Witch Academy.
Ruboo recounted the battle against the evil spirits with vivid detail, leaving the witches—including Cordelia—utterly spellbound. Meanwhile, the newly arrived maid Delphi was kept busily shuttling back and forth serving refreshments.
As the welcome gathering drew to a close, the two-hundred-year-old Delphi was about to breathe a sigh of relief, hoping to give her weary bones a moment's rest.
Quinny called out to her again, "I'm still hungry. Bring me some more peach tarts."
Delphi clenched her fists, grumbling, "More? You'll never find a man eating like that. If you were my daughter, I'd lock that icebox and throw away the key."
Despite her words, she made her way to the icebox—that is, the refrigerator—to fetch more ingredients.
After her initial racist remarks had incensed everyone upon arrival, Fiona had deliberately given her to Quini as a slave.
These past few days had been nothing but torment for her.
Otherwise, she would have retorted, "You wretched nigger, how dare you open your filthy mouth to me," rather than merely grumbling.
Ruboo paid no heed to these minor incidents.
With some spare cash, he presented the witches with small gifts bought along the way. Finally, he approached Nan, handing her the specially prepared new headphones while giving her a knowing wink:
"Keep it under wraps, Nan."
Nan accepted the new headphones, nodding happily. "Right."
Though she couldn't read Ruboo's mind, Madison could, and thus understood the true nature of the exchange. She'd been stifling her laughter the whole time.
She'd been debating whether to reveal the truth, but now that Ruboo had effectively bought her silence, she promptly dismissed the idea.
Having been regarded as an oddity since childhood, Nan had received few gifts beyond those from her family.
Ruboo had undoubtedly made up for that.
Her fondness for him soared, and she readily followed his lead.
The welcome festivities concluded.
Ruboo returned to his room and was just tidying up the luggage he'd brought back when there came a knock at the door.
It was his lovely girlfriend.
At that moment, Zoe had already slipped into the gift he'd given her—a beautiful blue dress.
"Do you like it?" she asked, twirling to reveal her slender, straight legs as the skirt swirled around her.
"Of course," Ruboo nodded.
Hearing this, the smile on Zoe's face grew even broader.
No longer suppressing her passionate feelings, she threw herself into Ruboo's embrace, leading them both into the room. With her legs crossed, she slammed the door shut before settling into their private time together.
With no prying eyes, Ruboo let go too, savouring the tender taste of his sweetheart's innocence.
Alas, it was destined to be nothing more than a brush without a spark.
"How I wish it had been me going with you, not Madison," Zoe sighed regretfully, panting after they parted.
The agony of being stuck at home while her boyfriend faced danger was unbearable enough, but the fact that Madison—who clearly fancied her boyfriend—had accompanied him only amplified her sense of crisis.
Had she not feared disturbing him, she would have called Ruboo constantly.
"There's nothing to be done about it," Ruboo explained. "Madison's under the curse too. Besides, you've only been here a few days and haven't properly studied witchcraft yet. I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you come along either."
Zoe's expression darkened.
Compared to Madison, Queenie, and Nan, her abilities were indeed of little use.
"From now on, I'll study diligently!" she declared solemnly.
This wasn't just about strength; it was about the happiness of both of them.
Were it not for her physical limitations, she wouldn't feel so utterly outmatched when facing Ruboo—or even Madison.
As if she hadn't noticed Madison's underhand tactics.
Ruboo, unaware of Zoe's inner turmoil, simply offered her encouragement.
Soon, seeing Zoe return to her studies with a face full of excitement, eager to burn the midnight oil, he let out a slight sigh.
Though he possessed the memories of his predecessor, his emotional depth was undeniably less genuine.
Truth be told, Madison, who'd weathered every storm with him these past days, felt far more genuine.
As for why he hadn't left Zoe?
Well, it was because of his own identity...
Well, to be blunt, it was pure self-interest.
He had felt somewhat guilty.
But upon comparing himself to the extravagantly indulgent American youths, Ruboo felt considerably better about being a decent young man.
As the benevolent father and saviour of the future American people, is it any wonder he's admired by so many women?
Of course it is!
Now, let us regard this as preparation and precaution for a glorious future.
With this thought in mind, Ruboo nodded emphatically.
Immediately afterwards, he received a tempting offer.
After silently saving the bathroom selfie Madison had sent to his phone, Ruboo sternly informed her that such behaviour was unacceptable, asking if she intended to emulate her Hollywood predecessors by creating a media scandal.
Madison expressed remorse and promptly deleted the image.
Just as Ruboo was beginning to think Madison was being reasonably compliant, a new message arrived.
"Open the door."
"..."
Is this about opening a door?
Truly, it constantly undermines my spiritual cultivation.
To resist temptation and elevate one's moral character.
Ruboo patted his waist and refused with righteous indignation.
In the end, he was rewarded with a peaceful and tranquil night.
The next morning, Ruboo—who possessed not a shred of butlerly awareness—awoke nearly simultaneously with the witches. Together they descended to partake of the breakfast prepared jointly by Spalding and Delphi.
Sperdin showed Delphi far less aversion than he did Ruboo, clearly aware they were not of the same ilk.
At the table, Cordelia made no comment about Ruboo's late rising.
Having heard yesterday's tale, she no longer viewed this extraordinary boyfriend of Zoe's as a mere servant.
He had shown no hesitation in confronting the malevolent spirit, playing a pivotal role in the struggle.
Such abundant martial prowess.
Compared to a male servant, she preferred to train Ruboo as a guardian for the young witches.
Faced with the potential dangers of reality, the young witches would undoubtedly feel far more at ease with such a guardian to watch over them.
"Ruboo, come to my office after breakfast for a chat," Cordelia said, her decision made.
Ruboo nodded. Though uncertain whether she agreed, it surely couldn't be a bad thing.
Indeed.
Half an hour later, when Ruboo emerged from Cordelia's office, his face was aglow.
He had secured a new contract.
Not as a butler, but as head of security for the distinguished Robijox Girls' Academy.
Much like the suited bodyguards who accompanied Myrtle.
Though as head of security, he currently had only himself to manage.
the elevation in status and the pay rise were welcome developments nonetheless.
Just like now, as he passed Spalding, Ruboo greeted him with the air of a semi-superior:
"Hey, Spalding, keep up the good work. Remember to lock up properly tonight."
With that, he walked away smiling, paying no heed whatsoever to the other man's long face.