I have been at the Castano household for fifty-five years. I this lifetime, I had seen two generations grow up in this very place. Late Monsieur Duke Xavier was just a twelve-year-old boy when I first stepped into this mansion. Unlike other children at his age... he was very serious and studious at a young age.
Despite not being doted on by his parents- he still grew up to be a very respectable man. After I had served him for the years to come- I had truly felt grateful. Soon several years passed by and the same boy had grown up to be get married and have his child.
Mademoiselle Mirabelle was an exact carbon copy of the boy I had served for years. She looked so much like the Monsieur except for the Late Madam's crimson eyes. Though their marriage was loveless due to a contract- the Monsieur respected the Madam.
The Mademoiselle too grew up without Monsieur's affections- though she wasn't exactly studious. She was very cunning otherwise and was sometimes arrogant. She wasn't too spoiled either. Something I learned from the Castano Household. I had seen the Monsieur struggling to get closer to her. But as he struggled and failed to do so... the more he thought that Mademoiselle hated him.
Soon as years passed- the Monsieur passed away. He died of a carriage accident. I was in shock. Surprise. Even as an old man, I wasn't able to hold myself up. I kept myself strong when I realized I needed to be there for young Mademoiselle. She was only fourteen when this happened.
But another surprise happened, Mademoiselle was able to keep her cool without being blown over with frustration. I could see a little struggle in her eyes as she tried her best to hold on. She soon uncovered her cold mask into a soft opening one.
Today was the first day that she had ever yawned in front of my face! A young mademoiselle doesn't do that! She also walked away without listening... walking in an unorderly manner! This isn't good! Her debutante was coming soon!
...
Then he appeared. Lord Monsieur Count Schein. That scheming viper. The Late Monsieur Castano had told me about this day. He explicitly reminded me to keep him away from the Mademoiselle.
"He'll be a bad influence," he warned me.
Everyone knew how this viper and the Schein family sold off their daughter for fame and money. If it weren't for Monsieur to save her, she would have been in bad hands! That girl was the very same Madam and the mother of Mademoiselle. Unforgivable! I won't let them have a bad influence on my Mademoiselle!
***
"Dear~ you look so much like my sister- your mother!" that viper told Mademoiselle as he put his arms around her shoulders. I flinched. Don't you dare talk about the Late Madam! And don't touch our Mademoiselle with your filthy hands! The late Monsieur will not forgive you.
Mademoiselle smiled with ease and said: "Count Schein and Countess Schein please come and sit inside,"
I do not feel good. Mademoiselle, please don't be manipulated by their kindness. I know you are very clever and cunning, but for your safety... please stand away.
...
"Provide them with utmost hospitality that the Dukedom of Crest has to offer!" Mademoiselle told me during diner time as we entered the dining hall. She was smiling with stars inside her radiant eyes. I frowned and nodded at her. I exchanged glances with Count Schein. Not good.
I prier (pray) for Late Monsieur to save young Mademoiselle from the hands of evil!