The Inadequate Butler's Birthday Gift -1-
Today's lady's room was as peaceful as ever. After reading an article warning of record-breaking cold, I was preparing for a rare outing to make the harsh winter more bearable. I'd buy snacks for the lady, order firewood, and pick up cotton blankets and fur clothes.
Dressed in my black butler suit, I looked up at the lady extending her pale feet. She wore a sullen expression, lips pursed, glaring at the socks in my hand.
"No."
The lady turned her head primly. Like a teenage girl throwing a tantrum about not going to school without her North Face puffer jacket.
"I hate red socks. They're tacky."
"Fashion always comes full circle."
"Ricardo, you can't dress yourself."
"What's wrong with my fashion sense?"
She scanned me—stubbornly wearing my butler suit 365 days a year—and let out a deep sigh.
"You dress so drab every day."
"I'm wearing something different today."
"It's the same..."
"Same? The shirt pattern's different from usual. I picked it out carefully, and you don't even notice? I'm hurt."
"That's what makes it the same!"
What's wrong with my butler suit? She'd praised it at first, saying it made me look capable. Now she had endless complaints. Wasn't that praise...?
Anyway, the lady refused to yield, ignoring the butler's heartfelt wish to keep her feet warm in the cold with cozy fur socks. She insisted on black socks or nothing. Her stubbornness only sparked my competitive spirit.
Not gonna wear 'em? Makes me wanna force 'em on you even more. A contrary streak, like a rebellious kid.
Red had always symbolized good fortune. In my past life, it was tradition to buy red thermal underwear with your first paycheck—I held red in high regard.
The lady shook her head.
"Aaaang! No red socks. Give me black ones."
"No tantrums. You're so cute, it makes me wanna switch to black just to spoil you."
"Hueeng! Black socks!"
Slyly weaponizing her cuteness. I wanted to show her I could throw a tantrum too, but held back for the sake of her post-breakfast stomach.
Next time.
Picturing her sprawled on the floor tomorrow, pitching a fit, I said seriously,
"Too much hassle to fetch them."
"What's the hassle? Just grab 'em from the closet."
"That's the hassle."
"Eeeek...!"
She hurled a pillow at me.
There was a brief clash of opinions. Over something as childish as socks, but we settled it with one chocolate. A small price to pay.
Perched on the bed's edge, the lady eyed her socked feet sullenly. Despite the amicable resolution, she wasn't thrilled.
Straightening up, I pinched her cheeks.
"Euuuee... You're tearing me!"
Today's cheeks were as chewy as ever. Maybe the winter dryness—felt a bit parched.
Need to buy moisturizer too.
Season changes always torture the wallet. Monsters hole up from the cold, quests dry up.
With the coin pouch from Malik, I could afford some spending. I mentally tallied today's shopping list.
"Uuu... Ricardo, you rich show-off."
"Yup, total nouveau riche."
"...Quick to admit."
I offered my back.
"Hop on. My treat for once."
She replied gravely,
"You buy everything every day."
"..."
Stating the obvious, as always.
Hamel's streets were frigid.
"Huuua..."
Piggybacked on my back, the lady huffed frosty breaths, eyes sparkling wide. She'd squirmed about not wanting to go out, but now curiosity lit her up as she blew on her hands.
Good call coming out.
She was bundled in a blanket like a burrito—lest she catch a chill. Passersby stared, but the lady, yielding to winter's might, stayed quiet.
"It's the red socks' fault."
Instead, she blamed something else. Spotting a chicken skewer stall amid her white-breath puffing, her eyes went round.
The sweet meaty aroma hooked her. She struggled a hand free from the blanket roll and pointed.
"Ricardo! Skewers!"
"No. Impulse buys hurt the wallet."
"Wallet can hurt."
"Then our mansion freezes."
"Can't have that."
She swallowed hard, gazing longingly.
"S-skew...ers."
