“Crixia, would you ba a dear and hurry up?”,

“Yes Father.”,

Crixia Louveil, youngest child and only daughter of the Count and Countess at the small country of Cruźeol, located at the West of Europe.... famous for its sweets and pastries.

“Your Excellency your mobile have arrived.”, I told them as I opened the door.

“Get a move one now dear we don’t want to be late for the Duke’s gathering.”,

“Yes Mother.”, Crixia replied as she entered the car.

Martin and Catherine Louveil, the “Kindest Royals” in the country. They are known for their many projects that benfit not only their country but also the neighboring ones.

“Your Excellency, My Lady... we have arrived.”,

He walked in as if he was the star guest of the duke, greeting everyone with disgust while constantly bragging on how his sons saved the country.

“How about your daughter? Has she made her mark yet?”, one of the guest asked him.

Considering she is the only daughter, the youngest at that, she often the topic of royals that can’t mind their own business.

“She is a very lovely girl, she will make her mark.... in her own way, even if nobody else is there to see it. She’ll still be able to do it.”,

Finally the Duke entered, he was also bragging. About how he was able to pay off his grand suit for that specific gathering.

“Well good evening Martin. May I ask, who was it that let you in?”,

“The Count? The Count wasn’t invited!”, everyone was whispering to each other.

“Well I invited myself in Hampton? Why?”,

“You weren’t invited Martin, let it go.”,

They started fighting like animals, for absolutely no reason at all! They were like kids talking about what stupid reason they hate about each other.

Someone was finally brave enough to intervene. It was Crixia...

“Your Grace will you please excuse me Father’s rude intrusion? I wasn’t aware that we weren’t supposed to be here. If you would excuse us, we will now take our leave.”,

“At least someone here understands, come back anytime you like. Just don’t include your father.”,the Duke “politely” invited.

“No, no thank you.”, she declined.

“Now that’s cleared up, come along now father, you too Adam.”,

Before we left I could see the other guests whispering to each other again. This time I heard them complimenting Crixia on how she idle with caution.

“Yes My Lady.”.

“Dear! What was that all about? I got that situation handled! Why can’t you let a man be what he is?”, the Count reasoned.

“A man?! If acting like an idiot infront of others is what a man does, go ahead and reason! But if it isn’t then don’t use that excuse with me!”, she yelled in anger.

“Alright now, you still have school tomorrow dear. Get in you two. We are going home.”, the Countess demanded.

The ride home was awfully akward.... and the silence was deafening.

“Your Excellency, My Lady. We have arrived.”, the driver told.

Crixia head out first and headed to her room immediately. When she went down she was already in her pajamas.

“Adam, would you be so kind and serve me dinner?”, she requested.

“Of course My Lady.”, I said then headed to the kitchen.

Crixia was uncomfortable, she wasn’t able to talk to her father because of what happened earlier, I decided to give her advice after I served her, her food.

“My Lady, why not.... break the ice? You know, fix the situation.”,

She let out a deep sigh.

“You’re right Adam. By the way, could I ask you something afer I finish my meal?”,

“Of course.”,

She ate fast that she almost chocked on some of the chicken.

“My Lady, be careful. You still have tomorrow to talk to me.”,

“Yeah, (coughed) you’re right. It’s just that I can never ask my parents about the kinds of stuff I get advice from you! It’s soooo, complicated.”,

“I know it is, but as you said; you would just have to deal with it.”.

“Oh I know! I’ll just eat.”,

I waited for her to finish, until she did.

“Adam wait for me here, I just need to apologise.”,

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”,

“I’m sure Adam!”, she replied then left.

I waited for her, and she came back not long after. She was frustrated when she came back.

“Is something wrong, My Lady?”,

“Oh... nothing with me Adam. JUST WITH MY FATHER!!”, she yelled for the Count to hear at their living room.

The Count hurried to the kitchen. Crixia hid behind me as his footsteps were getting closer.

“Oh is that right? You need to learn how to respect your father! You incompitent brat! If your brothers were here instead of you, me and your mother wouldn’t have any problem!”,

Crixia got teary-eyed.

“Martin! You will not speak to our daughter that way! Speak to her like that again, and you’ll get what’s coming to you!”, the Countess threatened.

I forgot to mention Crixia’s older brothers.

The oldest; Felix Louveil. A great soldier known for leading and winning countless battles, but due to an ambush at their camp... the young soldier, along with others lost thier lives. He was taken at the age of 32, the exact day of February 13, 1875. Which was the day that his youngest sibling, Crixia was born.

