First Day

The cart rolled to a gentle stop in front of the mansion gates. The sound of the horses huffing and the wooden wheels creaking came to silence. Ark opened his eyes, realizing the long journey had finally ended. The butler who sat across from him stood immediately, his movements as sharp as a soldier’s.

“Young master Ark,” the man said with a bow. “We have arrived. Please, allow me.”

The butler stepped down first and opened the carriage door wide. Ark took a slow breath, gripping the strap of his bag. His heart beat a little faster—not from fear, but from the strangeness of this moment. He was leaving behind the hill, Delta, and the familiar warmth of home. Now, he was standing on the edge of something completely different.

He pushed himself up and stepped down onto the paved stone ground. The air was heavy with perfume from flowers blooming in the wide gardens surrounding the mansion. Ark turned and reached into the cart, pulling his bag out himself. It wasn’t heavy, but it carried everything he needed for this new chapter—simple clothes, a few personal things, and the wooden carving from his mother. Slinging it over his shoulder, he followed the butler forward.

The gates behind them creaked shut, and Ark’s eyes wandered. The mansion stretched before him like a castle from a fairy tale. White stone walls rose high, lined with balconies and tall windows. Golden trims shone faintly in the evening light. And just beyond the path, the garden stretched wide and beautiful.

The butler noticed Ark’s wandering gaze and slowed his pace slightly, as though to give him time to look. His voice carried a sense of pride as he began to explain.

“These flowers you see are all personally selected by Miss Valkart,” he said. His gloved hand gestured gracefully toward the blossoms. “Over there, the rows of pale lilies—they are her favorites. To the left, the roses in white and crimson. Each one was imported at her request. According to her, flowers are a symbol of strength, passion, elegance, and purity.”

Ark looked at the flower rows. Even in the low light, the colors were bright, creating patterns throughout the garden that resembled a living painting. The small, sharp scent of roses and lily of the valley.

“She must love flowers very much,” Ark said.

The butler gave a small smile, the first hint of warmth breaking through his otherwise stiff expression. “Indeed. Every flower here is a piece of her heart. This garden, young master, is her pride.”

Ark didn’t reply, but he nodded. Somewhere deep inside, he wondered what kind of person Miss Valkart was, to plant such beauty in a place filled with nobles and power.

They continued on, following the stone path that led up the mansion steps. The large wooden doors opened before they even reached, two servants bowing low as they pulled them wide. Ark stepped into a hall larger than any room he had ever seen. The ceiling rose high, painted with murals of angels and warriors. Chandeliers of glowing crystal hung, scattering soft light across the polished marble floor. The sound of footsteps echoed gently, as if the hall itself was whispering.

But Ark had no time to stand in awe. The butler led him steadily through, past hallways lined with statues and doors that hinted at countless rooms. At last, they stopped before a wide oak door.

“This will be your room, young master Ark,” the butler said, pushing the door open.

Ark stepped inside, and his eyes widened slightly. The room was large, nearly three times the size of his room back home. A tall bed stood neatly made, its white sheets decorated with golden edges. Curtains of deep blue hung over the wide window, and beside it stood a polished desk with papers and ink neatly arranged. Shelves lined with books stood against one wall, while another door on the side led to what Ark guessed was the bath.

It felt… heavy. Luxurious, but heavy. Ark let his bag drop on the bed, the soft mattress bouncing lightly under its weight.

The butler turned to him once again. “Please take some rest, young master. In one hour, the household expects you in the main hall. Dinner will be served, and you will be formally greeted. You will also meet Miss Valkart. Until then, please change into the clothes prepared in the wardrobe. I will return to escort you.”

With that, the butler bowed and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

Ark stood still for a moment. His eyes moved around the room once more. Everything was so polished, so carefully arranged, so unlike the rough simplicity of his home or the handmade comfort of Delta’s wooden house.

“…Feels strange,” he muttered under his breath.

He pulled the wardrobe open. Inside hung several outfits, all neatly pressed. After choosing one, he made the decision to take a bath before changing. Ark blinked in surprise as he entered the bath area. Steam rose faintly from a wide stone tub that was filled with clear water. The shelf was filled with tiny jars of soap and oils.

“Even their bath feels like a treasure,” Ark whispering.

After taking off his travel clothes, he slowly sank into the water. After the long journey, the heat relaxed him and relieved the tension in his body. For a moment, he closed his eyes. Images flashed in his mind—his parents waving goodbye, Delta’s serious face as she told him to come back alive, the beast humans smiling faintly as they were given food.

“…I’ll carry them with me,” he whispered, his hand pressing against his chest.

After washing, he stepped out and dried himself with the soft towels provided. Then he dressed in the noble clothes. The fabric felt strange at first—smooth, almost too fine—but when he looked in the mirror, he almost didn’t recognize himself.

The boy from a small village now looked like someone belonging to a mansion.

Ark adjusted the collar and exhaled slowly. “Alright. Time to meet them.”

He left his room, footsteps echoing in the grand hallway, heading toward the hall where his new journey would truly begin.

Ark followed the butler through the long marble hallway. The light of chandeliers sparkled off polished floors, and the air smelled faintly of polished wood and flowers. Servants were already moving about in a quiet hurry—maids carrying baskets of linens, footmen rolling carts, and cooks rushing past with trays covered in cloth.

