Butler Die Co.

Chapter 2: The New Recruit

Leon followed Thaddeus through the grand corridors of Harrington Hall until they reached a discreet side door. Thaddeus led him into a small, well-appointed room where several butlers were busy preparing for their duties.

"First, we need to make you presentable," Thaddeus said, motioning for Leon to stand still. A team of skilled attendants quickly surrounded him, measuring and fitting him into a tailored butler's uniform. They worked with remarkable efficiency, trimming his hair and ensuring every detail was perfect.

Within minutes, Leon looked like a different person. The tattered clothes and grime were gone, replaced by a sharp, pristine suit. He barely recognized himself in the mirror, but he felt an unfamiliar sense of pride.

Thaddeus observed the transformation with approval. "Much better. Now, you will shadow me for the remainder of the event. Observe, learn, and assist where needed. Remember, we maintain decorum and elegance at all times."

Leon nodded, his nerves settling slightly as he followed Thaddeus back into the grand ballroom. The atmosphere buzzed with the sound of laughter and conversation. Leon watched Thaddeus move seamlessly among the guests, serving with grace while keeping a vigilant eye on everything happening around them.

As they moved through the crowd, Thaddeus began his instruction. "A perfect butler anticipates the needs of the guests before they are even aware of them. Notice how Mrs. Davenport is glancing toward the dessert table. She's likely interested in the chocolate mousse. Prepare to serve it to her the moment she approaches."

Leon followed Thaddeus's gaze and nodded, watching as Mrs. Davenport indeed made her way to the dessert table. He quickly fetched the chocolate mousse and handed it to her with a polite bow. She smiled appreciatively, and Leon felt a small surge of pride.

Thaddeus continued to guide Leon, correcting him as they went. When Leon almost bumped into a guest carrying a tray of drinks, Thaddeus gently pulled him back by the sleeve, avoiding the collision. "Always be aware of your surroundings," Thaddeus whispered. "A butler's movements should be precise and deliberate."

Leon took Thaddeus's advice to heart, focusing on each step and gesture. He found himself learning quickly, though there were moments of uncertainty. At one point, he nearly knocked over a tray of hors d'oeuvres, but Thaddeus was there to steady his hand.

"Grace under pressure," Thaddeus reminded him. "We must serve with poise, no matter the circumstances."

Throughout the evening, Thaddeus took every opportunity to teach Leon the finer points of their trade. He showed him how to discreetly listen in on conversations to gauge the mood of the room, how to blend in seamlessly with the background, and how to communicate subtly with other butlers using only eye contact and gestures.

At one point, Thaddeus paused and turned to Leon. "There's another important lesson for you tonight: setting the pace. As a butler, you should always set the pace. When I started showing you how to do things, I set the pace quickly to demonstrate. Never unintentionally fall into anyone else's pace again. You are in control."

Leon nodded, absorbing the advice. He realized how Thaddeus had seamlessly controlled the flow of their interactions and the event's service. It was a subtle but powerful skill.

During a quiet moment, Thaddeus guided Leon to a less crowded corner. "Do you have any family, Leon?" he asked, his tone gentle but probing.

Leon hesitated before answering. "No, sir. Not really. I had a brother, but I don't know if he's alive or dead. We've been separated for years. Besides that, it's just been me on the streets."

Thaddeus nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Your past shapes you, but it does not define your future. Here, you will find purpose and a new family of sorts."

Leon appreciated Thaddeus's words, though the pain of his past still lingered. He focused on the task at hand, determined to prove himself worthy of this unexpected opportunity.

As the event continued, Leon began to understand the intricate balance of their roles. Thaddeus demonstrated how to serve with impeccable manners while maintaining constant vigilance. The butlers moved with a synchronized grace, their every action purposeful and precise.

During another quiet moment, Thaddeus leaned in and whispered, "Our clients trust us not only with their service but also with their secrets. This dual life we lead requires balance. We must be butlers in every sense during the day, and protectors in the shadows."

Leon looked at Thaddeus, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by 'protectors in the shadows'?"

Thaddeus met his gaze, his expression serious. "It means that while we serve our clients with utmost dedication during the day, we also protect them from unseen threats. Sometimes, those threats are closer than they appear, and we must act discreetly and effectively to neutralize them without disturbing the facade of elegance we maintain."

Thaddeus paused, then continued, "Consider the encounter you had with the rival butler earlier. What did you think about that encounter, and why do you think he suddenly attacked you?"

Leon thought for a moment before replying. "I don't know. I guess he saw me as a threat or an intruder. I was just trying to get some food, but he seemed determined to stop me."

Thaddeus nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That butler saw you as a disruption to the order he was tasked with maintaining. In our line of work, we often encounter those who will go to great lengths to protect their own interests."

He leaned in closer, his voice low. "In fact, that rival butler was an enemy. He was sent here to kill the host of the event. Before I could subdue him, he crossed paths with you. Your actions, though unintended, thwarted a much larger threat."

Leon absorbed Thaddeus's explanation, a deeper understanding dawning on him. The dual life of a butler-assassin was more complex and dangerous than he had imagined, but it was also a calling that demanded the highest level of skill and dedication.

After a moment of silence, Leon spoke up, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What about pay? And uniforms? I don't have a mailing address or anything like that."

Thaddeus smiled reassuringly. "All of that is taken care of. You will be provided with everything you need, including a place to stay. Your uniforms will be maintained by our staff, and you will receive a generous compensation for your work. Your primary focus should be on mastering the skills required for this role. We take care of our own."

Leon nodded, feeling a sense of relief. The details of his new life were falling into place, and he felt more confident in his decision to join Butler Die Co.

By the end of the night, Leon felt both exhausted and exhilarated. The skills he had learned were not just for survival; they were a testament to the trust and responsibility placed upon him. Thaddeus's confidence in him provided a sense of purpose he had never known.

As the last guests departed and the ballroom quieted, Thaddeus placed a reassuring hand on Leon's shoulder. "You did well tonight. This is only the beginning. Remember, every challenge you face will make you stronger. Embrace this life, and you will find your place here."

Leon nodded, feeling a newfound resolve. The dual life of a butler-assassin was challenging, but it was also a calling he was beginning to embrace. With Thaddeus's guidance, he knew he could rise to meet whatever challenges lay ahead.