Chapter 23.1

The crumpled parchment rolled along the floor outside the door and disappeared around the corner.

Oswald rubbed his temples heavily. The fatigue and mental numbness that had accumulated over a long period of time made him feel irritable and listless. He felt like he was carrying a heavy burden that he could not bear.

White Eagle, who was sitting on the table, sensed Oswald's mood and knew that he was in a bad state. It quickly rolled off the table and lay down on the floor to rest.

When people are extremely tired, their thoughts tend to wander. Oswald flipped through the military newspaper, but his mind was elsewhere. He thought about the Parsons Manor and the day when Fassbender left for the capital.

He remembered sitting in the teahouse of the Parson Manor on the second floor, watching the rain outside the window.

Oswald sat on the chair beside the bed, holding a volume of books in his hand. He gazed out the window at the garden path, which stretched straight ahead to the iron carved gate.

The old butler, Ian, coughed and cleared his throat as he entered the room. He spoke sternly, "Master, it is not a good habit to be in a daze while clutching a book. You will be punished."

Oswald pursed his lips and turned his head. "Isn't that bastard coming today?"

Ian's face creased with disapproval. "A polite gentleman should not speak of others in such a manner."

The old butler, Ian, had come in and told him that Fassbender had received a transfer order and would be leaving for the capital a week early.

"At the time, you were still feverish, so I did not tell you."

Oswald's expression fell. "So, he's gone?"

"Yes," Ian replied.

Oswald was silent for a moment. "Why did he have to leave so early?" he asked.

"I am not privy to the details," Ian said. "However, I believe that it is related to his performance in the legion."

He stared at the garden gate for a while, then turned to Ian and asked, "Will he come back for spring break next year?"

Ian shook his head. "Generally, only recruits are given a full spring break. He probably will not be able to come back next year."

Oswald nodded. "I see." He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the garden path. "I suppose I should be grateful that I will not have to practice those silly fighting skills with him anymore."

But then, he felt a sense of disappointment.

He could not say exactly what he was disappointed about. Perhaps it was because Fassbender was more interesting than the other servants. Or perhaps it was because the manor had finally become a little lively, but now it was silent again.

"Indeed," Ian said. "However, I believe that you will miss him more than you realize."

Oswald turned to face Ian. "What do you mean?"

"Fassbender was a lively and interesting young man," Ian said. "He brought a certain spark to the manor that has been missing since he left."

Oswald thought for a moment. "I suppose you're right," he said. "The manor does seem a bit dull without him."

"I am glad that you see it my way," Ian said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have some work to attend to."

"Of course," Oswald said. "Thank you for your insights, Ian."

Ian nodded and left the room. Oswald stood for a moment, still gazing out the window. He sighed and turned away. He knew that Ian was right. He would miss Fassbender, even though he had not realized it until now.

As he was lost in thought, he heard a muffled thunder in the distance. The scene in front of him suddenly changed. The glass window turned into a wall, and two steps ahead, there was a half-opened door. Inside the room, a few maids were hiding and chatting.

He faintly heard one of them say, "Have you ever heard why the master doesn't like the young master?"

The other person made a hushing sound before speaking softly, "Have you noticed that the longer he imitates Master Keno, the less he resembles him?"

"He also doesn't resemble the lady," was the response.

"You must take into account that Madam has been severely ill for years, causing her to lose weight and shape. It's difficult to discern her true appearance."

"Indeed," the conversation continued as Oswald stood motionless against the wall, attempting not to move closer or further away.