[ I really did it now...! ]
With a nervous voice, Walter rushed towards his destination - he needs to go back to the ballroom hall and apologize to his father.
But as his feet moved fast, first, he made sure that his attire is correct and clean. The white suit that only noble families wear is his cover - complete with a bowtie and a striped shirt inside. He also checked his pants twice for any noticeable dents and he was lucky enough to not find any.
[ You're late again, Walter! ]
[ My mistake...! I was just trying to prepare myself... ]
Finally arriving at the place of the event, he was immediately greeted by the angry face of his father and his expected complaint. And as he scratches the back of his head, he tries to apologize to him as he usually does to avoid any further rants from him.
[ Please forgive my master, Alfred-sama... It was my fault, keeping him late like this... ]
A bow came from the person that arrived together with him - it was Alice: the mono-eyed servant of their family. She kept her head low for a short period of time and only brought it back when Alfred replied to both of them.
[ Haah... It's fine, anyway, we don't need to lose any more time...! Walter, go to that stage and introduce yourself! ] he pointed to the small stage in the middle of the hall where all their guest is gathered.
He looks at the luxurious setting: the prestigious ornaments and furniture, the grand banquet of endless food, and the elegant well-dressed and well-suited guesses were something of a shock to see. It instantly crashes him with pressure and expectations.
*Gulp...
This would be the first time he would introduce himself in front of a noble crowd, and despite he just released his stress earlier for Alice to swallow, it seems that it still hasn't gone completely down yet.
It was actually Alice who invited him to try and use her to ease his nervousness earlier, hence why they were late, but just when he thought she was able to completely get rid of it for him, he was still the same.
However, just as he ponders about these thoughts, he suddenly felt rather calm as the soft hand of Alice hold his. He turns to look at her and immediately, he saw the usual smile of Alice that instantly struck down his nervousness.
[ It's okay, Walter-sama; I'm sure you will be fine. ]
Just as always, the sweet smile on her cute face was something to dominate all of his lingering emotions. He felt his worries fade into nothingness and he was able to gain the courage he needed to face this small difficulty he's having.
[ Thank you, Alice, you're as cute as always. ] she was just so sweet that he can't help but utter the compliment. And as if she receives the same impact as him, she blushes over his pleasing words and she bashfully replied -
[ Tha-Thank you, Walter-sama...! Your words are very kind...! ]
And as they start to flirt, Walter's father and the other servants that are present could only sigh in this bashful moment. Though, this was actually the reason why no one suspects them of doing their explicit actions when alone, their innocence outside their private relationship is just too strong of a cover for anyone else to crack.
[ Walter. ] again, his father called and he was taken away from the daydream he's currently having together with Alice. And as a response, he bows to him and does what he told him to do. Only...
[ He-hey! Leave that girl behind...! ]
Well, he was not completely disobeying him when he took Alice together with him as he walks towards the stage.
[ Wa-Walter-sama...! This is...! ] she reluctantly follows as her hand was held tight by him.
Basking in the stares of the nobles that have obvious hate and disgusts over her, she couldn't help but try to hide her face, particularly, her mono-eye that completely separates her from these people's race. The treatment of her was obvious. Probably, they're all looking at her as if she was thrash.
She wanted to immediately run away, but just the feeling of her master's hand was enough to convince her to follow and keep her trust. She could probably escape his grasp, but there is just no way she would be able to as it was his, it was the saving hands of her master - which will never lead her to anything that is bad or anything that will harm her.
She could only ask herself what her master would do.
Of course, Walter himself know what Alice's current situation is, and he won't just let her - his favorite servant be looked down on like this, that is why he would end this kind of treatment of her right here and right now.
So, as he arrives at the stage, without a bit of silence nor hesitation, he introduces himself, and of course, Alice too. But with no plans for a speech, he ended up pretty much publicly announcing his favoritism over his servant; how much he likes her, and how he will not tolerate any kind of abuse over her.
And with a 'try me' expression on his face, he ended his long, made-up speech that mostly consists of Alice, leaving the audience stunned and shocked to his revelation.
Even his father and Alice herself were nothing but surprised to his shameless act.
The prodigy kid that has the potential to become the strongest has completely changed his image to that of a pervert just for the sake of a single, disposable servant. And immediately, the party was ruined.