The butler clapped his hands sharply, and the bustling suddenly grew sharper, more focused. “Listen carefully. The Valkart family will arrive soon. Everything must shine, everything must be perfect. Do not allow a speck of dust to shame this house!”

“Yes, sir!” the servants answered in unison, voices low but filled with discipline.

Ark stood there, watching the order of it all. Back home, people worked together too, but it was noisy and clumsy—farmers laughing, mothers calling to their children, neighbors teasing each other. Here, everything felt silent and heavy, like even laughter would be forbidden.

“New boy,” the butler’s sharp voice cut his thoughts. His eyes landed on Ark. “Yes, you. Young Ark.”

Ark straightened. “Yes?”

“You will begin with the bathing chamber. The Valkart family insists on spotless walls and floors. Not a single streak of water will be tolerated. Do you understand?”

Ark blinked, then nodded. “…Yes.”

“Then get moving. I expect results, not excuses.”

Ark tightened the strap of his bag across his chest and headed down the hallway where two other servants guided him to a massive door. They pushed it open, and Ark’s eyes widened.

The bathroom was larger than most village houses. A huge stone tub sat in the center, carved with golden patterns. The floor was a polished marble, but water spots dotted the edges, and steam clung to the ceiling. Shelves filled with towels stood perfectly folded, though a faint dust lingered in corners.

“…This is just a bathroom?” Ark muttered under his breath.

He rolled up his sleeves and picked up a cloth and a bucket. The task wasn’t difficult, but the size of the place made it endless. He scrubbed tiles until his arms ached, dried the tub until it shone like a mirror, and polished the golden fittings until they gleamed. When he finally stepped back, sweat ran down his forehead.

The door creaked open. The butler’s cold eyes swept over the room. He ran a finger over the tub edge and nodded slowly.

“…Acceptable. Now, the kitchen.”

Ark groaned quietly in his throat but grabbed the cloth again.

The kitchen was chaos. Chefs shouted orders, pots clanged, knives chopped. The smell of roasting meat, baked bread, and herbs filled the air. Ark found the stone floor damp with spilled water and streaks of flour.

The head chef pointed a knife at him. “You! Don’t stand there gawking! Mop the floor before someone slips and dies!”

Ark muttered, “I didn’t even eat yet…” but he obeyed. He grabbed a bucket and worked, weaving around servants rushing by with trays. One nearly spilled a pot of soup on him, but Ark twisted out of the way just in time. Another nearly dropped a pile of onions on his back.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the floor shone. Ark leaned against his mop, wiping his forehead.

“Not bad for a first day,” the chef grunted, passing him by.

Before Ark could answer, the butler stormed in again, his voice loud enough to cut through the kitchen noise. “Attention! The Valkart family has arrived at the gates! Everyone—take your positions at once!”

The chefs scrambled to cover dishes, maids smoothed their uniforms, and Ark froze in place.

The butler spotted him. “You—out. To the hall. Stand with the others.”

Ark quickly put away the mop and hurried after the others.

—

The grand hall once again looked like a painting. Servants lined both sides of the red carpet, standing stiff and silent, their heads bowed slightly in respect. Ark found himself squeezed between two older maids, trying to copy their perfect posture.

“Keep your hands at your side,” one whispered sharply at him. “Don’t fidget.”

Ark swallowed and straightened.

The heavy sound of carriage wheels echoed outside. Then, the massive front doors slowly opened.

First came the sound of boots striking marble. Several armored guards entered, their spears gleaming. They stepped aside, forming a path.

Then came the Valkart family.

At the front walked a tall man with sharp features, dressed in dark blue noble attire, a golden crest pinned to his chest. His presence alone filled the hall like thunder. Beside him walked a woman, graceful as a swan, her hair braided with jewels that glittered in the chandelier light. And behind them came a young lady in a flowing gown, her steps light, her eyes sweeping over everything with quiet confidence.

Ark realized this must be Miss Valkart—the same woman whose flowers filled the gardens.

The butler bowed low. “Welcome home, Lord Valkart, Lady Valkart, Miss Valkart. Your journey was long, I trust all was well?”

Lord Valkart gave a curt nod. “It was fine. See to our belongings.”

“Yes, my lord.” The butler turned, snapping orders to servants.

Ark kept his head low, but his eyes flickered upward once. He caught sight of Miss Valkart’s face. She didn’t look cruel—her eyes were sharp but curious, scanning the servants like she wanted to know each one. For a second, Ark thought her gaze stopped on him, but then she looked away.

“Dinner,” Lady Valkart said softly, her voice smooth as silk. “I wish to dine before we rest.”

“Of course, my lady. The chefs have prepared your favorites.”

The butler gestured, and the family began walking deeper into the mansion. The servants bowed as they passed, Ark doing the same, though his movements were slightly awkward.

When the doors closed behind them, the hall exhaled as though a storm had passed. The servants broke formation, some rushing off to fetch luggage, others preparing the dining room.

Ark let out a quiet sigh of relief, muttering to himself. “…So that’s the family I’m supposed to serve, huh? This is going to be… interesting.”