The Crown Prince's chambers were as opulent as one would expect for the heir to the Erathian Empire. Gold-trimmed tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the empire's storied history of conquest and magic. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals refracting light into a dazzling display. At the center of the room sat Prince Cedric, his posture regal but his expression unreadable.
"Lady Seraphine," he greeted, rising from his chair. "And… your butler. Thank you for coming."
Seraphine inclined her head, her smile polite but icy. "Your Highness. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Cedric's gaze shifted to me, his piercing blue eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. "I couldn't help but notice your servant's performance today. Quite impressive for a commoner."
I bowed deeply, keeping my face neutral. "You honor me, Your Highness."
"Indeed," he said, his tone laced with curiosity. "Tell me, how did you come to serve House Valois?"
Seraphine answered before I could. "He was indentured to my family after his parents' passing. A tragic story, but one that's hardly unique among commoners."
Cedric nodded, though his eyes remained fixed on me. "And yet, he possesses skills far beyond his station. Swordplay, tactics, even a rudimentary grasp of magic. Most uncommon for someone of his… background."
I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my spine. He's probing. Testing me.
"I've had the privilege of observing Lady Seraphine's training," I said carefully. "Her excellence has been… instructive."
Seraphine's lips twitched, as if suppressing a smirk. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Lockhart."
Cedric chuckled, though his gaze remained sharp. "Modesty is a rare trait in these halls. Tell me, would you be interested in serving the crown?"
The question hung in the air like a guillotine's blade. Seraphine's smile vanished, replaced by a glare that could freeze lava. "Your Highness, I must object. Lockhart is a valued member of House Valois. Poaching him would be… unseemly."
Cedric raised a hand, his tone diplomatic but firm. "I meant no offense, Lady Seraphine. I merely recognize talent when I see it. And talent like his could benefit the empire."
I cleared my throat, breaking the tension. "Your Highness is too kind, but my loyalty lies with House Valois. I'm honored by your offer, but I must decline."
For a moment, Cedric's mask slipped, revealing a flicker of frustration. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "A loyal servant is a rare treasure indeed. Very well, I won't press the matter further. But should you ever reconsider, my door is always open."
Seraphine's smile returned, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you, Your Highness. If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave."
Cedric nodded, his expression unreadable once more. "Of course. Until next time, Lady Seraphine."
As we left the chambers, Seraphine's demeanor shifted. Her steps were brisk, her gloved hands clenched into fists. I followed in silence, knowing better than to speak first.
Once we were out of earshot, she stopped abruptly, turning to face me. "What game are you playing, Lockhart?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "My lady?"
"Don't play dumb," she snapped. "First, you humiliate Edric Renault. Then, you catch the Crown Prince's attention. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
I met her gaze, my voice steady. "I acted to protect your reputation, my lady. As for the prince, I have no interest in serving him."
She studied me for a long moment, her violet eyes searching for any hint of deception. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "See that it stays that way. The last thing I need is a scheming butler drawing unnecessary attention."
"Understood, my lady."
She turned on her heel, her robes swirling behind her. "Come. We have preparations to make for the upcoming ball. And Lockhart?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Don't think I've forgotten about your little magic trick. We'll discuss that later."
I suppressed a groan. Of course, she wouldn't let that slide.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of errands and preparations. The academy's annual Autumn Ball was fast approaching, and Seraphine was determined to make an impression. As her butler, it was my job to ensure everything went smoothly—from her gown to the guest list.
As I reviewed the list in the servants' quarters, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Excuse me, sir?"
I looked up to see Liana Hart standing in the doorway, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. Her rose-gold hair was tied back in a simple braid, and her gray dress was clean but worn.
"Can I help you?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
She hesitated, her doe eyes filled with uncertainty. "I… wanted to thank you. For what you did earlier. No one's ever stood up for me like that."
I set the list aside, leaning back in my chair. "Don't mention it. Lord Edric had it coming."
She smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Still, I'm grateful. I know it's not easy for someone like you to defy a noble."
"Someone like me?" I raised an eyebrow.
Her cheeks flushed. "I mean… a commoner. Like me."
I studied her for a moment, noting the shadows under her eyes and the faint tremble in her hands. In the game, Liana had been the epitome of innocence and resilience. But here, she seemed… fragile.
"You're not like me," I said finally. "You've got potential. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked like she might cry. "Thank you, sir. I… I won't."
As she left, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. In the game, Liana's rise to power had been fueled by hardship and betrayal. But here, she was just a scared girl trying to survive.
If I'm going to change Seraphine's fate, I'll need to keep an eye on her too.
End of Chapter 3