“Good morning, everyone! It’s nice to see you all awake so early…and energetic.”
Leonis Sanguis stood at the main spacious hall at the entrance of the estate. Before him, in an orderly line, stood all his workers. Be it maids, chefs, or the two guards that looked young and inexperienced.
Unlike Evelyn, who was certain that her master was not the real one, the rest of the servants were oblivious. Therefore, upon hearing his abrupt summon, most were nervous and thought he would throw a tantrum or might even fire them for doing something he did not like.
Unexpectedly, their master wasn’t angry. In fact, he was in a very good mood; Cheerful and with a bright smile, he also did not speak condescendingly, as is his wont.
“I’m sure you are confused about this. However, fear not, for I consider this a friendly discussion rather than a strict meeting between employer and employee.”
Standing behind him, Evelyn was as perplexed as the rest. She looked at him with a slight frown, one that she had one too many times these past few days.
Unfortunately, even after hearing his declaration, the servants were still looking unsettled and expecting something bad to happen.
“Today is a celebratory day. For that reason, I want us all to have breakfast together. What do you say?”
His suggestion was met with a long and awkward silence. Nonetheless, Arthur did not give up.
“Chef Holms, I believe it is possible to prepare a delicious meal for all of us, yes?”
An elderly and well-built chef raised his head, though he did not respond immediately. He collected his thoughts then continuously nodded.
“Sorry to trouble you at such a short notice. Do not forget to prepare a portion for yourself as well, hahaha..”
Once he was done saying his piece, Arthur signaled for them to return to their tasks while Chef Holms finished the ‘grand breakfast’.
Meanwhile, Arthur patiently waited in the dining room, his maid ever present.
“Master, what are you intending to do?”
“Oh? Did you not clearly hear me? I mean to eat with you and yours.”
“If you mean to keep up appearances and… pretend to actually be Lord Leonis, this might be a bad move.”
“What are you insinuating, my dear Evelyn? Am I not Leonis Sanguis, in the flesh? Do not speak such nonsense lest somebody hears you and labels you as crazy.”
“Master, this has to do with the Gold and what you told me yesterday, right? I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind your actions.”
“Come on now, Evelyn.”
As he was sitting, Arthur half-turned his body then tilted his body as he gazed up at the maid.
“Is it so wrong to spend quality time with my servants? I believe we can bond and make each other happy and satisfied.”
“...”
“Is that skepticism I spy in your eyes? You wound me!”
“You are plotting something, Master.”
“Every hour of every day, but never mind you that. Come, I prepared this seat specifically for you.”
He pulled the chair next to him and motioned for her to sit, which she did not. The maid kept giving him that suspicious stare, ever trying to see through his smile.
“This will not end well, Master. Forgive my bluntness but not all the servants here like or respect you.”
“Which is why I’m willing to make amends. To patch things up.”
“...”
****
Thirty minutes after the ‘meeting’ in the hall, Chef Holms prepared more than enough food for everyone. However, even after the food was placed on the wide table, none of the servants dared to sit down.
All stood there, nervously, some even looking at Evelyn for help. None knew what was going on and Leonis’ strikingly different attitude gave birth to suspicion. Yet, none actually suspected that he might be a different person, such a thought didn’t even cross their minds. They attributed this to alcohol… or some sort of a drug.
"Sit down, if you will. The food isn’t going to eat itself.”
..
“What a poor lad! To think she rejected an innocent soul like you.”
Arthur chuckled as he stared at one of the two guards, a young man who was flushing in embarrassment after recounting the recent tale of his rejection. He was named Joshua and came from a humble background, but he still managed to get hired by a noble as a simple guard.
Not only that, he was lucky enough to be hired alongside his friend, Sakker. The two were only 22 years old and though they weren’t particularly good fighters, they, at least, knew how to wield a sword.
“...”-Evelyn
The maid was, quite frankly, surprised by this turn of events. When the servants got seated, the atmosphere was still awkward and most, if not all, were feeling nervous and out of place. However, Arthur, through incessant talking and a lot of friendly questions, was able to make a couple of them warm up and start speaking more freely.
Of course, there were some reserved servants that preferred to eat and simply listen. There were also those who clearly did not like Lord Leonis, and though subtle, their gazes contained anger and disdain.
