Michael blinked incredulously, unsure whether what he was seeing was real or if he was simply dreaming. His gaze instinctively moved to Lord Winterborne, who was smiling with evident satisfaction.
It was clear that the lord was the orchestrator of this situation.
"I-It's fine, you couldn't have known," Michael stammered, his hands waving in panic.
The scene was far too confronting. Even during his time with the Aurelius family, nothing like this had ever occurred. After all, how could a noble be forced to apologize to a mere servant?
"Michael, don't feel obligated to accept her apology just because of your position," Lord Winterborne stated, his brown eyes piercing through him. "Truly consider her words, and ask yourself: can you forgive such harsh words, even if they were spoken in ignorance?"
It was now clear that the lord wasn't going to let this go so easily. Michael had to think carefully about his next words, ensuring that he made the right decision.
It would be easy to brush off the apology, dismissing it as youthful ignorance. However, the truth was that Melody's words had affected him deeply, even if that hadn't been her intention.
What would Mom do?
He only needed to picture her face for a moment to know what she would do. Unconsciously, a smile tugged at his lips as memories of her big heart flooded his mind.
"Thank you, Melody. I accept your apology," he said, his voice calm and serene.
Melody's eyes locked onto his face, her pupils dilating slightly. A faint blush colored her fair cheeks before she quickly looked away, trying to hide her expression.
The silence in the garden stretched on, with only the occasional sound of birdsong and the quiet work of the gardeners drifting through the gazebo. For a moment, the tranquility felt tangible.
But the peaceful atmosphere was soon interrupted by a boisterous laugh. Lord Winterborne tilted his head back, laughing heartily at the exchange. It was clear he had enjoyed the show.
Rather than being off-putting, his laughter seemed to lighten the mood.
"Mmm, I wasn't wrong about you, Michael," Brian said, gazing at him with fondness. "Despite everything you've been through, your heart remains pure. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother, I believe she would be proud of the person you've become."
Michael nodded in acknowledgment. "I appreciate your kind words, my lord."
Vaughn cleared his throat and stepped forward, his voice cutting through the atmosphere. "Now that the formalities are over, can we get down to business?" he asked, his tone as emotionless as ever.
Brian chuckled, unfazed by his head of estate's bluntness. "Please forgive Vaughn, Michael. His once-pure heart has long since turned to stone."
"The heart you describe does not exist in reality, my lord," Vaughn replied, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.
Michael met Lord Winterborne's gaze, who responded with a knowing wink.
He gestured for Vaughn to continue.
Vaughn straightened, adjusting his collar with precision. "As agreed, Michael Ellis has been assigned as Miss Melody's new personal servant. He will be present at all times to both protect and attend to any services deemed necessary and appropriate."
He continued, his voice firm, "This arrangement will remain in effect until Miss Melody is either betrothed or until otherwise specified."
Huh!? Betrothed?
Michael's mind raced, his thoughts tumbling over one another.
Wasn't I supposed to only be her personal butler until it was time to enter a Mage Academy? How am I supposed to attend an academy if I'm stuck being Melody's butler?
The deal he had struck with them on the first night was clear: he would work until the age of thirteen, then apply for a Mage Academy. No one had consulted him about this change in plans until now.
As if sensing his confusion, Brian spoke up, "I've already enrolled you alongside Melody at Arcadia Academy. With your status as a Crimson mage, it wasn't difficult at all," he said, offering a small smile.
"Of course, I don't expect you to fulfill all of your duties while on campus, but as long as you do your best to protect my daughter, that will be enough," he added.
He wants to send me to Arcadia Academy? With her? Michael's thoughts sharpened, and his gaze turned toward Melody, whose cheeks were still faintly flushed.
Arcadia Academy was one of the best in the continent. He had heard it mentioned at several noble gatherings he had attended with his mother. Not to mention Charles—their tutor—was also a student there.
While the prospect of attending such a prestigious academy was appealing, Michael didn't feel worthy. He had spent over a year of personal tutoring just to learn the basics of chore magic—did someone like him even deserve a place at such an esteemed institution?
Of course, he was still thinking like someone who only possessed a single white ring. After ten years of constant oppression and struggle, his current status as a servant felt far batter than when he was the son of a noble.
The irony wasn't lost on him. In fact, this only served as a reminder that strength was far more important than status in this world.
Vaughn cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention back to him. "For this arrangement to be official, I need the consent of both Miss Melody and Mr. Ellis," he said seriously. "If this is to work, both of you will need to trust each other."
Michael blinked, caught off guard by the sudden formal tone. Becoming a personal butler was far more serious than he had imagined.
"So, Michael Ellis, do you consent to becoming Miss Melody's personal butler? Will you place her life above your own, vowing to protect her under any circumstance?" Vaughn asked, his voice crisp and direct.
Without realizing it, Michael's gaze shifted to Melody, who seemed to be watching him closely, waiting for his answer. A wave of helplessness struck him, almost causing him to sigh.
While he could refuse now, it would likely have a negative effect on his relationship with the Winterborne family. Michael knew that while the lord and lady were one of the better nobles, they would likely still take offense to a slight like this.
Not wanting to let it come to this, Michael made his decision.
Looks like this is my only option, he reasoned.
"I will," he replied, nodding resolutely.
"And you, Melody Winterborne," Vaughn continued, "Do you consent to the appointment of Michael Ellis as your personal butler? Will you vow to treat him with respect and honor, never purposefully placing him in danger, nor taking advantage of your position as master?"
"I will…" she answered softly, her voice barely a whisper.
"Then the contract is sealed," Vaughn declared, waving his left hand grandly. As he did, blue sparks appeared in the air, and the atmosphere seemed to thrum with energy.
Michael felt a sharp pain on the back of his right hand, pulling his attention to the spot. A blue magic circle was being etched into his skin, and each line sent a burning sensation rippling through him.
W-What is this!?
A few moments later, the magic circle was complete, and it faded, but Michael still felt its presence, as if it were not truly gone.
"The contract is complete," Vaughn said, his tone final.
Brian clapped his hands together, his joy clear. "Wonderful!"