His timing is so accurate it’s almost terrifying. 

“Excuse me.” He spoke with poise. 

The butler entered with another man dressed in fancy clothes. He was dressed like one of those advisors of the family. He held a notebook in his hand and instantly started writing something into it. 

The butler walked in and, “Lord Ferris, this is Kai. He was tasked with organising the books in the library. Although he’s just a servant boy with no formal education. Please forgive his mistakes.” 

This old man seriously hates me. However, as servant etiquette goes, I bowed in their presence and the two of them continued looking around the library. I was curious about their reactions to my work so I pretended to sweep the floors observing their interactions. 

The Head butler had quite an expression on his face. It seemed like he didn’t expect the work to be done to such a degree. Unfortunately for him, I’m a perfectionist and I do have formal education, just from a different world. 

On the other hand, the advisor looked visibly impressed by the aisles. 

I guess I passed his expectations. 

The two of them walked around until they had checked every single aisle. 

“This young man has done quite a job. Everything is perfect.” The nicely dressed man was content with my work.

“But, sir, although the aisles are done to near perfection, I don’t believe the child made an account of the books into the library’s index.” said the butler. He seemed desperate to find flaws in my work. 

Good luck with that. I worked myself unconscious to make sure you won’t be able to make a single comment on it. 

The nicely-dressed man walked up to me and clearly expressed the difference in our status. I thought he was better than the butler but he proved me wrong. He stood with his back straight exuding pride and looked down on me like I was some kind of sewage rat. 

Nobility sucks. 

“Young man, Is there an index for all these books? A proof to show that these are all the Duke’s property?” He was judging me. 

“Yes Sir. There is an index of the books.” 

Heh. Bet you didn’t expect that. 

“Oh, could you kindly show it to me?” The advisor was piqued by my attention to the work. 

I walked up to the library’s main desk. The book should be placed in the press below the desk. 

No! What! The book is gone. Hey! Hey! You can’t do this to me right now. 

I searched around the press but it really wasn’t there. 

The Head Butler smirked. 

That old bastard! He went that far to prove me wrong. 

The advisor looked at my expression and instantly looked displeased. 

Damn it! If I could get in good graces with the Duke’s advisor, it would’ve definitely come in handy. But now- 

Creak… the doors of the library slowly opened. 

A black cat walked into the library. 

The advisor and the butler turned their attention towards the item the cat was holding in its mouth. 

Nero! Why is he here? 

Wait! 

The black cat held a book in its mouth. It walked up to the desk and placed the book in front of me.  

“This is… the index!” 

Nero, you angel! What would I do without you!? 

I cleaned up the book and handed it over to the advisor. In the midst of the exchange, the butler flashed an odd expression. He looked confused, surprised and angry all at the same time. 

Must suck to have a little cat ruin your grand plan. It was a lovely thought. 

The nicely dressed man looked through the index, and grew more impressed by every page he read. After reading the entire book, he closed it and walked up to me. 

“This is really great work. Not only did you organise the library to perfection, you also listed every book you placed in the index. Amazing work.” He looked me straight in the eyes, not glaring or judging me. He was sincerely complimenting me. 

Nero walked up to me and tapped my leg with his head. It felt like he was saying ‘good job’. I felt proud of myself. It was a nice feeling. 

The butler looked even more annoyed now. He walked up to the advisor and took the book from his hand. He flicked through the pages and his expression changed. He was impressed at my work but found it hard to believe. 

“This is… really done well.” I felt victorious. 

“Indeed.” The advisor smiled at me and the two of them walked out of the library. The butler turned towards me and gave a displeased look.

Thud. They had finally left. 

SIGH! 

“Wow, that was mind wracking! I haven’t felt that nervous since… well… okay that was the first time I have ever felt that nervous.” (Never did exams because he was in the hospital) 

Nero walked away from me. 

“This cat is seriously hard to read.” 

Knock. Knock. 

Someone was knocking on the window across from me. All of a sudden, a basket appeared in the window. I rushed to the window to find a young maid looking up at me. 

Charlotte! And Food! Thank god! 

………

“So how did it go?” she asked. 

The sandwiches tasted amazing. 

“It went well. The butler tried to mess with me but Nero saved the day! Speaking of- NERO!” 

The black cat appeared from behind the aisle. 

“Here! I know you like this!” 

For a cat, Nero has quite the preferences. He seems to love strawberries. 

Nero always makes this cute expression every time he eats strawberries. 

“You really love them don’t you.” 

………

Once the butler and the advisor had left, I returned to my usual chores. The day begins with breakfast at 6 am. We start with a bit of cleaning around the mansion, although I’m not assigned there. My tasks are usually laundry, work in the garden or in the stables. Of course, coming back to my usual chores has its problems too. 

“Hey!” said a young boy from behind me. 

“Jack?” 

It means I’m also back with this annoying brat. Although, things are quite different this time. 

“I can do that laundry, you can go take your break now.” 

Yeah! Really different! He seems to be afraid of me, most likely after the whole dragon/salamander showcase. 

What I didn’t expect was something completely different. 

“Kai! The Head Butler is looking for you! Apparently Lord Ferris wants to speak with you!”