Chapter 5

"We're here."

Rin looked up, startled from her thoughts. Before she knew it, they had arrived in front of the Tohsaka Manor. She was still feeling a little bewildered, when Archer exited the car and came to hold the door for her.

This brought her back to her sense. Yes, she was a Tohsaka through and through. And noble families like hers were expected to be the epitome of cool elegance and decorum. There was no time to daydream. Composing herself, she stood beside Archer and told him, in a tone no less than deliberate and firm.

"Archer, as soon as you've put away the car, I'd like you to come to the Main Study Room. I trust you've familiarised yourself with the mansion?"

"Certainly." Archer replied non-chalantly.

As the car drove away, Rin entered her home with a decisiveness in her steps. She was the Mistress of this great estate and she was not going to disappoint by appearing anything short of regal. She made for the Study Room very quickly, glad that she had tidied up the place the day before. There was still a few books on the table. She debated whether to put them away, but decided against it. She didn't want Archer to see her as a spoilt, naive princess, but that she was the well-read individual she was.

She waited patiently, and was awarded when Archer himself entered a few minutes later. His eyes went immediately to her, and didn't even bother to gaze at the magnificent collection of books and scrolls found in the Main Study.

Rin went straight to the point.

"I'll be honest with you about one thing, Archer."

"Hmm?" He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, and Rin struggled to remain in her chair. His face didn't show the faintest hint of worry, despite her tone. In fact, the only emotion she could find was amusement, like an adult on a child!

Argh, she wouldn't let him!

"I appreciate your coming here on my father's orders, but as things are at the present, you are not needed at the Tohsaka Manor."

She paused, waiting for his reply.

Archer's expression didn't change in the slightest. He only smiled and said.

"Go on."

She raised a brow in his direction.

"So, you are dismissed, Archer. I apologise, but that is how things are." She said pointedly.

He surprised her by letting out a chuckle. Then, when his quiet laughter had softened, his expression mirrored hers - a sassy raised brow, although with less fuming and that his eyes weren't frowning like hers.

"My, is this to be my fate, Master? To be given the sack right as I was given the job itself?" He looked though he found it difficult to continue, but only because he was having a hard time holding back his laughter. "How unfortunate I am, not to be allowed even trial to show my competence." He concluded in a woe-is-me drama tone.

Rin physically resisted the urge to sigh in exasperation. She said nothing, trying to appear resolute.

"My Master, this is deeply unfair." Archer proclaimed, smiling light-heartedly. "I have been looking forward to be in your service. Tell me, where have I displeased you?"

Every time you open that smart mouth of yours would be a good answer.

"It's not that you displease me, Archer. There is no other reason than my simply not needing a butler right now."

"Oh? Forgive me, it is my understanding that the old butler, my senior has retired recently." Archer replied evenly.

"That is correct. He has retired. But it is also true that I do not require your service." Rin said, trying to be more patient than she was feeling. Usually, manservants don't talk back to her like this. But it didn't matter. If it was a battle of wits she would not be unarmed.

"My service is offered freely to you, Master. I come into your employment without any expectation of monetary reward."

"That is unacceptable. You are not a slave!" Rin cried.

This seemed to stun the man into silence, for as long as silence permitted. He stared at her with thoughtfulness, all traces of humor gone. She was startled. It was the same solemn and heavy, bitter look he gave her that afternoon, when he announced his service to her.

In truth, those eyes frightened her. Not that she was scared, no. But she didn't want to see that look on his face. Already, she hated it.

After two seconds, Archer seemed to recover, but not to his former teasing self.

"If it is as you said, my Master, do I not have the choice to serve you if I will?" He said. "I repeat, I offer my service to you free of conditions; and under all circumstance I shall be a humble servant to the Tohsaka family. The only question is, if you'll let me."

Rin was silent. She had never heard of anyone willing to serve without demanding any payment whatsoever. This was new to her. Should she be suspicious?

As she looked at the man, who was on his knees now and bowing deeply to her, she decided that she should not. Against perhaps all reason, she trusted Archer and his word.

"Very well," She sighed. "Since you so insisted."

Incredible. This man she had met only twice was able to convince her into giving in. She wondered if it made her look soft and gullible, but settled on not caring for either of those things. When she saw the sincere look in Archer's eyes, it was enough.

Archer lifted his head. He didn't wear his familiar teasing smirk, but his eyes had a gleam in them that showed just how true was his appreciation for her decision.

"Thank you, Master."

Rin waved him off. "Don't be silly. This doesn't mean I'm going to let you slack off. Nor am I promising anything permanent either. I will be watching your work carefully, Archer. If I find them unsatisfying, you have your leave of this Manor." After laying down the terms, she added. "And from now on, if you are to work here, I do not want you to call me Master."

"What shall I call you, then?" He asked.

Rin wondered at that for a moment. She hadn't really thought of what Archer should call her, she only knew that she had had enough of formal addresses. It was enough to last her a lifetime. And Master was arguably one the worst.

"Call me whatever you want." She decided.

"Hmm..."

It was Archer's turn to grow thoughtful. He gave an appraising gaze, which irked her somewhat. Despite asking her so adamantly to employ him, he was the one giving her the critical eye.

"I shall call you Rin, then." Archer said suddenly, with a strange look in his eyes. He whispered her name to himself, as if checking its sound. "...Yes, the sound of it suits you." He said fondly, seeming content.

Rin spluttered at the informality and innocence of this act. How could he say it so-so...

Her heart sped up to a hundred beats per second and she felt her cheeks and ears oddly heated. She realised she was blushing, with horror. She quickly turned away and evaded Archer's gaze, who seemed concerned.

"Rin, are you alright? Your cheeks are suddenly red."

"I'm fine. I'm fine. More importantly, this is the end of our discussion. You may go." She said quickly.

"Very well then."

As the door closed behind Archer and Rin could hear his furthering footsteps, she slammed her forehead against a thick book.

Argh, she had srewed up, didn't she? How was it that it turned out this way? How on earth did he manage to disarm all the dignified properties she valued so highly? How could he rile her up so much? How did she lose all her formality against him?

Those were the questions that poor Rin couldn't answer. She was now miserable, as she realised she would now have to live with Archer. Oh, the horror!

Now, the only hope she could bet on was Archer messing up one of his duties. Maybe the black tea he ordered her wasn't the right kind. Maybe he failed to make sure the gardener trim the hedge properly. Maybe he forgot to open one of the curtains the large hall between the two wings in the mansion.

Yes, Rin thought, growing more convinced. Sooner or later she would find some irredeemable fault in his housekeeping that he would have no choice but to resign. She was, after all, naturally observant. Besides, managing a large estate isn't easy. If one is going for age, Archer appeared far too young to have enough experience with such a tremendous task, which would have challenged even seasoned butlers in the country.

Yes, very soon, she would be able to find an excuse to make him leave. Be strong, Rin. You will only have to endure this for so long.

.

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A/N:

Did you guys get my reference to Rin and Archer's actual meeting in the Fate series? I thought that was a really sweet moment in both the manga, light novel and the anime. In other news, Archer gets to keep his job! (good for you Archer:)

I'm sorry for not updating regularly. Like I said in my profile page, I wrote this fic mainly for the kicks. I write chapters every now and then, but can not update on a weekly basis (sorry).

Anyway, I may change my mind if you guys review. I'm (admittedly) a sucker for those and am very easily persuaded.