"Uuu... Want it so bad."
Her wistful murmur and forlorn gesture tugged at me. I chuckled softly and headed to the stall.
"One spicy, one medium."
She beamed, wriggling happily inside the blanket. Fidgety with excitement.
As I reached for payment, she blurted,
"Wait...! I'll pay!"
Fumbling in her chest pocket for coins. Her treasure hunt dragged on; I smiled and placed silver on the table.
"My treat. You get the next one."
"I almost found it...!"
She pulled out chocolate instead. Tilting her head, she resumed digging.
"I'll cover it."
"Next time I pay, so don't interfere."
I nodded. Gotta keep paying. Can't let her gold go to outsiders.
The vendor auntie eyed us curiously. First time seeing a noble lady bundled like a swaddled baby.
Hope she skips the weird questions...
The lady had grown numb to stares on this first outing, but something like "Isn't the lady heavy on your back?" would fluster her. I glanced at her snorting excitedly and forced an awkward smile.
"Hurry, please? It's cold out."
Auntie grinned brightly, hands flying.
"Sure~ How long you two been together?"
"Pardon?"
"How long you been dating?"
Nice lady. Mental note: regular customer.
"...Not a couple."
The lady's voice from behind. Casual talk to a stranger.
I jostled her lightly—manners matter. She caught on, shaking her head vigorously, then added apologetic politeness.
"Not... a couple."
"Oh? Hehe..."
Auntie smiled kindly.
"You two look good together—handsome guy, pretty girl. Was gonna throw in service if you were dating."
The word "service" lit the lady's eyes.
"What's the service?"
"What, freebie if I give one? Dating me today?"
"No, not that..."
She shot me a troubled glance.
"Oops, me and my old-lady nosiness. Forgive me."
Auntie laughed heartily, handing over spicy, medium, and mild—a trio set.
"Service!"
"Hieeeek!"
The lady's eyes bulged. Clutching the skewers, she grinned and bowed.
"Thank you."
"Lady..."
"Thank you very much."
Polite as ever.
Before leaving,
"Hey, kid!"
Auntie called me, tossing back my silver with a clink.
"Good luck."
Aunties always know. I bowed slightly.
"I'll do my best."
My face burned.
My hands clutched a wad of receipts. Piggyback shopping left no free hands, so we paid a bit extra for delivery.
The lady stared at the crumpled papers, eyes spinning.
"Rec... one... two... three... Hiiiik!"
Scarier than ghosts. Pre-cutoff, pocket change; now, a heavy burden. Her shoulders trembled.
"Ricardo rich."
"Yeah, filthy rich."
"For real?"
"Nah..."
She sighed, hugging me tight.
"Sorry..."
Soft and warm. Felt like a millionaire. A natural smile crept up.
"It's fine."
Strolling the bustling streets, we chatted idly. More chocolate, bug spray for home, treats for Gomtangi.
Debating wallet openings mid-stride, we passed a glittering jewelry shop. The lady fell silent.
"Wow... Pretty."
A diamond bracelet—too fancy for high nobles, but exorbitant for us. Pocketing receipts, she stared through the glass, fists clenched.
I said nothing, leaning to count the zeros on the price tag.
Three. Four... five...
Villainous price drew a dry laugh. Glanced at my gold pouch—regret stung deeper. Recipe payout waits till year's end.
And the lady's birthday's coming...
I peeked at her on my back, asking softly,
"Want it?"
"Ah... No...!"
She startled, shaking her head.
"N-nope."
Terrible actress. Her tiny mutter tickled the butler's heart.
"Too... expensive..."
Bitter, all around. Dragging reluctant feet, I turned toward the mansion.
Thud. Thud.
A cold speck greeted my forehead, melting as we trudged. Something icy.
"Ricardo, look."
The lady gazed skyward. Snow falling white.
The first snow of the year.
"Winter's here."
"Yeah... Winter."
The first snow fell.