Ruth gently shook Alex's shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "Wake up, Alex. It's 4 a.m., and you've got a busy day ahead."
Alex groaned, still groggy and disoriented, remnants of his vivid dream clinging to his mind. The details were too sharp, too real—his mother and Mother Selene talking about the charity event, the unsettling run-in with Sir Keal. It all played out so clearly, like he was actually there. How could it feel so real?
"Alex? You alright?" Ruth's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.
Shaking his head slightly, Alex looked up at her, still trying to make sense of everything. "Yeah… I'm fine. Just… thinking."
Ruth raised an eyebrow, eyeing him curiously. "Thinking about something intense for this early in the morning." She gestured to the folded clothes laid out neatly at the foot of the bed. "But don't think too long. It's your first day as a butler for the Mane family, remember? I've already picked out your clothes for the day and drawn you a bath."
Alex blinked, surprised by her thoughtfulness. "You didn't have to do all that, Ruth. I should be doing the work. You're my teacher, after all."
Ruth let out a lighthearted laugh, waving off his concern. "If everything Sir Bartlow says about you is true, then it won't be long before I'll be the one calling you 'sir' or even 'master.' One day, you might become a noble, and I'd prefer to be on friendly terms before that happens."
Alex stared at her, stunned by her foresight and easy confidence. "You really believe that?" he asked, his voice filled with both gratitude and disbelief.
She smiled warmly. "I do. You've got potential, Alex. And even if you don't see it in yourself yet, it's clear to others. Sir Bartlow wouldn't have taken you on if you didn't."
For a moment, Alex was speechless. Ruth's kindness and belief in him—someone she barely knew—was a comfort he hadn't expected. He nodded, a slow smile forming on his face. "Thank you, Ruth. I'd like to have that friendship too. And I'll do my best to help out and learn as much as I can."
Ruth chuckled, giving him a teasing nudge toward the bath. "Good. Now get moving. No time for daydreaming when you've got a whole manor to serve. We'll need you sharp for today."
Alex smiled, the weight of his dream momentarily forgotten as he rose from the bed. He was grateful for Ruth's lighthearted approach—it made everything seem a little less daunting. And as he made his way to the bath, a small part of him started to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could live up to the potential everyone seemed to see in him.
After finishing up his bath, Alex grabbed a towel and draped it lazily over his head, enjoying the refreshing feel of the cool air against his skin as he stepped into his bedroom. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts about his first day of work, completely unaware that Ruth was still in the room.
Ruth, on the other hand, had assumed Alex would emerge fully dressed and ready for the day. But when he walked in, shirtless and still drying his hair, she froze in place, her eyes widening in surprise. Her gaze, almost involuntarily, roamed over his body—taking in the lean, toned muscles marked with countless scars and burn marks. Each scar seemed to tell a story, revealing more about the hardships Alex had endured. She felt a strange mix of admiration and curiosity, realizing just how much pain and strength lay beneath the surface.
But then, as her gaze drifted lower, it landed on something that instantly snapped her back to reality. The sword—the one between his legs—wasn't the kind she was expecting to notice. Ruth's face flushed crimson as she fully comprehended the situation, horrified at herself for staring.
Alex, still oblivious, pulled the towel off his head and finally saw Ruth standing there, her face bright red. His own face drained of color, then immediately flushed with horror. "Ruth!" he exclaimed, freezing in place, his eyes wide in shock.
Ruth quickly averted her gaze, cheeks burning. "Oh my— I… I didn't mean to— I thought you'd be dressed!" she stammered, hastily turning around and moving toward the door in a flustered rush. "I'm so sorry! I'll just… wait outside! Take your time!" she added, her words coming out in a frantic rush as she hurried out of the room.
Alex froze in place, equally horrified and mortified at the realization that Ruth had seen far more than he ever intended. "R-Ruth! I didn't realize you were still in the room!" he managed to say, his voice shaking as he scrambled to cover himself.
Ruth, her face still flushed from embarrassment, stood just outside the door, speaking loudly enough for him to hear. "I'll be waiting in the hallway! Just, um… take your time, and let me know when you're ready!" Her voice was a mix of awkward laughter and genuine apology, clearly trying to recover from the situation.
As Alex quickly got dressed, he couldn't help but feel the awkward tension hanging in the air. He had never been in a situation like this before. He pulled on the clothes Ruth had set out for him, still feeling his face burning with embarrassment.
