102 Oath of the Head Servan (1/2)

”I am a forest, and a night of dark trees: but he who is not afraid of my darkness, will find banks full of roses under my cypresses.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

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”Young master, are you okay? Your brother told me to come and get you some medicine.” Suddenly, a virile voice interceded as my and the teacher's conversation is assured to be decadent in both theme and message soon enough... It's the household's head servant, Xerxes, together with his overly silent daughter in a mundane maid array. Sweats were running down their faces as if they found my brother's calling for that mere nausea, as somewhat critical...

Wait, it's not about that, isn't it?

Oh, and I remember this scene quite clearly... When I was talking with the teacher rather frivolously while sitting at her lap, Xerxes also came at that time with this identical demeanor, although now, it's a changed-scene with the same plot. And I can't even care if renewing my acts here can affect my present. I've gone too far back, and not to mention, that this is a supposed-sphere of illusion. But the question that remains is; if this in fact, merely shows my past in first-person gameplay, or if it is altered to sway my current perspective. Either way, I can't let my guard down, nor ignore this realistic charade.

”Oh, if it isn't Xerxes and cute Odette, in the worst timing possible... Long time no see!” Exclaims the deranged lady as the butler walks towards me.

”It hasn't been that long since our last conversation. Good morning, Madame Selene. And good work today!... Yet, to somehow preserve this ambiance, I believe that I had already instructed you not to get too close to either one of the young masters especially when they're alone,” he said, whilst bowing his head as he stood up in between me and the teacher, while her daughter also stood beside me, both of them looking a little bit defensive as if they know what's undertaking all along.

”What's this? A henchman, calling out someone who he just called as 'Madamme'?”

”Yes, I am indeed a henchman, Madame, and I am rather proud to be such in a position. Yet, as the head servant of this family, I shall always make apparent, the sovereignty that we incorporate, as I have sworn to Mr. and Mrs, Cendrillon prior I served them. And also, I have pledged to protect everyone here, even if it would spell my departure from this world. It would by far be, my greatest pleasure.”

”What loyalty and beautifully-constructed phrases!” she said, following it up with applause.

”Thank you for the commendation, Madame... but I believe it's not that noteworthy.”

”Hehehehe. It is... Then, it's now my time to bid thee farewell... Later, Jaiden, I hope you remembered the lesson well, as you're somewhat feeling ill today! I hope for your recovery!” She exclaimed, once again carrying that bag, slowly facing away...

”And oh, Xerxes...”

”Yes. Is there anything else, Madame?”

”I really do hope that you'll be able to maintain this 'sovereignty', that you're quite frank of talking about... After all, the status quo is always the hardest to preserve, and not to mention the ephemerality of everything.”

”Yes... I will do just that, madame... You can count on me and my fellow henchmen.”

”As expected of the land's finest servants, serving the finest aristocrats... Then, later. See you in two days' time! Let us celebrate the heir's birthday like there's no tomorrow...” She said, with a little whimsical giggle coming out from her pursed red lips, while the dark malevolence around her also starts to be more potent as she stated tose words that sounded like a threat...

”Yes, Madame. I will do everything that I can, without fail... We wish you a safe journey.”

”Bye!”

Then the teacher with as little as the most uninviting grin, left us, riding her personal carriage waiting for her outside.

”Young master! Are you okay?” The butler, as soon as the carriage begins to be out of sight, examined my appearance, looking for something that is not.

”Relax... I'm okay..l By the way...”