William picked up his bag and started walking toward the entrance, wondering what exactly this weekend would bring.
The heavy wooden doors opened before he reached them, and a butler appeared — elderly, impeccably dressed, with the kind of posture that showed decades of service to noble families.
"Master William," the butler said with a formal bow that was perfectly measured. "Welcome home. Her Grace is expecting you in the west drawing room. I'll have your belongings taken to your chambers."
"Thank you," William said, handing over his bag to a waiting servant.
The butler led him inside and William was immediately struck by how different the interior felt from his memories of arriving here six months ago. Then, everything had been disorienting and alien. Now, with six months of distance and experience at the academy, he could appreciate the cold elegance of it all.
