[POV SWITCH: HARUO]
It had been a few days since I started this job, and the atmosphere was already charged with tension. My mistress had attempted various clever methods to sneak out, from feigned illnesses to elaborate distractions.
Each time, I stayed vigilant, keeping her in check. It became a delicate game of cat and mouse, with her frustration growing as I anticipated her every move. Despite her audacity, I was resolute in maintaining control and upholding my responsibilities.
***
[a couple days ago]
I woke up to the incessant ringing of my alarm clock, its shrill sound cutting through the peaceful veil of sleep. With a groan, I slowly rose from my bed, my limbs heavy with fatigue as I reached out to silence the relentless beeping.
'That memory is really sticking to me like glue isn't it?'
Sitting on the edge of the mattress, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling the weight of the day ahead pressing down on me.
As I stood up, I stretched my arms high above my head, feeling the gentle pull in my muscles, waking them up from their slumber.
I glanced at the clock, and my heart sank when I saw the time it was 7:30 AM. My meeting was in just 30 minutes, and I had a lot to do to prepare. Despite being a little almost late it didn't really bother me that much.
I wasn't in much of a hurry; after all, thirty minutes was more than enough time. I could accomplish a lot in just that span. Whether it was organizing my thoughts or preparing for what lay ahead, I felt confident that I could make the most of it.
I went to the bathroom stretching and faced myself in the mirror. Taking in a really, really deep breath. I took my toothpaste and brush.
But as I squeezed my toothpaste onto the brush, I accidentally knocked the tube, sending a glob splattering onto the floor. I stepped back, my foot slipping slightly on the slick surface.
"Great, just what I needed," I sighed, quickly wiping up the mess.
I took my time in the hot shower, letting the steam relax my muscles. Time was ticking away, but I didn't really care; I knew I could get there quickly enough.
***
After my bath, I dressed quickly in my uniform and headed toward the door, double-checking everything in a moment of paranoia. Satisfied, I leaned down and gave my brother a light kiss on the forehead, murmuring a quiet goodbye as he groaned, still lost in sleep.
I placed my hand on the handle, ready to head outside, but time was running out. So I made a quick decision: I jumped from the window, leaping onto the roof of a nearby building.
As I landed, I moved steadily from building to building, maintaining a brisk pace. I kept my focus on the path ahead, feeling a subtle urgency but not losing my composure.
Each step brought me closer to my destination, and I reminded myself to stay calm while ensuring I arrived on time.
"See? It wasn't that bad! Oh, right! Now I remember why I was paranoid—I forgot to make breakfast," I muttered, taking a deep breath as I stood up straight.
As the clock struck 8:00 AM, I arrived at my destination, feeling a blend of relief and mild anticipation. I reached for the bell and pressed it, the sound resonating softly in the stillness around me.
Slowly, the large gate creaked open, the sound grating on my ears since I had just woken up. Despite the discomfort, it granted me access to the impressive manor.
Stepping through the gate, I took a moment to collect myself. I brushed off my clothes, ensuring I looked presentable before meeting the esteemed head of the Hyakagure family.
The grandeur of the manor surrounded me, heightening my excitement as I prepared for the encounter that awaited within those walls.
"I wasn't able to make breakfast for me and my brother, I'm kind off hungry but I'll i have worry about that later" I took one last deep breath before entering the manor
The moment I set foot inside the manor, I transformed my expression into one of strict seriousness, determined to maintain a professional demeanor.
As I walked through the grand corridors adorned with exquisite paintings and antique furniture, I couldn't help but notice the walls, painted a deep crimson hue that resembled blood.
This ominous color added an air of intensity to the atmosphere, heightening my sense of purpose. Each step echoed in the silence, reminding me of the importance of the meeting ahead.
I remained focused, mentally preparing myself for the encounter with the head of the Hyakagure family, fully aware of the expectations that lay before me.
After walking for what felt like an eternity through the ornate corridors, I finally arrived at the office door of the head of the family.
Above the door, a gleaming sign made of gold proudly displayed the name "Leon Hyakagure," shining under the soft light.
I steadied my nerves, and I raised my hand and knocked three times, each rap echoing with a sense of anticipation. I can't wait for my pay day, even though i just started.
The sound reverberated in the air, marking the moment before I would step into the inner sanctum of one of the most influential families. I stood poised, ready to face whatever awaited me on the other side of that door.
