Loyal Servants (1):

"Here, Alfred, please ask someone to pass this letter onto the house of Stuart. Make sure they put in a good word for Camilla and Desmond."

"Of course, my Lord."

Alfred took the final letter into his hands. The Master had been engrossed in these tasks for more than a week now. He would commence writing and preparing parting gifts and bonuses for the servants upon his return from the castle.

Despite appearing exhausted, weak, and unwell, he remained unwilling to heed anyone's worries or advice, persisting in his busy routine. He compromised numerous hours of sleep to an unhealthy extent.

Alfred hesitated in front of Lysander, fidgeting in his steps. Sensing Alfred's unease, Lysander, who was about to let him leave, urged him, "Alfred, if you have something to discuss with me, please don't hesitate."

Alfred opened his mouth but hesitated before finally speaking, "My Lord... I was wondering if you are feeling well? You seemed to be in discomfort when you returned today from the palace."

He refrained from mentioning that it appeared more pronounced than usual, as he didn't want to make Lysander uncomfortable with the repetition of questions about his health that had persisted throughout the past week.

Lysander sighed in response to Alfred's question. It wasn't that he didn't care about his servant's concerns. The individuals who remained by his side were the ones who had never once abandoned him in any of the timelines.

Those who had left him in his previous timelines over the past week were dealt with through a mere financial settlement, with Lysander not specifically delving into their well-being or job situations thereafter.

These loyal servants, chamberlains, and knights had stood by him through every adversity. Even if some had not actively supported or spoken up for him during challenging times, they still remained devoted to the house.

Lysander made an effort to recommend them to people he could trust, ensuring they found positions that suited their skills and backgrounds based on the knowledge he had accumulated over his many past timelines.

Many had successfully secured new jobs and were accepted, while some chose to explore different paths.

The remaining few were awaiting responses from their prospective employers, and Lysander optimistically hoped for positive outcomes. If not, he was determined to assist them in finding alternative options.

However, three individuals remained who had yet to accept Lysander's rewards or assistance. They maintained a stoic silence about the unexpected turn of events. Although they never questioned his intentions, their expressions betrayed deep concern for Lysander.

Among them was Alfred, who had been a loyal servant and head butler of the house since his mother's time as its head. He served during his sister's tenure, and after her passing, he continued his dedicated service to Lysander.

Gazing at Alfred stirred feelings of guilt and discomfort within Lysander. He felt as though he had let Alfred down significantly, yet Alfred never pressed him for explanations nor did he attempt to place him in a difficult position. Instead, he silently went along with everything Lysander did.

Lysander was well aware that news of his deteriorating physical health had spread among the servants and even reached the upper echelons of society within five days of his regression.

While Lord Smythe or Marquis Wetherby were not known to discuss such matters openly, it seemed that some of the servants in his own house were responsible for the dissemination of this information.

Despite Lysander's attempts to conceal his condition, the abnormal severity of his situation during the first week of regression likely gave the servants a hint. Alfred, however, never directly questioned him about it. He didn't deter the other servants from inquiring, but he did offer a piece of advice once.

"Shall we get a doctor, my Lord."

That was the extent of Alfred's intervention. When Lysander dismissed the suggestion, Alfred did not bring it up again throughout the entire week, until now.