non-family related patient. 

Raiden stood in front of the door, watching the sibling inside. Aether was sitting on the chair, holding his mom's hand while Lumine stood behind him. She had her eyes on the floor, not looking at her unconscious mother in the guilt of leaving them. 

Raiden somewhat understands their situation. From the investigation report, she learned about Lumine's fight with her mother before she left home and lived on her own. She can tell the guilt the girl carries at this moment. She has been there. It was not easy. Giving them space, she leaves the hospital. She hops inside her car and drives, heading to the nearest market to buy food and drinks. She knows the siblings will stay in the hospital for a while to look after their mother, so she will buy supplies for them. After buying everything she had in mind, she returned to the hospital immediately. 

At the hospital's lobby, the nurses were surprised to realize Raiden is in the hospital. It is a rare sight to see her there. 

"Oh, my, isn't that Miss Raiden?" One of the nurses asked her co-worker silently. Another here and there murmurs, complimenting her beauty, and never forget to bow and greet her with a smile. Even from the fact that she has a terrible personality as what they have known about her, she is still their boss. Aside from that, they were surprised by what they are seeing right now. She was carrying two heavy plastic bags of food and drinks. It's so unlikely in their eyes for a rich person to carry heavy stuff, but they thought that those are for her grandfather. 

Raiden ignored them: got no time to mind others' business. She heads straight to room 128. When she walked into the room, she noticed Aether left alone inside. She opened the door and came in. 

"Hello, Miss Raiden." Aether greeted and helped the pretty Miss with the plastic of the grocery. He wasn't surprised to see the granddaughter of the founder of the hospital. Lumine mentioned to him earlier about who she was with. 

Raiden looked at Mrs. Moon, checking her condition. She got her phone and texted someone. After texting, she faces Aether. "Where is your sister?" 

The young man noticed her sister hadn't returned to the room. "Oh, she hasn't returned yet. She mentioned getting some fresh air," he scratches the back of his head flustered talking to a beautiful lady. 

"It's alright. I'll find her. Look after your mother. And also, the food is for both of you. Make sure to eat and not skip any meals. Mrs. Moon will be worried when she wakes up and finds out you aren't eating properly." 

"Thank you, Miss Raiden." 

Raiden nodded and exited the room. 

The garden is pretty wide and is quiet as it's afternoon. There weren't many people in there as the time is resting hours for the patients. Lumine was sitting alone on the bench under the tree, completely spacing out. She has a lot of questions and worries in her mind. It has been quite a while since her feet brought her there to set her mind but she's still confused about what is happening. And a part of her is blaming herself for not being a responsible daughter. On top of that, she remains strong even though she wanted to cry right now, letting out her anger and regrets but she can't do that. She can't waste any tears as she knows nobody will comfort her as she comforts her brother. 

Raiden finally found her. She can tell how shattered the girl is inside just by looking at her face. She knows the girl was holding back her tears. They are red, the tears need to be released. She approached her in the front and said: "It's alright to cry." 

Lumine raises her head. She now only noticed Raiden's presence. The tears she has been holding back are about to spill. She was touched to see someone trying to comfort her at this moment. The least someone she expected to appear. 

Raiden completely understands Lumine's situation. She won't hesitate a second to pull her closer for an embrace to comfort her. She has experienced the same situation before and it completely shattered her world. She sat beside her and pulled the girl to her chest and let her cry. "Cry as much as you like. Let it all out. I will be here beside you." 

Having a shoulder to cry on, Lumine did not hide back her emotions anymore. She did not stop her tears from falling upon getting comfort. She doesn't care who she is with right now. All she wants to do is cry.