A different world

[DawnAntalios]

The rays of the sun caressed the face of Ben when he finally got up in the morning, yawning sleepily. It was still very early but he had to hurry downstairs to see if his package had arrived. As he opened the door he smiled: surely enough the big crate of shipment he had ordered was waiting for him. Peeking inside he nodded approvingly - this will surely suffice.


Without further ado he put it in the great hall and went to the kitchen to make a coffee for himself and for Emilia. He wanted both of them to have a pleasant morning before they start thir daily chores.

 

[Dropintheocean]

Emilia woke up when the sunlight started peeking through the curtains. She yawned, slowly got out of bed and opened them. The bright light touched her skin, which made her smile.


It reminded her of waking up on the farm, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.


She opened the closets and took out her working dress. She thought it would be the most appropiate thing the wear, considering her other options. When she was completely dressed, she walked cheerfully down the stairs. She went to the kitchen and greeted Ben.


"Goodmorning, Sir." She smiled in a charming way. "Shall I get two cups for the coffee?" she offered as she saw he was making a pot.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Looking at the beautiful girl Ben blushed for a moment before he smiled and nodded.


" Good morning to you too, Lady Emilia. " he said " That would be most kind of you, thank you. "


When he finished the coffee he walked to the table and smiled happily.


" Before the day would fully start I have an announcement to make. " he chuckled " This is very important - and this is something I want you to take very seriously. "

 

[Dropintheocean]

Emilia smiled and went to get the cups. They were made out of porcelain and were beautifully decorated with blue flowers.


She put them on the table, grabbed the pot and poured the coffee into the two cups. She handed one over to Ben. She then straightened her face and nodded. "No problem, Sir, go ahead." She was excited to hear his announcement, thinking about what it could possibly be.


She took a sip of her coffee, which was still very hot. She put it back down and stared into Ben's eyes.

 

[DawnAntalios]

He smiled once more, sipping from the hot coffee and then he walked out from the kitchen, bringing in the carefully wrapped box. Looking at Emilia his face turned serious.


" I have received a call yesterday from my father, asking me about your arrival. I have informed him about everything - yes, everything and he was a bit... displeased. "


He crossed his arms, sighing.


" He have sent me a letter about your qualifications, background and about your parents as well. He was adamant that I teach you how to be a "proper" maid, a proper housekeeper. That however I do not think to be necessary. "


He touched the box.


" Before I would present you the items within this crate I must ask: do you wish to live up to my father's expectations? I can fully understand how intimidating he can be and I also understand that you dislike how he tried to inform me about you behind your back. Then again... " he lowered his voice " It is not like we can not have secrets in front of my father. "


He gently patted the box, smiling slyly.

 

[Dropintheocean]

"Oh, your father?" Emilie sounded slightly dissapointed.


She was very curious to find out what was in the box.


"I wouldn't want to let your father down, Sir." She folded her hands on her lap. "It's his right to inform you about the people you're hiring, I don't mind, Sir."


She smiled gently to let him know she didn't have a problem with any of it.


His father was actually right, she didn't have any experience as a maid, which wasn't to convenient.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" I will not let my father judge you, Lady Emilia. " Ben said with a firm voice " I believe that our background is based on not privilege but rather on luck where he were born. We have no control over our past but we are to shape our future. "


He now picked up the crate, putting down in front of the girl.


" To that end I have taken the liberty of calling up one of my good friend who happens to work to a tailor who loves creating enticing new outfits. When I asked how about making something for a friend of mine... let's just say that he was more than happy to oblige. "


He smiled and stepped a bit backward.


" Go on, take a look. "

Spoiler

 

[Dropintheocean]

Emilia nodded. "You're right, Sir. My apologies."


She arched an eyebrow and gave him a confused look. She stepped forward to take look at what was inside.


She took of the lid and put a hand before her mouth. In the box was a beautiful uniform with matching shoes. She took it out and felt the materials. Emilia didn't know much about clothes, but could tell this wasn't cheap.


"Is this.. Is this for me, Sir?" She was completely suprised. She'd never received a gift from anyone before.


"You shouldn't have done this, Sir." Her eyes were filled with tears of joy.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" It is the least I can do for you, my lady. " he said, stepping closer to her, putting his hand on her head comfortingly " You have sacrificed much to work here, and you sacrifice even more by leaving your family behind to help them here. "


He took a step back.


" My father's methods are ruthless but undoubtedly successful. Yet I do want to believe that there is a way for us to work together without this strict master-servant system. " he sighed " So please, Lady Emilia if you like it then wear it proudly, if you don't like it just say the word and I can arrange a change. "


Somehow this gesture was just more from him than an act of kindness. Somehow he felt that it was the right thing to do... but he could not explain why. That strange, warm and fuzzy feeling still churned in his stomach and seeing the joy in Emilia's eyes made him happier. The girl radiated joy and beauty, almost captivated him.


He wanted her to feel at home.

 

[Dropintheocean]

She put the outit back into the box and nodded thankfully. "Thank you very much, Sir. It means a lot to me."


