Chapter 3: What is Fisher’s Opinion of his New Assistant?

Fisher was not particularly keen on having an assistant. Since turning 80, Miss Shaha had consistently encouraged him to consider the idea, but he remained resolute in his refusal, preferring his solitude. After dedicating twenty years to frontline service and experiencing numerous traumas, the presence of a stranger only intensified his anxiety.

He managed to avoid the idea of an assistant until Head Butler Tree stepped in, arguing for the necessity of one. The new Head Butler was a trusted figure for His Imperial Highness Konstantinos, and Fisher only regarded those whom the Imperial Prince respected as trustworthy. As a result, he felt compelled to agree to the request to welcome the new individual that the Imperial Prince was introducing to the palace.

Fisher’s feelings toward his new assistant are intricate and heavily shaped by the young man’s background. A key source of Fisher’s concern is the realization that the assistant was raised in the slums. This situation alarms Fisher, as he worries that the deputy butler might target the young man, especially given the prince’s inclination to take in individuals from various backgrounds.

The mere thought of the man and woman who scared a child away from a potential life of comfort in the palace—where the Imperial Prince could have acted as her guardian—continues to infuriate Fisher. Although he is not typically quick to anger, when he does feel it, the memory lingers in his mind for a long time.

As a result, Fisher’s view of his new assistant is characterized by a protective instinct, driven by both empathy for the young man’s past and concern for his future within the palace.

So, what is Fisher’s opinion of his new assistant?

What he values most in the young man is his quick learning ability.

“My boy, do you remember all of that...?”

Fisher asks in disbelief after only one day of teaching the young man about gardening tools. He never expected Cielo to remember everything after just a couple of mentions and brief descriptions of the tools’ functions.

“Eh? I have a great memory.”

The young man responded nonchalantly as if it were no big deal.

At first, Fisher is skeptical about Cielo’s interest, as the young man seems uninterested in the explanations given, even though he actively asks about the tools. However, the next day, when Fisher takes Cielo to the garden and asks for the tools to be handed over, it becomes clear that Cielo has become quite familiar with them, he makes no mistakes at all.

Impressively, he shows skill in using the tools after Fisher’s demonstration the day before.

Fisher experiences a blend of surprise and pride.

***

What is Fisher’s opinion of his new assistant?

In addition to being a quick learner, Cielo has a genuinely caring disposition.

“Is this meant for me, my boy?”

Fisher asks as Cielo hands him a basket overflowing with fruits. These aren’t just any fruits, they are luxurious and expensive, including some of his top favorites.

The young man nodded as he answered.

“Al—um, Head Butler Tree asked me what I wanted for a welcome gift and I recommended he choose something you would like.”

From Head Butler Tree himself?

“Hmm”

Fisher quickly understood, when Head Butler Tree asked for his help in caring for the young man, that Cielo was not just an arbitrary stray taken in by the Imperial Prince on a whim. In reality, many of the strays adopted by His Imperial Highness often have significant talents.

The elderly man affectionately patted Cielo on the head.

“You are not required to do this. However, it would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity for something you truly want, my boy.”

“Hm.”

Cielo simply nodded in response, but Fisher doubted he would truly reflect on the advice. He often proved to be quite stubborn once he made up his mind.

This wasn’t a one-time event. The next incident unfolded like this...

“Fisher~ Here. I quietly took it from the storeroom.”

Cielo gifted him a box of chocolate-covered strawberries. The box’s elegant design and brand name signaled to Fisher that it came from the most esteemed dessert shop in Verrill City. Moreover, such a gift is usually reserved for special occasions rather than casual enjoyment.

Fisher also noted that this delicacy did not originate from the main palace’s storeroom but from the West Wing, as only His Imperial Highness had a habit of ordering those specific chocolate-covered strawberries. This hinted that Cielo might have taken them without permission from the Imperial Prince. However, the fact that Cielo had not been reprimanded by the head butler suggested that he had been granted permission to act in this way.

Fisher voiced his worry, inquiring.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Are you sure you have the authorization to go ahead with this, my boy?”

The young man nodded slightly.

“I haven’t been told that it’s not allowed.”

He responded.

That was the only reasoning he could provide.

“… .”

Fisher found himself speechless.

This situation led Fisher to realize that while Cielo is thoughtful, his method may not be entirely appropriate.

***

What is Fisher’s opinion of his new assistant?

Cielo, while being a fast learner and kind-hearted, frequently experienced a deep sense of loneliness.

“Would you like to come with me to the founding festival?”

The boy suggested eagerly after returning from lunch, clearly thrilled about the celebration he had heard others talk about.

As Fisher cleans the tools to remove any dirt, he finds the proposal amusing.

