====[ Advance Note ]====
Umm.. I have no words for myself. Please forgive the inconsistent update of this. It's mostly my fault for falling ill. But I'm also a huge procrastinator soo.. Yeah. I'm really sorry once again. As an apology, have a special extra long chapter. I'll probably still be sick for a while, but I'll do my best.
Enjoy!
==========
The woman in question was apparently Luke's mother, she was understandably upset at Luke. Because he has been gone for approximately 2 weeks. Even I'll be angry if I was his mother.. Or whatever.
" We'll continue this talk at a later time. But for now, I need to know who is beside you right now. ". She said.
" Ah- This is Evan. He saved me in the Forest. ". Luke explained.
" Nice to meet you, I am Evan Myers. Call me Evan. ". I introduced myself.
" Nice to meet you too. I am Eleanora Gullivan cecil Draculesti. Call me Eleanor... I thought my son came back with a bride but he actually came back with a groom? ". She said, I didn't really hear what she muttered at the end there, but I feel like it's not in my best interest to know.
" Mom? Let's come inside already, it's really hot today. ". Alicia said.
" Yes dear, it's definitely quite hot today, and Lukas. You'll be talking with your father and I before dinner. ". Eleanor said.
" Yes mother. " Luke said, weakly.
Stepping inside, my feet immediately sunk into the soft, deep, luscious carpet. I feel like my boots are unworthy of stepping upon such upscale and precious carpet. But I went on following Luke and his family anyways. Inside, the temperature was way cooler than outside, it seems that there is an air conditioning unit installed in this palace. It sure is surprising that there exists such things in another world. I was then told by Eleanor that, " You must be tired, dear guest. Please feel free to rest up in one of our guest rooms. ". She then asked a servant to show me the way.
" I shall guide you to your room, dear guest. Please, follow me. ". The servant said. While gracefully bowing.
She was about the same height as me, a little taller, but, similar overall. She has animalistic, dog-like ears and tails though, with deep brown hair and eyes. But what strikes me the most is the fact that she's wearing a collar. It was a thin and light collar though, made to be comfortable, like a dog collar or something. It seems like slavery is legal here.. Which is kind of depressing. But, she seems well kept and fed, so, I can't do anything about it. Thinking about that, we arrived in front of a big wooden door. This is probably the room. The servant then opened the door with trained movements and beckoned me inside.
" This shall be your residence for the time, dear guest. If anything displeases you, you may let me know. Is there anything else I could be of use for? ". She said.
Not really needing anything, I said. " No, there's nothing, thank you for showing me the way. ".
" But of course, dear guest. The bathroom and restroom entry are inside to the left of the closet. We shall let you know when dinner is ready. ". The servant said, before bowing and leaving.
So, I went inside and inspected the room, it was spacious. With a seating area right after the entrance, leading to a curtained area. Behind the curtains, there was a two person bed, a desk and a chair to it's left facing a window and a closet to it's right, and, just as the servant said, to the left of the closet was another door which led to the bathroom. Inside. There was a bathtub, a faucet with a hot or cold setting, a sink, and a sitting toilet behind some curtains. ⟨ There were traditional sitting toilets and running water in this world?! With presumably a sewage system too?! This world was WAAYY more civilized than I thought. ⟩.
Like that, I took off my boots and my vest and then dove into the bed, my body barely sunk into the soft bed. This body is quite light.. Too light, maybe.. Anyways, the pillow was soft, as is the blanket and duvet. The walls of this room was wrapped in wallpaper that looked elegant. And the ceiling was made out of some sort of dark wood, polished and varnished to perfection. The window, right in front of the desk was huge, it faced a beautiful, pristine garden. With equally beautiful deep blue curtains flanking the windowsill.
⟨ It's been a while since I last checked my status.. Let's do that. << Status >>! ⟩.
=====[ Status ]=====
Name : Evan Myers
Race : Monolith
Level : 03
Energy : 52%
Condition: Healthy
Aptitude : << Space Magic >>, << Earth Magic >>, << Wind Magic >>, << Fire Magic ( Beginner ) >>.
