I was tired.

I didn’t even know if what happened the last few days was real or not.

The Duchess gave me a simple task, take care of Feyt, the new student from outside of the capital. What’s more, I learned that he was a commoner.

Hailing from a low noble family myself, I couldn’t comprehend how gifted that boy must’ve been to be accepted as a student here, by a personal recommendation from the Duke, no less. Although it wasn’t unheard of, it piqued my curiosity nonetheless.

The moment I met him for the first time, I could immediately tell that he was well-mannered and had a kind heart. The simple fact that he was a commoner meant that I had to work double time to make sure he felt as welcome as the other students here, so I did my best.

I continued to tend to him during his days in the mansion. He did well in training, he never failed my basic etiquette lessons, and he was clearly determined to do his best. However, that determination led Anton to push him over the limits.

Who in the right mind would do that to a kid? Although it wasn’t my responsibility to oversee his training, seeing how Anton treated Feyt made me feel like I shouldn’t leave my eyes off him.

After that day, I was sure things would go as usual for me. Taking care of Feyt would just be another task on my list, no bother. I would see to his needs, make sure he remained in good spirits, and continue my other tasks on the side.

The head maid, Leila, had many tasks on her own as well. From the head of gardening, laundry, kitchen, and many more. If I wanted to catch up to her, this was nothing.

But then… that day arrived.

I was notified by the Duke that Feyt had personally requested me to be his tour guide around the capital city. I was excited by the prospect. It had been a while since I left the manor, and the thought of showing Feyt my favorite restaurants around the square filled me with anticipation.

When the day came, I eagerly started the journey with the similarly eager Feyt. Although he was anxious at the start, especially at the square, I figured it was because of how unusually busy the square was. It must’ve overwhelmed him.

We continued in our journey, and Feyt seemingly relaxed when we reached the quieter part of town. It had a sense of serenity and quiet I imagined could only be beaten by his hometown, so that must’ve brought some sense of nostalgia in him.

However… the explosion happened.

Our relaxing mood was instantly replaced with a sense of dread as we watched smoke billow into the sky. The screams of panic, the dispersing crowd in terror, it all happened so fast.

Feyt seemed the most affected by it. His eyes were wide open, staring at the burning flames in the distance. I knew I needed to bring him to a safe place right away, but then… he ran off. Before I could even call out to him, he was swallowed by the crowd.

It took me almost an hour of searching, filled with anxiety. However, I couldn’t find him anywhere. Fearing the worst, I headed back to the mansion and reported that Feyt was missing. My heart pounded as I braced for a scolding, but all I wanted was some assistance in finding him.

But then Ressa, a dear friend of mine, tilted her head, confused.

“Sir Feyt’s missing? He was just here though? He’s out with the Duke and his knights. They’re heading for the square, I think?”

I felt… dumbfounded. 

I thought the worst of it was over, so I had a warm cup of tea to calm my racing heart down. Then I heard another explosion. Was the castle attacked again? I thought. But no, it sounded close, and it sounded like it was from the square.

I was too scared to even get out of the mansion. I was just hoping that explosion didn’t happen near Feyt.

Feyt would, thankfully, return safely. Along with him were the Duchess and Lady Carine.

In short, on that day, my heart was played with.

I had only seen glimpses of Feyt ever since that day. He was mostly holed up in his room, I imagined. Probably traumatized from the whole ordeal.

A part of me just wanted to be with him and comfort him, but I knew that would cross the line of my responsibilities. But still, he was just a young teenager. He barely knew the world and all of a sudden, it was collapsing all around him.

As someone in close proximity to the attack, I was given a week-long rest by the Duchess. I was thankful, but I wasn’t sure what to do with my free time. I usually would just wander around town, wondering when my favorite restaurants will open again.

I hoped to ask the Duke or Duchess for permission to bring Feyt out once one of them opened. A hearty meal could potentially heal his heart, after all.

But seeing how each of them still had their doors closed and lights dim, I began to wonder if they would open back up again. The longer Feyt stayed holed up in his room, the worse his spirit would be.

I sighed, rubbing my arms as the chilly night air brushed through me. The square was eerily quiet now, the scent of smoke still present in the air. I used to come here just for the food, for the warm lights spilling from tavern doors, for the sweet aroma of food on the street.

Whether I was sad or tired, taking a seat in one of the many great restaurants here could cheer me up. I figured it might work for Feyt as well, and it was at least worth a try. But now that they were closed, seemingly indefinitely, what else could I do to lift his spirits?

That was when I realized… I didn’t need these restaurants. I loved them, sure. But would Feyt love them too? Would they really be what he needed right now?

This ordeal surely made him miss home, I was sure. A fancy feast or an extravagant dessert wouldn’t solve that at all!

Food wasn’t the answer. Home was!

My hands curled into firm fists. I felt like slapping myself for not realizing something so simple. I might not be as good of a cook as Leila, nor was I ever assigned as a cook in the manor, but if there was someone who could bring home to Feyt, it might just be me.

I turned on my heel back towards the mansion, thinking of all sorts of dishes I could cook up. I should ask for Ressa’s help as well, her insights could prove useful.

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