Upon leaving the building where only the three of them had been living, the siblings found themselves in a beautiful garden that surrounded two other buildings. Several attendants dressed in uniforms similar to theirs—though bearing a different insignia, that of a tree entwined with flames—were coming and going, while others wore uniforms akin to Victorian butlers and maids.
"You can really feel the pressure in their gazes…"
Walking in the firmest and most elegant manner she knew, Sofia couldn't help but comment in a soft voice as she looked at the people around them. Some of those people were observing them scrutinizingly, others with displeasure, and still others with envy.
"Well, it's to be expected. After all, we have nothing to back up all the favor the young master Erik has shown us. From what I've heard from the other attendants, he's an unparalleled genius who made a splash throughout the galaxy with incredible inventions, and his name is known in all factions." Clara commented with understanding and a bit of insecurity in her voice. She didn't really need others to tell or hint at it; she was fully aware that she was unworthy of everything she was receiving.
"It's really a bit scary if you think about how lucky we are to be taught directly by him…" Martin commented in a serious tone, his expression full of apprehension and respect, also trying to walk straight and steady.
"Yes, the boss really is insane…"
Sofia commented, feeling dismayed, still having difficulty rationalizing her luck. She had stumbled upon an absolute powerhouse of the galaxy in the midst of her work—one kind enough not only to save their lives but also to bring them along, give her and her siblings jobs, along with a life filled with more luxuries than she had seen in her entire life, asking only for loyal, hard-working assistants in return.
But as if that weren't enough, he was using his valuable time to educate them personally, basically granting poor ignoramuses like them infinite possibilities—a favor and grace so great that, in Sofia's eyes, there was no better man in the entire universe than her boss. And she was more than willing to become his most loyal follower, ally, and accomplice. No matter what he might ask of her, she would be more than willing to give it.
While Sofia lost herself in her thoughts and fantasies, the trio of siblings soon arrived in front of a three-story building with marble pillars and large arched windows filtering a warm light. Runes carved throughout its surface glowed slightly, and together with the well-kept garden featuring outdoor tables and chairs, it exuded an air of elegance and sophistication worthy of a high-end restaurant.
With a firm and elegant step—especially taught by the young master's personal maid, who wanted to ensure they would never disgrace him—the three siblings entered the building. They soon arrived at a large hall richly decorated with moldings, columns, and ornamental details on the walls and ceiling. It was filled with elegant, long wooden tables set with dishes, glassware, and floral centerpieces. Several people were seated, eating.
The siblings sat down at one of the somewhat distant tables, at which point a young woman with pale blue hair whose tips were a faint purple approached them, dressed in a black maid's uniform. With fluid movements, she handed them a small folio with a black cover.
"What would the esteemed attendants like for breakfast?"
When she finished handing out the menu, the young woman asked in a formal, respectful tone, though it did not entirely hide the slight annoyance she felt toward the siblings. They had appeared out of nowhere and earned the privilege of serving the young master Erik, the dream of many in that place. After all, he was not only handsome, considerate, and generous but also had infinite potential—even greater than that of Master Eldurdóttir.
Earning a place beside such a prominent figure would be enough to live an entire life filled with luxury, wealth, and respect—and the only way to achieve something like that was to serve him sincerely and wholeheartedly during his youth, in hopes of earning a small portion of his affection, just enough for him not to forget them once he rose to prominence. Unfortunately, Lady Ravenspell was far too possessive when it came to the care of the young master and allowed no one to get close—except for that trio of siblings.
For their part, upon noticing the envy and anger in the waitress's eyes, the three siblings could only give an ironic smile. While they felt a bit uncomfortable, they could understand the girl's feelings, so rather than causing a fuss, they simply placed their orders, which the young woman noted in her notebook before heading to the kitchen.
"They really don't like us…" Sofia commented with a concerned tone as she watched the young woman's back. Clara responded in a calm voice.
"Rather than saying they don't like us, it would be more accurate to say they don't respect us."
"I get that, but it still feels a little bad… plus, I still haven't gotten used to all this luxury." Sofia said as she looked up at the intricate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the floating lights scattered around the hall.
"Yes… it's truly insane. Just a few months ago, we were struggling to have some reheated beans for lunch, and look at us now…" Martin remarked, looking a bit lost in his memories.
"That's why we have to do our best to repay the young master Erik for everything he's done for us. We can't disappoint him." Clara spoke in a serious, determined tone, to which her siblings quickly nodded with conviction.
"Yes, we can't disappoint the boss. He's given us so much." Sofia said seriously, and Martin added in a similar tone.
"I'll work until my bones break—I won't let the boss regret taking us in."
Seeing her siblings' expressions, Clara smiled proudly and added.
"I'm counting on you. We must do everything possible."
""Yes.""