"Come in," a voice called out from within, breaking the silence after I knocked three times.
As I opened the door, my gaze was drawn to a figure standing in the center of the room. He appeared to be in his early thirties, despite being 46 according to the documents, with round glasses perched on his nose that gave him an air of intelligence. His straight black hair swayed slightly to the side, framing his face with effortless elegance.
What struck me most were his eyes, a striking crimson hue that mirrored the deep red of the walls around us, adding an enigmatic depth to his presence. Dressed in a sophisticated grey attire that complemented his sharp features, he exuded an aura of authority and poise.
This was Leon Hyakagure, the head of the family, and as soon as he saw me, he smiled, easing the tension in the air.
"You must be the new butler," he said, his tone both welcoming and authoritative.
"Please, take a seat." As he slowly walked to his desk, I could feel the weight of his gaze. He settled into his chair, his crimson eyes studying me intently.
"I trust you're ready for the responsibilities that come with this position." Not long after I sat down, I nodded in acknowledgment, eager to prove my worth.
"Yes, sir" I reply with a strict and calm expression
"Okay, good," A hint of satisfaction in his voice.
"I'm Leon Hyakagure, the head of the Hyakagure family" he was calm and straight-forward about his introduction.
"My name is haruo chiharu, nice to meet you" I bow during my introduction
"So, your name is 'Spring Born Boy of a Thousand Springs?'" He chuckled a little.
"What a nice name! But before we begin, I need to call someone here."
With that, he stood up from his chair, the fabric of his grey attire rustling softly, and walked purposefully out of the room, leaving me to gather my thoughts in the quiet space.
After a while, I heard the door open. As he stepped into the room, I noticed a woman following closely behind him.
To my surprise, she bore a striking resemblance to him. Her features were soft yet familiar, and the atmosphere in the room shifted slightly as they entered together.
"this will be your new butler and guard, meet haruo chiharu" he said to her
"It's you!" i felt a bit surprised because i have never met this woman a day in my life, yet he said he knew me.
"you know me, mistress?" i said in a confuse tone
"I saw you jumping from building to building earlier!!" her tone sounded like she was tired.
"Ohh, you saw that?" i simply replied
"Yeah of course!? How could i not see it!! you were literally leaping over buildings" Damn girl i can hear you, you don't need to shout anyways her tone got more tense the more she talked.
"I mean like seriously, you jumped across buildings and thought no one would notice?" That sentenced made me almost lose my poker face. But of course i didn't do that.
Not long after, Mr. Hyakagure silenced us with a commanding presence, instructing everyone to take a seat.
I complied immediately and settled into my chair. Moments later, she followed suit, gracefully taking her place. The air filled with a sense of anticipation as we prepared to hear what Mr. Hyakagure had to say.
"So let's get to the point here! Ena, your sneaking-out habit has become quite the problem, so I've had to hire a butler who will supervise you from now on. He'll be your guard and assistant, so go ahead and ask him whatever you like!" He then redirected his attention to Haruo.
"And you! Your job is to be at her side at all costs. You must protect, assist, and serve her—always! Keep your eyes on her; she can be tricky sometimes. Trust me, she's quite the troublemaker. And finally... that's it! Anything other than that, you're free to do whatever you want." so I'm stuck with her now? great.
after he dismissed both of us i began following mistress, she asked me some questions but i answered them all easily.
She resembled the typical noble character one might find in a novel, but her attitude set her apart. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing her striking royal red sapphire eyes, reminiscent of Mr. Hyakagure's vivid crimson gaze.
The outfit she wore was far from a traditional dress; it resembled a combat suit, tailored for agility and strength rather than elegance. on top of all that she was pretty.
***
"Oh my god..." looks like she forgot her wallet, ill just act like i don't know what's happening.
"what's wrong mistress?" i asked.
"i forgot my wallet" she had a disappointed tone
"do you wish to go back to the manor?" she nodded her head in disappointment.
Honestly, catching up to her was a bit tricky, but not too bad. Besides, who cares? I won, and I should've gotten a reward for that—but I guess not.
***
[present day]
I approach the door with an air of confidence, casually raising my hand to knock three times, each strike purposeful and assured.
Without waiting for a response, I push the door open and stroll into her room with tea in my hand thinking she was still asleep.
she wasn't in her bed.
"Oh shit."