When his hand touch her head, Emilia got a warm feeling inside. She took one more look at the clothes and then put the lid back on.


"I will wear it with pride for sure." She gave him a thankful smile and took another sip of her coffee, which had cooled down a little. When they had both finished their drinks, she put the cups in the sink.


"What do you want me to do today, Sir?"

 

[DawnAntalios]

" I will need to head to the city or I need to settle some issues and also buy some important ingredients there. " Ben summarized " This being your first day I do not want you to overwork yourself... but I would request a lunch and, if you have the time for it, the cleaning of the dining room. It has been a bit messy for a while now. "


With that he left her to finish her coffee and grabbed his coat. He had completely forgotten how fast must he be to solve these issues and he was already late... but he could not help it. The charm of Emilia was something he had never felt before. She was mysterious and kind... and so humble.


" She is indeed a curious phenomenon. " he muttered to himself as he stepped out of the door.

 

[Dropintheocean]

When Ben walked out of the door, Emilia decided to take a look in the fridge. It was filled with with fruit, vegetables, meat and many things she had never seen in her life. She took out all of the needed ingredients and put them on the table.


She started preparing the lunch, trying to do it with as much care as possible. In the meantime she was thinking about Ben. In the day she'd been with him, he was very good to her. She found him quite charming, and didn't mind at all that she would be working for just him in month or so.


It took her a while to make the lunch, but when Emilia had finished, she immediately started of cleaning up the living room. It was a beautiful room, like all the rooms in the mansion. It wasn't as messy as she expected, which meant she was done in little time.

 

[DawnAntalios]

There was a knock on the main door. Few moments later however the one who made such a gesture barged in anyway without invitation. It was a tall and muscular but rather unintelligent young lad, standing at least one feet taller than Ben did. With his pig like eyes he scanned the area and then shouted as loudly as he could.


" Ben! Benjamin! Where on earth are ya? Have you forgotten that you owe me money? I came to seal the deal personally, there is no point hiding any more! I... "


It was then when he noticed Emilia and his expression turned rather strange.


" Well well, what do we have here? That miscreant has a servant now? " he mumbled, walking towards the girl " Hey you! Slave! Where your master is? Speak or I shall make you speak! "

 

[Dropintheocean]

Emilia jumped when she heard someone coming in. Benjamin hadn't told her there would be visitors. Just as she was making her way to the door to see who came in, a young man already stood before her. Due to his lenght and muscles, she was very intimidated.


When the lad started speaking, Emilia was startled. Slave, he called her a slave! She was speechless. Who did the man think he was?!


She started mumbling. "My.. My lord is out. He is.. He's out to settle issues, Sir." She shrank a little. The giant was frightening, and being to only one in the entire house, she hoped Ben would come back soon.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" You lord huh? " he asked with a sadistic grin " Well now, if your lord is out now then what are you gonna do? I am a GUEST in the house slave, bring me refreshment or I will tell your 'lord' how lazy you were. "


His voice was rough and angry. But then he smelled something really delicious coming from the kitchen.


" Oh, you have already prepared food for me! " he said, grinning again and he stood up walking into the dining room. There he saw the delicious food cooked by the girl. " Don't mind if I do! " he shouted, grabbing a good bit of food, munching it then, after grimacing, he spat it out on the floor.


" What is this uneatable rubbish? " he raged, throwing the entire bowl to the ground, looking at the girl angrily. " Disrespect me and I shall make you pay. Now clean it up, SLAVE. "

 

[Dropintheocean]

She got more and more scared the longer he was in the house. When he had thrown the bowl a food on the ground, Emilia put her before her mouth. The lunch she had work on preparing for so long, ruined in just a few seconds, by this huge pig.


She was to frightened to stand up against the man, so she started to clean up the enormous mess, just like he had told her to. When she looked up at him, he was standing there, looking at her with a mischevious smile on his face.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" Yes, work you dog! " he laughed " Just as a slave should! After you are finished you will... "


" Lady Emilia! " the voice of Ben echoed through the hallways a he ran into the mansion. He was afraid when he saw the door being wide open and the mess in the main hall. Running towards the source of the voice he headed to the kitchen where he had seen the girl trying to clean up the mess which was caused by the hulking man next to her. His eyes lit up, seething with anger.


" Lance! " he bellowed, looking at the bulky figure " Step away from Lady Emilia right now! "


" Oh, so the pitiful worm arrives. Figures. " he said mockingly " You have come to save your slave I presume? "


Ben's eyes flared in anger. The bouquet of roses fell out of his hands as he drew his sword, pointing it at his throat.


" Do not dare to EVER talk about her like that. EVER. And now, get OUT of my mansion. "


His fury was immense. Nobody will tarnish the honor of Emilia.

 

[Dropintheocean]

Her eyes started filling up with tears, which she was trying to hide by not looking up at the giant anymore.


Then she heard the sound of Ben's voice calling for her. She stopped cleaning and stood back up, waiting for him to come to the kitchen.


The young lad standing before her didn't even shut his mouth when Ben walked in. She shaked at the sight of Ben drawing his sword, but also felt releaved that the unwanted guest would probably be leaving soon.


