Riviero Household
morning
With a lazy yawn, I reached for my alarm clock and with half-lidded eyes, tried to peek at the time. I was not able to sleep properly last night because I was busy helping with the preparation for Master August's fourteenth birthday. It has been five years since then.
I glanced at the picture frame on my bedside and reached for it. It was a photo of me and young master where everything was okay. There are so many things that can happen in seven years. The Mistress passed away because of leukemia, leaving the young master behind.
The master grieved so much for his dear wife that he had no time to take care of the family, nor pay attention to his son. He stayed in their room, not caring about anything else. It was so painful to see the young master get ignored and rejected by his father.
Last year, the young master stopped trying. He realized that no matter what he does, the master will not even glance in his direction. It's hard to see the young master growing up to be a cold and bitter man, that's why I do my best to make him happy. I want him to feel that I'm by his side, no matter what. That I will never leave him and stay with him through ups and downs.
I want Master August to realize that even if the world decided to turn its back against him, I will always be his ally. I will always believe in him, no matter what.
"Julian, it's already six. We'll be having breakfast in thirty minutes," Father called from downstairs, so I better get moving or else he'll talk my ears off about self-discipline and time efficiency.
I climbed down and made my bed after placing the frame back in its position. We live inside the Riviero estate. We have a three-story house, fully furnished, that comes with the land title given to us by the master. It was one of the privileges of the head butler's family.
Swiftly, I took a shower, wore my uniform-- a suit, shirt, and tie, with family emblem on the breast pocket-- then brushed my hair and headed downstairs. Father had already set our breakfast and when he sensed my presence, he scanned my clothes and nodded. It was his duty to make sure that nothing was amiss.
I sat down and took some waffles and jam into my plate. "How was the preparation for the young master's birthday, Julian?"
With a grin, I gave him an okay sign. "The late nights were worth it, Dad. I know that the young master likes it simple and elegant, so I opted for a minimalistic but cozy arrangement. It should be in an open area where we can feel the fresh breeze, but the food should be scrumptious and top-class."
He set down his silverware and nodded, then offered me a sad smile. "Julian, you have been doing this for a few years now, but the young master never attends. At the end of the day, all your efforts go to waste."
"That's not true, Dad. I am not doing this out of responsibility; I am doing this for Master August himself. I want him to know that even if he thinks no one loves him, I am proof of someone who cares for him. If I have to do it every single time, I would expend extra effort if it meant that I would be able to see his smile again. Don't you want that, Dad? I miss my master; the master who smiles at me at every turn."
Dad's lips tugged upward, and his eyes shone with so much pride. "The young master is so lucky to have you, Julian. I couldn't be prouder." Hearing Dad's compliments was another energy boost, aside from seeing Master August. "Eat. You still have things to do. Who knows, the young master shows up this time."
I nodded and ate heartily, feeling so motivated by Dad's encouragement. It's only Dad and me now. Mom passed away when I was three due to an illness. It was Dad who worked hard to give me a better life. Yes, our family has been serving the Riviero for generations, but there's still competition within. The Master is the only one who can decide the suitable one to become the head butler, and Dad trained his hardest to become the one.
"Dad, I'm going!" Since our place is within the estate, it's just a few meters of walking, then I will be able to see the Riviero mansion. It's so massive, elegant, and magical. Every time I see it, I can't help but be amazed.
"Admiring it again, huh?" Alana, one of the house staff greeted me and opened the door. "You have been coming in and out of this mansion for so many years, Julian, but you still stop to admire it," she added in amusement.
"Of course! It's my duty as the young master's attendant to burn this kind of architecture in my mind. When Master August decides to marry, I will be... the one to..." I blinked when I found my throat constricting, unable to finish my thoughts.
"Are you alright, Julian? You look pale."
"Uh, yeah. I'm good. I'll go ahead," I replied and forced a smile despite the painful squeeze in my heart. Confused, I rubbed my chest and heaved a deep sigh. "This is what I get from sleeping late. Stupid Julian."
With a deep sigh, I walked along the long, carpeted hallway of the east wing towards Master August's bedroom. The east wing was specifically designed according to the young master's tastes. The design and architectural handiwork scream European, with a touch of modern technology.
Before I can proceed to Master August's bedroom, I had to undergo a security check to confirm my identity. Only me and father have access to the young master's chamber. There is a chip lodged in my neck that will be scanned by advanced technology.
When I finally reached the young master's door, I removed my glove and placed my hand on the scanner. When the access was granted, the door clicked and revealed a very spacious and glamorous bedroom. It's so large it can be considered a house.
There is a den, a kitchen, and a pantry. On my left is Master August's library, while on my right is his bedroom. The room has large windows draped with the most expensive fabric. The floor's carpet was imported from overseas, and the high ceilings were decorated with the most expensive chandeliers.
I turned to the young master's bedroom and dropped three light knocks on the door. "Master, its Julian. May I come in?" If he opens the door within ten seconds, then I am welcome. If not, I'll try another day, but today is the young master's birthday.
"No, I must persist. Today is Master's birthday, and I will do my best to get him to... come..." I was not able to finish my words because I found myself staring at those piercing gray eyes. I did not realize that he had already opened the door because I was busy hyping myself up.
I cleared my throat and straightened my posture, and bowed my head as a form of respect. "Master, forgive my rudeness. I promise to improve from here on out--"
"Drop the formalities, Julian, and come inside. Bring me my tea first," he added in what seemed to be a cold tone, but I have learned to discern his emotions through his tone.
