Review Time:

FurLinedSlime - Wow, thanks! 8D

Jay - I don't see why not. :)

Just Another Kid - Ah, no worries. It all it takes is to have a cursory knowledge of the 2nd gen units. Maybe a chapter will convince someone to try them in the game (hehe), but either way, glad you liked!

Chapter 14 – Dwyer

The servants of Nohr's upper echelon had very specific morning routines to keep, and damned if one of them were even a minute off schedule. This applied heavily to the caretaker of the middle princess – Jakob.

"Milady, it's time to get up."

The butler quickly adjusted his tie and knocked again.

"Milady?"

"Go away Jakob…."

"Milady, don't be so lethargic. It's a brand new day! That means a new day of experiences!"

"And another day of sleeping," came the reply.

Jakob sighed and opened the door. Corrin was rolled up into a ball, moaning unhappily when she felt the rays of the sun shine down on her wild white hair.

"Come now, you don't want to be late for breakfast~"

"Jakob, as your lady, I order you let me sleep for four more hours."

"I'm sorry, Lady Corrin, but I cannot honor that request. All of us have very important deadlines to keep! Now, if you please….?"

Angry red eyes glared at the butler, but she removed her blankets. Lazily, Corrin stood up and rubbed her head "I'm up…."

"Milady, you still need to get dressed."

"I declare today to be a pants free day. My word is law."

Jakob chuckled. "It seems someone is still half asleep."

"And the other half wants to join her…."

After 30 minutes dealing with Corrin's lazy attitude, Jakob continued on with his butlery duties. Getting his lady's weapons prepared for her training session, polishing her armor, adjusting the curtains…and best of all, looking over some new help.

Wait….

"What on earth is this?"

Having reached the main hall, Jakob spotted a line of young maids and butlers, almost all of which were looking nervous and fidgeting in place. A few of them were wiping lines of sweat from their foreheads.

"Ah, Jakob." Gunter gestured him to step over. "The castle has employed some new hired help. Lord Xander wishes for you and the others to give them pointers."

"I beg your…..with no disrespect to the prince, I don't think that's needed," Jakob countered, narrowing his eyes at the line.

All of them gulped hard, except one. A young man with ash colored hair and drooped eyes simply stared back at the butler. He wasn't afraid, but more apathetic with everything around him.

"Very well….my name is Jakob," the butler said curtly. "Currently, there are nine of you. If you think you can provide an exceptional service to the royal family, especially Lady Corrin, then you'd better show your mettle from the get go. Do I make myself clear?"

Three couldn't handle the pressure and ran for the door. Gunter opted to wash his hands of the situation.

The next day, Corrin was enjoying her sleep, but once again, it was interrupted by Jakob's knocking.

"Jakob…." she whined. "Can't you just let me sleeeep?"

He sighed and turned to the remaining six: three maids and three butlers. "Lady Corrin is perhaps the hardest princess to wake up in the morning. She's very resistant and loves her bed. So then, what is the proper course of action?"

"We…shake her roughly?" a maid guessed.

Jakob's face darkened. "The door is that way, you idiot. We do not touch milady in such a way!"

The maid was tearing up by the time she reached said door.

"Umm….why not entice her to wake up…..?"

The apathetic-looking youth had given the answer. He stepped to the door, next to Jakob, and knocked again.

"Go awaaaaaaay!"

"Um….milady…..maybe you'd want….breakfast in bed…?"

"Hmm? Who are you?"

"Dwyer, milady," said the youth. "I'm a new butler. Anything you'd want, specifically?"

Jakob gawked. "I'm afraid that's completely incorrect! You can't just-"

"Oh, sure!" Corrin's voice had gotten much more clear and bright. "I guess some eggs, with plenty of bacon, followed by a cup of tea. Thank you!"

"WHAT?!"

"Well, we're beat." The remaining maids and butlers gave a peace sign as they headed for the door themselves. Dwyer looked….pleased.

