When I woke up with the first light of the morning, I saw that the sunlight was hitting the bed I was lying on. The bed next to mine was empty. It seemed like my uncle had started his day earlier. I hadn't even heard any preparation sounds. When I looked at the table, there was a plate of food, and next to it, a note.
"Eat your breakfast well. You have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Don't be late."
I had been fired for being late to most jobs, so I must have caused trauma for my uncle. My dear, always warns me. When I think about it, I had nothing to do until the afternoon, and it was only 10 o'clock. Mary and Slays should have been working by now. Slays had mentioned that she was taking care of the garden. I could help her with that as well; I had worked with a farmer before.
After eating my meal, I put on my clothes and gloves and went outside. There were many workers at the mansion, but not all of them lived here. Most of the workers were coming from the town. Still, there were quite a few people living here. My uncle and I also resided in the accommodation area designated for the servants.
As I walked down the corridor, an odd silence prevailed. For a moment, a strange unease filled me. As I approached the door that led to the garden, I quickened my steps. Just as I was about to open the door, it suddenly opened from the other side, and a drenched Slays entered. Our eyes met. She looked at me in surprise.
"Ah, Theodore..." she said, letting out a deep sigh.
"What happened to you? Why are you like this?"
He glanced over his clothes, then lifted his head and took a dramatic breath.
"The young master made me clean the algae in the pond one by one. When I tried to remove the last algae, I slipped and whoops, I was in the water."
I rolled my eyes. "So... you're saying the young master showed his cruelty again."
"Don't say that, Theodore. I think he's an angel..." Slays said, then slyly added, "...trapped among devils."
I laughed, but couldn't help but feel a slight chill inside. What would that kid make me do in the future? I didn't even want to think about it.
"Is he always like this?" I asked.
Slays shook her head. "He's angry that Butler Jeyan left him and went away. He's giving ridiculous tasks to everyone, not just me."
You pompous devil, is this how you play with people? If I don't discipline you, then I'm not Theodore, dwarf.
"Will he target me too?" I muttered.
Slays shrugged. "Most likely. But we're used to it. Besides, there's a big party coming up soon, so the young master wants everything to be clean and perfect."
"Party?" I raised my eyebrows.
"The Little Lady has a birthday. That's why a big celebration will be held."
The Little Lady? I didn't know anything about her. Was there someone else at the mansion besides the Duke, Duchess, and the young master?
"When is this party?" I asked.
"One month from now. But don't say 'there's still time' or anything like that. Everyone's already working hard. And of course, while working, there's a chance we might become a sacrifice for the young master."
I laughed at the joke, but a fear arose within me. As horrifying scenarios crossed my mind, I couldn't help "Would he make me clean the pond as well? Or worse?" but shiver. Slays' voice brought me back to reality.
"Theodore, I'm going to change. Where are you heading? We can hang out together if you want. I have time until the flowers that are supposed to arrive this afternoon get here."
"Okay, I'm free until my doctor's appointment. Change your clothes. I'm waiting."
Slays hurried off and quickly returned in dry clothes. We headed toward the stable together. We found Edwin there, taking care of a white horse.
"What are you two young men doing here?" he asked while brushing the horse's mane.After Slays explained the situation, his eyes lit up. "If you're both free, would you like to help me?"
At that moment, Slays raised her hands in protest. "I literally can't get two minutes of rest!"
Edwin burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Slays, I'll let you off today, but next time, I won't be so kind."
"Why only me? Theodore's here too! Why don't you give him a task?" Slays complained.
Edwin turned to me, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Right, we should find something for Theodore to do too."
"Are you already giving me orders, Slays?"
After my remark, Slays seemed a bit more flustered.
"N-no, that's not what I meant! It's just... I mean... I just wanted to say that I'm not the only young person here! I didn't intend to give you orders!"
Slays quickly turned to me, puckering her lips and trying to act cute. As she shook her head and looked at me anxiously, I couldn't help but laugh. Seeing Slays act this way, it was hard to believe she was older than me.
We spent some time in the stable, chatting. Then, when it was lunchtime, we went to the kitchen and ate our meals. The flowers Slays was going to plant arrived in three carts.
While we were watching the flowers being unloaded in the garden, I saw the doctor's carriage entering the mansion.