Skills : << Levitation ( Unavailable ) >>, << Syphon >>, << Status >>, << Pocket Dimension >>, << Dark Vision >>, << Body Strengthening >>, << Detect Presence >>, << Form Imitation : Human >>.
Spells : << Space Magic : Void Blade >>, << Space Magic : Void Bullet >>, << Space Magic : Void Shield >>, << Earth Magic : Earth Wall >>, << Earth Magic : Sinkhole >>, << Wind Magic : Wind Cutter >>, << Fire Magic : Spark ( New ) >>.
===============
It seems I leveled up, maybe it's from all those fishes Luke and I devastated the population of ( From the sheer amount we ate during our journey here ). And I have a new Magic Aptitude, but it's still on beginner. Maybe if I use it enough I'll advance. *siigh* what to do now?
⟨ Welp, since I'm already on a bed, let's take a nap. Engage sleep mode ⟩.
" Engaging sleep mode, wake up sequence will begin when disturbed. ".
Like that, my consciousness faded, and I fell asleep.
=======
After what felt like mere moments, I was disturbed by the sound of someone knocking on a door, it was already nearing sunset. Dinner is early in this world huh. Realizing that probably was the servant from earlier, I got up, and asked. " Who is it? ".
" Dear guest, dinner is ready, the Draculesti family is eager to meet you. ". The servant said from outside.
" I understand, I will get ready immediately. ". I answered.
With only having to put on a vest and my boots, I got dressed in no time. And then, I headed outside of the room.
" Follow me, dear guest. ". The servant asked.
So I obediently followed her, through some corridors and around a couple of corners, and beyond a pair of heavy wooden doors, we arrived at the grand looking dining room. With a magnificent, long wooden table, with 8 luxurious chairs lining up on each of it's sides, totalling the amount of people it can host to 16. And an even more extravagant chair which could be considered a throne already was standing at the end of the table, that was probably the Lord's chair. What does he look like I wonder.. Will he be a lanky, old, pale man? Or will he be an obese, disgusting, oily man that looked like J*bba the H*tt? I'm not sure.
Seated the closest to the Lord's chair to the right side of the table was someone that looked like Luke from a distance, but was older, and with blond hair and blue eyes. He was about the same age as I was before reincarnating. Maybe he is the eldest son. And sure enough, seated right next to him was Luke, he looked tired. Right across the table from Luke's eldest brother (?). Sat Eleanor, beside her was another girl about Luke's age, with similar features to Eleanor, but with the same walnut brown hair and red eyes as Luke. She has this warrior-like, rugged presence. Maybe she is Luke's sister? And lastly, next to Luke's sister (?). Sat Alicia. I was made to sit down suspiciously right across from Alicia.. Everyone was dressed up, even Luke wore an expensive looking suit, I felt out of place here.. Alicia and her elder sister were staring right at me with inquisitive gazes. Uncomfortable... Eleanor was chatting nonchalantly with the eldest son (?) and Luke was just sitting down in his seat absentmindedly. Aahh~ Awkward~.
Suddenly, Eleanor declared. " Ah, yes! Evan here hasn't been introduced to Christine and Al, right~? ".
Come to think of it, I indeed haven't introduced myself yet, I'm lacking manners.
The eldest son then introduced himself. " I am Albert Vesner cecil Draculesti. The future heir of this family. Call me Al. A pleasure to meet you. ". He said.
" And I am Christinafiel Vesner cecil Draculesti. The eldest daughter. You can call me Christine. Nice to meet you. ". She said.
" I am Evan Myers. Call me Evan. Likewise, it is a pleasure to meet you all. ". I introduced myself.
" Soo.. Evan huh? How do I say this? Thank you for taking care of my stupid little brother for all this time. ". The eldest daughter, Christine, said.
" Oh, no need. It was only natural to help others in need. I also was kind of lost in the Forest. So it benefits the both of us. ". I said, trying to seem humble.
" Really now? Say, Evan, where did you come from? You have black hair, which is really rare in this part of the world. ". Christine asked. She was quite frank in questioning.
" To be completely honest.. I don't know myself. I just woke up one day in the middle of the Forest, all alone and without any assets other than the clothes on my back. It was really fortunate to have met with Lukas and be able to come back to society. ". I explained.