XXXXX

"Hold the tray steady."

"I am."

"Make sure your steps are perfectly in rhythm!"

"They are."

Having gotten the breakfast, Dwyer was headed back to Corrin's room, but Jakob was making sure that he was presentable. It wouldn't be his fault if his lady disliked the meal. He also didn't like how….bored the boy seemed to be.

When Dwyer knocked on the door again, Corrin opened up with a big smile.

"Thank you, Dwyer!"

"You're welcome….I even buttered your toast…."

"Wow!"

What?! "M-Milady, you act as if I've never given you a breakfast of such magnitude and presentation before….and furthermore, you need to put on pants!"

Corrin smirked. "Jakob, are you jealous of Dwyer? It's only his first day."

"Second," Dwyer replied in his usual tone. "I'll go polish your armor, milady…"

"Now hold a moment, you little punk! It is my job to polish milady's armor….you can dust the pantry, or something. Or make sure Felicia doesn't burn down the castle."

"….."

"Because…..she….is my lady," the butler scowled.

Corrin took the tray and shrugged. "Yeah, have fun you two. Thanks again Dwyer!"

Jakob's blood was boiling when he saw Dwyer's genuine smile and words of gratitude. If he was going to win, he had to out-butler him! But Dwyer himself had no reason to care about rivalries. He was so new, and yet….he was doing a fine job.

"Alright, Dwyer, you got lucky with Lady Corrin's breakfast, but it is important you don't just let her eat anything! She needs a balanced meal of vitamins and nutrients."

The two were wiping the windows of the castle, each at their own pace. Jakob, being himself, was trying to do it faster.

"I know….but a butler's opposed to indulge his lady….right….?"

"And don't you forget it! Lady Corrin's word is law. If she wishes for you to rip off your clothes and jump into a moat of hungry alligators, you do so!"

Dwyer, also being himself, replied in the way he would: "It's too cold to do that…."

"Hmph. You seem to be made of stronger stuff than the other maids and butlers. What's your angle? Are you plotting something?"

"Are you….?" he asked, tiredly. "You're the one that's interrogating me. I'm just listening."

"And you should! Wipe in-"

"-a circular motion, I know." Dwyer put his rag away. "I'll go see what Lady Corrin wants for lunch…."

Jakob scowled. "Not like that, you won't. You always sound so…..fed-up with life! Your attitude will merely depress milady."

"And your overbearingness will only suffocate her," the younger butler countered. "Lady Corrin is a person, not a pet."

"And don't you forget it, you little turd!"

"…what? But you….what?"

Felicia and Flora, watching the scene, were slack-jawed. For different reasons.

"Ohh…..he stood up to Jakob….."

"Hmph….he's so rude to Jakob…."

After lunch time had passed (Flora made it because the other two were too busy sniping at each other), Dwyer decided to tend to the garden.

Hmm…..it's so quiet out here….

Smiling again, the youth looked to the castle's window. Corrin's room was in direct view, so maybe if he did a good job again, she would praise him. He had met the other members of the royal family, but for some reason, the middle princess attracted his attention the most: Elise was too bubbly, Xander was too aloof, Leo was too dismissive, and Camilla was too doting.

She likes the roses….I'll water those….

Jakob, who was watching carefully, was…..impressed. Much to his confusion.

I don't understand. One day with my guidance and he's not screwing things up horribly? Maybe he'll slip up if he thinks no one is watching….

But two hours later, Dwyer had finished the garden. It looked very neat, and he was pleased with himself. Even more so when Corrin saw it.

"Wow….you did all of this, Dwyer?"

"Yeah…..just regular work I guess…."

Corrin smiled. "Well, it'll give my room a nice little view, and it brightens up the place! Great job!"

Again Dwyer smiled, and Jakob noticed it had gotten slightly bigger. His voice was as monotone as ever, but where there wasn't boredom, there was pride and joy.

