With the break of dawn, a sliver of sunlight pierced through the room, waking Layne from his slumber.
He rose from bed, donned his attire, and thus began another day of his duties as a butler.
Layne adapted quite swiftly and naturally to his role. After tutoring Naneli in magic the previous evening, Layne realized he had developed a fondness for this proud yet resilient young girl.
If his duties were solely to care for Naneli, he found it rather delightful.
Opening the door, he saw maids Daisy and Della diligently mopping the floor, apparently having started their tasks early.
Thinking he had arisen quite early himself…
"Good morning, Mr. Layne," greeted the sisters with radiant smiles. Layne nodded, returned the greeting, and proceeded to fetch water for his morning wash.
"I've already drawn water for the morning, including yours, Mr. Layne," Della suddenly remarked.
Taken aback, Layne smiled and nodded in appreciation, "Thank you for your efforts."
"No trouble at all. Please go ahead and refresh yourself, Mr. Layne, we must soon escort the young miss to the academy," she replied.
The Alcott Academy allowed students to be accompanied by either a guard knight or a private butler, though only one attendant was permitted as a mark of status.
After freshening up, Layne headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Daisy, enticed by the aroma, asked with anticipation, "Mr. Layne, what's for breakfast?"
"Why ask? You just worry about eating," he chuckled, gently pushing her away from the pot to prevent her drool from falling in.
The meal prepared, Layne was about to call Naneli, when he saw her room's door opening and Naneli yawning her way out, her face bearing signs of fatigue.
Her usually smooth golden hair looked tousled, almost nest-like.
Now dressed in the Alcott Academy's uniform—a beige outfit with a short skirt, a red ribbon tied at the collar, and white knee-high socks—she epitomized the academy's noble essence, appearing even more endearing to Layne.
"Miss, it's time to freshen up," Layne suggested, guessing that Naneli probably had a restless night.
Indeed, Layne guessed right; Naneli, having mastered a coveted spell last night, had spent the whole night tossing and turning in excitement, struggling to sleep.
Naneli, rubbing her eyes, simply responded, "I'm coming," and walked toward him.
This simple interaction, so unlike her usual self—who would typically nod at most—left Daisy and Della exchanging looks of amazement.
After having spent the most time with Naneli following her previous butler's departure, they knew her temperament well.
Typically, Naneli was curt and indifferent during such interactions.
Yet here she was, engaging Layne with a simple acknowledgement—a testament to his impact.
Della and Daisy gazed at Layne admiringly. Such was his charm!
Unaware of the difficulty his small conversation had eased, Layne felt a subtle joy at the slight thaw in his relations with Naneli.
Post-refreshment, Layne pulled a chair for Naneli and proceeded to dry her hair.
After absorbing most of the moisture with a towel, Layne murmured a spell and a gentle breeze flowed from his palms.
"Layne, where did you learn your magic?" Naneli inquired, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"My mentor was an elf," Layne replied openly, sparking even greater curiosity in Naneli, which she suppressed, maintaining her composure to avoid seeming overly eager.
After drying her hair, Layne's fingers ran through Naneli's silky locks, reminding him of the soft, harmless creatures he used to play with during his time in the knight's order.
Seated, Naneli began her meal with the cutlery Layne had provided, while he stood by, watching her.
Suddenly, Naneli turned to Layne, feigning indifference, "Have you eaten?"
Layne shook his head.
"Join me, then."
Puzzled, Layne responded, "Pardon?"
"It's just… you're taking me to the academy soon, and there won't be time for you to eat," Naneli explained, her voice trailing off as she averted her gaze.
"My pleasure," Layne replied, adhering to proper butler etiquette, and went to fetch his own meal.
Unseen by Layne, Naneli's fleeting blush deepened.
They finished their meal in a quietly poignant atmosphere, and Naneli, wiping her mouth, declared, "We should be off."
"Indeed," agreed Della, squinting and smiling, "The church bells should be ringing soon. If you don't hurry, you might be late."
Startled, Layne & Naneli stood abruptly.