Then the second, Allan Louveil. He studied Criminology and went big as a detective, just not at his home country. He was assigned in France, and can only come home in the holidays.

Crixia started crying, she held me tighter as her tears were falling faster.

“Seriously Adam! What do you even teach that girl?”,

“I teach her things, that you require me to teach. Of course I cannot monitor her at school, maybe you should ask her teachers.”,

The Count scoffed.

“Oh Adam, I can always count on you. You taught her well, but not well enough.”, he said and left the kitchen.

The Countess followed him and apologised to Crixia.

“They already left My Lady, you can come out now.”,

“I saw them leave Adam, thank you.”,

“You were suppose to ask for advise now My Lady.”,

“It’s about.... you know what let me just ask one question! What knid of girls do you like?”,

“I like girls who are, alive of course!”,

“I’m serious Adam!”,

“I am, too. What I meant was, alive inside. Nothing can bring her down, and noone can bring her down. Looks doesn’t matter at all for me, but I doubt we’re all the same, so how was that?”,

“You have high standards for a servent.”,

“I do, what about you?”,

“Of course I do! They all say that I should, because I can’t settle for second place. I mean what choice do I even have? I just want to experience a real relationship, before getting married to a total stranger.”,

“If they find out, what do you think will happen to you?”,

“Something bad I hope! I just don’t want to be here anymore! I don’t want to leave you alone, it’s just that I’m tired.”,

“Of what?”,

“Of everything Adam. I do have good life and all, but I don’t feel like I’m in control.”,

“I know that feeling My Lady. Would you look at the time, you must be going to bed now.”,

“I should, huh? Thanks for giving me a straight answer! You’re wife is lucky to have you.”,

“Her parents say the same! If she had them...”,

“Huh?”,

“Good night My Lady.”,

“You too!”, she said and went up to her room.

“Your Excellency, can I have permission to..... oh? I see now, I could ask for it tomorrow.”,

I saw the Count and Countess at the garden, they were sitting there, just talking.

I can imagine being back with her, I wish I could be with her, though now is not the time. I’ll accomplish my mission soon My Love. I’ll be back into your arms soon enough.

tO be CoTinUed.....

Four in the morning, I got up, cleaned myself then dressed. I went down to the kitchen and prepare the things that My Lady will need for today.

People reading this might be wondering, “Doesn’t she need a maid instead af a butler?”

Technically, Ladies and gentlemen.... I am a family servant. She does have her own maid, so does her parents, I just tend to attend important gatherings with them....

“ADAM!! Have you seen my book? The one about gardening? I can’t find it anywhere!”, she panicked while running down the stairs.

“Uhmmm, have you checked your bookshelf, or your bag? How about the bag where it was placed when we bought it? I mean, have you already took it out of the packaging?”,

“Adam, if I check and it’s not there.... I don’t know what I’m going to do to you.”, she said in a snobby way.

She ran up the stairs and from the sound of it, she slammed her bedroom door.

It got quiet afterwards, she found her book didn’t she? She walked down the stairs slowly, and ran towards the kitchen when she passed me.

She did find her book....

“Did you find whatever it is you’re looking for, My Lady?”,

“Of course I did. Thank you for the help Adam.”,

“And also My Lady, I like a “girl” who’s tidy with her things, also well mannered....”,

“I get it Adam, don’t be suprised to get kicked out sooner or later.”,

“Now what did she do?”, her mother asked.

“She couldn’t find her book this morning... again.”,

“That’s always expected, anyway... let’s get going now dear. We have a long day ahead of us!”, she invited the Count after eating breakfast.

“Yes, coming.”, the Count answered.

(In their Car)

“Father, I have been meaning to ask you.... why did you fall in love with Mother?”,

Her Father was wide eyed,

“Why the sudden curiosity dear?”,

“No, no. Answer her Martin. Why did you fall in love with me?”, she asked sarcastically.

“It’s just that, you never really told me how you met. I get that you’re both from rich families, and well... were under arranged marriage. But you fid fall in love with each other didn’t you?”,

“First of all, I love your Mother with all my heart. Second, is this about that Fredrick boy from your school?”,

She looked pale after hearing that from her father.

“No, just research. It’s about our topic in psychology.”,

“Oh? Is that so? Tell me all about that topic then.”,

“Answer her damn question Martin!”, the Countess demanded.

