Preparing everything wasn't particularly challenging, but it did require meticulous attention to detail.
Every flower needed to be carefully tended to, every tablecloth precisely draped, and every teacup polished to perfection.
No aspect of the setup could escape my scrutiny, as even the smallest oversight could mar the elegance of the event.
Despite the relentless pace and the persistent ache in my head, I tirelessly directed the maids and butlers, ensuring that each task was completed to the highest standard.
Hours passed in a blur of activity, my voice growing hoarse from the constant stream of orders.
But in the end, my efforts paid off, and the garden terrace sparkled with an air of refined beauty.
As the final touches were put in place and the garden terrace shimmered in anticipation of the guests' arrival, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. It was a testament to my skill and dedication that everything had come together so seamlessly.
"Good work, everyone!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands three times in a gesture of appreciation.
The assembled staff looked up, their faces reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude.
But beneath their smiles, I couldn't help but sense a hint of apprehension – perhaps even fear.
If I had to guess between relief and fear it was probably the latter.
A pang of guilt tugged at my conscience as I considered the effect my reputation may have had on my junior colleagues.
Had I pushed them too hard? Were they eager to leave simply to escape my presence?
'Haah…. to think I would scare my juniors this much…'
'Maybe cutting off body parts in front of them is a bit too much.'
As I observed the staff dispersing, a pang of guilt tugged at my conscience. Many of these individuals were older than me, and I couldn't help but reflect on how my actions had impacted their lives. The departure of so many seasoned colleagues, either through retirement or resignation, weighed heavily on my mind.
But dwelling on such matters served no purpose in the present moment. With a shake of my head, I pushed aside these thoughts and turned my attention back to the task at hand.
"Ok, you may go now," I said to the departing staff, my voice warm and gentle. "Remember to prepare the sweets and tea set on time once the Duchess and the young miss's visitors arrive, alright?"
Despite my efforts to convey kindness and understanding, I couldn't help but notice the subtle shivers that ran through the departing staff.
It was disheartening to see their reaction, especially when I had made a conscious effort to be considerate and accommodating.
Damn it, even though I'm putting in effort.
I still manage to unsettle them.
As the staff dispersed, laughter rang out behind me, drawing my attention. Turning around, I was greeted by the sight of the Duchess Estelle, her youthful appearance belying her middle-aged status.
Despite being in her forties, she retained the beauty and vitality of someone much younger, her smile radiant and infectious.
"Looks like you're quite feared already, Taylor," the Duchess remarked with a playful glint in her eyes. It was an almost daily occurrence now, this teasing about my intimidating presence, especially in light of the constant turnover of new hires.
"Haha, it would seem so, Duchess." I said with a slight bow as I greeted her.
Well, what can I do about it? It's not like I can force them to stop being afraid of me.
The moment I do, it would almost certainly backfire with a hundred percent guarantee rate.
Taking the Duchess's hand in mine, I guided her gracefully to her seat, a small smile gracing her lips as she chuckled at my attempt to be as gentle as possible. It seemed that my rough exterior had become somewhat of a running joke between us.
As she settled into her seat, she mentioned that her husband, the Duke, was looking for me.
My heart sank at the thought of facing the imposing figure of the Duke once again.
What could he possibly want from me now?
"The Duke?" I replied, trying to keep the apprehension out of my voice.
I really didn't want to see that gorilla right now…. My head is still aching in pain as it is, I believe trying to avoid hurting my eyes is valid as well.
"Yes, it seems he's quite eager to speak with you," the Duchess confirmed, her expression unreadable behind the delicate fan she held.
"I think it's best to let you go now."
"But what about the visitors?" I interjected, trying to finds an excuse to not see that man right now.
"I can have the other servants handle everything here," she assured me, her tone firm yet gentle.
"Sebas and Maria are already waiting for them outside the mansion, so there's no need for you to greet them personally. You may go now."
"As you wish, Duchess," I acquiesced with a respectful bow, hiding my reluctance behind a mask of deference.
....
As I made my way to the training grounds where the duchess said the duke was waiting for me, my thoughts wandered to the muscular figure of the Duchess's husband.
Despite his formidable presence and wealth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain towards him.
What had prompted such a refined and elegant lady to choose a man like him as her partner?
Seriously like why choose that gorilla?
The Duke may have possessed strength and riches beyond measure, but there was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way.
Perhaps it was his brusque manner or his domineering presence that grated on my nerves.
Whatever the reason, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach whenever I was in his presence.
As I approached the training grounds, the distinct scent of sweat permeated the air, assaulting my senses with its pungent aroma.
It was a familiar smell, one that often accompanied the rigorous training sessions overseen by the Duke.
Sure enough, as I entered the training area, I was met with the imposing figure of the Duke himself.
He stood tall and proud, his massive frame dwarfing those around him.
With each gut-wrenching exhale, his muscles bulged beneath his sweat-soaked shirt, a testament to his incredible strength and power.
Despite his seemingly gentle demeanor in the presence of the Duchess and Stella, I knew all too well the true nature of the Duke.
He may have appeared to be a gentle giant to them, but in my eyes, he was more akin to a raging orc – fierce, brutal, and unrelenting in his pursuit of dominance.
I had witnessed firsthand the ferocity with which he approached his training regimen, his methods bordering on the barbaric.
It was a side of him that I wished the Duchess and Stella could see – a reminder of the beast that lurked beneath the veneer of civility.
And yet, despite his brutish exterior, there was a kindness to him that I couldn't ignore.
He may not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, leaving much of the household's managerial aspects to the head butler and the Duchess herself, but his heart was in the right place.
As I watched him effortlessly lift himself up with a single finger, the bulging muscles of his back rippling with each movement'
I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration mixed with disgust.
'It was too much, too much muscle to watch…'
I was pretty dure this gorilla like man was made entirely of muscles.
As the Duke looked at me upside down, I couldn't help but wonder why he had summoned me. The knights, who usually trained diligently in this space, were conspicuously absent today. Had something happened?
"What do you want?" I inquired, hoping for some clarity on the situation.
The Duke's response was gruff, his tone tinged with irritation. "Hoo? What's with the language? I'm your boss, right?"
Feeling a pang of discomfort at his rebuke, I quickly shifted into my usual butler persona, masking my inner turmoil with practiced grace.
"My apologies for any rudeness, Your Grace," I responded, my voice flowing with deference. "I am at your service, and I will gladly accept any punishment you deem fit for my transgressions."
To emphasize my sincerity, I even went as far as to kneel before him, a gesture intended to convey my humility and respect.
My display seemed to elicit only a cringe from the Duke, who momentarily lifted himself off the ground with a single finger before resuming his upright position.
"Nah, speaking to me without honorifics suits a bastard like you," he grumbled dismissively, his words cutting through the air like a sharp blade. Well, his irritation is my happiness, though. So I just maintained my well-made smile.
As he stood up, I offered him a towel I had prepared in hand. Where did I get the towel, you might ask? The answer is, I prepared it beforehand. After all, a top butler must always be prepared.
"Thanks," he said as he sipped from the canteen like an angry gorilla.
He then looked at me with a smirk.
"Looks like you're fine, and here I thought you were dying because you suddenly fell, unconscious yesterday. Haah~ how disappointing"
Did this bastard just call for me to make fun of me or something?