Chapter 331: Grafen’s Maids and Guardians
The morning mist had not yet lifted as the servants and maids of Grafen assembled in the grand hall, each dressed in crisp uniforms and standing at perfect attention. Abraham Maxilton, the chief butler, stood in front of them like a general before an army. His posture was impeccable, his white hair neatly combed, and his sharp eyes surveyed the group with a calm yet commanding air.
The day’s training had begun.
"Form ranks," Abraham’s deep voice echoed through the hall. Without hesitation, the maids and servants shifted into neat rows. There was no room for error under his watchful gaze.
To his left, Althea, the head maid, observed the group with her usual stern expression. She was a woman of grace, her every movement precise, yet she had an underlying fierceness that unnerved the newer maids. She stood tall, her dark hair pinned back tightly, and her gaze was as calculating as Abraham’s. Together, they formed an imposing duo, though they never showed any outward signs of competition. However, the unspoken rivalry between them was palpable, making the atmosphere in the hall thick with tension.
"I see that some of you are still unfamiliar with the proper way to greet a guest," Althea spoke, her voice like ice. "Today, we will perfect that." She stepped forward, gliding effortlessly across the floor. "Watch closely."
With a fluid motion, Althea demonstrated the perfect bow, the tilt of her head, the graceful sweep of her arms. The maids watched, wide-eyed, knowing they would be expected to replicate it perfectly.
Abraham, however, had other things on his mind. He cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Yes, the greeting is essential," he agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing whether Althea had shown too much flourish. "But let’s not forget about cleaning. A servant who cannot clean efficiently and silently is no servant at all."
Without missing a beat, he picked up a cloth and dusted a nearby surface in one fluid movement. His technique was flawless, leaving not a single speck behind. "You should never have to wipe the same surface twice," he said coolly. "It’s all in the wrist."
The servants watched in awe, though the more experienced maids from the former lord’s household were well-acquainted with Abraham’s methods. They had seen him perform these tasks before—so perfectly that it bordered on terrifying.