Chapter 81: Gotham, The Making of a Butler
Gotham City.
Perhaps because of its geographical location, this city was almost always shrouded in clouds. Even at noon, the sky seemed forever pressed down by heavy gray layers, a constant threat of rain.
This weekend was no different. Gotham was cloudy as ever, though the citizens had long since grown used to such weather.
Rustle—
A top-class stretched black Rolls-Royce glided into a massive private estate. The car moved so smoothly there wasn't the slightest bump, finally halting before a tall wrought-iron gate.
The driver's seat opened.
A suited chauffeur stepped out crisply, respectfully opened the back door, and bent slightly to shield the doorway.
A red-haired girl in a uniform skirt stepped down, clearly unused to such treatment. The moment her feet touched the ground, the iron gates before her slowly opened inward.
"Please, Miss Wanda," the driver gestured politely.
Looking ahead, Wanda's eyes widened. Before her stretched a sprawling manor that could easily be mistaken for a royal castle, with towers reaching into Gotham's gray skies.
So this was the butler training base Diana had mentioned?
As Wanda walked inside, following the paved path, she noticed maids trimming greenery and cleaning the courtyard. One by one, they bowed politely at her passing.
Flustered, Wanda quickly nodded back in response.
"You must be Miss Wanda?"
The voice was warm, kind. Wanda looked up instinctively to see an elderly man with silver hair, dressed neatly in a black suit, standing at the manor entrance.
"Yes, sir. Hello!" Wanda bowed slightly, nervous under the sheer luxury of the surroundings, the faint pressure of authority hanging in the air.
The man smiled, nodding in acknowledgment. "I am Alfred Pennyworth. At Diana's request, I'll be your instructor. You may call me 'teacher.'"
…
Wayne Manor, first-floor guest hall.
Wanda sat quietly in a chair, her short legs swinging above the carpet.
Butler Alfred poured her a cup of hot coffee. His hands were steady, the liquid not rippling in the slightest. For all his years, his posture was still strong and composed.
"How do you feel?" Alfred asked kindly.
Wanda warmed her hands against the cup, glancing around the grand and richly decorated hall. The extravagant interior refreshed her understanding of what "luxury" truly meant.
She lowered her voice, a bit uneasy. "It doesn't feel like I'm here for butler training. Everyone… they're treating me more like a lady of the house."
Alfred chuckled softly. "Is that so? Tell me, are you familiar with the status of Young Master Xi Nian's family?"
"Their status?" Wanda tilted her head.
"Well then. Allow me to explain. My master, young Wayne, is the head of Wayne Enterprises. That company is worth over a hundred billion, spanning technology, education, healthcare, transport—you name it. Almost everything you see in Gotham connects back to Wayne Enterprises somehow."
Wanda's eyes widened. She'd heard of Wayne Enterprises many times, even back in New York.
Alfred paused, then continued, "And Young Master Xi Nian's family? They stand equal to the Waynes."
"So, as the sole maid—and future butler—of the Prince household, you may follow protocol, but you need not bow your head to anyone. Not nobles, not officials. Your position represents the family you serve. To lower yourself too much would be to diminish your master's dignity."
…
After hearing this, Wanda's view of Xi Nian and the Prince family shifted. The oppressive tension she had felt began to ease.
Seeing that the first lesson had taken root, Alfred cleared his throat and spoke gently, "Now, let us move to today's main topic. Before we begin proper training, I want to ask you: what do you think is the most important quality of a butler?"
Wanda thought seriously before hesitating, "Loyalty?"
"Loyalty is essential, yes—but it is only the foundation," Alfred replied with a smile. "In my view, the most important quality is a sense of duty."
"Duty?" Wanda blinked.
"Yes. Not only superheroes require a sense of duty. A butler must also possess it."
Alfred explained patiently, "A butler's duty is to serve the master, yes—but not just to carry out orders. That is what any servant could do. A true butler must understand what the master truly needs and wants, prepare in advance, act as a strong right hand on the path forward. And when the master strays or loses his way, the butler must provide guidance."
"To have such a sense of duty means dedicating one's life to this purpose." Alfred's sharp eyes fell on the thirteen-year-old girl. "You're still very young. Are you prepared for that?"
Wanda took a breath. In her mind appeared the image of a black-haired boy. Her small face grew firm. "I can do it!"
Alfred nodded. "Then know this: you must learn even more than your master, and across a wider range. Beyond cleaning, you will study etiquette, diplomacy, combat, firearms, intelligence, management, psychology, and more."
"Um…" Wanda hesitated. "Does that mean I'll have to come here often?"
She wasn't bothered by the distance. It was just that if she came to Gotham every weekend, she wouldn't be able to wake Xi Nian up or make him breakfast.
Alfred chuckled. "You won't need to travel here every time. I will arrange for professionals to come teach you at your school."
Wanda's eyes brightened. "But… will the school allow it?"
"Of course," Alfred said with certainty. "In fact, before today, with young Wayne's authorization, I already purchased the school you're attending."
…
Meanwhile—
Washington, downtown, on a bustling sidewalk.
Xi Nian froze in place, staring at the bald woman in a yellow robe who had just introduced herself as "Ancient One."
"You're… talking to me?" Xi Nian asked, glancing around at the busy pedestrians. For a moment, he thought she must be addressing someone else.
"Xi Nian."
She spoke his full name with perfect accuracy.
The Ancient One's ageless face was calm, her lips curled in a faint, unreadable smile. "No need to look around. The one I seek is you."
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