That morning, breakfast lasted a whopping two hours, in which Arthur bonded with quite a few of his servants. Chef Holms spoke of his past and how he participated in the war thirty four years ago.
Sakker and Joshua were dumbfoundedly innocent, barely knowing anything about the outside world or how to even properly socialize, though, ironically, that’s what made them likeable by all the servants.
There was, also, a group of three maids who liked to gossip. They weren’t fond of Evelyn due to her cold and strict nature, but they welcomed their master’s change and did not shy away from asking personal questions, but only after a warm encouragement from the person in question.
****
“I want you to call four of the servants. Elyna, Asper, the elderly Byol’ka, and Josephine.”
Once he filled his stomach and went back to his office, Arthur looked through some old documents before instructing Evelyn. The maid glanced at the papers in his hands before saying,
“Master, are you planning to fire them because they reciprocate your friendliness?”
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“Come on, do you really think I’m that cruel? I just want to have a private chat with them. One at a time. Now, hop to it, my dear Evelyn!”
“Yes, Master…”
Soon enough, the four individuals were brought to the front of the office but, as ordered, only one at a time was allowed entry. Unexpectedly, even Evelyn was instructed to remain outside.
“Hello, Elyna.”
The maid stood straight in front of the desk, her head lowered and voice monotone.
“Greetings, Master.”
“There is no need to be anxious. Sit down, please.”
He motioned with his hand for her to sit, which she obediently did. She kept her gaze and head lowered, however.
“During breakfast, I noticed that you were oddly silent. Was there something not to your liking? Or, do you have something to say to me? Anything at all?”
“No, Master.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Master.”
Elyna, who was a maid about the same age as Evelyn, acted with composure but her tone, which she tried to keep emotionless, betrayed her thoughts. ‘Twas clear she wasn’t as calm as he liked to portray.
“I’m serious, Elyna. If you’re dissatisfied with anything related to the job or me, I won’t mind if you say it and I promise that there will be no punishment.”
Although Arthur possessed Leonis’ body, he did not gain any of the latter’s memories. Therefore, even if the real Leonis had maltreated his servants, Arthur had no way of knowing.
Fortunately, Leonis was a hot-tempered noble but, at least, he had some decency and never forced himself on any of his maids. Still, it was better to, as he had previously said, to mend things up and make sure everything was in proper order.
For his plan to proceed flawlessly, his servants must be trustworthy and on his side, even for a short period of time.
“There is nothing, Master.”
“...”
Arthur frowned and looked at Elyna’s documents, which were not as detailed as the one on Earth. Nevertheless, a job as a servant of a noble requires some sort of identification.
“It says here that you were born and raised in Wilsden. How is your family?”
Upon the mention of her family, the maid instinctively raised her head and bit her lips for a seconds before replying,
“Everything is good, Master. Thank you for asking.”
“Is that so? I am extending my hand to you, Elyna, but I am seeing hesitation from your part. If you’ve really got no complaints then… why?”
“I’m sorry, Master, but I don’t understand.”
“Very well. It seems to be a mistake on my part, I guess.”
Arthur sighed and stood up while adding, “You are excused. If you have anything to discuss with me, you’re free to come at any time.”
“Yes, Master.”
…
“M-master… you wanted to see me?”
“Master.”
Asper and Josephine were called at the same time. Asper was an assistant to Chef Holms, he was a young man with short and curly auburn hair. Josephine was one of the maids, she had a petite frame and was fidgety, especially in Leonis’ presence.
Unlike with Elyna, Arthur knew why these two did not like him. Apparently, a few moons ago, Leonis had caught the two of them flirting and berated them loudly and warned them not to engage in any romance.
“Sit down, you two. We’ve got much to talk about.”
Josephine drifted closer to Asper and only when he obeyed did she follow.
“I believe I warned you about something a good while ago, yes?”
“Master! I… I promise we didn’t..”
Josephine tried to plead but she was interrupted by him,
“It’s okay. I’ve called you here to apologize for my unwarranted outburst. Romance is no longer prohibited in this estate.”
“Master we reall-... what?”
Josephine stuttered and dumbfoundedly looked at Arthur then at her Asper.
Unlike his not-so-secret girlfriend, Asper was a serious man. Upon hearing his master’s declaration, he furrowed his brows but did not say a word.
“I’m sure this may come as a surprise but I’m speaking the truth. You can indulge yourselves however and whenever you want. Just… do not disturb your fellow colleagues, that’s it.”
