The year after.
Riviero Household
Library
morning
Carrying Master August's tea and some cookies I baked myself, I went to the mansion's library. This is different from the one in the young master's room because this is enormous. It has three floors, ranging from Astronomy down to Zoology. There's also a section for novels, newspaper clippings, and even the criminal cases that were filed against the Riviero clan.
The library has a grand staircase to get to the second floor and a circular staircase on the way to the third floor. The architecture is predominantly Spanish, giving off that elegant look. In the middle of the large space are neatly arranged sofas and plush couches, a wooden table, and of course, Master August who was reading stacks of documents.
He's already thirteen, but instead of drowning in video games like other kids his age, Master is attending to more adult stuff. The Riviero clan is responsible for the proliferation of weapons and other related items. Guns, ammunition, explosives-- name it-- our clan deals with it. We are the weapon of the Morelli family.
"Master, here is your green tea. I also added some butter cookies I baked, for your snacks." I carefully set the tray in front of him and stepped back, waiting for his instructions.
He set aside his book and placed a bookmark before paying attention to me. "Thank you, Julian. Can you get the small box in my room? Bring it here," he ordered with a small smile, and I nodded immediately.
"Of course, Master. I won't be long."
Master August nodded and took a sip of the tea, pleased. That's another win for me. Spending time with Master during tea time is one of my favorite things to do. I get to see him relax and let go of himself. I prefer seeing him peaceful because it hurts me when I see him stressed and burdened with so many problems.
When I arrived at his room, I noticed a box wrapped with gift paper. "A present? Master is giving someone a present? But who?" It's none of my business, so I picked up the gift and went back to the library. This time, Master is humming to a tune unfamiliar to me, but his baritone voice was so soothing.
I want to enjoy it a bit more, but father explicitly reminded me that it's not ethical to eavesdrop. Therefore, I made my presence known by knocking on the door. When Master saw me, he just smiled and continued to hum.
With a shake of my head, I tried to dismiss his enchanting voice out of my head and placed the gift on the table. "Master, here's the one you asked for. Did I get the correct one?"
He glanced at the gift and nodded. "Open it."
"P-Pardon?" I grabbed one chair when I stumbled on my footing slightly.
Master just stared at me, emotionless. "Open the gift, Julian. I don't have time for this," he gritted out in a cold tone so I wasted no chance and sat down, then pulled the gift in front of me. I looked at Master again to make sure he was not pulling my leg, but when he started to get irritated, I realized that he was serious.
"Okay, Master. I'll open it." I carefully ripped the paper and a black velvety box was revealed. "Master?" He nodded and urged me to open the box.
Breathlessly, I lift the top part and my eyes fell out of their sockets when I finally was what the gift was. "M-Master? What..." I couldn't believe my eyes. The timepiece of my dreams is shining so brightly in front of me.
Master August grinned. "Happy Birthday, Julian. Looks like you forgot your own birthday," he said in an amused tone.
"I-Is this for me, Master?" With a creased forehead, I tried to wrap my head around the fact that Master August gifted me a very expensive watch-- a Patek Philippe Gold Chronograph Ref. 1527.
"Why do you look like that? Don't you like it?"
"M-Master... this is very expensive." This watch costs millions of dollars.
He raised his brow. "And? That's nothing, Julian. It's my gift to you. Will you accept it?" Master gave me a challenging look, and when he does that, I know that I have no choice.
"Thank you, Master. I gratefully accept your present." He nodded, pleased with my decision. I'm happy that he gave me a present, the second one he gave to me. The first one was a sketch he made of me back when he was seven.
"I heard from Joe that you have been saving up for this watch. So, when I got the chance to see that in an auction, I didn't hesitate to buy it. You deserve it, Julian." Master removed the watch from the box and reached for my left wrist, startling me and causing my heart to pound loudly.
When Master stood up, I still get amazed at how much he grew. At his age, he's already taller than me at 5'9, while I stand at 5'7. Because of the physical training and fighting combats, his shoulder widened and his body became toned and firm. His intimidating aura is very scary, but he tones it down when he's with me.
"Are you eating enough, Julian? You lost weight," he noticed and using his index finger, tilted my chin. "Your cheeks are also red. Do you have a fever?" I shook my head and blinked, as I held my breath.
"Must be from the heat, Master," I managed to answer without fumbling on my words.
Master nodded and put the watch on my wrist, then revealing that boyish grin after. "It really suits you, Julian. Always wear it, and don't lose it." He stepped back and went to his seat, while my inner self was squealing in so much happiness.
"Yes, Master. I'll protect it with my life!" I exclaimed in excitement, making him chuckle, leaving me perplexed.
"Your life? That's excessive, but do what you want. Anyway, what's my schedule for today?"
I cleared my throat and straightened my posture. "You have a meeting with Master Trevor in three hours, and two hours of sparring with your martial arts instructor. After that, we will go to the shooting range for practice, and visit the black market later."
Master nodded. "I still have three hours, Julian. Join me."
"Yes, Master!" I did not hesitate to sit down and grabbed a random book from the pile. I could still feel the heat on my wrist from where Master touched me. I can finally name the confusing emotion from last year: it's like. And I have a feeling that it will gradually transform into love.
Master is kind and thoughtful. It's been a year since he decided to attend the birthday celebration I arranged for him. It's also been a year since he reverted into his old self, but he only shows it to me. He can't look and act weak outside, because people might take advantage of him.
He always has to keep his guards up, and he can only relax during his free time. This is why I do my best to get him comfortable and at ease. I am his attendant. It's my duty to make my master happy, even if that meant staying on the sidelines as he grabs that kind of happiness with the girl of his dreams.
Unrequited affection... you want to stop but you just can't. It's a drugging feeling. You get high from just a simple smile, but your heart gets broken when you realize that you will never be together.
I looked at Master who was busy reading, then smiled. If it's for you, I'm willing to do everything, Master. I will bury this feeling deep inside of me and will cheer for you with my utmost on the sidelines. For now, I will enjoy standing by your side, because in a few years, someone will be there instead of me.
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