The afternoon sun bathed the Elfred Family estate in a golden hue, casting a soft glow over the meticulously designed garden. Crystal-clear floral arrangements shimmered beneath silk-draped canopies, while silver trays of refreshments glided through the crowd, carried by servants who moved with precision. Every detail gleamed with a perfection that was unmistakably the work of Darkness.
Darkness had an obsession with flawlessness, and under her exacting standards, even the most seasoned servants had adapted to her expectations of beauty and discipline.
At the head of a long table sat Lady Rubina Elfred, dressed in a soft lavender gown that perfectly complemented her golden hair and striking violet eyes. Her beauty was undeniable, but her incessantly tapping fingers against a delicate teacup betrayed a deep unease. Today's gathering wasn't just a simple tea party—it was a strategic maneuver that could shape her political future.
'In a time when the International Peace Summit is only a week away, a private gathering of noblewomen—without the Royal Family's sanction—can be seen as a political provocation,' Rubina mused, a sly smile playing on her lips. 'But because of my lineage, no one dares challenge me. Sometimes, I do feel like a Queen.'
Guests trickled in—daughters of Marquesses, Dukes, and Counts. Yet, despite the estate's grandeur, a sense of discontent lingered. They weren't here for Rubina.
They were here for Darkness.
Despite herself, Rubina felt a bitter sting. Three years in House Elfred, and she still struggled to command the effortless respect that Darkness received just by existing. Today, however, she felt powerful—a wolf among sheep. Darkness was absent, and this garden was hers alone.
Or so she thought.
Her gaze swept the arrivals with forced composure. Darkness's usual presence—standing silently behind her, an unyielding pillar of support—was nowhere to be found. Rubina's heart itched with unease, though her pride refused to admit it.
A group of noble ladies entered, their strides graceful but their eyes sharp, scanning for the familiar silhouette they revered.
"Let the games begin," Rubina whispered to herself.
The first to approach was Lady Meliora of House Carnelle, renowned for her razor-sharp tongue and influence within the royal court.
"Lady Rubina, allow me to introduce myself," Meliora said with an elegant bow, though her eyes sparkled with challenge. "I am Meliora Carnelle. It's a pleasure to finally attend a gathering hosted by House Elfred's young lady herself."
Rubina stood hastily, forcing a smile. Darkness wasn't here to steady her this time. She inhaled deeply, recalling Darkness's countless lessons. 'Control the pace. Do not let them dictate the tempo of conversation.'
"It is an honor, Lady Meliora," Rubina replied, her voice soft, yet laced with poise.
Meliora's eyes briefly flickered to Rubina's side, noting the conspicuous absence. "The honor is mine, Lady Rubina. I've long awaited the day Elfred's heiress would step into the light herself."
The words were a blade wrapped in silk.
Rubina maintained her composure, answering smoothly, "As heir of House Elfred, I believe in perfection. I wanted our first gathering to reflect the dignity of both House Elfred and its esteemed guests."
A faint smile tugged at Meliora's lips, a subtle acknowledgment of the clever defense.
But then, her tone shifted. "Let's be frank. There's no joy in such pleasantries. What is your true purpose for gathering us here, Lady Rubina?"
Rubina's stomach twisted. Darkness had warned her of such direct assaults. She forced a bitter smile. "Lady Meliora, I seek your support for the Prince in the upcoming International Peace Summit."
Meliora's expression hardened, her smile polite but cold. "House Carnelle has always remained neutral. We support the Royal Family—not an ambitious prince."
Rubina's nails dug into her palm beneath the tablecloth. She wanted to lash back but swallowed the bitter words. "Understood. Then, shall we proceed with the tea party?"
A collective sigh of relief swept through the assembled noblewomen. They gracefully took their seats, the atmosphere thick with unspoken agendas.
As teacups were filled and delicate pastries served, conversations turned to politics, trade, and alliances. Rubina, trained for years by tutors and refined under Darkness's strict guidance, navigated every veiled insult with elegant precision. Her replies were sharp, her composure unbroken.
Yet… every few minutes, her eyes wandered—searching for the familiar figure in black.
She recalled her own cold words: "I don't want to see you near my tea parties."
Regret and frustration swelled in Rubina's chest. 'I pushed her away every time she offered guidance… and now, when I need her the most, she's gone.'
Suddenly, a younger noblewoman—green with envy—spoke loud enough for all to hear. "I've heard Lady Rubina is always protected by her maid. It must be exhausting, relying on someone else to handle your affairs."
It was a trap. Baited perfectly.
Rubina's fingers twitched. Still, she remained poised. "Darkness is my personal butler. It is natural for her to assist in my daily affairs. Her years of knowledge are invaluable."
But even as she spoke, she realized she'd fallen into the trap. Her answer reinforced the image of dependency. Several noblewomen exchanged knowing glances.
Then, a girl—daughter of a Marquess—asked, "So where is she now?"
It wasn't malice. It was curiosity. They were here for Darkness. She wasn't just a butler to them—she was an idol, a perfect noble girl who wielded magic and sword with equal mastery.
Caught off guard, Rubina turned to a nearby maid. "Where is she?"
The maid, Rose, answered nervously, "I last saw Lady Darkness heading towards the training grounds… accompanied by a noble lady."
The revelation sent a ripple through the crowd.
"Training grounds? A noble lady…?" murmured Meliora.
"Ah, that's right," Meliora continued, a sly smile forming. "We did send an invitation to Lady Liliana, daughter of Marquess Rohell. She's quite fond of warriors."
The atmosphere shifted. A feeling of betrayal stirred among the noble ladies. Though bound by noble traditions, many secretly admired Darkness—not as a servant, but as the woman they had aspired to become. If she were a man, half of them would've proposed to her already.
"I've heard my younger brother is among the new recruits training today," Meliora declared. "Shall we go and witness the training session together?"
Approval rippled through the assembly. Rubina attempted to object, but her words were drowned out by the rising anticipation.
Moments later, a procession of noblewomen, maids, and guards made their way to the training grounds.
There, they spotted Lady Liliana, her gaze fixed intently on the field. She stood motionless, mesmerized by the sight before her.
The noble ladies followed her line of sight.
A figure—draped in black training clothes—ran laps across the vast field, wielding a massive iron pole as if it were weightless. The figure's movements were fluid, powerful, yet exuding an undeniable grace.
As they approached, the sunlight revealed more. Darkness's sweat-drenched skin glistened like gemstones, her breathing heavy but controlled, her muscles flexing with raw strength beneath her delicate beauty.
The noble ladies froze, captivated.
In that moment, they weren't gazing upon a servant.
They were seeing the woman they had once dreamed of becoming—the perfect beauty who chose her own path, free of noble expectations.
Today, beneath the sun-drenched sky, they weren't watching Darkness, the Head Butler.
They were watching Darkness—their unreachable desire.