Once fully clothed, he opened the door cautiously, seeing Ruth waiting outside, her expression now calm but still tinged with a hint of awkwardness.
"Sorry about that," Alex said, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly still embarrassed.
Ruth smiled, a bit more relaxed now. "It's alright. Honest mistake. Let's just pretend that never happened, okay?" She winked playfully, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, with all those scars, I should've realized you've been through much worse."
Alex let out a relieved chuckle, appreciating her effort to brush it off. "Thanks. I'd like that."
"Good," Ruth said, her usual confident demeanor returning. "Now, let's get going. It's your first day, and we've got a lot to cover!"
With the moment passed, they walked together, both silently agreeing to let the awkward encounter slip into the past. As they moved down the hall, Ruth cast a sidelong glance at Alex, a faint smile lingering on her lips. She couldn't help but admire the strength that radiated from him, both physically and emotionally.
As they walked down the dimly lit hallway toward the kitchen, the soft tap of their footsteps echoed off the stone floors. Ruth, still trying to shake off the awkwardness from earlier, decided to break the silence. She glanced sideways at Alex, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"So," she started, her voice casual but probing, "tell me a bit about yourself. You're pretty young to be a student of Sir Bartlow, right?"
Alex, grateful for the distraction from the lingering tension, gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I'm sixteen… though I don't feel like it most days," he admitted with a quiet chuckle.
Ruth raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sixteen? You've been through a lot for someone your age, haven't you?"
He nodded slowly, the smile fading a little. "Yeah, you could say that too. I grew up in an orphanage in Vana. My mom worked there… but she passed away not too long ago." His voice lowered, a tinge of sorrow creeping in. "I never knew my father. My mom didn't talk about him much, and now… well, now it's just me."
Ruth's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that. Losing a parent… it's not easy," she said gently, glancing at him with a sympathetic look.
"Thanks," Alex replied, his voice quiet but steady. "But… I'm doing my best to move forward. I think that's what she would've wanted."
Ruth nodded in understanding, giving him a moment to collect his thoughts before asking, "What about your cultivation? Sir Bartlow seems really impressed with your potential."
Alex looked a little surprised by her interest. "Well, I'm still a beginner," he said modestly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've just started training in all three realms—mana, spirit, and body cultivation. It's… a lot to handle, but I'm getting the hang of it, I think."
Ruth's eyes widened in amazement. "All three realms? At sixteen?" She couldn't help but let out a small whistle. "That's pretty impressive. Most people don't even touch spirit cultivation until they're well into their twenties."
Alex shrugged, a bit embarrassed by the compliment. "I've still got a long way to go. Sir Bartlow says I have potential, but it's going to take a lot of work."
"Still," Ruth said, genuinely impressed, "it sounds like you're on the right track. So, what's the plan? You've clearly got big goals."
Alex's expression brightened slightly, his determination shining through. "I want to enter the Nobleman's Trials," he said, his voice filled with purpose. "I want to prove myself, not just as a cultivator, but… as someone who can make a real difference. If I can win the trials, I'll earn the right to become a noble. Maybe then I can make things better for people like me. People who've been overlooked or mistreated."
Ruth's steps slowed as she absorbed his words, a new level of respect forming in her eyes. "The Nobleman's Trials?" she repeated, a mix of surprise and admiration in her voice. "That's… that's no small feat, Alex. Only the best and brightest even stand a chance in those trials."
Alex nodded, his gaze focused forward. "I know. But I have to try. For my mom… for myself." His eyes softened for a moment, then filled with resolve. "I want to make something of my life. I can't let what happened to her, to us, be for nothing."
Ruth was silent for a few moments, processing everything he had shared. She had known he was different, but now she understood why Sir Bartlow had taken such an interest in him. There was something about Alex—something that drove him beyond what she had seen in most people their age.
"Well," Ruth finally said, a soft smile tugging at her lips, "with that kind of ambition, I think you're going to do great things, Alex. Just… don't forget to pace yourself. You've got a lot on your plate."
Alex smiled, appreciative of her words. "I'll try. Thanks, Ruth."
The tension from earlier had eased, replaced by a newfound sense of mutual respect. As they neared the kitchen, the warmth of the early morning sun filtered through the windows, casting soft golden rays across the manor's stone floors. For the first time since his arrival, Alex felt a little more at ease in this new chapter of his life.
As they walked side by side, Alex's curiosity got the better of him. He glanced over at Ruth, noticing the way she carried herself—strong, composed, but with a hint of something deeper behind her calm demeanor. "So, what about you, Ruth? What's your story?"
