"You will be named Klen," the girl said with a bright smile. "Yep! I think that suits you perfectly."
The boy looked a little confused at first but accepted it. Something about her smile made it hard to refuse.
"As you wish… uh…" He hesitated, his voice trailing off. "What should I call you?"
"Oh! Sorry, I got a little too excited," the girl said quickly, straightening herself. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Lyra. Lyra Morin. Nice to meet you." She bowed lightly, holding her dress as she did so, her manners neat and graceful.
"Lyra…" Klen repeated softly. Realizing his own lack of manners, he bowed too, awkward but sincere.
They both straightened up, feeling a little nervous under each other's gaze.
"Well then, I'll be in your care," Lyra said warmly.
"Yes… same here," Klen replied with a small nod.
At that moment, the butler stepped forward, his calm voice breaking their short moment. "Now then, Milady, if you will excuse us," he said politely.
Lyra nodded to him. "Alright. Good luck, Klen," she said kindly before turning back to her desk.
Although the whole situation felt strange to him, Klen accepted his new identity. He nodded once more to Lyra before following the butler out. The door closed softly behind them.
As they walked down the mansion's bright hallways, the butler finally spoke. "Well then, now that both the Master and the Milady have approved of you, it's time you saw your room and learned about your duties."
Klen simply nodded and followed.
They went down a flight of stairs to the ground floor and headed toward a quieter wing of the mansion. The butler stopped in front of a plain wooden door and opened it. Inside was a small but neat room. A bed stood in the corner, a wardrobe and bookshelf against the wall, and a study desk by the window with a curtain that swayed gently with the breeze.
"It's a bit small," the butler said, "but I hope you'll be comfortable here."
To Klen, it was far more than he had ever known. After the cramped cages and cold floors of the slave trader's cell, this felt like space and safety. He gave a small nod.
"Now that you've seen your room," the butler continued, "we should see the rest of the mansion. After that, I'll explain your duties."
He closed the door behind them, and they started the tour.
The butler showed him everything: the main hall, the family's study, the training rooms, the servant quarters, the vast kitchen, and the garden. They walked across the wide porch and even visited the back grounds where flowers bloomed and a small fountain sparkled in the sun.
The mansion was far bigger than Klen could have imagined. After some time, they finally sat down in a small sitting area in the garden—a quiet place meant to enjoy the view.
"I hope you liked the tour," the butler said.
Klen looked at him. The butler, though formal, seemed kind. "Yeah… it's a big house," he said honestly.
The butler gave a faint smile. "It is. Now, let's take a break here while I explain your job."
"The Morin family is a noble and respected household in this kingdom," the butler began. "They are known for their manners, politics, and honesty. But more than anything, they are famous for producing some of the strongest fighters in the entire realm."
Klen listened closely.
"Every child of this house is sent to the kingdom's best school," the butler continued, "to learn magic, swordsmanship, and other skills. The family holds high expectations. Now, as for you…" He paused. "You are here because of a need that Milady had."
"Because of Lyra?" Klen asked quietly.
"Yes," the butler replied with a small nod. "The young lady spends much of her time alone in this mansion. All of us here are grown, and she often asked her father for someone her age—a friend, someone to help her and keep her company. So, her father decided to bring someone here. That someone is you."
"So I'm here… just to be her friend?" Klen asked.
The butler gave a short chuckle. "Not only that. You are here as her servant as well. Your duty is to assist her whenever she needs help. But above all, you are to be a good companion to her."
"Oh…" Klen thought for a moment. "Well… do I even have a choice?"
The butler raised an eyebrow. "Do you have anywhere else to go?"
Klen let out a small sigh. "Fair enough. I accept."
"Good," the butler said. "You will begin tomorrow. For today, you are free to explore the mansion. But I must say…" His expression grew curious. "You act quite mature for your age. Most children in your situation are not so composed. Were you perhaps a noble before you were enslaved?"
"I don't remember," Klen said quietly.
The butler studied him for a moment but didn't press. "Very well. Let's head back."
As they walked, Klen suddenly asked, "Wait. I never learned your name."
The butler stopped, then smiled faintly. "You may call me Fole."
"Fole," Klen repeated. "Alright then. Nice to meet you. I'll be in your care." He gave a small bow.
"Very well," Fole said with a polite smile. "Come along. I have a busy schedule ahead."
"Alright," Klen replied, and followed him back into the mansion.