Michael blinked incredulously, unsure of what he was seeing was in fact real, or he was just dreaming. His gaze instinctively moved to Lord Winterborne who was smiling with satisfaction.
It was apparent that he was the main reason for this situation.
"I-It's fine, you couldn't have known." Michael replied, waving his hands in panic.
The situation was far too confronting. Even during his time in the Aurelius family, this had never occurred, after all, how could a noble be forced to apologize to a mere servant?
"Michael, don't feel obligated to accept her apology because of your position," Lord Winterborne stated, his brown eyes seeing right through him. "Truly consider her words and ask yourself, can you forgive such harsh words even if they were said in ignorance?"
It was clear at this point that the lord was not going to let this blow over easily. Michael needed to consider his next words carefully, ensuring that he made the right decision.
It would be easy to brush off the apology, chalking it up to youthful ignorance. However, it was true that Melody's words had affected him deeply, even if it wasn't her intentions.
What would mom do?
Yet he only needed to picture her face for a moment to realize what she'd do. Unconsciously, a smile pulled at his lips as he remembered her big heart.
"Thank you Melody, I accept your apology." He said tranquilly.
Melody's eyes transfixed upon his face, her pupils dilating. A hint of pink painted her fair cheeks before she quickly looked away, hiding her expression.
Silence stretched out in the gardens, only the occasional sound of birdsong and work of the gardeners drifting through the gazebo. For a short while, the tranquility felt palpable.
But in the next moment harmonious atmosphere was interrupted by a boisterous laugh. The elegant lord had his head tilted back, laughing heartily after the exchange, it was clear he had enjoyed the show.
Yet instead of being grating, his laugh seemed to lift the mood.
"Mmm, I was not wrong about you Michael," Brian began, gazing at him with fondness, "Despite what you've been through, your heart is still pure. Though I have never met your mother, I believe she would be proud of the person you are."
Michael nodded, "I appreciate your kind words my lord."
Vaughn cleared his throat and stepped forward, "Now that the formalities are out of the way, can we get to business?" he asked, pouring cold water on the atmosphere.
Brian chuckled, seemingly not offended by his head of estate, "Please forgive my head of estate, Michael. His pure heart has long turned to stone."
"The heart you describe does not exist in reality, my lord." Vaughn replied emotionlessly.
Michael met Lord Winterborne's gaze, the latter sending him a wink.
He then gestured to Vaughn, giving him the signal to continue.
The older man straightened up, fixing his collar. "As discussed, Michael Ellis has been allocated as the new personal servant of Miss Melody. He shall be present at all times to both protect and provide for her whatever service is deemed necessary and appropriate."
He continued, "This will be in effect until miss Melody is either betrothed or until otherwise specified."
Huh!? Betrothed?
Michael's mind raced, his questions compounding.
Wasn't I going to only be her personal butler until it was time to enter a Mage Academy? How will I attend an academy if I'm forced to be Melody's butler?
The original deal he'd struck with them on the first night was that he would work until the age of thirteen, then he would apply for a Mage Academy. No one had consulted him about this situation before now.
As if sensing his confusion, Brian spoke up, "I have already enrolled you alongside Melody in Arcadia Academy. With your status as a Crimson mage, it was not difficult at all." He said with a small smile.
"Of course, I don't expect you to fulfill all of your duties while on campus, but as long as you do your utmost to protect my daughter, it will be enough." He added.
He wants to send me to Arcadia Academy? With her? Michael's thoughts sharpened, his gaze turning to Melody whose cheeks were still slightly red.
Arcadia Academy was one of the best academies on the continent. He head heard it mentioned at a few social gatherings for nobles when he attended alongside his mother.
While the prospect of attending such a prestigious academy was appealing, Michael himself didn't feel worthy. He, who took over a year of personal tutoring to accomplish even the most basic of chore magic, did he even deserve to go to such a place?
Of course he was still thinking as someone who only possessed a single white ring. After ten years of constant oppression and the like, his current status as a mere servant was completely different to when he was the son of a noble.
The irony wasn't lost on him. In fact, this only served as a reminder that strength was far more important than status in this world.
Vaughn cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention back to him. "For this arrangement to be official, I need the consent of both Miss Melody and Mr. Ellis," he said seriously. "If this is to work, both of you will need to trust each other."
Michael blinked, caught off guard by the sudden formal tone. Becoming a personal butler was far more serious than he had imagined.
"So, Michael Ellis, do you consent to becoming Miss Melody's personal butler? Will you place her life above your own, vowing to protect her under any circumstance?" Vaughn asked, his voice crisp and direct.
Inadvertently, Michael's gaze turned to Melody, who seemed to be watching him carefully, waiting for his response. A feeling of helplessness struck him, almost causing him to let out a sigh.
Looks like this is the only choice I have.
"I will." He replied, nodding.
"And you, Melody Winterborne. Do you consent to the appointment of Michael Ellis as your personal butler? Will you vow to treat him with respect and honor, never purposefully placing him in danger, nor taking advantage of your position as master?"
"I will…" she replied softly.
"Then the contract is sealed," Vaughn said, waving his left hand grandly. At his gesture, blue sparks appeared in the air, causing the atmosphere to thrum with power.
Michael felt the back of his right hand burn with pain, forcing his attention to the spot. A blue magic circle was being drawn, each line causing a burning sensation to prickle his skin.
W-What is this!?
A few moments later, the magic circle was complete. It faded away after a few moments, but Michael felt that it was not gone.
"The contract is complete," Vaughn stated.
Brian clapped his hands together, his joy evident. "Wonderful!"