As Napoleon was deep in thought, Ciela, his faithful assistant, barged in unannounced with a tray of breakfast delicacies. The sudden entrance caused him to jump in surprise, nearly spilling ink all over his desk.
"Ciela, what the…please knock before entering. I nearly spilled the ink that could have ruined a week's worth of work," Napoleon said in a stern but gentle tone.
"I apologize, Master," Ciela replied, with a grin on her face. "I couldn't contain my excitement to see you again."
Napoleon let out a small chuckle. "You left just a few minutes ago, Ciela. What could possibly have changed in that short amount of time?"
Ciela's face lit up with delight. "Nothing has changed, Master. I am simply overjoyed to serve you again."
Napoleon rolled his eyes playfully. "Well, I appreciate your enthusiasm, Ciela. Please place my breakfast on the table, and I'll enjoy it shortly."
"Understood," Ciela giddily heads toward the table while humming a singsong tune.
As Ciela placed the tray on the table, Napoleon couldn't help but smile at her infectious energy. She had been his personal assistant for a week now and her existence brought life to his otherwise dull dormitory.
He took a moment to admire the spread before him. Freshly brewed coffee, croissants with homemade jam, and a colorful fruit salad were just some of the items on the tray. The aroma of the coffee wafted through the air, making his stomach grumble.
"Thank you, Ciela. It looks delicious," he said, taking a sip of the hot coffee.
Ciela beamed with satisfaction, happy to see her master enjoying his breakfast. "Is there anything else you need, Master? Please, don't hesitate to ask, as your faithful maid, I shall deliver everything to you while you focus on your work."
"Oh? How about the new uniform that is to be delivered today?" Napoleon asked.
"I think they are available now in the uniform store, do you want me to get it for you?"
"Yes, because there are only four hours left before my first subject starts, so that would be great, Ciela. Thank you," Napoleon said, grateful for her promptness.
Ciela nodded and quickly left the room to retrieve his uniform. Giving him a much-needed time of silence to focus on his work.
Speaking of Ciela, she has been extraordinary in her work, she gets things done flawlessly, and even without him giving a word, she knows exactly what to do. Napoleon couldn't help but wonder about her identity. He didn't ask her anything personal. Perhaps, it slipped his mind but the way she behaved truly is different from how the woman in this era behaved.
Napoleon searched through hundreds of catalogs, from Napoleon's journal to his autobiography and diaries, but there wasn't a mention of Napoleon having a personal maid. She is a clear sign that this is not the same world as him.
Her name was Ciela, a somewhat synonymous name to the Goddess who gave him a second chance in life, Ciel. Could it be… No, that couldn't possibly be the case, there's no way a Goddess herself would tread upon the mortal world and accompany him. That's just too far.
Well, maybe if she returned, Napoleon could start asking her questions.
Speaking of the devil, Ciela arrived with a basket. Inside it was probably his uniform.
"Master~! I have arrived."
"Yeah I can see that," Napoleon said simply. "Uhm, Ciela, it's been a week since you started working for me and I believe as your employer, I have the right to know about you, like you know where you initially lived and where's your family or something like that."
When Napoleon brought that question up, Ciela's cheerful face suddenly fell. She stood still for a moment before answering.
"What do you want to know from me, Master?" Ciela said in a soft voice.
Napoleon's brows creased. "Sorry, is asking about your history made you feel uncomfortable?"
Ciela shook her head. "No Master…" She made a cheek-slap as if trying to snap out of her thoughts. Her somber expression slowly faded and her usual smile returned. "Sorry about that Master, so about me. I was born in Marseille without having to know my parents and have lived in an orphanage for most of my life."
Having not spoken for another second, Napoleon tilted his head to the side.
"That's it?"
"Master, though I assure you that I will do anything that you order, asking about my history is unfortunately an order that I won't be able to obey," Ciela said, her voice firm yet respectful.
"Is that so? Well, you want to keep your identity a secret huh? Then how did my parents meet you and have you worked as my personal maid?"
"I—uhh…Well, I can't tell you that either," Ciela said.
Napoleon sighed. If she doesn't want to tell him then he can ask his parents about it. He doesn't want to overly push someone into an uncomfortable situation so he gave up on the idea of learning about her identity, for now.
"If you really don't want to tell me, then so be it. Though I would find it preferable to work with someone I knew. We all have secrets to hide so I understand and respect your decision, Ciela."
Ciela nodded, relieved that Napoleon understood. "Thank you, Master. I won't disappoint you."
Napoleon smiled. "I have no doubt about that, Ciela. Now, let's try this new uniform."
With a bright smile, she presented the uniform to him. As she pulled it out of the basket. He donned it and checked his reflection in the mirror.
Napoleon couldn't help but admire the elegance of its design.
The dark blue coat was the centerpiece of the uniform, its brass buttons gleaming in the light. Its military style was evident in the high collar and the tails that swept behind him as he swayed side to side. The white waistcoat added a touch of refinement, its gold or silver embroidery glinting in the candlelight.
Then there is breeches, made of gray wool. The embroidery on the waistcoat and breeches was a sign of the school's prestige, a symbol of the honor that came with wearing such a uniform.
Underneath the coat was a white linen shirt with a high collar, a nod to the formality of the time. The cravat added an extra touch of sophistication, while the leather shoes completed the look.
The tricorn hat, with its cockade in the school's colors, was the final touch, a symbol of his membership in this distinguished institution. He stood tall, admiring himself in the mirror. He looked like the military figures that he used to see in historical paintings.
"Shit, the fashion style of this era is sophisticated."
"Uwaah~! You look very handsome, Master," Ciela placed a hand over her mouth as she gazed at Napoleon in awe. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him dressed in the school uniform. She had always thought of him as a handsome man, but in the uniform, he looked like a prince,
Napoleon chuckled at Ciela's reaction, amused by her sudden change in demeanor. "You are really good at flattering me, don't you?"
Ciela blushed, feeling embarrassed by her own reaction. "I-I'm sorry, Master. I couldn't help myself. You really do look handsome in that uniform."
Napoleon laughed, enjoying the way Ciela's cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink. "It's quite alright, Ciela. I appreciate the compliment."
He turned to the side, admiring himself in the mirror once more. "I don't feel like removing it so I'm going to continue my work wearing this. I'm going to wear it anyway later so why the hassle?"