The next day, again, I woke up before sunrise, and headed to the courtyard again, to train. Today I was joined by Luke, he said he doesn't want to get his sword skills rusty. Like that, we trained until lunch, then in the afternoon, I took Maxim's training, and then after that, I slept.
The next day again, I resumed the magic lecture with Darius, Master Al also helped lecture me. And again, In the afternoon, I trained with Maxim again to improve my serving skills. And also the next day, I once again trained with Alyssia. My daily schedule has been like that for almost two weeks now.
But now, I'm currently being trained in anti interrogation techniques by Maxim and some of the other servants under him, which is another way to say that I'm being practically tortured now, and I was supposed to be numb to the pain by the end of all of this. The theory behind this is that if the attendants are already used to the pain of interrogation, they would be immune to it, it seems to work for the most part.. Oh, and I'm currently completely submerged in a water tank, full of concentrated lime water with salt, with small, shallow cuts all over my body. This pain feels familiar... Oh yeah, it's the exact type of pain that assails me whenever I transform. I'm being dunked in and out of this tank of lime water like a tea bag, I feel stupid. This " Anti interrogation " training has started since 4 days ago, every wound I suffer can be easily healed by Maxim's healing magic, the first few days were awful, I wasn't used to being subjected to such pain like that, but, now the scary part is that I'm getting kind of used to all of it, now it feels strangely nice.. I hope I don't become a masochist. Oh God please no.
" Okay, that is quite enough for today, please release him, and bring him a warm towel with a nice glass of sweetened tea. ". Maxim said to another servant.
I was then gently untied from this ridiculous contraption, and was immediately healed by Maxim, healing magic feels nice and cool. And then, I was wrapped in a soft, warm towel and given a glass of warm tea. It's a really surreal experience for sure.
" Judging from your reactions, you're getting quite immune to most of the interrogation techniques most commonly used. I'm most impressed. " Maxim said.
" Is that so? It's still very much unpleasant though. ".
" Yes, you're the quickest one to have ever been accustomed to the training, very admirable. ".
" Why, if that's the case then thank you. ".
" No worries, now go get some rest, it's late. ".
With that, Maxim told me off. I was glad that it's over already. So far, my progress with Darius' lectures were similar, I was quickly understanding the materials that he taught me. The only thing I'm still lacking on is my physical strength without << Body Strengthening >>. But, it's not really my fault for having such a weak body, and Alyssia is surprisingly understanding about that.
And now, two months has already passed, time goes on quickly huh, it only feels like yesterday since I started my training. Currently, I have mastered manipulating my magic and I'm now more efficient than ever in my spell casting, according to Darius. He's apparently so proud of me, he actually cried. Even I was proud of myself, and Alyssia was confident that I will not lose immediately in a duel against someone bigger that me. I also received my ID Card. And Maxim finally approved of my tea brewing skills! Hell Yeah! That's the thing that I'm the most proud of. I also have finished the " Anti Interrogation " training, finally. It was really tough, you know? I mean, it's literal torture I'm going through. Oh, and, one night, I nearly avoided death by stabbing, because Alyssia said that I'll need to be aware of danger, even when I'm sleeping. A definite Bruh Moment. Did I just say that?? I can't believe I've said that, wow.
Anyways, I'm now in Maxim's quarters talking about something together with Alyssia and Darius, and even Rose, Eleanor's handmaiden, is attending the discussion. We're discussing Luke's upcoming birthday, it's tradition for this family's servants that every attendant available would come together to discuss and plan things whenever one of the Draculesti Family member has a birthday, because birthdays are really special and seen as sacred in this world. Luke will turn 17 next month. At least, this world's Luke will, I think Hinata's, Luke's real identity's birthday was the 22nd of December? And today's date ⟨ This world's date system is the exact same as my previous world. ⟩ was August 15th, and Luke's birthday here will be the 21st of September, hey, would you look at that, a special date, did Lady Eleanor listen to a certain song while delivering Luke?
" You know, I have an idea about what the perfect gift for master Luke will be. ". Rose stated.
" Well, what would it be, Rose? ". Maxim asked.
" Don't you realize? Of course it'll be Evan right here. ". She said.
⟨ Huh?! I'll be a present?! What the hell?! Do they think I'm a G*ndam toy or something?! ⟩.
" Uuhh.. Me?? ". I asked.
" Are you sure, Rose? ". Maxim asked again.
" Of course! He's already completed his training after all, right? ".
" He's certainly finished. But we haven't even had an " Oath of Servitude " ceremony for him yet. ". Darius said, cutting in.