“Alright Dear, we met at the King’s Ball. It was quite bland. But what can I say that’s where I met my Fiancé for the first time, and I might not know who she was back then but she was the only girl I planned on marrying.”,

“What’s your first impression of her?”,

“A little odd from the others, but was kind of a kind. She was probably the one who approached me first to dance, that was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me that night, other than the fountain incident...”,

“FOUNTAIN INCIDENT?! Can you tell me about that?”,

“Ooof, we’re here. Wait until later tonight alright? Move along now dear.”,

Crixia got out, all disappointed that her father never got to finish his story. We waved goodbye, ready to leave for his father’s workplace.

We left, and well, as the car was only filled with adults we talked about; they talked about who they want Crixia to marry.

It was long decided, but they grew concious since Crixia fell in love with another man.

“Adam, Crixia trusts you. But we do to, don’t speak a word about this to Crixia.”, the Countess threatened me.

“My Lady, when have I ever broken a promise? It was decided since she was born, I can never speak to her about this, she’s actually feeling confident about Fredrick, I think I’ll just support her with that until I can.”,

“No, her feelings has to stop. She’ll get married either way. That Fredrick boy, is about to marry another woman in the near future. Her feelings cannot blossom anymore. Do what you can Adam... noone wants Crixia to get hurt.”, the Count added.

“Certainly, Your Excellency.”,

“That’s it for you this week Adam. You may go home after you’re done with the shop.”,

“Of course, My Lady.”,

About three in the Afternoon, I started my shopping and finished by quarter to four.

I went home to pack my things for my weekend,while packing I heard a little squeal coming from Crixia’s room. I went to check on her, and she was jumping on her bed with the biggest smile on her face.

I knocked on her room door even if it was wide open. I was trying to be polite infront of My Lady.

She was alert, she carefully went down her bed and approached me, running. She screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Please be quiet about this with my parents alright?”,

“Go on My Lady, I won’t tell a soul.”,

“Oh Adam! I got a date with Fredrick!”, she said happily.

“That’s wonderful news! When will it be?”, I pretended.

“That I can’t tell you, yet. We never really planned an actual day, bur we’re sure! I promise, it’s real.”,

“Tell me when you get a day from him alright? I just don’t want your hopes all up then let down.”,

She doesn’t like me hearing that I doubt her, but what can I say... I’m only their servant.

“Trust me Adam, Fredrick won’t lie to me!”,

“Oh I hope not, because he’ll be beat to death if he will.”,

“Don’t kid like that! Come on!”,

I looked at my pocket watch... is that already the time?

“Excuse me for a moment My Lady. I need to attend to some manners today. I’ll be back when I can.”,

“Going away for the weekend I see. Well then, say “Hello” to Julie for me.”,

“Will do My Lady, well then I’ll be going now.”,

“See you then, Adam!”, she said goodbye as I was walking down the stairs.

I hurried to catch the train going to my hometown. And just a few minutes I finally got on the train. I sat on the window seat, there was so many things that was already changing.

New buildings were being built everyday, they were few little houses left.

“This seat taken sir?”, a tall gentleman in a suit asked me.

“Oh, please go ahead. I’m travelling alone.”,

“Going home on your weekend? I just hope it’ll last... don’t get too carried away, you only have one purpose on your mission.”,

“I am aware of my purpose. I have been with that family since their second child was born. They trust me with any information they can.”,

“When will you be able to get your opportunity?”,

“When the time is right. Don’t rush me. Besides I have always done my job on time. This is my stop old friend... don’t follow me, if they see me with you, they’ll dispose of me.”,

“You have my word.”, he said then left.

I went home, and there she is as beautiful as ever.

“I’m home, My Love.”,

To bE conTiNUed....

“Did you wait for me My Love? I’ve been counting the days to be back with you.”, I talked to her picture in the wall.

I put on a little prayer like I always do when I come home to her. I put up candles in her loving memory.

“I promise I’ll visit you again. No need to be upset alright? I’ll never break my promise. The Count’s daughter, Crixia. The one I was I was telling you about. She said to drop you a Hello.”,

I unpacked my things and changed my clothes. I also bought her favorite pastries from the mainland, macaroons.

“Do you want Beef Stew like the usual? Oh, Of course who am I kidding.”,

I cooked our dinner, and ate.

“It’s just like your here... same recipe but not the same feeling.”,

A knock suddenly came from the back door. I slowly got up from the table and approached the cabinet where my gun is hidden. I walked towards the door...

“Hello Adam! I see you’re back home again. Would you like some tea with your gun?”, my long time “neighbor” Luis asked me.

“What do you want? Isn’t your mother looking for you?”,

“I just hope she would. Oh, how can I forget... good evening Julie, your looking as vibrant as ever.”, he said cheerfully and then turned to me.

