The Inconspicuous Banquet

**Chapter 1: The Inconspicuous Banquet**

The grand ballroom of Harrington Hall sparkled under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, the soft hum of conversation interwoven with the gentle clinking of fine china. Attendees, adorned in opulent evening wear, moved gracefully among gilded tables laden with delicate hors d'oeuvres. Among them, the butlers of Butler Die Co. navigated the room with precision, their movements a ballet of service and subtle surveillance.

At the center of this orchestrated elegance stood Thaddeus, the venerable leader of Butler Die Co. His once sharp features now softened by age, but his eyes retained their piercing intensity. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he oversaw the event from a raised balcony, his mind ever watchful for signs of trouble. It had been years since he last faced true danger, but his instincts remained as sharp as the polished silverware he carried.

From his vantage point, Thaddeus's keen eyes spotted an unusual scene near the buffet. A young man, dressed in an ill-fitting tuxedo, was being confronted by a rival butler. The young man's nervous demeanor and the butler's aggressive stance drew his attention. Sensing a potential problem, Thaddeus descended the stairs, making his way discreetly through the crowd to keep an eye on the unfolding situation.

In a shadowed corner near the buffet, the young man observed the grandeur with wide, hungry eyes. His clothes, though tattered, were hidden beneath the oversized tuxedo jacket he had swiped from a backroom. He moved cautiously, avoiding direct eye contact, his focus solely on the lavish spread before him. His name was Leon, a homeless youth who had slipped into the event seeking warmth and a meal.

As Leon reached for a delicate canapé, a stern voice interrupted him. "Excuse me, sir, but that attire does not belong to you."

Leon turned to find himself facing an impeccably groomed butler from a rival company, his gaze hard and accusing. Panic surged through him, but he managed a weak smile, nodding in silent acknowledgment. The rival butler's eyes narrowed, and he subtly gestured for Leon to follow him into a less crowded hallway.

From a discreet distance, Thaddeus followed them, his interest piqued.

Once out of sight, the rival butler grabbed Leon by the collar, shoving him against the wall. "Who are you?" he demanded in a low, threatening voice. "And what are you doing here?"

Leon's mind raced, but years of surviving on the streets had honed his instincts. Without a word, he twisted free from the butler's grip, his movements fluid and precise. The rival butler slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in the hallway. Leon staggered, his cheek stinging, but he remained silent, knowing he couldn't afford to draw attention.

The rival butler advanced, ready to strike again, but Leon dodged with surprising agility. The fight was swift and silent, a deadly dance of precision and control. Leon deflected a punch with a serving tray, using it as a shield. He countered with a quick jab to the butler's side, causing him to stagger. The butler recovered quickly, lunging at Leon with renewed fury.

Leon felt the sting of a sharp blow to his ribs, barely stifling a grunt of pain. His vision blurred momentarily, but he knew he couldn't afford to make a sound. Desperation fueled his movements as he blocked another attack, his breathing ragged. The rival butler pressed his advantage, driving Leon back against the wall.

Summoning his last reserves of strength, Leon managed to sidestep a final, powerful punch. With a swift, instinctual move, he pushed the butler, who stumbled and crashed into a nearby coat hanger. The impact was brutal. The butler's eyes widened in shock as the hanger impaled his temple, his body going limp.

Leon stood frozen, horrified by what he had done. Before he could process the gravity of the situation, Thaddeus stepped forward, his presence commanding.

"Is there a problem here?" Thaddeus asked calmly, though his eyes were sharp and assessing.

Leon turned to face him, his heart pounding. Thaddeus's eyes flicked to the lifeless body of the rival butler, then back to Leon. With a slight nod, he signaled for Leon to follow him. Once they were alone, he turned his full attention to Leon, his gaze penetrating.

"You don't belong here," Thaddeus said quietly, his voice devoid of judgment. "Explain yourself. Who are you, and why are you here?"

Leon swallowed hard, knowing he had no choice but to answer. "I... I was hungry. I saw the food, and I just wanted to eat something warm. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Thaddeus nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I see. But you understand that you're trespassing. I witnessed you kill that man. You have two choices: I can call the police, or you can come with me, find a purpose greater than yourself, and work for me."

Leon hesitated, the weight of his situation bearing down on him. The prospect of being arrested terrified him, but the idea of working for this enigmatic man was equally daunting. "Why would you want me to work for you after what you just saw?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Thaddeus's expression softened slightly. "Because I see potential in you. You have skills that can be honed and a spirit that can be guided. You acted out of desperation, but with the right training, you could become something more."

Leon reluctantly nodded. "I'll come with you."

A small, satisfied smile played at the corners of Thaddeus's lips. "Good. Follow me, and we shall see what you're truly capable of."

Thaddeus nodded to another butler who silently and swiftly removed the body of the slain rival, leaving no trace of the altercation. As they left the hallway, Leon's heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. He had no idea what awaited him, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of hope.