I never thought I'd be sleeping in a cozy bed like this again. How long has it been? The last time I slept in a proper bed was when my master was still alive, so it has been 20 years?
I'm still pondering over what my older brother told me. I still can't believe that a long time has passed. No matter how absurd it is, the fact that seniors aged a lot is an undeniable truth that supports what he said.
I'm still conflicted by the sudden turn of events, but there is not changing things back. All I can do now is move forward and go along with the flow of time.
"All I have to think about is how to spend my time now, huh? Master. What do you think I should do from now on?" I talked to myself.
It's been a few weeks since Jakob returned. At first I thought he was an impostor. A monster clothed or mimicked him, and soon enough those suspicions disappeared the moment he told me everything that happened.
I was shocked to see the insignia that represents our family in the past. Never did I expect that it was Jakob who brought it back after all those insignias were pulled out and updated.
It must be fate that brought him back. Well, whatever it is. I'm just glad that he has returned. I'm sure our master would be glad to know that as well.
"Master. If I may ask, what is your relationship with that young man?" Arnod, my head butler asked.
Well, I have not really explained everything to him nor I was given the chance to. It was only a matter of time until he asked me, so I decided to just wait for him and confront him about it.
"Our relationship, huh? I guess I can consider him as my junior? No. Brother? Well, if anything. I can definitely say that he is an important person to me. More like family." I said and smiled.
I turned to Arnod and saw the surprised look on his face.
"Master, don't tell me….is he the person you were looking for 20 years ago?" His voice tells me that he was thinking about that for a while now.
The fact that he brought up what happened 20 years ago must have been weighing on his mind from the beginning.
To answer his question, I slightly nod my head with a smile. His response to my answer was not of shock, but of relief. Arnod witnessed how I desperately looked for Jakob back then, so it only makes sense that he is somehow relieved.
"So he was that person. No wonder master wants to find him despite the clear opposition from the family leaders. I may not have the best detection ability, but I can tell, that young man is strong…. Overwhelmingly strong." Arnod's tone is serious. He is not the kind of person who would tell a lie. If anything else, I can say that he is a good judge of character. It has always been his ability to see through other people easily.
"You can tell, huh? Well, you can say that he is strong and talented. The only problem is… his eyesight. I don't know what happened that made him lose his eyes, but I don't think I can ask him something about it until he bring it up…." I trailed off after seeing Arnod's expression. "Is something wrong? What's up with your expression?" I asked.
"I'm sorry, master. It's just what you just said. About his eyesight…. I forgot to report to you what happened that afternoon. Honestly, I was shocked to hear it from the guards but I will let you be the judge of it." said Arnod.
Arnod then proceeded to tell me about the report from the guards. I retreated back to my chair in shock and calmly fiddled with my fingers, wondering if that's the truth.
"Are you sure about that?"
Arnod did not even utter anything and just nodded his head lightly.
It is indeed shocking, Jakob traded blows with the guards of the city and came out unscathed. Even more, he caught one of the guard's swords. That report is just unbelievable.
"His ability far surpasses young men his age. No. I believe that he is far, far ahead of the young man around his age." Arnod said, scratching his head and breaking some sweat.
It is the first time I have seen him in that state. He is usually always calm, and to think he'd break character after just thinking about the report. I can't say I am different though, I find it hard to believe as well. I wonder how it feels seeing it personally.
"Your evaluation of him is quite high. Do you think it's true?" I asked.
"I'm merely stating what I think is true, master. Whether it is true or just the fantasy of the guards, it doesn't change the fact that the guards of the city were so flustered when we got there. I think there is some truth about the report." Arnod reasoned.
Well, I can't really blame him. Then that only leaves us one thing to do. I quickly grabbed my coat, attracting Arnod's attention quickly.
"Master, do you have an appointment? I believe today you don't have any appointments on your schedule…"
"I believe I just had an appointment."
He stared at me, confused. Then it took him a couple of moments before figuring out what I intended to do.
"You want to visit the guards and hear the story from them personally?"
I just smiled. Arnod knows me better than most people. He knows that I will not change my mind the moment I set my sights on something. And so, he quickly prepared everything for departure.
Even though Arnod is more than a decade older than me, he is still efficient and quick to handle things. He can easily overshadow most of the young and excellent butlers out there.
Not long after, Arnod had already arranged the carriage.
"I prepared everything that is needed for your trip, master. Please tell me if there is something lacking. I will make sure to take care of it immediately."
He is still the same. Despite taking care of everything, he still asked if there was something lacking. I guess he is one of the people that hasn't changed no matter how many years pass by. He is somewhat similar to Jakob in that sense.
"Lacking, huh? Knowing how strict and thorough you are in doing things, I doubt there is something lacking. And besides, the guard post is just a kilometer from here. It's not like it would take me a few days, you know?"
"But still, it doesn't hurt to be prepared for everything."
Honestly, he doesn't change at all. Arguing with him will only cause us time. I got in the carriage and held the door open. When I did, he gave me a puzzled look as if he was asking me why I had done that.
"What's with that look? Are you not coming?"
"...I don't think I should be-"
I quickly grabbed him and forcibly brought him inside the carriage. Knowing him, he would prefer to sit beside the coach. He is someone that has been with me through thick and thin. He should at least relax sometimes. But telling him that, I'm sure he will deny my words saying about it his duty this duty that.
In times like this, I have to force my hand.
"But master, what about him…who will look after him?" He asked.
Jakob emerged from the door. I know he can't see me, but I still waved my hand.
"Jakob, I will be back soon. Just like the maids, if there is anything you want while I'm gone." I told him.
He just slightly nodded his head in response. I then turned to Arnod who was greatly worried about the situation.
"I know Jakob, even though we haven't seen each other for a long time. He is not the type of person that would cause any disturbance." I said smiling. I turned to Jakob, and thought, "I will leave everything in your hands."
Things that Jakob told me that night still weighs on my mind greatly. I don't know if I should take it easy just as he said, but still. I can't get it out of my head.