Elias wiped the sweat from his brow as he struggled to lift yet another bale of hay onto the stack in the corner of the stable.
The stable work, far more physically demanding than anything he'd done before, was already taking a toll on his slight frame.
His arms felt like lead, his back ached, and his mind buzzed with exhaustion. Yet, despite his weariness, the whispers and flickering figures of ghosts lingered in the corners of his vision, distracting him at the worst possible moments.
Just that morning, he had nearly dropped a bucket of water on his foot after mistaking a ghostly figure for a stablehand. The memory of the other servants laughing at his clumsiness only added to his frustration.
Elias barely had time to catch his breath before he was summoned to Prince Aedric's chambers. As he stumbled into the room, his clothes still dusty from the stables, he found Aedric pacing excitedly, a small flame flickering in his palm.
"Elias! Look at this!" Aedric said, his voice filled with pride as he tossed the flame from one hand to the other. "I've been practicing all morning. My magic is getting stronger!"
Elias tried to muster enthusiasm, but his body betrayed him. His eyes felt heavy, and his limbs were sluggish. "That's... great, Your Highness," he mumbled, offering a weak smile.
Aedric frowned, his excitement dimming. "That's all you have to say?" he snapped, extinguishing the flame with a sharp flick of his wrist. "You don't even care, do you?"
Elias flinched at the prince's tone. "I do care, Your Highness. It's just..." He trailed off, unsure how to explain his exhaustion without sounding like he was making excuses.
"You're always tired these days!" Aedric crossed his arms, glaring at him. "What's the point of having you around if you can't even pay attention to me? I'll tell Head Maid Sasha to take you off stable duty. You're supposed to be with me all the time!"
Elias opened his mouth to protest, but Aedric was already storming toward the door, intent on making his demands known.
Fortunately, Head Maid Sasha arrived just in time to intercept the prince. "Your Highness," she said, her tone carefully measured, "I understand your frustrations, but Elias has been assigned to the stables for a reason. It's important that he fulfills his responsibilities."
"I don't care!" Aedric retorted, his voice rising. "I'm the prince, and I decide what's important. I want Elias with me, not wasting his time in the stables!"
Sasha took a deep breath, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Your Highness, Elias is not wasting his time. He is learning discipline and hard work—qualities that will benefit you in the long run. But if you wish, I will ensure he balances his duties better."
Aedric huffed, clearly dissatisfied, but he didn't push the issue further. "Fine," he muttered, glaring at the floor. "But if he keeps ignoring me, I'll take matters into my own hands."
Sasha bowed slightly, hiding the irritation that flickered across her face. "Of course, Your Highness. Now, why don't you return to your lessons while I handle this matter?"
______
Once the prince was out of earshot, Sasha turned her attention to Elias, who stood awkwardly nearby, his head bowed. "You," she said sharply, her voice like the crack of a whip, "are testing my patience."
Elias flinched, his exhaustion only amplifying the guilt he already felt. "I'm sorry, Head Maid Sasha. I didn't mean to upset him—"
"Sorry isn't good enough," she interrupted, stepping closer. "You're here to serve the prince, not to shuffle around like a half-dead ghost."
At the mention of ghosts, Elias stiffened, but Sasha didn't seem to notice. "I don't care how tired you are," she continued. "You will find a way to manage your duties in the stables and your responsibilities to Prince Aedric. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Elias murmured, his voice barely audible.
"Good." Sasha straightened, her gaze still sharp. "Now, get back to work. And the next time the prince calls for you, I expect you to show some enthusiasm. Do not make me regret allowing you to stay in his service."
As Sasha walked away, Elias felt a weight settle on his chest. He wanted to explain that his exhaustion wasn't entirely his fault—that the constant presence of ghosts was draining him more than the physical labor ever could. But he knew better than to argue.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of stable work and hurried trips to and from the prince's chambers. By the time night fell, Elias could barely keep his eyes open. Yet, as he lay on his cot in the servants' quarters, sleep refused to come.
The system's voice broke the silence, its usual teasing replaced with a rare note of concern. "You're going to burn out if you keep this up, you know."
"I don't have a choice," Elias muttered, his voice muffled by the pillow. "Sasha's right—I'm supposed to serve the prince, not complain about how hard it is."
"You're more than a servant, Elias," the system said. "You've got a mission here, remember? And if you push yourself too hard, you won't be able to complete it."
Elias sighed, rolling onto his back. "What am I supposed to do? Tell the prince and Sasha that I'm seeing ghosts and losing sleep over it? They'd think I've lost my mind."
The system was silent for a moment before replying. "Just... take care of yourself, okay? You're no use to anyone if you collapse."
Elias closed his eyes, the system's words echoing in his mind. He didn't know how to balance everything—the stable work, the prince's demands, the ghosts that haunted him—but he knew he had to try. For now, all he could do was survive one day at a time.
______
In the dimly lit council chamber, the air was thick with anticipation. Emperor Alaric sat at the head of the table, his presence a commanding blend of regal authority and quiet contemplation. Around him were a select few—his most trusted advisors—assembled to discuss matters of utmost importance concerning the future of the kingdom.
Royal Advisor Xavier, a meticulous man with a keen eye for politics, cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Your Majesty," he began, his tone formal but laced with concern, "there is a matter we must address regarding His Highness, Prince Aedric."
The emperor's gaze shifted to Xavier, inviting him to continue.
"It pertains to his growing reliance on his servant, Elias," Xavier said, folding his hands atop the table. "While it is natural for children to form bonds with their caregivers or companions, the prince's attachment to this boy has become... excessive."
Head Maid Sasha, standing with her hands clasped tightly in front of her, nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty, I have observed the same. Prince Aedric has come to depend on Elias for everything, from his emotional comfort to his daily routines. The boy is of low origin and lacks the education or refinement to be a proper influence on the future ruler of this empire."
Emperor Alaric's expression remained impassive, but those who knew him well could see the faint tightening of his jaw—a sign that he was absorbing their words.
Xavier continued, "The prince's bond with Elias has also influenced Lady Selene. She, too, has grown attached to the boy, often seeking his company over her own tutors or peers. This dynamic is... problematic. It could undermine the structure we are trying to build for their future roles as leaders of this empire."
The emperor's gaze shifted to Sasha, who straightened under his scrutiny. "Your Majesty," she said carefully, "we believe it would be in the best interest of the kingdom—and the prince—if this reliance were curbed.
While Elias has served well in his capacity, he is, ultimately, just a servant. Prince Aedric must learn to trust and depend on those of his own station. It would also help Lady Selene focus on her studies and obligations rather than distractions."
For a moment, the room fell silent as the emperor weighed their words. Then, Sasha decided to press forward with her suggestion.
"Perhaps," she said, her voice steady but cautious, "we could consider a temporary reassignment for Elias. The temple, for instance, could use capable hands. Elias's skills would be put to good use there, and it would offer Prince Aedric an opportunity to adjust to the company of others."
Xavier nodded in agreement. "An excellent proposal, Your Majesty.
A temporary assignment would not only provide Elias with new experiences but also give the prince a chance to develop bonds with others who are more suitable to his station. If successful, the reassignment could be extended, ensuring a gradual transition without abrupt changes."
The emperor leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes focused on the pair. "Do you truly believe this would benefit my son?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge of scrutiny.