" I see, so you probably don't have anywhere to go huh.. Do you have an identification card? ". Christine continued.
" I do not, I don't even remember anything about myself other than my name. ".
" About identification.. You shouldn't worry, I'll take care of it. ". Said Al, butting in.
" It's rare that you're willing to help someone, Al. ". Christine said.
" Eh~ It's for a benefactor, so l can only do this much. ". Al declared.
" And as for work.. You could work for us if you don't mind, but you could always opt to become an Adventurer. ". Eleanor said. Also butting in.
" I'll take some time to ponder about that. ". I said.
Just as we were having a nice conversation. Servants opened a huge entry door. And, out of that door, came the master of this estate, the Count himself. Count Markus if I'm correct. Contrary to my assumptions of what he looked like, he was a man who's in his forties, and is very, VERY well built, maybe well built was an understatement. He was BUFF, like, Arn*ld Schw*rz*n*gg*r-when-he was-in-his-prime buff. An extremely muscled uncle, with walnut brown hair and red colored eyes. Just like Luke and Christine. I'd say his face was well sculpted. And that he exudes a presence of power. He completely betrayed my expectations of an image of a powerful, rich nobleman. Well, he is most definitely "powerful" in one certain aspect. With a booming voice, he said.
" So, this is the guy who saved my son's ass from that accursed Forest? ".
" Yes dear~ And please speak properly to a guest. ". Eleanor said.
" Hah- I've never been great at manners so he'll have to excuse me. Oh, right. My name is Markus Eisner cecil Draculesti. The current head of this family and current running governor of Vansborough. Nice to meet you. ". Mr. Markus said.
" As you might have already known, I am Evan Myers. A pleasure to meet you. ". I said, while standing up.
" Aah~ At ease, boy, you're my guest after all. Now then, let's eat already. ". He said.
Immediately, servants came out of a hidden door while pushing carts full of food and drinks. The servants then arranged the copious amount of food on the table beautifully and smoothly without issue. Everyone except Alicia was served some sort of red wine. Including me, it seems that the drinking age here is quite young, because I look young and all. The servants who arranged the food then disappeared without a sound. Even the servants are high-end. Everything looks absolutely delicious. Which is unfortunate because I cannot taste ANYTHING. I mean, anything. Even during my trip with Luke, when he ate some extremely sour berries. When I tried some, I didn't taste a thing. *siigh* This is absolutely depressing. I'm sad. All this delicious looking food and I can't taste a single damn thing?! Aaahhh- I'm so disappointed!!
Before eating, everyone seems to be joining their hands together as if praying. So I joined in as to not seem suspicious and closed my eyes. After a second. Mr. Markus then said.
" Well, let's begin eating! ".
He first took a sip of a soup and then he went on and sliced a huge piece of roasted meat and put it on his plate, alongside something that looks like potato mash, but slightly more brown in color. Everyone then did the same, so I did the same too. Sadly, I didn't taste a single thing "eating" this. I'm going to cry. God damnit.
Seeing that I already tasted the soup, Alicia asked. " How is the soup, Evan? ".
Confused as to what to say. I vaguely replied. " It's very tasty, my compliments to the chef. ".
" Ehehehehe~ It's my favorite food from the menu tonight you know? ". She said.
" Well, you have great taste, young lady. ". I complimented her. Hearing that, she giggled some more. She is definitely cute, I would want to have a daughter like that if I could.
Like that, the dinner went on without trouble. Everyone ate the food while making small talks and laughing a little, Al complained about how Luke was too careless for his own good, and Luke justified himself on the basis that Adventuring was a job that calls for such occasional danger. Eleanor and Markus just flirted with each other, while Christine and Alicia talked about their own girly stuff. This family sure is warm.. I wish mine was like this before I came here..
Having seemingly agreed upon something, Mr. Markus and Eleanor turned to me, and Mr. Markus said.
" So, I hear that you need somewhere to stay and a job to do.. ".
How'd he know?? Maybe Eleanor or Al said something. So I simply answered.
" Yes, I indeed have no job, nor a place to live, not even an identification card. ".
" About identification cards, my son Al should be able to do something about it. And about a place to stay for a while, you could just stay here. ". Mr. Markus said.
