"Young master, the new butler is here to see you," the maid gently awakened Lish as the first light of dawn filtered through his bedroom curtains.
Lish nodded, stretching and shaking off the remnants of sleep. He headed to the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath his feet helping to wake him up fully. He turned on the shower, letting the hot water cascade over him, washing away the fatigue from yesterday's intense training. After a thorough scrub, he stepped out, feeling refreshed and revitalized. He selected a tailored, deep navy suit from his wardrobe, paired with a crisp white shirt and a silk tie. The outfit was elegant yet practical, befitting his status while allowing him freedom of movement.
Making his way to the guest room, Lish entered to find a man standing at attention. The man was about 1.9 meters tall, his posture upright and disciplined. His hair, though styled with care today, retained a slightly messy look, suggesting he typically didn't bother with such efforts. His eyes were a deep grey, an uncommon and striking color. His build was firm, hinting at considerable physical strength, and his facial features were stern yet softened by a touch of warmth, reminding Lish of his own father's demeanor.
"Greetings, Young Master Lysander Aurelius. I am Luke Bernold, a butler arranged to tailor to your needs," the man said with a respectful bow. His voice was calm and steady, conveying both professionalism and a subtle eagerness to serve.
"Alright, let's sit first," Lish replied, gesturing towards the seating area.
As they took their seats, Lish noticed an envelope on the table. He recognized it as Luke's biography and credentials for this position. Curious to learn more about his new butler, he tore open the envelope and pulled out the papers inside. The detailed document outlined Luke's impressive background:
Name: Luke Bernold
Age: 21 years old
Graduate: Solstice Academy
Achievements:
- A-rank Hunter: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills and strategic acumen, honed through numerous successful missions.
- Top 10 Graduate: Graduated among the top ten in his class at Solstice Academy, known for its rigorous curriculum and high standards.
- Special Skills: Expertise in various forms of combat, including hand-to-hand and weapon-based techniques; adept in tactical planning and execution; proficient in several languages, ensuring seamless communication in diverse situations.
- Previous Experience: Served as a junior butler to the Viscount of Elrond, where he was responsible for both household management and security operations. Additionally, participated in several high-risk missions, contributing to his elevated hunter rank.
- Personal Qualities: Known for his loyalty, discretion, and unwavering commitment to his duties. Highly adaptable and quick-thinking, capable of handling unexpected challenges with poise.
Lish looked up from the document, impressed by Luke's credentials. "Your resume is quite impressive, Luke. You seem well-equipped for this role."
"Thank you, young master," Luke responded, a hint of pride in his voice. "I am honored to be in your service and will do my utmost to meet your expectations."
Lish nodded, appreciating Luke's professionalism and the sense of reliability he exuded. "I expect discretion and loyalty above all. Some matters require absolute confidentiality."
"Of course, young master," Luke affirmed, his expression serious. "Your trust will not be misplaced."
With that assurance, Lish felt a growing sense of confidence in his new butler. Luke's diverse skill set and experience made him an ideal candidate, not only for managing household affairs but also for supporting Lish in his secret endeavors related to the system.
Despite trusting his parents to keep his secrets, Lish decided to ensure absolute confidentiality by signing a mana oath contract with Luke. The mana contract, as the name suggests, is a magical agreement binding both parties through their mutual consent and a drop of their blood. This contract is unique to their world, providing a mystical assurance that the terms will be upheld.
The process involved both users agreeing to the terms laid out in the contract and then sealing it with their blood. If either party were to break the agreement, the contract would not cause physical harm but would immediately alert both individuals. The contract's strength lies in its reputation; breaking it incurs severe legal consequences, ensuring its efficacy. Moreover, the Aurelius family's reputation further reinforced the contract's gravity. With many strong hunters working for them, including Lish's father, an SSS-rank hunter and one of the ten strongest in the world, nobody in their right mind would want to provoke such a formidable family. The Aurelius name commanded both respect and fear globally, bolstered by their ownership of one of the largest guilds, Arcana.
"Please sign this mana oath," Lish said to Luke, his eyes steady and unwavering. He knew that if Luke refused, despite his impressive qualifications, their arrangement would be nullified.
Luke had anticipated this requirement. His previous experience at the Viscount's house had familiarized him with such protocols. He glanced over the terms of the contract:
1. The butler must perform all duties assigned by the master diligently and efficiently.
2. The butler must ensure the safety and well-being of the master at all times.
3. The butler must maintain the confidentiality of all matters discussed with the master.
4. The butler must not disclose any personal information about the master or the family to any outside party.
5. The butler must act with the highest integrity and loyalty, prioritizing the master's interests above all else.
6. The butler must not leak any information about the master's missions or intelligence during or after his service without the owner's permission.
Satisfied with the terms, Luke pricked his fingertip, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the contract. Lish followed suit, cutting his fingertip slightly until his blood joined Luke's on the parchment. As their blood mingled on the document, a faint glow enveloped it, signifying the magical binding of the agreement.
The light pulsed gently before fading away, leaving the contract glowing softly before returning to its original state. The contract was now sealed, the mana within it ensuring that both parties were bound to its terms.
Luke looked up at Lysander, a solemn expression on his face. "The contract is a complete, young master. You have my loyalty and discretion."
Lysander nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Luke. Let's begin our work. The first thing I want you to do is to acquire all the basic teleportation spells that exist for me to learn"
With the mana contract in place, Lish felt more secure in his plans. He knew that he could trust Luke implicitly, ensuring that his secrets and the advantages of the system remained protected. This step not only safeguarded his interests but also cemented the bond between him and his new butler, setting a strong foundation for their future endeavors.