"Thanks….Lady Corrin…..would you like some tea?"

"Nah, I think you've earned a break, Dwyer. I got to say, even my brothers and sisters are starting to like you! Hehehehehe…."

That little….! He's making milady LAUGH now?! Oh don't look so happy, you bastard!

"I think Jakob is getting jealous of the new help."

"Jealous? Dear sister, you jest."

Leo and Camilla were playing a game of chess in the parlor. It wasn't every day that Leo had someone to indulge his games of intellect with, but his older sister was always up for time with her precious siblings.

"Yes. He's always giving him nasty looks….all the time he got to spend with our dear sister, and now he has to share. Fufufufu…."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "You think he has…?"

"Hmm? Actually, I think they both do. Not that I blame them. Corrin's just so cute," Camilla gushed.

"Hey guys!"

Corrin, who had stepped in, looked to be slightly dirty and sweating from her training session. She gave a sheepish smile when she poured some dirt out of her sleeve.

"I don't suppose…."

"Already on it!" Jakob had appeared behind her. "I will draw you your bath immediately, Lady Corrin!"

"Uhh…..are you sure?"

"I insist," Jakob smiled. "Come along."

Camilla and Leo followed their movements, with the former nearly cooing on how Corrin's large eyes widened slightly as she was ushered forward. Dwyer, who was finishing up some dusting, noticed.

Hmm…..he's genuinely happy when he helps her….

XXXX

"There we are." Jakob shut the faucet off and sprinkled some rose petals into the water. "Your bath, where you can enjoy to your heart's content."

"Oh thanks." Corrin smiled. "Dwyer used sunflower petals, but I like the way you do it too."

Son of a….

"Milady, you shouldn't let him run your baths for you. He's of the opposite sex."

"But…..so are you…."

"But!" Jakob shook his head. "I have nerves of steel. I wouldn't dare peek at your form, milady, and the thought of thinking of you….in such a disrespectful manner would be tantamount to suicide."

The dragonkin smirked. "So, you're saying you don't find me attractive….?"

"Of course not! Your beauty is quite evident, and I believe you will beat Lady Camilla for the amount of suitors."

"Jakob, you just contradicted yourself. So what if Dwyer does the same things you do?"

"Because he does them wrong, milady."

"That's not true!" she exclaimed. "Did you know he even gave me a flower yesterday? He fixed the garden quite nicely." With a wave, she motioned for him to leave the bathroom. "You could learn something from him."

"But…..Lady Corrin, I work just as hard!"

"You do. And so does he. Can't you two….get along?"

XXXXXX

Before Corrin removed her robe, Jakob quickly exited the room and shut the door with a sigh. Having his lady cross with him was simply unacceptable. And the sour mood only got sourer when he saw Dwyer approaching with fresh towels.

"You again…."

"Me? I'm just giving Lady Corrin some towels…"

"She keeps paying attention to you! All because you've added some dangerous spice to her consistent life! Set by me, of course."

"What is your problem, Jakob?" Dwyer sighed and put the towels down. "Do you want me to serve Lady Corrin faithfully or do you just want me to leave?"

"No, I…..tch. If you leave, milady will be sad."

"She will. Even if you do."

"What?"

Dwyer pointed to the bathroom door. "She likes when you do things for her, too. Stop thinking I'm some kind of threat."

"Because you're the most hard-to-read butler I've ever met! You walk around with such a chip on your shoulder, and yet….your mood shifts around milady. It's eerie and disgusting."

The younger man let out an annoyed sound. "You're a hypocrite. You always insult Felicia and Gunter, but you turn into Mr. Happy Sunshine when tending to Lady Corrin."

"Because she deserves the best!"

"And she deserves my best!"

Jakob blinked. Dwyer wasn't usually this outspoken. "What are you on about?"