" That's where this gets interesting, to have an " Oath of Servitude " ceremony, he'll just have to say the oath out loud, right? So, why not just combine the birthday, and the ceremony? ". Rose said.
" That's.. An interesting idea.. But what do you two think, Darius, Alyssia? ". Maxim asked.
" He has certainly shown a certain degree of mastery in magic manipulation and it's concepts. I think he's all set. ". Darius said.
" And he's now more than capable of taking on someone at the level of a B-Ranked Adventurer single handedly. So, I think he's ready as well. ". Alyssia added.
" So, that's the conclusion, how about you, old man? ". Rose said.
" Oh please, I'm only a little older than you, Rose. And yes, I too, think that he's ready. ". Maxim said.
" So, it's set, then? Evan will be the ultimate gift for master Luke? ". Rose asked again.
" Yeah, okay, I agree. ". Maxim finally agreed.
" So, I have no say in this? ". I asked.
Hearing that, everyone laughed, even Maxim was chuckling. Rose then said.
" Of course not, stupid~. ".
Wow. Rude.
With that, it's decided that I'll be a present for Luke for his birthday. And that I'll have my ceremony combined together with Luke's birthday. Rose suggested that I should "embrace" him and "make him a man" during the night after the birthday party, but that was immediately shot down by Maxim, stating that.
" He'll only do such things if, and only if, Master Luke himself wishes it. Am I understood? ".
" Yeah, yeah.. Okay, geez.. No need to be so aggressive about it, damn. ". Rose protested.
⟨ Thank you for that save, Sir Maximilian! I'll always be grateful! ⟩.
Of course I would be grateful, because if he didn't shoot that suggestion down, it'll go into a weird direction and I'll definitely be forced to do it. This Family is out of their minds.
We continued to discuss the matter until midnight, we have came up with a kind of clear plan of what we want to do, but, it's still open to changes. Another month passed without anything noteworthy, Luke's birthday was right around the corner, To ensure a surprise, Luke was taken to a holiday estate of the Draculesti's a little ways away from Vansborough with Alicia. While we busily prepared for the occasion, Maxim and Rose wrote all of the invitation cards for all of the attendees. Alyssia was busy preparing the menu with the cooks, and Darius and I are busy arranging the decorations for the event venue. Everything was going according to plan, and all is smooth sailing so far.
I was then called over by Maxim to come to his quarters. I don't know what for, but I came with him anyways. After a brief walk, we arrived at his quarters.
" Come inside. ".
I was told to sit down and close my eyes, it feels like I'm about to get a present. I'm touched, you guys.. After a while, I was then told to open my eyes again. And what I saw was what I've been waiting for.
" All this time you've been apprenticing under me has been rewarded, here, you are now officially a staff member here, welcome to the family. ". Maxim said.
He was holding a tailcoat, a black, high quality tailcoat, just like what him, and Darius always wears, and, I'm finally getting my own. I'm not crying! You're crying!
" Go ahead and try it on. ". He urged.
So, I immediately grabbed it from his hand and tried it on, it fitted perfectly on me.
" And, one last thing. Here. ". Maxim said, he handed over a lapel pin, made of gold, it's in the shape of the Draculesti Family crest, an eagle with a snake in its mouth, it symbolizes justice (the eagle) defeating evil (the snake).
I took it gently from his hand and put it on my tailcoat, at the left lapel. Now I feel more official. Feeling emotional, I bowed to Maxim and thanked him, while holding the urge to cry-.. I mean, sweat from my eyes.
" Thank you very much, sir Maximilian. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be here. ". I said.
" Don't worry about it. Come on, let's go outside. ". He said, leading me out of his quarters.
Outside his quarters, everyone was standing there, waiting, from the maids that are always sweeping the floor clean, to the cooks, even the gardener was there, and of course, there was Darius, Alyssia, and Rose. Everyone congratulated me on my employment as an attendant.
" Congrats, Evan, you're not bad after all. ". Alyssia said.
" Congratulations, Evan! I knew you could do it! ". Darius said.
" Great job, kid. You did good. ". Rose said.
" Evan, congratulations. ". Finally, Maxim said.
" Yeah! Great job, kid! ".
" Alright! You did it, sonny! ".
" Let's work together from now on, yeah? ".
All the other servants said, they all applauded, I... Did I do good? Are my efforts finally getting recognized? I.. I have no.. I have no words, I.. I've never been congratulated on my efforts like this... I.. Wow.. I'm so happy right now...
Like that, my tears ran down, it wasn't born from anguish, rather, my tears were happy ones. They're born from happiness and glee.
====[ Author's Note ]====
So many time skips in one chapter... Oh well. Now we're getting closer to the good stuff.
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