And so he did. He gave the both of them an angry look and walked out. "I'm so sorry, Sir. He just came in and I.. I didn't know what to do.." She looked down at the mess. "I clean it up right away, Sir."

 

[DawnAntalios]

As Lance left Ben ran to Emilia, hugging her and holding the girl close.


" Lady Emilia, I am so sorry. " he said, holding her close " I should not have left you alone here... I should have been here sooner. This is all my fault. "


He tried to calm down and clam Emilia down at the same time. He was so scared when he saw the sign of intrusion, she was the only thing he could think of. And now seeing that she was safe a sense of relief washed over him. Still not letting her go he whispered.


" Please forgive me. "

 

[Dropintheocean]

When he hugged her, Emilia slowly closed her eyes. She liked the feeling of his warm skin touching hers.


She opened her eyes again and whiped away a tear. "It's not your fault, Sir. You couldn't possible know he was coming over." She started slowing down her breathing, which had fastened due to the whole event. The living room and kitchen were now a big mess, and she just hoped that his father wouldn't get mad at her.


After a while he let her go and she took a step back. She had to stay professional.


"If you'll excuse me, I'm now going to clean up the mess, Sir." She walked over to the living room and got down on her knees.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Her words made him snap out of this emotional breakdown. Of course, what was he thinking? He was glad that she was all right but he pretty much overreacted the situation. Stepping back as well he cleared his throat and nodded.


" Of course, my lady, you are right. " he said " Next time I will make sure that this ruffian will keep clear of this house. This outrageous intrusion will go in front of the court, I promise. "


He wanted to stay and help Emilia clean up but he realized that she might think that he is pitying her. Fighting down the urge to say anything stupid he took a deep breath and nodded.


" Keep up the good work, my lady. I will be in my working room should you need anything. "


With that he returned to the main hall and found the bouquet of rose on the ground. Picking it up he brought it to the kitchen.


" One more thing my lady: be so kind and put these roses on the dining table as decoration. "


Now with everything cleared up he smiled and finally returned to his room. After closing the door behind himself he released a sigh and threw himself on to his bed. He felt like an utter failure, endangering the one he was supposed to watch over. He could barely manage to hold together before the housemaid but now he was completely consumed by despair.


" I need to try harder to be a good lord... this must never occur again. "

 

[Dropintheocean]

She looked up to Ben and nodded. "I will get to it as soon as I'm finished cleaning up, Sir." She smiled gently and continued cleaning.


After he left the room, she sighed. She had to remind herself to stay professional, this was her job after all. But the eyes of her lord were so intriguing, she couldn't help herself.


The mess was large, but she managed to finish it after a while. She turned to look at the flowers he had asked her to put on the dining table and saw the beautiful roses lying there. They were absolutely stunning.


She picked out the right vase and filled it with water. then she took the flowers and gently put them in. She carried the vase to the dining table, which was in the living room. She decided it would look best in the middle, and put down the vase in the right spot.


"Just perfect.' she whispered and returned to her work.

 

[DawnAntalios]

For the rest of the day Ben was torn about what he could do about increasing safety. He called the judge and told this incident to him bu sadly he informed him that this was a rather regular crime and he could do nothing about it. Hiring a guard seemed pointless and perhaps even more dangerous, he did not want to risk something like that. For the first time in his life he was truly clueless about what needed to be done.


He could barely focus on his work, filling out request papers, sending messages, he was always thinking about the incident and knew not what could he do in order to prevent things like this in the future. Completely losing his focus he decided to stand up and go downstairs to pick a up from a shelf and read... this was the only thing that could possibly soothe his mind. Carefully and silently not to disturb Emilia he had sneaked into the library and picked a book he was interested in and started reading.

 

[Dropintheocean]

When everything was cleaned up in the living room, Emilia went to the kitchen. She took the cup she had drank from this morning and filled it what was left over from the pot of coffee. She didn't care if it was cold, she could really use some caffeine at the moment.


Sh took a seat and put down her cup. She wondered when Benjamin's father would return, and secretly hoped it would take him a long while. She finished her coffee and washed the cup in the sink. He heard Ben coming down and looked around the corner. She followed him to the library and kept still in the doorway.


"I don't mean to disturb you, Sir, but I have finished my tasks and was wondering what you wanted me to do next." She smiled as she walked into the library

 

[DawnAntalios]

Ben was a bit startled when he heard Emilia's voice and immediately put down the book from his hand, looking at her. He was not smiling, fear and anxiety sat on his expression. Realizing how he was betraying his emotions he forced a smile on his face before he replied.


" Well done, my lady, you have been very hard working today. " he looked down on the book, and then outside of the window. It was getting dark, the afternoon passing faster than he had anticipated and he knew not what could he possibly give her as a task. That is when he heard his stomach rumble. Blushing slightly he shook his head.


" I would not mind a dinner, my lady. " he said, then silently added " Please, prepare a table for two and some nice dinner as well. I may have an unexpected dinner guest today. "