Wilhelm has been with the Trier family for decades now. He had seen a lot of things in this household that it would be a feat to be surprised anymore. And yet, these recent weeks, he seems to be astonished daily.
The cause? It is none other than Lady Celestine von Trier. The only daughter of the Trier family. She has been acting more and more out of the norm this past month.
Lady Celestine always actively tried to get her family's attention, especially her brother Carlisle's. She always used to demand her family to have meals together with her. If they didn't, a great fuss or a hunger strike would ensue. There were also times when she made scenes during tea parties that were quite unbecoming of a noble young lady. This has frustrated Master Claude and Madame Carissa incredibly. They are at a loss regarding how to deal with her.
She also inquires about the whereabouts of Young Master Carlisle every day without fail. And then follows him around when he is somewhere she can also be allowed to go. This has also frustrated the Young Master so much that his initially gentle treatment of her became cold and aloof.
Young Master Clarion, who idolizes the Eldest Young Master, despises this elder sister of his due to her irritating actions. Despite the close gap in years, they never got along. Instead, they would almost always quarrel every time they met.
The family became estranged from her. Wilhelm did not know when it started, but now it seems the situation can no longer be resolved. The strain in the family relationship has festered.
He had it easier being a mere servant to them. He has no need to do anything except do his job and serve his masters. Whether it be the estranged young lady or not.
This has resulted in him being the closest person to the young lady. Close enough to see the various changes in her behavior.
The first three weeks of this month, Lady Celestine has been very...well-behaved, for the lack of a better word. She no longer demanded absurd things from her busy parents nor tried to monitor her brother's every move. She stayed cooped up either in her room or the library. Sometimes even missing out on her meals.
Lady Celestine seemed to have been researching something. Whatever it was, no one knew except her. At first, I wondered how long she could keep such an act. This question was answered the other day when she requested the family to have dinner together. Though she refrained from creating a significant fuss, she still made outrageous requests in the kitchen. And even demanded for the mansion to be decorated.
Wilhelm conceded to put a few on the dining table. That was the limit of what he was capable of allowing. They followed her choice of dishes and were promptly served during dinner time. However, Master and Madame seem to have attended another ball with the two young masters, leaving the young lady waiting until midnight.
He pitied her as she sat at the dinner table alone that night. Her expressions changed by the hour, from anticipation to sorrow to nothing. To save her from further embarrassment, Wilhelm kindly told her to rest because it seemed that her family was caught up in a significant affair.
The bitter smile she had that night when he took a glass of milk to her room was engraved in Wilhelm's mind. That night, a thunderstorm, typical during the summer equinox, raged on until dawn.
He was uneasy as he walked to deliver her breakfast that morning. One might wonder why he, the butler, sent her meals. It was because the maids avoided her like a plague. No one wanted to be associated with the estranged young lady. There was hardly any advantage to it.
Wilhelm knocked in her room tentatively, gauging her mood. What greeted him, however, was a lively voice and a sweet smile, brightening up the entire room. Wilhelm was stunned. The Trier family, aside from being renowned magic knights, were also known for their breathtaking looks. Of course, this included the young lady. Except she was usually too meek and always drooped her head; hence, no one had ever seen her entire face.
Now, he has been bestowed the rare chance to see it. A smiling one at that. And Wilhelm dared say no one can ever match the young lady's loveliness amongst the young ladies within the nobility circle. So much so that he ended up staring for a while with my mouth open. How unbecoming of a butler!
"Thank you for your hard work, Grandpa Wilhelm. I truly appreciate you caring for me and everyone in the household all these years. Have a wonderful day today." Lady Celestine suddenly said with a voice as sweet and mellow as honey. It was a voice that could touch the heart and move emotions.
If Wilhelm had been stunned when he saw her face, I was undoubtedly gobsmacked by these words. At the same time, he was moved. He was only giving her perfunctory kindness as expected of a servant. Yet Wilhelm could feel that she appreciated everything he did wholeheartedly. No one has ever voiced out their gratitude to him in this manner. Not even the master.
Wilhelm felt ashamed.
The next few days, he observed the young lady and paid more attention to her. Maybe it was due to her previous words, but he felt drawn to her. He noticed that she no longer slouched nor kept her head down. She smiled at Wilhelm whenever he sent her meals. And even went for walks in the garden. She also resumed her uncaring attitude towards her family. He realized she was a lovely young lady deserving of care and attention. She truly has changed.
Wilhelm felt guilty even more.
He vowed to mention this to the Master and Madame. At least he tried to. In the end, even before he finished saying her name, they would cut him off and tell him to deal with her as he saw fit as long as she wouldn't be deprived or bullied and would not cause more trouble for the family.
Pity for the lady gushed in my heart. It has become too late for damage control. But Wilhelm didn't want to give up. So he decided to start with the lady herself.
It was a Sunday. Wilhelm set the breakfast on her table as usual. He gazed at her grateful smile and then steeled himself.
"My lady--"
"Grandpa Wilhelm--"
They spoke at the same time. Wilhelm gestured for her to continue.
"Grandpa Wilhelm, can I trouble you to send this reply letter to Grandfather Halcyon?" She asked politely as she handed me a sealed letter with her name legibly written on the front.
Right. Wilhelm remembered now. Master Halcyon was quite endearing to the young lady. He could help. This letter could be the lady requesting his presence. He could take that chance to help her then.
"Of course, my lady. It is no trouble at all." Wilhelm replied.
"Thank you very much. Did you want to say something?" She then inquired. He shook my head, saying it was nothing of significance. He left her room clutching the letter she entrusted to him tightly. Hoping that somehow Master Halcyon could give her the help she required