As I mentioned before, my daily routine had already returned to normal. Ahh, oh how I missed you, training schedule with barely any free time… Well, things weren’t exactly the same. There were a few changes.
First, today would mark my first sparring class with Mother and Father in ages. It had been put on hold for way too long; first because of that head bump, and then the kidnapping. Let’s just say, I was counting the minutes until sunset for that part of my schedule.
Secondly, and this was a major change, there was a new face in the house…
“Another drink, Lady Carine?” the butler’s deep voice uttered softly.
I gave him an awkward nod. The butler leaned over to pour the tea into my empty cup with casual finesse, his towering body loomed over me, enveloping me completely in its shadow.
…Who the hell are you? I wanted to ask, but not sure if I should.
As the butler placed the porcelain teapot back onto the clothed table, he took a step back and bowed deeply with his arm over his chest, like he was tipping an invisible hat. "Forgive my unexpected arrival. I imagine you're surprised Miss Leila wasn't here to wake you. I have been asked to stand in for her, as she’s attending to some pressing matters."
“...Is that so?” I kept my eyes narrowed and glued onto him as I sipped my tea.
His jet-black hair was slicked back with precision. A sharp, well-groomed beard framed his chiseled jaw, and though his suit was immaculate, it clung just a little too tight to his broad chest. He wasn’t as built as Dad, but it looked balanced, a refined strength if you will.
He easily stood out, looking like the picture-perfect butler every fantasy setting should have. Who knew the literal physical personification of the trope itself would appear before me ?
That begged the question though. Where was Leila? It was unlike her to suddenly leave me with another maid or butler without informing me first.
“Tell me, where is Leila?” I asked, my tone pressing him for an answer.
He returned my question with a gentle smile. “I have not heard much, I’m afraid. But I believe it was the Duchess herself that called for her.”
I knew Leila was hired by Mother personally, so could she really be busy with urgent matters after all? No, both Mother and Leila were meticulous people, if they had something urgent to discuss, no matter how urgent things might be, they would still warn me that Leila would be away for a while.
They wouldn’t send in some random butler to inform me of that information, wouldn’t they? Actually, now that I had a good look at his face, I had never seen this servant before in the mansion. At all.
“...Who are you again?”
The butler raised his eyebrows, widening his eyes. “My, surely you haven’t forgotten me, Lady Carine? It’s me, Sebastian, the one in charge of the garden?”
So, not only did he have the build, he had the name ‘Sebastian’ too…
The trope was writing itself right before my very eyes.
But still, this butler, I never saw his face before. I passed by several maids, knights, and my parents’ students all the time as I moved in and out of my classes. Although I still had trouble remembering their names, I could remember their faces perfectly. Again, my eyes were pretty terrifying.
This guy, I had no clue who this was. The way he smiled too, it felt like his smile never reached his eyes. I couldn’t let my guard down around him, my guts were telling me that.
Was I just imagining things? I didn’t know. But it would be best to play along for now. If he proved to be dangerous, I wouldn’t be able to do anything if he attacked with no one around me. He seemed keen on just observing me though, I counted that as a blessing.
I had free time between today’s history class and geography class. Normally I would be instructed to stay in my room, but I decided to visit Mother instead. I need to confirm this random guy’s identity.
“Well, it’s nice to finally put a face to the name, Sebastian,” I said as I took another sip of the tea.
“Likewise, it’s an honor for me to be able to serve you,” he bowed deeply again. He displayed another gentle smile. “Shall we go to the first thing in your schedule, Lady Carine?”
“Of course, take these away, will you?” I gestured to the silver tray on my lap.
The breakfast made by Leila’s hand-picked chefs was divine as always. But I couldn’t really enjoy it with this guy at my side.
As I went through my schedule with this butler, I kept my eyes wide open for him. And whaddya’ know? He was doing the same to me.
Sure, Leila watched me during my training all the time, but his gaze totally creeped me out. The math class and etiquette class were nothing special, though the usual etiquette instructor couldn’t make it so her assistant had to jump in. I kinda missed her face a little bit.
The history class couldn’t go by any slower. I could remember everything I was taught since the instructor was just parroting off a popular book on early Setus history. The family library had that book, so I already recorded everything inside it in my head, so zoning off was my go-to option in this class. But the chill from that butler’s gaze still bore on my back.
As soon as the class was over, I headed out. Sebastian opened the door with a bow, letting me glide through. The two of us walked down the hallway, and I didn’t want to take the chance just yet. I needed the perfect opportunity so I just kept walking in silence.
Then, a familiar face appeared from around the corner. Full armor besides the helmet, it was a guard. I didn’t remember his name, but he was one of Father’s graduated students, I could trust him.
With him in front of us, I turned my head to Sebastian and said, “I would like to visit Mother for a moment, will that be alright?”
Mother knew each and every one of the servants here personally, and I knew for a fact that Mother wouldn’t just let a new servant take care of me! His comment about me not remembering him was the main giveaway though. He just lied outright right there. I never forget a face, even if I forget their names. Read full story at 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾·𝗇𝖾𝗍
I strained my eyes a little bit, eager to see his reaction. Surely, he would be scared and come up with an excuse to not come with me to meet Mother. Or he might even drop his act and attack me right away. But with the guard in front of me, I could at least have some help gaining enough time to scream for help.
Now, what will you do?!
I waited for his reaction with caution and eager anticipation of being proven right. But then, he did something unbelievable. He flashed another gentle smile.
“Of course, Lady Carine! I shall accompany you there!” he said with a tone almost ecstatic.
Goosebumps crawled all over my back. Did he have a plan? Was I in the wrong this whole time? I began to doubt if I should accuse him then and there. Either way, I no longer felt safe walking alone with him.
With quick thinking, I stopped in my tracks and greeted the guard before me. “G-Greetings, sir guard!”
The guard responded with a respectful bow. “Greetings, Lady Carine. What can I do for you?”
I needed a reason for him to accompany us, and what better way to entice a working man than these words, “I have noticed the extra work you put into patrolling lately.”
“Huh?” The guard widened his eyes in surprise. “I-I was just doing the usual, there’s no need to—”
“Oh, but your work ethic is impressive, you know?” I interrupted him.
“R-Really?” He lightly scratched the back of his head. “Umm, thank you, Lady Carine…” his words trailed off as a blush formed on his cheeks.
Having lived through my past life as a secretary in a black company, I knew just the right words to make sure our branch’s employees wouldn’t just break down. Didn’t think I would actually find a use for it in this new world though.
Now, the ultimate killing move…
“Recognizing the work you have put in, I decided to have a chat with the Duchess about a raise,” I said a sentence most would have a wet dream about.
“Wha—?! Really?! You will do that?!”
I gave a sharp nod. “Proper work needs proper recognition. Now, accompany me to Mother’s office.”
“O-Of course! Thank you so much, Lady Carine!”
The guard rushed to my side, on the opposite end was Sebastian. I took a glimpse into his expression once more, to see if he would react in any way.
Instead, I was met with the same, distant, gentle smile. “You are truly generous, Lady Carine.”
I clicked my tongue silently. Nothing budged this guy, it seemed.
Oh well, I will reach Mother soon, the truth will be revealed then.