Own Time

Chapter 07

Aidan's POV

As I opened my eyes, a vast ceiling loomed above me. I glanced around to find myself in a spacious room, adorned with luxurious items that would surely incite envy in even the most affluent kwaris. Tentatively, I tapped the bed beneath me, marveling at its unparalleled softness—such comfort was beyond anything I had ever experienced.

I rose from the bed and memories of the previous day came flooding back. After being welcomed by a throng of people, we entered the grand mansion. Lady of Estevel entrusted me to one of her attendants, instructing them to care for me. They brought me to this room, bathed me, dressed me in pajamas, served me dinner, and patiently waited for me to retire for the night.

I had doubted that sleep would come easily, yet to my surprise, a familiar scent filled the air. It was the same fragrance I had noticed on the mahika karera yesterday. Perhaps I was simply exhausted from the day's events, which made it surprisingly easy to drift into slumber. I was so lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice someone had already entered the room.

"Good morning, young master," a voice greeted me, startling me from my daydream. I turned to see the speaker and recognized her as the elderly woman who had been scolding the lady yesterday. I stood up, hurriedly got out of bed, and bowed to her. "Good morning, madam," I said respectfully.

"Oh dear, you shouldn't do that, young master," she said, her voice tinged with panic. I was confused by her reaction. Looking at her, I asked, "What do you mean?". 

She approached me and knelt to my level. "This, young master. You shouldn't bow and use formal words with us," she explained gently. I was puzzled. "But, I'm just being respectful to the people who help me," I replied, still not fully understanding.

She smiled warmly and caressed my face. "I understand that you are a good child, but you are now the only child and heir of Lady Aditya. This means you are our young master and hold the second-highest authority in this mansion," she explained in a soothing voice.

I stood there in disbelief at the realization that I had become the child of one of the most powerful individuals in the land. "Young master? Do you understand?" she asked, waiting for my reply. Taking a deep breath, I answered, "Yes, ma'am... I-I mean, yes," awkwardly lowering my head. 

I heard her chuckle softly. "You'll get used to it," she said reassuringly as she stood up and clapped her hands. Almost immediately, countless attendants entered the room. I glanced at the grandmother, giving her a puzzled look. 

"My apologies for the late introduction. I am Griza, the head maid of the mansion, and from now on, I will be overseeing all of the young master's needs," she said, bowing along with the attendants. I was speechless; this was all a bit overwhelming. The day had only just begun, and I felt a quiet anxiety about what lays ahead.

.....................

After my bath, one of the male attendants prepared to dress me, but I stopped him. "I think I can manage this one," I said, reaching out to take the clothes. He hesitated and then politely declined, shaking his head with a smile. "Sorry, young master, but this is also our responsibility," he explained.

"What? Then what am I supposed to do?" I asked, puzzled. "You just relax and stand still, and be cute, young master," Griza said from behind the male attendant. I was taken aback, unsure whether to be surprised that they instructed me not to do anything or that they were telling me to be cute. For some reason, I felt like they were staring at me intensely, almost as if I was about to be devoured.

Attendant's Thoughts POV

'Oh my gosh, our young master is so cute.'

'I couldn't see it before because he was covered in dirt yesterday.'

'He's already adorable, but if he gains a little weight, he'll be so irresistibly cute that people will be left breathless.' Head Maid's thoughts, with a smile on her face.

'Our young master is such a respectful child. I will gladly serve him for the rest of his life'

End  of Attendant's Thoughts POV

After they finished dressing me up, I gazed at my reflection, pondering if this was truly my reality now. Glancing over at Griza, who was engaged in conversation with the attendants, I approached her and gently tugged on her uniform to get her attention. She turned to me, and I asked softly, "What do I do now?"

"It's time for breakfast, young master," Griza informed me. I nodded, and then a thought struck me. "Will the Lady join me?" I asked nervously. "You mean Lady Aditya? Well, of course. That lady never misses a meal," Griza replied reassuringly. 

"Oh, really? Yeyyyyy," I exclaimed with a nervous voice. I hoped everything would go well. This would be my first meal with my 

Mother.