" Your notion is greatly appreciated, but, if I continue to trouble you with having to stay here without doing anything, I'd be very troubled. ". I said.
It's true that I'd feel bad about staying here doing nothing productive like a bum. Maybe I'll have to find an inn or rent a place somewhere. But the money... I'm not so sure about that..
" There's no need to feel troubled, you're our benefactor after all. But, if you're really feeling bad, then how about working for us? Maybe become Lukas' personal valet? ". He said.
Hearing that suggestion, Luke choked on his drink and frantically said.
" F-father?! What do you mean he'll become my valet?! Don't you understand that he's my saviour?! ".
" Oh come on Luke, to be a personal valet to a noble was the highest honor for someone, because it shows that the employing family trust that person to be always beside the employer at all times, seven days a week, everyone except for you already has their own Attendants. Isn't that right, Maxim? ". Mr. Markus said.
" Of course sir. Even young miss Christine has one. ". Maxim affirmed. Appearing behind Mr. Markus out of nowhere.
Then, as if planned, several more of the important looking servants appeared behind Eleanor, Christine, and Al. Each with a single person behind them. All at the same time, out of nowhere. That ability is kind of scary. Then, everyone of them started to introduce themselves to me.
" Nice to meet you, dear guest. I am Rozes Fontii. Mistress Eleanor's trusted aid. Call me Rose. ". The one behind Eleanor said. She was a beauty. With a slender figure yet supple in the right areas. Her light pink hair was done in a ringlet. Truly fantasy-like. Her eyes were brilliant green. She was wearing a victorian maid dress. With the apron and everything, it wouldn't be strange to find her at a maid café. What was most interesting about her, though, was that she has elongated ears, much like elves. She's probably one.
" I am Darius Robles, Master Albert's valet. A pleasure to meet you. ". The one behind Al said. He was a thin young man, probably a couple of years younger than me. With a well proportioned face and dark blue hair and similarly blue eyes. He's wearing something similar to Maxim's suit, but with a deep navy blue vest underneath. Blue hair.. How fantasy-like..
" And I am Alyssia Steele, young miss Christine's handmaiden. Likewise, a pleasure to meet you. ". The one behind Christine said. She was the servant that guided me to my room earlier. She's also the one who guided me here.
" Mou~ Why am I the only one without a friend?? ". Alicia said, pouting.
" Dear, you'll get one if you be a good girl once you become of age. ". Eleanor said. Comforting Alicia.
" But I want one now~ ".
" If you be patient, you'll receive an extra special gift once you're of age, okay? ".
" Really?! ".
" Yes dear, really. ".
" Yaay! Thank you mom! ".
Eleanor chuckled at the sight of her daughter acting cute.
Averting his warm gaze from Alicia to me, Mr. Markus asked me once more about the job.
" So, how about it, kid? you wanna be Luke's valet? The job doesn't require you to actually serve him like the maids and butlers do. ". He said.
" What does the job entail? ". I asked.
" Please explain it to him, Maxim. ".
" I understand. The job require you to be at the master's side at all times. Even helping with the master's job as needed. The reward of this job is adequate for one to live a life of leisure once retired if one saved up. And it shall give the valet the ability to act in the name of his master as necessary. And even social pedigree. ". Maxim explained.
" But, the specific task the job demands completely depends on what the master wishes, if the master wish for the attendant to be his companion. Then the attendant must make sure that they become the best friend for their master that there ever was. If the master wishes for his attendant to be his partner in life.. Then.. You get the gist of it.. ". Maxim continued.
" What do you mean "partner in life"... ". Luke muttered.
I agree with Luke, it seems that the nobility here, or at least, this family, doesn't care about marrying into a family with a lower status. But, being Luke's significant other.. I don't know about that~ It seems like a headache. Not that I'm implying that dealing with Luke will be a headache~ No sir~ Hehehe- maybe a little~.
" So.. Final decision, kid. You wanna become Luke's signific- I mean, attendant? ". Mr. Markus said. I feel like he almost said something dangerous back there. But I don't want to know.
" Can I take jobs other than being Luke's attendant? ". I asked.
" Of course you can, as long as it's permitted by the master. ". Maxim said.