“I would love to share it with you, my dear boy, but I am quite advanced in years. Joining in the festivities with a crowd is no longer appropriate for me.”

Additionally, being surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a bustling crowd would not be good for his aging heart.

Cielo chuckled softly and waved his hand dismissively as he spoke.

“We won’t be leaving the palace… Not that I have the authority to do so… Still, my point is that we can celebrate even if it’s just the two of us. We don’t need a crowd to mark the occasion, we can do it right here.”

Fisher watched the boy’s profile while helping him clean the tools in the bucket.

It seemed the boy didn’t have many friends. The only people he interacted with casually were Rene, Jane, and occasionally Lor, who usually kept to himself.

There is a deep dimension to the loneliness Cielo displayed, indicating that it reflected all he had gone through in his life.

Nevertheless, even though Fisher wanted to help the boy, it wouldn’t be wise for someone of his age to take on that responsibility. Fisher was already beginning to feel the effects of time. His health was declining, and the uncertainty surrounding how long he had left loomed over him. Each day was a stark reminder of his mortality, and the thought of leaving the boy behind filled him with deep anxiety.

If the boy were to grow attached to him, the potential for heartbreak would be considerable. Fisher understood that forming a bond would lead to a deeper sense of loss if he were to pass away. The loneliness and grief the boy would face afterward would far exceed the quiet companionship they shared at present.

“Wouldn’t that be a waste?”

Fisher contemplated his actions, convinced that by keeping the boy at a distance, he was doing what was best for him, and he went on to explain further.

“The festival is far more enjoyable when experienced with others. There’s so much to see and do, so it would be unwise to stay cooped up inside the palace.”

He returned all the cleaned tools to the cart as he stood up.

“Think about this, my young friend.”

After giving the young man a comforting pat on the shoulder, Fisher set off for a stroll in the rose garden, a routine he had maintained since he started caring for the garden within the palace.

***

What is Fisher’s opinion of his new assistant?

Cielo is a kind-hearted young man.

“Fisher… I have a great deal of respect for you.”

“Is that so? You’ve said that quite a few times already, my boy.”

Fisher can’t help but laugh. This was probably the tenth time the young man had shared this thought out of the blue.

“Absolutely. I’ve realized that Fisher is truly a wonderful person, which is why I feel the need to say it again.”

“Alright then…?”

The elderly gentleman felt a sense of confusion, yet he permitted Cielo to continue as he pleased. The young man had always been enigmatic, and Fisher had concluded that it was best to simply go along with whatever he said when he didn’t offer much clarity.

“Did you know that my name is becoming quite well-known across the empire because of the drones”

He was certainly aware of this news. Naturally, he felt no surprise, as he recognized that Cielo was anything but ordinary.

“Yes, I would like to talk about some of the projects I’ve been working on in my workshop with Fisher.”

Soon after Cielo’s remarkable skills as an inventor were recognized, it was announced that he had been given a workshop next to the dining area in the South Wing. However, Fisher doubts whether the young man actually makes use of this space, as it may be connected to the West Wing.

“Just a moment, young man.”

Fisher pretended to finish trimming the rose stems while subtly scanning the surroundings, trying to determine if anyone was eavesdropping on their conversation. This vigilance was justified, considering the many unsavory characters present in the palace.

Despite his age, Fisher’s senses remained keen. Noticing no signs of worry, he stopped what he was doing.

“Alright, I’ve finished my task. What would you like to talk about?”

The young man eagerly began to explain.

“I’ve devised plans for bombs that could potentially destroy an entire nation.”

Fisher felt a wave of alarm wash over him at the young man’s statement.

“To clarify, I haven’t actually built a bomb yet. I just put together a proposal, which was ultimately rejected.”

“I, is that so”

“Yep. Don’t get a heart attack, Fisher.”

The young man has the audacity to give a comforting pat after sharing such startling news.

“Nonetheless, I created many other innovations, such as improvements in aviation, fast transportation, and practical furniture, all of which were overlooked despite their usefulness. That bastard prince was quite a nuisance.”

His heart races again as the young man casually insults the Imperial Prince. If the Imperial Army were to hear Cielo’s words, this young man wouldn’t make it through the day. To insult the Imperial Family is to disrespect their founder, the First Emperor.

“My dear boy, it would be prudent to refrain from cursing a member of the Imperial Family. It could lead to dire consequences if others were to overhear you.”

“I’ve spoken poorly of the prince many times, yet all he does is frown. He has never truly reprimanded me.”

It seems he thinks that because the prince has tolerated his behavior, there’s no need for him to change his ways.

…He is certainly a kind-hearted young man and Fisher’s self-perception has not shifted. Cielo just needs a bit more guidance.