(After the day Welfred was entrusted with his new duties, many things changed for the better.)
(The palace ran more smoothly, and its affairs gradually improved under his care.)
(He still complained about the same things as before, of course, but he never once neglected his duties.)
(I do feel that this has created some distance between Uncle Dasmon and me. Still, I must admit that no one deserved the position more than Welfred—not even Uncle Dasmon.)
Grace watched Welfred with an amused smile.
"Is something the matter, Madam?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing."
"Well, since you're going to take care of everything, I think I'll go get some rest."
With that, she walked past him, waving casually as she went.
"Um…" Welfred hesitated. "There is one more thing."
Grace stopped and turned to him, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes?"
"There's something I've been meaning to give you." His hand rested gently against his coat.
Grace walked back towards him and held out her hand.
"Then give it to me."
Welfred turned his head, a faint blush creeping across his face.
Reaching inside his coat, he took out a rag doll and gently placed it in her outstretched hand.
Grace examined the doll, her brows drawing together in confusion.
"A doll?"
"Well, the thing is…" He glanced at her, hesitating.
.
.
.
The palace bustled with activity as servants prepared to celebrate the birth of the little princess. Fresh flowers adorned the marble pillars, golden ribbons draped along the staircases, and attendants hurried about, making the final preparations.
Far from the commotion, in a quieter wing of the palace, lay Welfred's room.
More spacious than an ordinary servant's quarters, it was neatly furnished with a comfortable bed, a writing desk beside the window, shelves of books, and a wardrobe holding his uniforms. Everything was arranged with meticulous care.
At the desk, the thirty-two-year-old butler sat focused on the task before him. Cloth scraps, thread, and stuffing lay scattered across the otherwise tidy surface as he carefully stitched a small figure together.
After sitting for hours, he finally rose from his seat.
"It's complete!"
A cheerful smile spread across his face as he gazed at the rag doll in his hands.
The doll had bright green button eyes and soft, black wavy hair that framed its little face. It wore an adorable golden dress with puffed sleeves and a flared skirt, its delicate details lending it a charming, almost lifelike appearance.
He lifted his gaze. "I hope the little princess likes it."
Glancing cautiously from side to side, he slipped out of his room, the doll held carefully in his hands.
"Master Welfred," a servant called from behind.
Welfred nearly jumped. He quickly tucked the doll inside his coat as the servant approached.
"Could you help us with something, Sir?"
"Oh, yes, of course."
.
.
.
"That certainly took long," Welfred muttered as he approached the door, where two guards stood watch.
He paused to straighten his uniform before knocking briskly.
"Master Victor," he called.
"Come in," Victor replied from within.
Welfred carefully opened the door and stepped inside. The moment he looked up, however, he stiffened.
The room was overflowing with gifts—jewellery, precious ornaments, and every luxury imaginable.
"I know," Victor began. "The ceremony hasn't even started, and there are already this many gifts?"
He turned his gaze towards Grace, who lay in a beautifully decorated, comfortable royal crib.
"I suppose everyone loves their little princess."
Grace was fast asleep, curled up comfortably, her little belly rising and falling with each gentle breath.
Welfred stepped closer and gazed down at her, utterly mesmerized by her adorable little face.
"Would you like to hold her?" Victor asked.
Welfred hesitated. "But, Master Victor…"
Victor smiled gently and carefully lifted Grace from her crib.
"You haven't had the chance to hold her since she was born, have you?"
Welfred shook his head.
Welfred blushed as he gazed at the tiny, adorable bundle in Victor's arms.
"Here," Victor offered.
Hesitantly, Welfred accepted the baby, cradling her with the utmost care.
Grace curled up even more comfortably in his arms.
(So cute.)
Welfred stared at her in quiet wonder, while Victor watched the two with an amused smile.
"Isn't she adorable?" Victor asked.
"Yeah…" Welfred murmured, unable to look away.
Grace slowly opened her eyes.
"Oh, she's awake." Victor immediately turned towards her.
Her shining emerald eyes settled on Welfred, and his face brightened at once.
Grace's little hand reached for Welfred's coat, her tiny fingers groping about. He soon realized she was touching the very spot where he had hidden the doll.
"What are you up to, dear?" Victor asked cheerfully, watching her curious little hand.
"Are you feeling his boobs?" he teased, before bursting into laughter. "But he doesn't have any!"
Welfred flushed scarlet.
He stared at the very spot Grace was touching and began to speak.
"Master Vic—"
He was abruptly interrupted as the door opened.
Rosemary and Morrigan stepped inside, their arms laden with gifts, most of which Morrigan carried.
"Mother, Father," Victor greeted them.
Welfred offered a respectful nod, careful not to disturb the baby in his arms.
Rosemary handed the little gifts she was carrying to Morrigan before approaching Welfred.
"How has my little princess been?" she asked, gently taking Grace into her arms.
"Mother, it's only been a few hours," Victor remarked.
"Look at my little baby. It's been hours since I last saw you," Rosemary cooed, paying no attention to Victor.
He sighed.
(Who am I kidding? She's absolutely obsessed with her.)
Morrigan then handed the gifts he was carrying to Victor, piling them into his arms.
"Augh! Welfred, please help!"
Welfred scoffed.
"Right away, Master Victor."
He walked over and helped Victor set the gifts down.
Morrigan approached Rosemary, trying to take Grace from her arms, but she stubbornly refused to let go.
Meanwhile, Victor opened a box to reveal a tiny crown adorned with precious jewels.
"You've already given her so many gifts, and now there's even more?"
"Those little gifts are nothing. I could name an entire nation after her!" Morrigan declared, still struggling to get Grace into his arms.
(Of course. What was I expecting?) Victor sighed.
Welfred quietly busied himself arranging the gifts, a faint sadness lingering in his expression, which he concealed beneath his usual composure.
"Hey, Welfred," Victor called.
"You were trying to tell me something earlier, weren't you?"
Welfred hesitated, his fingers briefly tightening around the gift box he was holding.
"Um… I…"
A soft cry filled the room.
"Oh, no! Look what you've done, Morrigan," Rosemary exclaimed.
"What? I didn't do anything!" Morrigan protested.
"She must be hungry. I'll go get some milk," Welfred offered.
"Oh, please do," Rosemary replied, shooting Morrigan a pointed sidelong glance.
Welfred bowed before leaving the room. Behind him, the baby's cries gradually faded into the distance.
"Quiet down, dear. We'll get you some milk soon," Rosemary murmured, gently patting Grace.
"By the way, where is…" she began.
"She's at her hometown for the celebration," Victor replied.
"She shouldn't be going about like this. It's only been a few days since our princess was born. She needs to rest."
"You know her, Mother," Victor replied.
"Well, it's a good thing," Morrigan remarked. "It's been so long since she last visited her hometown."
"That's true, but still…" Rosemary murmured, worry evident in her voice.
"She'll be fine. She's strong," Morrigan assured her.
Welfred walked quietly down the hallway.
(What was I supposed to say…?)
(I suppose it'll have to wait.)