Personal maid

Lena was ashamed of what she had done. Not only did she embrace someone who was noble, but she was also seen, not by someone else but by the master of the house. She was quiet as a mouse and cleaned the kitchen. And prayed to all the gods that it wouldn't become a problem. But it looks like her prayers didn't reach them because butler James came inside the kitchen. Silently, he made some tea in the kettle and placed it on the tray with two teacups and refreshments. After that, he turned toward Lena.

"Come with me. Master wants to see you."

He talked quietly, but to Lena, it sounded like thunder. It was over, her life in this mansion was over. Her face became ashen, but nonetheless, she followed after the butler. Simple walking became heavy for her, as if her legs were made of lead, and cold sweat was running down her spine. And her heavily beating heart didn't help it. At some point in her walk, she just stopped.

"Are you not coming?"

"N-no, I'm c-coming."

Her voice was quiet, and she stuttered, but nonetheless, she forced herself to continue. She was truly sorry for what she had done. After some time, they reached their destination. But Lena didn't remember what was on the way.

"Wait here, I'll let the master know."

With these words, James knocked on the door and got in. And Lena was left to wait for her immediate doom. If she gets kicked out of this house, it really will be her death. Because she doesn't know where else she can go. She doesn't have parents or a home. There was an orphanage, but she was sure that they wouldn't accept the girl, who had been kicked out of the Count's mansion.

Seconds were like hours for her, and she heard the sound of the door opening.

"Come inside. The master awaits you."

Lena was reluctant to go inside, but maybe if she asked for forgiveness, she could be spared?

***

Lena came into the office slowly. She didn't even dare to raise her head.

"Eem, I'm r-really s-sorry..."

But she was stopped by Karl Anselm. His face and his voice were serious.

"I am calling you here not to hear your excuses."

Her ashen face became even paler, if such a thing could happen. And tears started to form in her eyes.

"Maid Lena, from this day onward, you..."

Yes, it was her final sentence.

"...you become Ethan's personal maid."

Her eyes became wide open, and she looked at the Count.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Are you thinking that I will fire you? Heh, I am not such a cruel person to separate two lovebirds."

The last part he said jokingly.

"Um, we are just friends."

Lena didn't understand the meaning behind the count's words at first. But it finally dawned on her. All the tension left her body, and her legs gave out. She fell to her knees.

The count looked at Ethan with some meaning in his eyes. But Ethan doesn't understand the meaning behind his look.

"Ethan, she is your personal maid now, and as you said earlier, she's your friend. You should treat her well. And you can start it by helping her stand up."

"Um, right."

Ethan stood up, came closer to Lena, and helped her stand up. It wasn't difficult because Lena mostly used her strength to get up. She has calmed down considerably now.

"Master, is it all right for me to become Ethan's personal maid?"

"Yes, it shouldn't be a problem."

"But..."

"And if you are worried that it will increase the work load of other maids, that isn't a problem at all, because in a week Helen will start working again. Isn't that right, James?"

"It's indeed right, Master. My wife is eagerly waiting to start her work again."

"Em, but what about your daughter, mister James?"

"She's three years old now, and my wife wants to bring her to work. Is this all right, Master?"

"Yes, it's all right. She can play with my daughter during times when Helen is busy with work. And Alice and Milicent would be glad that here is another kid of their age to play with."

"I think that my wife would be happy to hear it."

"It's decided then. Lena, you can wait for Ethan outside now."

"Yes, Master."

"And, James, bring Muller here."

"As you wish, Master."

Lena, and after she left, James left the room.

Ethan sat down in the chair again and enjoyed tea and refreshments with the Count while chatting.

"Um, Uncle, is it true that nobles can't be friends with commoners?"

"Hm, how should I put it? It's truth and not truth at the same time. But most nobles see it as the truth. And they will look down on those who are friendly with commoners. Even if their ancestors were commoners or if they themselves became nobles recently. But not all nobles are like that."

"Is that so? So uncle, then, is not like most nobles?"

"Of course, because I know my family history. And our ancestors weren't nobles."

"Really, but I heard that you are a descendant of the Saint."

"Heh, yes, it's the truth. But do you know that Maximilian was a commoner before he became a saint? Though he married a princess first, besides her, he had other wives, and one of them was a mere maid before. She and Maximilian fell in love with each other, and with the help of him, she awakened an aura. After some training, she became a party member and fought alongside him against demons. And after the war was over, she and Maximilian married. And their son became the first Count Anselm. So this was the beginning of our family."

"Wow, I didn't know that."

"Impressive, right? So Ethan, you shouldn't treat commoners like they are below you."

"Of course, I will never do that."

"Glad to hear it."

Karl sipped some tea.

"So, Ethan, which book have you read in the library?"

"It's 'Introduction to Magic and Elements'."

"Ah, that book written by the Great Sage. It's a good book, but you shouldn't tell other people about it."

"Why? Is something wrong with this book?"

"No, the book is fine, but it was banned by the royal family and nobles. Because the idea that all people have mana in their bodies and that even commoners can wield mana and aura is forbidden, in their opinion, it's a privilege reserved only for nobles or talented commoners. And only they can decide who is talented."

Ethan was shocked by this sudden revelation.

"But it's changing slowly."

"Um, then, Uncle, can I teach Lena magic?"

"Even if you are born into the Knight family, you are noble. So what do you think about it?"

Karl winked at Ethan.

"I understand."

He tried to say it calmly, but his response had a hint of joy, much to his surprise.

"Hehe, it looks like she has become dear to you in this short time."

"Um, we are friends."

"If you say so, and it looks like Muller is here."

And indeed, after a short time, there was a knock on the door and James voice.

"I brought Muller as you requested, Master."

"Good, let him come in."

After that, the door opened, and a man came in. He had short black hair and was dressed in a military-style uniform, which could not hide his well-developed muscles under it. And this person was huge—about two meters tall. He had a scabbard with a sword on his belt. And his brown eyes were sharp.

"Are you calling me Master?"

His voice was low.

"Yes. Ethan, this man is Muller. And Muller, this kid is Ethan."

"Um, nice to meet you."

Muller just nodded.

"I want you to help with Ethan's training."

"As your command, Master."

"Then, is this alright with you, Ethan?"

"Um..." 

Ethan doesn't know how to respond.

[Um, mister, is this okay for me to train under him?]

[You should think about it yourself. Your body is weak, so what do you think?]

Ethan contemplated for some time, but Karl didn't rush him. He just sipped tea silently. And after some time, Ethan made up his mind.

"Um, I will train under him."

"Good, you can decide among yourselves when to start with training."

"Ethan can come to the guard's quarter when he is ready to train in the morning."

Said Muller. 

"Um, okay, then I'll come there tomorrow."

Muller just nodded to Ethan.

"Is this all why you called me, Master?"

"Yes, you can go now."

Muller didn't say a word. He just performed a military salute and left.

After that, Ethan and Karl talked about different topics. And around the sixth hour, Ethan left after finishing his tea and snacks.