That night, I wrestled with my thoughts, contemplating the daunting task of stepping out of my room. 

The next day, I summoned all the courage I could muster, my hand trembling slightly as I turned the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open. 

Peeking cautiously into the hallway, I held my breath, silently pleading for solitude. 

"The coast is clear," I murmured to myself after scanning the empty corridor, exhaling a sigh of relief before cautiously stepping out into the hallway. 

Wandering through the labyrinthine corridors of the manor, my nerves tingled with anticipation, but I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur and opulence. Despite the darkness of the manor, its black walls seemed to absorb the light, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.

Every turn unveiled a new wonder – intricate tapestries adorning the walls, gleaming chandeliers hanging from lofty ceilings, and polished marble floors reflecting the soft glow of dawn filtering through ornate windows. 

"Wow.." I mused to myself, my eyes darting from one exquisite detail to the next.

As I tiptoed down the staircase, the familiar scent of breakfast wafted through the air. With each step closer to the dining room, I repeated a silent mantra to calm my racing heart. 

However, my attempts at composure were interrupted by the bemused stares of the other male servants. 

Caught in their curious gaze, I flashed an awkward smile, hoping to diffuse the situation. 

They returned my smile with equally awkward expressions. A moment of silent, mutual awkwardness passed between us. 

Upon reaching the dining room, I found Emma bustling about. She was meticulously setting the table for breakfast, arranging silverware with practised precision. As she turned to greet me, a look of surprise crossed her face. 

"Oh, Miss Elise!" She exclaimed, her eyes widening in astonishment. "You're up early today. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Emma," I replied with a shy smile, my eyes looking down to the floor as I twiddled my fingers. "I just thought I'd.. join everyone for breakfast downstairs this morning."

"Of course, dear. Take a seat, and I'll get things ready for you," she said as her concern softened into understanding. 

"Thank you Emma," I said gratefully as I lowered myself into the chair she had pulled out for me.

Suddenly, the clatter of plates filled the room as Cathy entered, her eyes widening at the sight of me seated at the table. 

"Oh, my stars!" She exclaimed dramatically as she rushed over, nearly dropping the plates in her hands. "Miss Elise?"

A blush rose to my cheeks as I met her gaze. 

"Good morning.." I replied sheepishly, unable to suppress a nervous smile.

"How lovely to see you here, Miss Elise!" She said with a cheerful smile. 

"Did I just hear you say Miss Elise?" Sarah questioned, her voice echoing with disbelief as she burst into the room.

Caught off guard by her sudden entrance, I could only nod silently, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment under everyone's attention.

"Stop staring, you'll bore a hole into her," Louis quipped as he walked in, his tone light-hearted yet pointed.

"Lou.." I called out, feeling relieved upon seeing him. 

"El," he responded warmly with a grin. "Glad we can finally share a meal."

"Me too," I responded with a shy smile.

Glancing around the room, I subtly searched for any sign of Duke Lucius, my thoughts lingering on his absence. But Louis, ever perceptive, caught my wandering gaze. 

"Julius's away at the capital," he explained casually.

"Julius?" I queried.

"Julian and Lucius," Louis clarified with a hint of amusement, "since they're always together."

"Pft! I see," I chuckled softly, appreciating the clarification.

"Well," a voice suddenly interrupted our conversation, teasingly saying, "I suppose I'll start calling you and Miss Elise 'Louel' then since you're 'always together'." 

Startled, I turned to see a distinguished gentleman with silver hair neatly combed back. His tall, lean frame moved with graceful ease, every step deliberate and confident.

"Especially considering how you decided to skip your classes yesterday just to keep Miss Elise company," the gentleman added as he grinned mischievously, his words sending a ripple of laughter through the room

"Hey now, Felix. I'm a diligent student. Just had a little... scheduling conflict yesterday," Louis retorted, his cheeks flushed slightly as he shot him a half-hearted glare. 

"Sure, sure, Louis. Whatever you say," Felix quipped sarcastically.

As Felix turned towards me, he extended his hand with a friendly smile. 

"Apologies for the interruption," he said smoothly. "I am Felix, the butler here, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Elise." 

"Louis has shared quite a bit about you," he added, "I'm sorry I couldn't introduce myself sooner."

Accepting his hand, I offered a shy smile in return. "Not at all. Nice to finally meet you." 

Following Felix's introduction, a procession of other servants approached me. Each one greeted me with warmth and sincerity, their smiles brightening the room as they introduced themselves one by one.

As the introductions continued, I was met by a few more male servants. 

Just then, Louis interjected with a bright idea, breaking my moment of self-reflection. "Hey Felix, I've got an idea. How about having El join my classes too?"

Felix nodded thoughtfully, while I hesitated before responding. 

"I-I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to intrude..." I replied tentatively. 

"That's a good idea, Louis," Felix replied diplomatically. "But I'll have to discuss it with His Grace first. He may have specific plans for Miss Elise."

"Sure, sure," Louis said with exaggerated resignation, his disappointment evident.

"Haha don't worry. I'll see what I can do," Felix reassured, before turning his attention back to the matter at hand.

"Lou, what kind of classes do you have to attend?" I asked.

"Nothing too thrilling, El," Louis remarked. 

"Just.. learning how to sip tea," he said as his eyebrows shot up towards his hairline while his eyes squinted almost shut in exaggerated concentration. With his mouth forming a tiny 'O', he delicately raised the teacup to his lips and sipped his tea. 

"Like this?" I asked as I attempted to replicate his dramatic expression. My eyebrows arching so high they threatened to merge with my hairline, while my eyes squinted in mock concentration. With a barely discernible 'O' forming on my lips, I delicately lifted the teacup to take a sip.

"El, not bad, I'd rate you an eight, though I'm a solid ten," Louis quipped.

Our theatrics drew chuckles from all the servants. Emma, however, swiftly intervened, rushing over to where I was.

"Miss Elise, all that will give you wrinkles," she exclaimed, lightly brushing my forehead as if to fend off any impending lines.

"Bump her up to a nine, Louis" Cathy joked from the side, with other servants adding their vote for a nine. 

"I'd say a ten for Miss Elise," Felix chimed in with a twinkle in his eye.

"Thank you.." I blushed at the attention, feeling a bit bashful under the playful scrutiny. 

Lost in the exchange, I momentarily forgot my initial query, content to bask in the warmth of camaraderie.