An Apology

Pushing my body, I stood up and stayed there for a while, taking in what just happened.

The only thing my ears could hear in the surroundings were the leaves of the trees being rustled by the wind and my own breath.

The cold winter air made me able to see my own breath. A sign that the year's almost at its end. According to this world's age system, or at least this country's I'm about to become 11-years-old.

Weiss tested me with this ambush... and I passed. That's good, right? That is solid proof that I am growing. My skills are improving day by day, and this is evidence of it.

Come to think of it, I forgot to use Aura in the ambush test. The situation was just so sudden that my dumb brain literally forgot I could do that.

Is that why Weiss told me I passed? Am willing to bet it is.

"Whatever, let's go back," I mumbled.

As soon as I got back to the manor I went straight to my room.

After entering, I buried my face in the pillow on my bed.

"Ah fuck, I was supposed to go back to attending my butler duties after right?"

Fuck it. Fuck that. Fuck this shit.

Rachel can take care of Rosaline for me. I'm too tired to even do work.

Maybe I should just...I should just sleep...

*Knock Knock*

There was a knocking sound on the door. Please fuck off, I wanna sleep.

*Knock Knock Knock*

"..."

*Knock Knock Knock Knock*

This is becoming irritating. Maybe they'll leave if I just don't answer for a while?

*Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock*

"Alright fine! I'll open the door!"

I got off my bed and opened the door. It was Rachel.

"I am here to remind you of your duties."

A heavy groan left my mouth. Didn't have a choice but to do this. I'm still technically a slave. Can't believe I have to accompany a spoiled brat right after that stupid test.

Whatever, let's just get on with it.

I quickly changed into my butler outfit, exited my room, and made my way to where Rosaline was—the garden.

When I reached the garden, Mr. Hause greeted me.

"How are you, Luka?"

I responded, "I'm fine... just tired. How 'bout you?"

"Ah, the Duke is generous enough to give me 2 consecutive free days this week. I'm going to go to Leghorn city to visit my daughter."

"Well, that's news to me. Didn't know you had a daughter!"

"Yes... she's the light of my life. After her mother died, I...I had to be strong for her. Now that she's all grown up and started a family of her own, I worry for her more and more."

"Well... good luck with your visit Mr. Hause!"

"Thank you, lad. Ah yes, by the way, Miss Rosaline is in that direction." Mr. Hause pointed in a certain direction.

"Thanks!" I waved goodbye. Mr. Hause is nice, he's one of the people here I could be friendly with, unlike the old bitch of a butler and the annoying hyperactive brat.

I found Rosaline soon after. She was at the very center of the garden.

She suddenly turned around as soon as I approached her. Her eyes looked...very determined. What the hell is she up to this time?

Rosaline opened her mouth and inhaled.

I started channeling my Aura just in case. Whatever this girl's up to, it can't be good.

"I'M SORRY!!!!"

She shouted at the top of her lungs. Somehow, the force behind her voice caused the wind to move a bit. I swear I felt the wind blow on my face as she shouted.

"What?"

"I said I'm sorry🎶~ I'm sorry🎶~! I'm very very sorry🎶~!"

She was singing. The little girl that only knew how to play around was singing... an apology song?!

"I'm very sorry for causing you trouble🎶~! I apologize for jumping off the window🎶~!"

Her singing was completely out of tune. She has zero talent but, this is adorable!

"I'm so very sorry for being self-centered all this time🎶~! I truly apologize for breaking your spine🎶~!"

She kept singing out of tune and I just stood there and watched. I couldn't help but smile at her performance. I already stopped channeling Aura moments ago when I realized she wasn't going to cause any trouble.

Moments later Rosaline started doing dances. It wasn't anything too flashy, just some simple footwork and hand gestures. Despite her lack of singing talent, the dance worked well with the song.

The performance soon finished. In response, I clapped to her in congratulations.

"I'm really sorry, Luka." Rosaline apologized again, this time with her head facing downwards.

"Apology accepted," I replied.

"R-really?"

"Yeah, what am I supposed to do? Stay angry?" I said while shrugging.

I walked towards her, lifted my hand, and patted her head.

Her smooth silky silver hair ran down my fingertips. She's a brat most of the time but... she's just a kid.

Maybe I should stop being mean to her and at least try to befriend her.

I saw Rosaline smile while I kept patting her head.

Stopping my hand, I took back my hand and looked behind Rosaline, who by the way was now back to her usual bright smile.

"Okay, you can come out now!" I hollered at the bush behind Rosaline.

A woman came out of the bush. It was the tutor of Rosaline.

"How did you know I was there?" The tutor asked.

"Oh please, your head was sticking out like a sore thumb the entire time! How wouldn't I know?"

The tutor blushed, embarrassed about her clumsy stealth skills.

Rosaline ran to her tutor and jumped up and down while talking to her.

"I did it! I did it!"

"Yes, you did, Milady. Great job!" The tutor knelt and patted Rosaline's head in the same manner as I did earlier.

Rosaline suddenly hugged the tutor. The tutor responded by hugging back.

I heard Rosaline mumble something, "Thank you..."