Ruth smiled wryly at his question, her eyes betraying a flicker of hesitation. "You wouldn't want to hear anything about me. It's not much to talk about, really," she replied, her voice carrying a subtle undertone of sorrow.
Alex, sensing the weight of her words, appreciated her honesty. "I won't pry," he said gently, "but to be honest, I'd be honored to know more about you. It seems like you've seen and know more than I could ever put into words." He chuckled softly, hoping to lighten the mood.
Ruth's face reddened slightly at his kind words, and she let out a soft laugh, though it was tinged with something bittersweet. "You're too kind," she said, looking down at her feet for a moment as they continued walking. After a pause, she added, "But I guess… if you really want to know, I'll share."
She sighed softly, her tone turning more introspective as she began. "My mother worked for the Mane family, just like I do now. She was a dedicated servant… and, well, my father wasn't much of anything, to be honest. He was an alcoholic," Ruth said, the bitterness in her voice evident. "One day, he left us—for another woman. My mother… she never really recovered from that. She was heartbroken. I think she spent the rest of her days trying to figure out what she did wrong. How she could've kept him happy." Her voice wavered as she forced a small, sad laugh. "She used to give me all this advice about how to keep a man happy, telling me I should never make the same mistakes she did."
Alex listened in silence, his heart sinking at the weight of Ruth's words. It was clear she had been carrying these painful memories for a long time.
Ruth's voice dropped even lower as she continued. "She… she didn't last much longer after he left. One day, I came home and found her…" Her voice caught, and she swallowed hard, fighting to keep her composure. "She'd taken her own life. I think she just couldn't bear the pain anymore."
A heavy silence hung between them for a moment. Ruth took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check, and then forced another laugh, though this one was weaker. "I guess I've been trying to figure things out ever since."
Alex felt a pang of sympathy for her, but before he could say anything, Ruth quickly continued, her tone shifting to something lighter, as if trying to push the weight of her past aside. "I'm seventeen now, working here for the Mane family and saving up enough money to start my own cultivation journey. I've always wanted to become a healer," she said, her voice regaining a bit of hope and excitement. "I think it'd be amazing to join a party, you know? Parties are like families. They explore together, face challenges together… it sounds like the kind of life I'd like to have. Not to mention, being able to help others on their adventures—that's something I'd really love to do."
She smiled at the thought, though there was still a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. "I want to make something of myself. To do more than just survive."
Alex, touched by her story, nodded thoughtfully. "That's an incredible dream, Ruth. I think you'd make an amazing healer—and a great addition to any party. You've been through a lot, but you've still got hope. That's something."
Ruth glanced at him, her smile a little brighter this time, though her eyes still held that distant sorrow. "Thanks, Alex. That means a lot."
They walked in silence for a while longer, the air between them more comfortable now, both carrying their own burdens but feeling a little less alone in doing so.
As Alex and Ruth reached the kitchen, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, immediately making Alex's stomach rumble. His eyes scanned the room, and they landed on a familiar face—the same pot-bellied chef from the Vana woods, the one who had offered him stew and given him chocolate and nuts. The man turned, spotting Alex, and his face lit up with a broad smile.
"Ah, Sir Alex! Good morning!" The chef's voice boomed as he approached, arms wide open. Before Alex could react, he was swept into a hearty embrace, the chef's large hands patting his back affectionately. "It's good to see you again, lad. And Ruth, good morning to you as well!"
Ruth grinned and nodded. "Good morning, Chef Hugh."
Alex smiled warmly, glad to see the friendly face again. "Good morning! I'm ready to help with breakfast and whatever else needs to be done for today's activities." He paused for a moment, recalling their first meeting in the woods. "But… I don't think I ever caught your name last time," Alex said, hoping not to come off as rude.
The chef blinked, then let out a deep, hearty laugh. "Ah! Apologies, lad. I was too focused on that stew back then." He gave Alex a wink. "The name's Chef Hugh, but you can just call me Hugh like everyone else does. No need for formalities in my kitchen!"
Alex smiled, relieved at the chef's easygoing nature. "Nice to officially meet you, Hugh."
While the two exchanged pleasantries, Ruth had already busied herself. She grabbed two aprons from a hook by the door, tying one around her waist with practiced ease before tossing the other to Alex.
"Here," she said with a smile, "better put this on. You wouldn't want to get flour or grease all over your clothes on your first day."