…
…
…
After a while, the siblings finished breakfast and left the building in a hurry. In the way, Clara slipped her hand into a small leather pouch with several embroidered runes tied at her waist, from which she took a long glass vial containing a slightly glowing green liquid. She quickly opened it and brought it to her lips, drinking the strange liquid in one gulp.
"How much longer do you have to take that medicine?" Sofia asked her sister as they walked briskly. Clara responded in a calm voice while putting the empty glass vial back into the small pouch at her waist.
"According to the young master Erik, I'll have to take it for a few more years after every meal. Apparently, my body needs a lot of nourishment to adapt to my affinity."
"Those potions must be pretty expensive…"
Martin couldn't help but comment, a bit worried since the debt of gratitude he owed to his boss kept growing, and he saw no way to repay it. At that, Clara could only nod heavily and explain.
"Yes… I don't know the exact cost, but they can't be cheap. Although when I asked the young master Erik, he told me they weren't as expensive as they seem because he bought the ingredients in bulk and made them himself…"
"…"
The siblings fell silent, feeling almost suffocated by the immense kindness they had been shown—something they hadn't experienced since their parents passed away, the only people who had genuinely loved and cared for them. Their passing had forced the siblings to experience firsthand the cruelty of the world and the indifference of people.
A bit lost in their thoughts, the siblings soon arrived at an impressive Victorian-style mansion, where a woman of ethereal beauty awaited them. She was dressed in an elegant Victorian maid uniform in black and dark blue, featuring a distinctive buckle at her neck. Her jet-black hair was pulled up in a high bun that contrasted with her pale skin and beautiful gray eyes, giving her an aura of elegance and professionalism.
"""Good morning, Lady Seraphina."""
Upon reaching the beautiful woman, the trio of siblings bowed respectfully in unison, greeting her in a serious, formal tone. Seraphina nodded and then spoke in a calm, professional voice.
"Good morning. Follow me."
With Seraphina leading the way, the group entered the beautiful mansion and soon arrived at a softly lit, classically styled room with wooden floors and large windows. Shelves filled with books lined the walls, and there was a lectern and several elegant dark wooden desks carved with runes, giving it the appearance of a reserved, elegant classroom, exclusive to high society.
Once inside, the siblings took seats at the three front desks, while Seraphina walked behind the lectern, in front of a large board that covered the entire wall. She then began writing on the board with swift movements as she spoke.
"Well, as you know, my young master intends to make you his trusted confidants to serve in various areas. As his personal maid and most trusted servant, he has entrusted me with the duty of educating you properly in the languages, norms, and customs of the Arcane Order."
When she finished writing on the board, Seraphina turned to look at the siblings, who nodded seriously as they placed black-covered notebooks and several pens on their desks, ready to learn. At that moment, the beautiful maid continued speaking in a clear, elegant tone.
"In these months of study, although I can't call you exceptional students by any means, you have worked hard enough to acquire a basic command of the Galactic language and a general idea of the civil code, the criminal code, and the basic customs of the Order. But that's not enough."
Seraphina's words elicited uncomfortable smiles from the siblings, something the perfect maid ignored as she went on.
"Although my young master is an unparalleled genius in many respects, one of his flaws is that he tends to underestimate his talent, status, and importance. Because of that, he makes small mistakes—such as dismissing the importance of properly educating you in the etiquette and demeanor you must present to the world. After all, as his first attendants, you are the public face of my young master, and any mistake on your part will undoubtedly tarnish his reputation."
The siblings straightened up in their seats, their faces solemn. They clearly took the beautiful maid's words very seriously. Seraphina continued speaking, her gaze moving over each of them.
"Therefore, as his personal maid, it is my duty to correct those small flaws, and in this case, I must educate you so that you are worthy of serving someone of my young master's stature—a genius who will be recorded in history. And since you have already mastered the basics, it is time to raise the level.
"From now on, our curriculum will include the subjects of history, politics, and hand-to-hand combat. In addition, I will personally train you to refine your etiquette down to the finest detail. I expect from you the same commitment you have shown so far, and that you rise to meet the expectations of my young master. I will tolerate neither failure nor complaints. Understood?"
"""UNDERSTOOD, LADY SERAPHINA!!!"""
Without a second thought, the siblings responded in unison, loudly and full of determination. Satisfied, Seraphina nodded, a small smile forming on her cherry-colored lips as she retrieved a good number of books from her storage ring, arranging them in three separate rows.
Quickly, the books began to float magically toward the siblings' desks, which they promptly received with serious expressions, at which point Seraphina calmly explained.
"I like that enthusiasm. The books you just received are supplemental to the topics we will cover in the coming months, so be sure to read them diligently. If you have any questions, you may ask them at the end of each class. But for now, let us begin our first lesson on politics."
***
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