Ever since the young master lost the Mistress, he has mastered the art of bottling up emotions. All of his feelings are kept in a tight lid, far from anyone who would dare to disturb his composure. That's the reason I persevered to understand him more.
Today, the young master's tone has a warm lilt into it, and that would mean I have a 35% chance of making him listen to me halfway. Most of the time, he shut me off by reading or painting, but I know that my words reach him. He just doesn't have the time to humor me.
Today is Wednesday, so it means that Master will be having chamomile tea. The young master has specific tea requests depending on what day it is. I made sure that the cup is set well to uplift his mood. If there's anything he doesn't like, it's chaos and disorganization. I went to the balcony where the young master prefers to spend half of his morning enjoying the fresh breeze and reading his favorite book.
"Master, here is your tea. Chamomile, not too hot and not too cold; just enough for your taste." Master August nodded and took a sip.
"This is a bit different than the ones you used to make."
"Master, I decided to squeeze some lemon into it to give it that acidity," I nervously replied when he arched his brow, his expression blank. "I can make you a new one, Master--"
"No. I like the taste. Good job, Julian." I find myself grinning at the compliment after releasing a sigh of relief.
Sometimes, I feel like Master August is too old for his age. He's so young, but he acts like someone in his 20s. I can't blame him; since his father decided to let himself be consumed with grief, Master August had to take over the family.
He was too young for the position, and everyone always had a say. Criticisms after criticisms were thrown at him at the tender age of nine.
"Julian, this is so hard. I don't want this. I'm still a child," Master August cried out in my shoulders when I found him hiding in the attic after a three-hour search. The elders of the Riviero clan refused to hand over the rein to a child, but Master August is the only one who can inherit the family name. It's in his blood; he can't escape it.
I grabbed his shoulders and pushed him slightly, then fished out my pocket for a handkerchief. "Master, I know. It's hard. It hasn't been a year since the Mistress died, and I saw how hard it was for you. It's only going to get harder. People will throw stones at you and challenge you. They will ridicule you because you are a child. But you know what, Master?"
He blinked. "W-what?"
I smiled and held his hands, then stared into his hypnotic eyes. "You are strong, Master. Let's prove them wrong. I know you more than anyone else. You have superb intellect and amazing leadership skills. You do not back down from any challenge. You are the reason why I regained my confidence. Even now, I still find it surreal that I'm serving a master as great as you." I released a shaky breath and blinked away my tears.
"Master, don't you ever doubt yourself. Even if the whole world turned against you, just remember: I am here standing by your side, trusting you fully, and truly believes in all the things you can do. You always have a Julian who will never doubt your capabilities, and will always cheer for your success."
After, Master August gathered himself and called for a meeting. In front of the elders, the young master promised to strive and excel for the sake of the clan.
"I may be a child, but do not underestimate my intellect and skills. Three years; give me three years, and if I won't be able to prove myself by then, I will step down."
Since then, Master August has studied like a madman. Politics, economy, business management, accounting, social sciences, and public administration. He also learned several languages that will be beneficial for him in the future.
Master August learned everything there is to know about the family, and it only took some time before he started to produce results. His unusual knack for things and his charisma drew support from the Riviero clan. In just two years, he had already gained the trust of the Elders by proving to them that there's so much more he can do, and age doesn't matter.
You are skillful, or you are not. You are talented, or you are not. As simple as that. Age doesn't have anything to do with it.
"--lian. Julian."
"Master!" I blinked several times and was a bit ashamed that I was not paying attention to him. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive my inattention," I apologized with a bow, my hands clasped in front of me, nervously wringing them.
"Sit down, Julian. Do you have something to say to me?"
I snapped my head and stared at him with wide eyes, so close to squealing, but I held back. This is it, Julian!
"Yes I do, Master. Um, if you have the time, I arranged a simple celebration for your fourteenth birthday. I was hoping you could come." Master August just gave me a blank stare while I remained stiff in my seat from nervousness.
There's also another reason why Master August does not celebrate his birthday; the Mistress died a week after his birthday. Master August deemed it unnecessary to celebrate a joyful thing when all he could think about was his mother.
"Sure."
Out of shock, I stood up in an abrupt motion, incredibly astounded. "Ha-ha. I'm dreaming again. Of course, Master will never agree to this. Stupid Julian for hoping." I smacked my forehead in frustration but almost doubled over when I heard it. That sound.
Just then, I heard the most familiar yet not-so-familiar chuckle after so long. As if in slow motion, I stared at Master August who was laughing in a carefree manner, his gray eyes dancing in amusement.
"M-Master?"
"I'll attend, Julian. Prepare my clothes. Let's have a blast, shall we?" When his lips pulled up for that boyish grin I missed so much, I was not able to contain myself and I bawled so hard, in front of the young master, who seemed lost at my outburst.
"Stupid Master! I was so worried!" I cried out when I dropped on the floor, tears flowing like a broken dam.
His expression softened and gave me a warm smile. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Julian. Thank you for your patience. Stop crying, will you?"
I sniffed and pouted. "It's your fault, Master." I fished out my handkerchief and wiped my tears.
He chuckled again and nodded. "I guess it is. Forgive me?" With another dazzling smile, Master looked at me with those twinkling gray orbs.
"As if I can refuse you." He grinned and nodded, then went back to what he was reading.
Finally. He's back. Master August is back.
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