Alex caught the apron and smiled back. "Thanks, Ruth." He slipped it over his head, quickly tying it at the waist. As he adjusted it, he glanced around the bustling kitchen, watching the flurry of activity as cooks worked at various stations. He could feel the anticipation building for the day's events.
Chef Hugh clapped his hands together. "Alright, you two. Today's going to be a busy one, what with all the preparations for the family breakfast and the upcoming gathering. Let's get cracking, eh? Ruth, why don't you show young Alex here the ropes? He seems eager to learn."
Ruth nodded, her smile growing more mischievous. "Of course, Chef. Alex, let's see how well you can handle breakfast duty for the Mane family."
She led Alex to a countertop filled with fresh vegetables, eggs, and spices, and began explaining the routine. "We're making scrambled eggs with herbs, bacon, and some roasted tomatoes. Simple, but it has to be perfect for the family. They have high expectations," Ruth said playfully, handing him a knife. "Think you can keep up?"
Alex grinned, ready for the challenge. "I'll give it my best shot."
As they worked side by side, Ruth gave him tips on how the Mane family liked their meals and explained the routine of preparing food for such a large estate. Chef Hugh bustled about, tossing the occasional joke their way, making the kitchen feel lively and warm despite the early hour. There was a rhythm to the work, and for a moment, Alex felt a sense of belonging.
It was his first day, and already, things were starting to feel a little more like home.
After finishing the last of the preparations, Alex wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The kitchen had been a whirlwind of activity, but somehow, everything had come together perfectly. He glanced over at Ruth and Chef Hugh, both of whom were still moving with effortless precision, and he couldn't help but smile widely.
"You two make this look so easy," Alex said, still catching his breath as he leaned against the counter.
Ruth chuckled softly, amused by his amazement. "It's all about practice and knowing the routine. After a while, it becomes second nature."
Chef Hugh grinned at Alex, his arms crossed. "You did well for your first day, lad. Not everyone can keep up, but you've got the right spirit. A little more practice and you'll be running this kitchen in no time."
Alex blushed slightly at the praise, but his curiosity got the better of him. "So, what exactly is today's event?" he asked, looking over at Ruth.
Ruth's smile widened as if she had been waiting for the question. "Today is Sunday, and every Sunday, the Mane family sits all the butlers and guards down for breakfast. It's a tradition where they show their appreciation for all the hard work we do. They also take the time to discuss the upcoming week's events and schedules, making sure everyone is prepared for what's ahead."
Alex blinked in disbelief, not sure if he had heard her right. "Wait, they… sit down with all the butlers and guards? To show appreciation?"
Ruth, noticing his puzzled expression, laughed and gently grabbed his hand, leading him toward the dining room. "Yes, exactly. I know it sounds strange, especially if you're used to places where servants are treated as invisible, but the Mane family isn't like that. They believe in recognizing everyone's efforts. Come on, I'll show you."
Still somewhat in shock, Alex followed her to the family's large dining room, where preparations for breakfast were already in full swing. The long table was being set with fine utensils, plates, and warm platters of food. The air smelled of fresh-baked bread and savory meats, and the golden sunlight from the windows bathed the room in a soft, welcoming glow.
As they set the table together, Alex's mind was spinning. It was hard for him to grasp that the noble family he was now serving actually valued their staff enough to share a meal with them and discuss the week ahead. It was such a stark contrast to the way nobles and servants were treated back in Vana.
Ruth could sense his disbelief but didn't push him to speak further. Instead, she focused on showing him the ropes, explaining where each utensil went and how the food should be presented. As they worked side by side, her calm confidence helped ease his nerves.
"Ready for your first official breakfast with the Mane family?" she asked teasingly, nudging him lightly.
Alex smiled, still processing everything, but feeling more at ease. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
Once the long table was fully prepared for the morning event, all the butlers and guards took their respective seats, the air buzzing with the usual chatter and anticipation. Alex, still new to the routine, sat down next to Ruth, who gave him an encouraging nod. It seemed like a normal morning, but there was an underlying tension that Alex couldn't quite place.
As the last few servants settled in, Lady Mane entered the room, accompanied by Bartlow. Both wore expressions that were unfamiliar to Alex—hesitant and sorrowful. The lively chatter in the room began to die down as their presence commanded the attention of everyone. Lady Mane took her seat at the head of the table, and Bartlow remained standing beside her, his face a mask of quiet seriousness.
