I worked in the bottom leagues for about two weeks, during which time Liliana ('Lily', I call her) seemed to have found in me... shall we say... something of a big-bro figure; I had gained the silent admiration of the other servants, especially the junior ones; and even Grayfia-san would not mind hurling onto me some extra tasks normally performed by two.

...Somehow I got the impression that she had already formed in mind a very clear picture of who 'the other doer' ought to be...

Until one day, just before I entered the ducal kitchen (for by then I had come to know that my host could also put on the grace to be referred to as 'Duke Gremory'), Grayfia-san, standing near the doorway, motioned me aside. She was smiling--something which, unless performed in a guest's presence, was said to be very rare.

"Satome," she said with a voice audible only to both of us, "got some fresh news. It's from the Duke personally, concerning yourself."

"Yes..?"

"He said, as of today you are no longer part of this line. You are relieved--"

Before I could even begin to protest, she proceeded in an even lower tone:

"--in order to be assigned to a new position not many of these individuals could ever hope. That is... ahem... to be steward to Master Millicas himself."

Well, I had been informally told of this... but the way Grayfia was saying it...

"Um, Grayfia-san..."

"You might as well be surprised, I understand. This is why I am telling you the news person to person. Don't worry about Lily now; she might for some time feel the tinge of being away from you, but that's all. You are after all still within the same boundaries, and I am quite sure there would still be time and chance to see each other again. Oh, there is one more thing..."

As she said this, she held both my shoulders and I thought I could see my own face reflected in those eyes:

"Please aid me in watching over my only son."

...Eh? What was that..?

"What are you..? Could it be that your son is here, somewhere?"

"Yes, he is in the clan. Now then," she had maintained normal talking distance and volume again, "would you please follow me."

As I marched out of the room in tow of Grayfia-san, I was conscious of the curious and congratulatory stares behind.

***

"Where are you taking me, Grayfia-san?"

"To fetch Millicas-sama's menu for today. You will then take it to his presence," she replied without slowing nor turning. "That shall be your first task--be sure not to spoil it."

"Alright. Anything else expected of me while this young master shall be having his meal?"

Aside from refraining myself drooling at the meal's sight, that is... Indeed, almost anything could happen while trying to get through the first day since your change of job--especially if possible promotion is part of the deal.

"Whenever possible, maintain dignified silence; this goes too while providing and clearing his meal. Do not speak unless spoken to. When he does ask you, maintain calm tone."

She turned at a corner, walked some more, then halted in front of a lone door with Gremory's symbol etched on it.

"Wait here."

"Just a moment. Have whomever is inside been told of my new assignment?"

"...They have."

"Well, then please let me in. Let them know me from the start for what I now am."

She paused, looked at me for what must have been twenty seconds, and nodded--again exhibiting (however slightly) that said-to-be-ultra-rare smile.

"Very well, come join me then."