Michael stared at the spot where the magic circle had appeared, his heart stirring. This was the first time that he'd seen a magical contract, let alone completed one, but he knew that there were a few different types.
General contracts, peer contracts, and slave contracts. The former two had a range of uses from business to loans, property and even including employment contracts. Whereas the latter was much worse.
These contracts were identified by not only the content, but also the severity of the punishment when breached.
Michael wasn't sure which type of contract he'd entered into, but he needed to know. Part of him felt a little betrayed that the lord would orchestrate a contract without expressly notifying him beforehand, but there was no turning back now.
"May I ask… What are the consequences of breaching this contract?" he asked, raising his gaze towards Vaughn nearby.
The older man raised an eyebrow, his gaze assessing Michael carefully. "Why? Do you intend on breaking your vow?"
Michael could feel the tension in the air, but he didn't back down. He had a right to know what terms were in the contract.
"It's not that serious Michael," Lord Winterborne stated, his smile like a fresh morning breeze, "no harm will befall you, provided you don't intend to harm my daughter."
Michael let out a sigh of relief. Judging by the lord's words, the contract belonged to the peer category, a contract signed by two parties who were of similar standing. The punishment for breaching it was generally tame, provided the person had good intentions.
Since he and Melody were essentially in a master and servant relationship, he had worried that he'd been entered into a slave contract without his knowledge.
Though the man's words had been vague, this was enough to give him some piece of mind.
He turned to Melody who also happened to be staring at her own hand, likely where the magic circle had appeared for her. "I hope we can work together in the future, miss Melody." Michael stated, bowing.
"Mmm," she replied, nodding.
"Well," Brian said, standing up from his chair with a sense of purpose, "I have some work to do this morning, so I'll leave you two to it.
With that, he gave Vaughn a look and the two men walked away from the gardens, leaving Michael and Melody alone. A long silence stretched out between the two now that there was no adults present.
"Young miss—" Michael began, pushing down the awkwardness he felt.
"Call me Melody…" the noble girl said, fidgeting.
Michael cleared his throat, feeling his cheeks heat up. The awkwardness was digging into his soul, almost as painful as when he refined the chaotic mana back then.
Why is she acting like this? Is this what she's truly like?
Having seen her act rash and spoiled in their last few meetings, seeing the young noble act meek and vulnerable was shocking to say the least. He found his perception of the woman changing ever so slightly.
'Now, now, you clearly don't understand us women, young Michael' Shirley's words from earlier this morning popped into his head, resonating within him.
I don't think I'll ever understand women… he lamented, gazing at the young girl in front of him.
"M-Melody… What are your plans for today? I shall accompany you."
The girl nodded, "I have piano lessons this morning, we should go now otherwise Madame Wright will scold me again."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
Madame Wright must have a decent background if she dares to openly scold miss Melody.
"After you, young m—"
Melody's gaze snapped to him, her expression fierce.
Michael cleared his throat, "M-Melody."
With a satisfied nod, the young doll-like girl set off from the gazebo, her footsteps light. With her father not around, Michael noticed that she seemed a little more carefree, no longer hindered by noble etiquette required of someone in her position.
For the first time, Michael saw her as just a young girl.
This revelation surprised him. Perhaps there was more to Melody than he originally thought.
"Let's hurry, I don't want to be scolded again…" she said, picking up the pace.
Michael followed along behind her, keeping a short distance between them.
Soon they arrived in a spacious room adjoining its own little separate garden. The windows were open, filling the place with a light breeze and the fresh scent of jasmine.
But what struck Michael the most was an ethereal sound that seemed to seep into his bones. He recognized the instrument in a moment, yet the piano strokes were unlike anything he'd ever heard before, despite attending plenty of noble gatherings.
The high notes were fleeting, almost dancing on his heartstrings as they intertwined within the melody, casting a spell without magic.
Then as he stepped into the room, he saw the source of the music. A woman in her thirties had her eyes closed, her long and slender fingers exploring the keys, her dark hair kissed by the breeze.
The scene was beautiful, taking Michael's breath away. He stood in place, not even realizing that the music had stopped already.
"You're late, Melody." The lady stood up, her expression stern.
"I apologize Madame Wright," Melody curtsied, showing sincere respect.
Madame Wright's gaze moved to Michael, who was still gawking. Her eyes were green, glittering like emeralds as she evaluated him, her expression impassive.
"Who is the boy? Your betrothed?" she asked, her tone slightly interested.
"W-What!? N-N-No!" Melody stammered, her panic evident on her whole body. She sent him a quick glance, before turning away at lightning speed.
Melody's squeal seemed to knock Michael out of his stupor. His eyes lingered on Melody's figure for a few moments before stepping forward and performing a perfect bow.
"Greetings, Madame Wright. I am Michael Ellis, miss Melody's personal butler," he said, introducing himself. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
He had been enamored with her musical talents, so he decided to show her the utmost respect. After all, a teacher of a noble deserved this and more.
"Mmm," She nodded, turning to Melody, her eyes shining. "I like him, make sure you treat him well."