The days following my fall blurred into a haze of rest and recovery. My room, lavishly decorated yet oddly stifling, felt like a gilded cage. I spent most of my time staring at the intricate ceiling, wondering how many more absurd accidents it would take before I earned my title as the village fool.
On the third day, I finally managed to sit up without feeling dizzy. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I tested my strength. Just as I steadied myself, the door creaked open, and in walked a tall figure in a formal butler's uniform.
“Good morning, Young Master Adrian,” he said with a slight bow. His demeanor was polished, and he carried an air of calm authority that both intrigued and unsettled me.
“Who the hell are you?” I blurted out, my tone sharper than I intended.
The butler’s expression didn’t falter. “Young Master, I am your butler, Thomas. I have been serving you for the past two years.”
“Two years?” I echoed, bewildered. “I don’t remember you at all.”
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“Understandable, given your current… adjustments,” Thomas replied, his voice steady. “But I assure you, I have been here throughout your upbringing, handling your needs and the affairs of the household.”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to reconcile his words with my reality. “So, what exactly do you do, Thomas? Aside from appearing out of nowhere?”
“I manage the household, assist with your daily activities, and ensure everything runs smoothly,” he explained, unfazed by my skepticism. “I also have the privilege of looking after you, Young Master. It is my duty.”
I crossed my arms, still processing this revelation. “Fine. Let’s just move on before I come up with any more brilliant ideas.”
“Of course,” Thomas replied, his tone shifting to one of earnestness. “If you would allow me, I can help you navigate your responsibilities and this new life as the heir to the Frostvale name.”
I nodded slowly, realizing I might need his guidance more than I’d initially thought. “Okay, Thomas. First things first: I need you to bring me every book about nobility, household names, ranks, and anything else that might help me not embarrass myself in public.”
“Very well, Young Master,” he replied with a slight bow. “I will gather the necessary materials and ensure you are well-prepared.”
“Great,” I said, feeling a little more hopeful. “Let’s start with a light breakfast, then we can dive into the library and figure out just how deep this rabbit hole goes.”
“Of course,” Thomas said, gesturing toward the door. “After breakfast, we can discuss your upcoming duties and how to prepare for your engagement with Arch Duke Lucien.”
“Engagement. Right,” I muttered, feeling a knot form in my stomach. Just another thing to look forward to—like a trip to the dentist, only with more drama and potential for betrayal.
With that, I stood up, still feeling the remnants of my fall but determined to face whatever lay ahead. As we walked side by side, I couldn’t shake the thought: if life as a young lord was going to be this ridiculous, I might as well invest in a good set of bandages.