Chapter 16.1
The spring in the old Parson family manor is of excellent quality. There is a large Chamomile tree with broad leaves located in the back garden. Its ample shade always covers the refreshment table, providing the perfect amount of sunlight. The ripe, juicy red berries that dangle from the branches are always tempting, even though they will eventually be picked.
Oswald, the master of the manor, has a peculiar habit of destroying fruit with his hands. This is mainly due to his lack of other activities besides reading books and ruining flowers and fruits. The young eight-year-old master of Parson's old manor is often perceived as gloomy and difficult, according to the few servants who reside in the manor.
However, in reality, they don't have much interaction with Oswald. Apart from preparing three meals and maintaining the house's cleanliness, they rarely appear in his presence.
The absence of playtime and the inability to leave the property is enough to drive any eight-year-old boy to madness. Moreover, Oswald is essentially abandoned, as his family has already moved to the New Manor, where his father and three brothers, whom he hasn't even met, currently reside.
All that was left for Oswald was an old house, a few unresponsive servants, and an elderly butler named Ian, who perpetually wears a stern expression.
Ian is a critical individual who struggles to comprehend various things, such as curtain tassels that are not perfectly straightened, asymmetrical dinner plates, and slightly misaligned table lines. He particularly dislikes Oswald since the young boy does not conform to his strict rules.
Although Ian refers to himself as a housekeeper, he resembles more of a rigid and demanding teacher. His sole purpose in life seems to be grooming Oswald meticulously from head to toe and straightening any deviations.
Growing up in such an abnormal environment caused Oswald to enter his rebellious phase prematurely. This rebellious behavior likely stemmed from instinct, similar to an animal kicking its hoof harder to attract attention. Unfortunately, he did not garner the attention of his family's elders, but instead received strict guidance and teaching from Kevin.
Ian discovered Kevin and enlisted his help after realizing that he could no longer handle the unruly behavior of eight-year-old Oswald.
"Hello, little guy. I'm Kevin Fassbender, and starting today, I will be responsible for teaching you swordsmanship and combat," were Kevin's first words when he met Oswald.
During that encounter, Kevin appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, caught between adolescence and adulthood. He was dressed in the Reserve Corps uniform, with a slim waist and legs, resembling a sheathed saber.
Although Sir Saber, as Oswald referred to him, was sitting at the refreshment table, legs crossed, and enjoying shortbread, he seemed completely at ease and unbothered. Oswald couldn't help but form a favorable impression of Kevin from that initial interaction.
Young boys always possess an indescribable yearning and admiration for young men who exude confidence and composure.
Kevin brushed the shortbread crumbs off his hands and rolled his eyes before speaking, "I've heard that you dislike having your head patted. Coincidentally, I don't care for it either." He stood up, took a couple of steps forward, and then leaned down, extending his hand with a friendly smile, "I hope I won't annoy you."
His fingers were long and clean, matching his overall good looks.
The still-sleepy eight-year-old Oswald, having just woken up from his nap, stared at Kevin's hand for a moment before reaching out to shake it.
With the face of a young master, he responded, "I don't dislike you." He quite liked Kevin.
****
As the spring birds chirped in the shade of the tree, Oswald fully awakened. He sat on his spacious bed and furrowed his brow. Upon hearing the distant rumble of thunder, he lost interest in continuing his sleep, hastily donning a garment, and striding out the door.
It was still early morning, and the rain poured outside. He acknowledged the night guard in the hallway with a wave, indicating his preference to go unaccompanied. He then turned the corner and made his way toward the study door.
The study door stood wide open, and the people inside were lying on the tables, sound asleep.
Oswald: "..."
He crossed his arms and leaned against the door, prepared to wait indefinitely, curious to see when Fassbender would take notice of his presence.