…
“Greetings, master.”
Elderly Byo’lka was a frail old man in charge of cleaning the garden and tending to the plants. He was strikingly short and his hunched back made him even shorter; A simple gust of wind could take his life away, or so it seemed.
This non-talkative old man did not particularly ‘dislike’ Leonis, but, from what Evelyn had said, Byol’ka was close with Lexander. Therefore, Arthur concluded, or suspected, that this gardener was keeping watch on him.
Perhaps he already noticed the change and informed Leonis’ friend, the Knight Lexander. And if Lexander returns, things would get infinitely complicated, and that wasn’t something Arthur wanted to happen.
“Anything trouble you as of late?”
The old man chuckled and shook his head, “Nothing, my lord.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m happy that you seem to be enjoying your life, my lord. I’m sure Sir Lexander would be pleased to see that.”
“Yes yes.. I’m sure he will.”
“My lord, is there something you want from me? If the layout of the garden is not to your liking then I can chang-”
“It’s perfect as it is, thanks. I called you here just for a regular check-up. You may leave.”
“Yes, my lord.”
With incredible difficulty, the old man stood up and headed toward the exit, his steps slower than a snail. Arthur watched him in silence, wondering what the truth actually was. He was almost certain that he was missing something or had done something he shouldn’t have.
Sadly, it was too late for regret and he must press on with his plan.
“Are you finished, Master?”
The last to come was Evelyn, though she did not sit down but approached the desk and stood dangerously close to him.
“Yes I am. What of the rabbit? Did it die?”
“No. As you have instructed, it is in a small cell in the basement. As per your carefully-constructed words, no one is to go there.”
“Good! Having you by my side is truly a blessing.”
“I’m just doing my job, Master.”
“You’re doing it spectacularly, which is why I like you, Evelyn.”
“Please remember that I’m your maid, Master. Therefore, I will reject your confession.”
Arthur shrugged his shoulders and ended the conversation prematurely. It was almost noon and he wanted to train a bit before checking on his most-trusted confidant, the talking zombie that used to belong to Latif…
****
Very much like the day before, Arthur had to postpone his routine magic training when an unexpected and unfamiliar guest knocked on the front door.
As he was close to the entrance, he personally welcomed the visitor with a wide smile.
“Greetings.”
Facing him stood a stalwart handsome young man; He had azure blue eyes, a slightly lengthy and unkempt golden hair, and small, barely noticeable scar on the lower part of his right chin.
“Hello!”
The young man did not follow etiquette and, instead, stretched his hand toward Arthur.
After a brief handshake, the stranger introduced himself with a polite tone.
“I am Rein Goldstar, a Holy Knight.”
Though surprised, Arthur kept his smile and nodded thrice, “So it seems, so it seems. And? Do you need me?”
“I’m looking for Lord Leonis Sanguis.”
Apparently, Rein did not recognize Arthur, he peeked inside the manor as he uttered those words.
“That’s me.”
“O-oh! Really? What luck!” Rein flashed a bright smile and continued, “Is it okay if I ask you a couple of things? I promise it won’t be long.”
Seeing no reason to reject, Arthur agreed on the spot but did not invite the Holy Knight in.
“So, did you happen to see someone who looks like this?”
Rein took out a realistic illustration of a woman, the same woman who attempted to kill Arthur just yesterday.
“Um…”
“Ah yes! This is a Demon I’ve been chasing after. She’s very dangerous and was spotted within the vicinity of Wilsden a week ago.”
“Right… Sorry kid, I’ve never seen her.”
Hearing this answer, Rein seemed disheartened. He stepped back and wryly smiled.
“It’s okay! If you see her then please come to the local church.”
“For sure.”
“Goodbye!”
Rein waved his hand and swiftly left, unwilling to waste time with pleasantries.
“Master, who was at the door?”
“A Holy Knight.”
Evelyn leaned to the side and tried to look but Arthur closed the door.
“Nothing interesting to see, Evelyn.”
“Did… did he come for you, Master?”
“Me? Gods forbid! He was looking for a feisty demon. It has nothing to do with me so let’s leave it be.”
“But Master…”
“But me no buts, my sweet and dear Evelyn. When more pieces are added to the play, your master must administer minor changes so that all parties can have fun.”