“Why did you come here Luis? Do you have news?”,

“I have “Adam”, he wants results. As many as possible. He wants them tonight, at his place.

6 pm. sharp.”,

“An hour from now? Are you going to bring me to him?”,

“Well, he wants to be sure you’d actually come. Not like last time, or the other two times before that. And by the way, who was that guy with you on the train?”,

“He’ll be going there tonight, you’ll find out who he is later. I’ll get ready, after that we can go.”,

“Alright, just don’t take too long, I’m not that patient.”,

I tidied myself up as fast as I can, if I were you... I’d hurry when this guy is with you. He’s so impatient, he actually killed three guys already because of that reason.

“Hurry up!”, he yelled.

“What do you mean? I’m waiting for you! Get a move on!”, I said as I peeked through the window from the outside.

“Funny, let’s just go already.”,

We rode on his car to get there.

“Do you ever clean this? It’s disgusting.”,

“Don’t act all mature with me. You became a butler because you were undercover, don’t act like you are one.”,

“I am one, I’m also a soldier, a musician, an actor, and an agent.”,

“I get it. What’s your real name though? You never told us that, you only came to us when you were “a musician”, as Anthony; Anthony Kriscentire . Then you changed it to Adam Frelague.”,

“Only my wife knows that, and only heaven knows where she is.”,

“Please.. how about the Boss? Does he know?”,

“Of course he does. I’ve been working for him longer than anyone.”,

“Ah, I see.”,

We rode for a long time, and more. But I don’t think we’ll ever get there.

“It’s getting hot in here. When are we getting there? You’re so damn impatient aren’t you? Why not shoot the driver and drive us there yourself?”,

“Wait for a moment, we’re going at an intended speed. Trust me I would’ve killed the driver earlier, but the boss would kill me too.”,

“How far have we gotten anyway.”,

“Who knows?”,

“I’ll go look.”,

“No!”,

What... we crossed this place not long ago.

“Are you serious? We could have been there faster if we just walked! That’s it, I’ll walk.”,

“Adam, wait a minute! Try to understand the boss’ request.”,

“I know the way, I’ll just walk.”,

Uggghhh! I should have not trusted that incompetent fool!

“I’ll walk with you! Wait for me!”,

“No more Luis, just follow me if you want. I’m not saying a word to you.”,

“Fine, just listen to me.”,

“Go on.”,

“You see, the boss found a traitor. He wants noone to follow a member to the main villa.”,

“A traitor? Did they dispose of said traitor?”,

“Not yet, that’s why they called everyone. If everyone’s there he hopes that when he kills that guy, the others will learn their lesson and not to cross him.”,

“When has that ever worked? Last time I was there, he killed the wrong one.”,

He giggled...

“Wait a moment. Are you serious right now? Did he actually do that? There has to be a reason right?”,

“Well there is, when he killed the wrong one, the traitor fled. The other week we received news that they found him working for the Duke of the neighboring Country, when they found out where he was hiding they easily disposed of him.”, I answered as we started walking.

“Do you think he’ll do that again tonight?”,

“Possibly. But it’s all planned out, like a suicide mission.”,

“What if they chose you? Would you agree?”,

“Of course I would, that’s how my wife passed.”,

He stopped for a moment, I looked at him as he was hesitant towards me.

“How... how? What was she doing?”,

“Well, she’s the boss’ granddaughter. When that happened to her, I was waiting for my chance, but they said I still have a purpose. Unlike the others.”,

“Why didn’t you stop them?”,

“That’s a pretty stupid question to ask by now don’t you think?”,

“Yeah. I just don’t know... if I can agree with something like that. I still have someone to support. My Mom will kill me if I die!”,

“Don’t worry, they won’t start with you. They’ll go for someone who’s always done with their mission.”,

“But.. I didn’t receive any mission for 2 weeks now. Will you tell my mom I’ll still visit her?”, he asked me.

“Sure. Let’s go now we only have 20 minutes to get there.”,

“I know, but what if they just pick then and there? What if you were just pointed without knowing the reason?”,

“I know how it feels, but I was there when they planned it. It was before I was assigned to work for the Count.”,

“That’s when your wife died?”,

“Yeah, but if you’re working as an assassin, you won’t need your feelings for sentimental things like that. Even the Boss didn’t cry, and that was his granddaughter he killed.”,

“He showed up?”,

“It’s an execution, of course he would.”,

“Ahhh! 17 more minutes! I thought you knew the way!”,

“I do! But we were going the wrong direction that we got far!”,

“Hurry let’s just run.”,

To bE ContiNUed..... (Part 2)