How about that, huh.. Considering the benefits, I'll gain a lot for doing such simple tasks.. Maybe it's not a bad idea after all.. So, I decided that I'll take on the job.
" I understand, then, I shall become Master Lukas' Attendant from now on. ". I said.
" Are you sure you want to do this? How about you become an Adventurer? ". Luke asked.
" Luke, listen, Maxim said that I can take on other jobs aside from this one, Soo.. If I become your attendant AND an Adventurer, we can party up more easily. ". I explained.
" If you say so, then. ". Luke said, looking troubled.
" Excellent! You'll begin with the training from tomorrow morning. Welcome to the family, kid. ". Mr. Markus said.
" Thank you, I shall do my best. ". I answered.
After that, we continued to feast while conversing some more. Apparently, Mr. Markus here has slain a dragon once, and that he is currently in possession of the dragon's magic stone. I wonder if I could eat it. Like that, the dinner continued until well into the night. Once Alicia felt sleepy, Mr. Markus decided that the dinner is to end, every servant available went on to clean the table swiftly. And Alicia was guided to her room by Eleanor, As everyone was leaving. I too, stood up and walked away from the table. I was guided by Alyssia, Christine's handmaiden. She explained that tomorrow, I'm going to be given a tour of this estate by Maxim. And that the real training will start the day after. I'm looking forward to that. It seems really fun.
Once we reached my current room, I parted with Alyssia and went on inside. On top of the bed, there was a neat, comfortable looking nightwear prepared for me, it was a long sleeved cotton shirt, and a pair of cotton pants, both of them, are pure white. Along with a pair of comfy slippers. All of those were suspiciously fitted just right for me. Paying no mind to that weird detail, I went into the bathroom and used the bathtub, it was nice, it melts all of my fatigue away.
Once I was clean and fresh again, I got dressed in the clothes provided to me and sat on my bed, reflecting on all that has happened recently. First, I literally died without a clear cause, then I was reincarnated as a goddamn fridge, then I met with Luke, socialized a little, made it to this city, found out that Luke is a noble, met his family, landed a job as his attendant, and now here I am.. It's been quite hectic.
As I was thinking about that, I heard a knock on the door, so I asked. " Who is it? ".
" It's me. ". Replied a voice. It was Luke, my future master. Pfft~ Saying master unironically feels weird.
Not wanting to be rude, I opened the door for my employer and beckoned him in.
" Sorry, I don't have any drinks to offer you. ". I apologized.
" It's okay, I came here to talk.. Are you serious about your decision? To be my attendant? You'll be spending most of your time stuck with me. ". He said.
" It's okay, really. And, being with you sounds nice. ". I said, trying to convince him. But, I think I worded it weirdly. Eh, whatever.
" Is it now.. ". Luke said, looking down.
" Evan, will-.. Will you believe me if I told you I'm not who I actually am? ". He asked again.
" What do you mean? ".
" I'm not actually Lukas.. ". He confessed.
" ??? ". ⟨ What?? ⟩.
" Actually, I'm just borrowing Lukas' body and memories. ". He said, it's getting ominous, what is this?!
" What do you mean, Luke. Please explain. ".
He seemed pressed. He hesitated for a while, but after a deep breath, he summoned his courage and said.
" I'm actually a reincarnator, I have clear memories and experience of another world. Do you know of the nation called " Japan "? ".
WHAAAAAATTTT THEE FUUUUCK ?!!???!
====[ Author's Note ]====
Surprise again!! He's actually a protagonist as well! From Japan at that!
Why do most reincarnated individuals come from Japan??
If you enjoy this story, vote with a power stone! If you don't want to miss anything, add to Library! Leave a review maybe? If you have something to say, feel free to write a comment, I'll do my best to answer some of them, even if you just wanted to vent your stress, and even if you're just feeling a little lonely, it's okay! Comment it out! Don't bottle it all up! I am always here to listen!
Please be informed that this is a Fictional work and any and all resemblance to a real Person or Place or Things or Ideas are purely coincidental and know that this humble author means no harm.
And remember kids! Piracy is Frowned Upon! So don't steal stuff unless you want to be turned into a coffee table made of your own flesh and bones!