The Demon King's Paladin Part 1 Vol 2.

Chapter 204. Dirty Sheets

                                                                Victor Harvey Point Of View

" Fetch the sheets, Vic. I'll get to hanging these. Be careful not to upset the Master or the Young Lord."

" I get it, Pops. You don't need to tell me every time. Yes Sir, no, Sir, and keep my head down. Anything else?"

" Keep quiet!"

" Alright!"

I start to walk away from my Pops. Today I turned 11. I'm much more mature than any of those other apprentices! I mean, they're all newbies since the others ran because the workload was too much! Now I can just focus on getting my work done and relaxing at the river here in Zana.

" Careful, Vic!"

" Ah! sorry Luis!"

I bumped into Luis, the sous chef of the kitchen. He was carrying a crate full of fermentation equipment. In order to prepare for Lord Fracks's birthday celebration, the whole castle has shifted into a frenzy of work. Pops and I are in charge of washing the sheets around the castle, this includes the towels of the castle. Currently I was heading around to collect the used sheets of any bedding since it's been a week since their last cleaning.

" Sure is eerie in here." 

I mumble those words as I walk through the halls of the gray castle and notice how empty it is. Not even 5 years ago I remember the way it used to be. The halls were buzzing with warmth and small talk between the servants. The apprentices were excited to learn their trades and prepare for actual employment, then the Madam passed. The halls were filled with sadness, grief. The soul of this castle was sucked out. The Master withdrew from everyone. Only Pete the Head Butler could drag a word or 2 out of the Master. Once Lady Cindy left for the Royal Acadamy 2 years ago, things have changed. People have left the castle. Lady Cindy tried her best to be the sun for this place. But the gray walls and drab day-to-day affairs overwhelmed the staff and in time, only silence remained. Having said that, there has been an attempt to return to those days. Mostly from the Young Master Byron. With his father, continuing to lament the loss of his wife, Young Master Byron began to take charge and act as the Lord of Zana. Some things worked, others didn't. Some new faces joined; others left. And now a new normal has crept into our lives. I made my way into Pete's room. When I entered the room, a voice startled me.

" Who is it?"

" Ah! It's me Pete! Victor!"

" Oh! Sorry Vic."

Pete apologized to me. But the way he shouted seemed so out of character for the nice man I've always known. I couldn't help but worry about him.

" Pete, are you okay? You just don't seem like yourself right now."

To my question, Pete looked puzzled like he knew what I was talking about, but he didn't know how to explain it to me. But considering I was the oldest apprentice; I should be able to at least lend an ear to Pete. So, I tried explaining that to him.

" Pete, I don't know the trials and tribulations of a head butler, but I can at least lend an ear. Is everything okay? I know Denise left to work on that farm about 6 months back, is that what's bothering you? Have you tried sending a letter? She's your daughter, I'm sure she would write you back."

" No, no. Denise and her mother, Chris are safe and enjoying the work at the farm from what I hear. It's a rabbit farm, did you know that? I somewhat envy them."

" What's a rabbit farm, Pete? I thought people only hunt rabbits?"

" Well, usually they do. But sometimes there's a reason to keep them, like collecting their hides or using their blood and bones for certain spell crafts. I wondered about how they could so easily do that job. You know, feeding and helping those little bunnies only to eventually bring them to the end of their lives in a slaughterhouse. But now... I shouldn't be talking about this with you Vic. As for what I've had to do that's caused me stress... I guess you could say that I'm torn between 2 sides of a certain coin."