Before anyone could dig into the meal laid before them, Lady Mane cleared her throat, her voice calm but carrying a weight that instantly made everyone stop. "Before we begin this morning's meal, I have an important announcement to make," she said, her tone gentle but firm.
The room grew quiet, all eyes on her. Alex could feel the tension rising, sensing that something was terribly wrong. Lady Mane's hands clasped tightly together as she continued, "Due to the recent tax reliefs placed upon the citizens of Gorin—those under the jurisdiction of the Baron House of Mane—there are certain measures we must now take. Unfortunately, due to these tax cuts and a poor harvest this season, our household is unable to sustain its current budget."
A ripple of shock spread across the room. Whispers broke out among the butlers and guards, eyes wide as they exchanged worried glances. Alex sat frozen, unsure of what this meant, though Ruth's clenched fists on the table gave him a clue that it wasn't good news.
Lady Mane continued, her voice faltering for a moment as she pressed on. "As a result, there will need to be… budget cuts. This means we are unable to continue paying each of our butlers and guards their full wages. As compensation for this difficult decision, Bartlow will now pass around a week's worth of wages to those affected, along with a recommendation letter to neighboring noble estates. This will guarantee each of you work should you choose to leave."
The moment the words left her lips, the room erupted into murmurs of shock, anger, and disbelief. The suddenness of the announcement struck like a hammer. Alex could feel the weight of their collective frustration building like a storm in the room. Even Ruth, who usually maintained a calm composure, looked deeply troubled.
Bartlow, sensing the growing unrest, raised his voice, his commanding tone silencing the uproar immediately. "Quiet!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. The room fell into an uneasy silence, all eyes now on him. Lady Mane glanced at Bartlow with quiet gratitude, her face etched with sorrow.
Once the room had settled, Lady Mane spoke again, her voice softer but filled with sincerity. "This was not an easy decision. I want you all to know that we explored every option, but due to this year's crop epidemic, the harvest has been poor. It came down to either increasing taxes on the local citizens, many of whom are already struggling, or cutting back on household services. I determined this to be the better outcome for everyone involved."
The room remained quiet, though the tension was palpable. Lady Mane's voice wavered as she continued, "I understand that some of you may wish to leave, and I will not hold it against you. But know that those of you who remain will still be a part of this household, and I deeply value your service. For those who are leaving, I hope you understand the situation, and I thank you for your years of dedication and loyalty to this family."
The butlers and guards who had been let go stood in stunned silence, processing her words. Slowly, one by one, they began to nod in understanding. Despite the initial shock and anger, there was a collective acknowledgment that this was the best choice given the circumstances. Many of those being let go had families who would have been devastated by increased taxes, and the knowledge that Lady Mane had chosen to protect the citizens of Gorin over her household spoke volumes about her character.
"I thank you for this kindness, Lady Mane," one of the senior butlers said, his voice calm yet heavy. "We understand the burden this must have been for you. You've done what's best for the people."
There were murmurs of agreement, and even the guards—some of whom had initially reacted with anger—nodded in understanding. They, too, realized the wisdom in her decision, even if it meant personal hardship for them. The air was heavy with resignation but also respect.
Alex, still processing everything, glanced over at Ruth, who gave him a small, sad smile. She, too, understood that this was the reality of noble life—sacrifices had to be made, and even in a baron's house, resources weren't infinite.
Bartlow handed out the remaining envelopes to those who were leaving, his expression solemn but professional. As he moved around the table, he gave each person a respectful nod, as if acknowledging their service one last time.
Lady Mane, her voice now barely above a whisper, added one final sentiment. "I am truly sorry for any hardship this decision may cause. But I believe, in time, it will be the best outcome for everyone. You will always have my gratitude."
The meal continued in a more subdued atmosphere, but there was a quiet sense of resolution. The butlers and guards who were staying and those who were leaving shared a mutual understanding—this was the cost of life under the Mane estate, and they would move forward as best they could.
Alex, absorbing everything, couldn't help but admire the strength Lady Mane displayed despite the sorrow in her eyes. This was the reality of noble life—hard choices had to be made, and even those in power weren't immune to the harsh realities of the world.
Ruth leaned over to Alex as the meal resumed, her voice low. "It's tough, but she made the right call. This could have been much worse."
Alex nodded, still deep in thought. "Yeah… it could have."
As the morning wore on, the weight of the news lingered, but the sense of family within the household remained intact. It was clear to Alex that this was a place where honor and responsibility ran deep, even when it came with difficult decisions.