"…Lady Corrin always complements me when I work hard…..and well….it makes feel…..good. Usually I don't really care about things, but there's something in her eyes when she says it….it makes this job worth it."

"You're insane. Why pick this job if you have such a disillusioned view of the world?"

"Because….at least helping people would be doing something worthwhile…." Dwyer said, sighing.

"What possessed you to even try, to begin with?"

Dwyer looked uncomfortable. "That's….not really important….."

"….."

"Dinner time, Lady Corrin."

Another day had passed, and another dinner to the royal family had gone underway. Jakob was concise and skilled as usual, yet he didn't falter with his extra attention to Corrin. Dwyer, in a more subtle way, was of the same beat.

"Excellent work, Dwyer," Xander complemented. "The table arrangement is stellar."

Jakob scowled.

"Mmmm! This fish is delicious!" Elise giggled. "You really are a great cook, Jakob!"

Dwyer groaned.

"A divine choice of music." Leo looked to the servant playing the piano in the corner. "You really know how to set the mood, Dwyer."

Jakob grit his teeth.

"I really like the candle work." Camilla beamed. "It sets the perfect lighting, Jakob!"

Dwyer rolled his eyes.

"…"

The two looked towards the middle princess, who was deciding on what piece of the meal to take first. Jakob's fish, or Dwyer's casserole. In a rather sly move, she took both onto her plate.

"M-Milady, that doesn't go together…."

"Yeah. It'd be like-"

"Oil and water?" Corrin mused. "But you two are thinking of the same thing."

Dwyer and Jakob glared at each other.

"Pick which one is your favorite," Jakob pleaded.

"Or pick the one that's the least disgusting," Dwyer goaded.

Corrin simply grinned, and winked at all of her siblings. "How about….." She put two pieces together and stabbed them with her fork. "I try them both at once?"

"WHAT."

"HUH."

"Dinner and a show…." Camilla chuckled.

Corrin put the combined piece in her mouth and chewed it carefully. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and she let out the most joyed squeal either butler have heard from her.

"Soooooo gooooood…"

Jakob and Dwyer, jaws hanging, stared at each other in disbelief. It only got worse when she rolled around on the floor, savoring the taste completely. It was maddening. And yet….both men smiled at the same time.

"Wow. Can I have what's she's having?"

Straight-faced, Xander replied to Elise: "Not until you're older."

"Milady! Is it really that good?!"

Corrin moaned in the affirmative.

"Well done, you stupid brat. You didn't suck at something!"

"Way to go, you rotten punk. For once, people are glad to have you around."

To Leo and Xander's surprise, the two shook hands and stepped out of the room in pride. Corrin got back to the table.

"Well that was easy." she swallowed. "Actually, it tastes a little foul when you put them together."

"You know, Dwyer….perhaps I was wrong. If anyone can match my devotion to Lady Corrin, then perhaps they're worthy of being someone I can trust."

"….glad to hear it…."

The two were standing on the balcony, with the moon in plain view. Sensing Dwyer's (now depressed) mood, Jakob stared at him quizzically.

"I….didn't want to admit it earlier, but…you're the reason why I tried."

"…..?"

"Yeah. Being a butler is hard. But you made it look so easy, and you seem so happy whenever milady smiled at you…..I guess I wanted that for myself."

"….where were you before this?"

"Living with my grandfather. But when he passed…..I had to find a way to make some money so I could eat. It was lucky that I managed to land the position…."

"…..."

"And I have to say…..it does feel great," Dwyer smiled. "So….thanks."

"….thanks to you too," Jakob replied. "The two of us shall make a great team. When you have the time, we should work on battle maneuvers!"

Dwyer actually grinned.

"I have a technique of my own….so I'll teach you."

"Huh? What?"

"Ever heard of Slappyface?"

FIN

Ending notes: Dwyer shot up in my preferences when I heard his VA. Sounding as stoned as Setsuna is always a plus. Next time we have Asugi, with Kaze and Kagero cameos.