The soft music of violins echoed through the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, reflecting lights that danced on the walls decorated with rich tapestries. It was a setting so lavish that anyone would be dazzled, but for Cale Von Arden, the confusion overshadowed any admiration. He blinked a few times, trying to adjust his vision to the unfamiliar surroundings.
'Where am I?' he muttered to himself, as memories of his past life appeared in flashes. He was Ethan Blake, a respected and competent hotel manager. Or rather, he had been. Now he was in a place that seemed straight out of a novel - one he knew well.
A light touch on his shoulder brought him back to reality. A young servant, wearing a simple but elegant uniform, stared at him with a mixture of urgency and irritation.
'Cale, what are you doing standing around? Lady Althea needs you now.'
Cale took a deep breath and nodded. Despite the surreal situation, his experience in dealing with pressure kept him calm. He followed the servant to a young woman who was standing near the entrance to the hall. Lady Althea Rowan, his mistress, seemed out of place in the atmosphere full of nobles chatting and dancing. Her delicate face displayed an expression of slight discomfort, which partially disappeared when she saw him.
'My Lady,' he said with a slight bow. 'How may I serve you?'
Althea looked around hesitantly before speaking. 'I need to speak to Minister Rowan, but... he's surrounded by so many people. I don't know how to approach him without seeming inconvenient.'
Cale tilted his head, analysing the situation. He quickly realised that the group around the Minister consisted of influential figures who made access difficult. With a slight smile, he replied:
'Leave it to me, my Lady. I'll make my way discreetly.'
With calculated steps, he moved through the crowd. His demeanour was impeccable; every movement and gesture conveyed confidence and professionalism. He addressed a respectful greeting to a few key figures, creating a natural gap in the conversation. Shortly afterwards, Althea managed to approach the Minister without difficulty.
While she chatted, Cale remained in the background, but attentive. His discreet but efficient presence caught the attention of some of the guests. Whispers about the 'butler extraordinaire' began to circulate around the hall.
At the end of the evening, Lady Althea approached him with a sincere smile. 'You were... brilliant, Cale. I don't know how I would have managed without you.'
He inclined his head, keeping his expression serene. 'It's my duty, my Lady. I'll always be here to serve you.'
As they returned to the residence, Cale reflected on the night's events. He realised that he was in a delicate position. This wasn't just a fantasy world; it was a living story, with real people. And he was determined not to be just an extra. If fate had put him there, he would do his best to mould it.