Extra chapter

6.5

Archer's first day

"Time to get to work, shall we?"

First, he swept through the great manor in a thorough survey of its condition. This would provide him of a mental image of not only the mansion's interior, but also what needed to be done with it. He found it to be in good shape. Although he wouldn't say the place had been kept under flawless care, he found it be satisfactory for the most part.

In particular, it pleased him how the shelves of books were kept in order and dusted (although he made sure to remember to give it at least another dusting before dawn). He was informed that Rin had been in charge of the manor for nearly a week before he arrived. Considering how the girl was not specifically trained in the precise and delicate art that is housekeeping, she managed a praise-worthy job.

He'd give her the acknowledgement on a later date, and he'd be subtle about it of course. Nobles, after all, are uncommonly edgy. Although Rin did not seem prone to the particular snobbery and pride that he knew plagued many in high society, the girl was young and inexperienced for the most part. In fact, it would be fun to see if he could tease her. Three and a half conversations with her, he already figured out exactly what to say to rile her up.

By the time his survey was over, Archer had completed a list of all the items that the manor currently lacked. Some of it included beeswax, wood polish and smooth linen tea towels. Others were more important: wine, spirits and heating fuel. Particularly the latter. A home is not a home if in cold weather it can not keep warm.

He had noted down every place he decided needed a good scrub, among all the other arrangements he had in mind.

Archer sighed, a smile coming to his face. "Now, I wonder what Rin likes for breakfast."

...

By the time he could spot dawn's rosy light tinting the horizon, Archer had already worked through what he set out to do. He had checked the pantry and the cellar, shined the glass and chandelier until they sparkled, carry out a stock check on all china and crystalware, polished the the tables and the cutlery. As for the master wardrobe, he'd rearranged them til they were as lined as a row of soldiers, brushed and folded the clothes while singling some out for airing and laundering. Finally, he completed his job by waxing the buttons on the formalwear and polishing the the footwear. As you can see, there are never a shortage of tasks for a house butler.

Just as the main clock chimed like a bell, signalling for the earliest the manor's residents, including the maids and the footman to wake, Archer had folded the napkins on the Tea Room and laid it down next to the silver utensils.

Today, he would formally introduce himself to the household staff and go over their jobs. Since he was only appointed, it may be difficult to fit in the job right away. Getting others to listen to him may prove troublesome, but such prospects don't faze him in the slightest. He had made worse enemies than a few housemaids before.

...

"...My name is Archer. As of yesterday the Young Lady officially appointed me as the Tohsaka household butler. Thus, I look forward to being in your care. It is my sincere hope we shall get along finely as colleagues. "

He leaned forward in a deep and respectful bow. In front of him stood the manor's gardener, two housemaids, and cook. They all looked quite senior (one of the housemaids was an elderly lady with greying hair, but appeared as sturdy as a willow oak) while the rest seemed to be in their middle-ages.

"Young lad, how old are you?" The old lady asked, with a crispy voice.

"I am twenty-one." He replied, smiling politely.

"Two-thirds younger than Mr. Tadao." She clicked her tongue, but not in displeasure. Like the rest, he thought she must be amazed at his age (he was only a few years older than the young lady herself). But instead of inquiring after his past experience like he expected, she only said. "You have such a peculiar name... How will we know to what to call you, Mr. Archer?"

The young man laughed humbly. "Please address me as Archer. It is...unusual, but it is the name I go by under orders of Master Tokiomi."

The others seemed startled by the mention of Tohsaka Tokiomi and looked at each other, bewildered for a moment. This, of course, didn't escape Archer's notice, but if he felt anything about it, he didn't let it show. The old lady was the only one who didn't seem fazed.

"Ano sa, you've been under the Master's service before?" The other, younger maid asked tentatively and a bit shyly.

"I have indeed." He said, his eyes calm as he surveyed their faces. "I sense you are rather surprised. Have I earned your discretion?"

"No, no. Not at all." The younger maid shook her head, glancing at her senior. "It's just that-"

"That Master Tokiomi rarely ever graces us with his presence. We've all worked for him for a number of years, but none of us see him more times than the finger counts every year." Her senior finished off the sentence, in a lucid tone that the elderly often used. "For such an elusive Master, we are quite shocked to hear you've worked for him before. And quite closely, I imagine."

Seeing their expressions, Archer can see that they were in awe over the fact that he had served their Master. At the same time, he detected hints of nervousness. Perhaps they were afraid that he'd be harsh on them and reported everything back to Tokiomi? It made him wonder what sort of feelings can a Master's name invoke in his own household.

"You have charming manners, Archer-kun." The gardener, a man with chestnut hair and a wise countenance, spoke. His voice was full of guarded approval. "I'm sure you'll make a fine butler for our Lady."

Some of them undoubtedly thought he was too young, particularly after working with Tadao for what he assumed to be many years. Some didn't quite know what to make of him, but were too old nonetheless to be bothered much. But they all seemed to warm up to his charming demeanour right away.

"I am glad to be in your favour. You can trust that I will not lose it." Archer smiled again and gave a final ceremonial bow, quite satisfied at how things had turned out.

...

He saw her enter the room as smoothly as a butterfly would graze a mirror-like surface. Her eyes shone with the bright color of green gems. She had a soft and partially reflective look in them. The room itself was brightened by her presence and grace, which was as clear as the morning light.

Watching, there was no doubt in Archer's mind that she was her father's daughter. From the regal way she held herself, to the way her head would tilt back and turn. But while Tokiomi had a distant air to him, Rin's presence somehow felt much closer, much warmer. More approachable in many ways. And of course, something in the way she moved seemed more feminine than her father.

Archer also knew that Tokiomi was considered a good-looking man, though it was more parts elegance and refinement than handsomeness in face, but never thought that he would have such a beautiful daughter.

He should have pulled out a chair for her, as per custom, but he was quite keen on observing Rin and comparing her to her father. Maybe it wasn't doing the girl any justice with such comparison, but it was one he entertained quietly nonetheless. It was until she had sat herself on a chair by the small table that Archer remembered his job. Oh well. Now he might as well serve the breakfast.

Since the food is always served on the left, and the wine on the right, he approached her carrying the plate on his left hand. When serving, a strong wrist and a firm hold is key.

When he placed the plate in front of her, a smile lit up her face and she greeted him. "Good morning, Archer. Did you sleep well?"

She made it too easy... Just for once, he should try to resist saying something snarky.

"That depends... on whom I see before I sleep." Archer felt a smirk rise to his lips. He tried his own laughter when she stared up at him, wide-eyed and in shock and blushing. "Since that is you, I guess my night was good enough."

Nope. It was just too much fun.

He watched in amusement as she looked at him angrily before turning back to her plate and fiercely attacking it with her fork. Is she trying to dissect that piece of toast? He thought, chuckling. She was more naive and easy-to-tease than he'd thought. He found that he was enjoying bringing out such an angry, yet innocent reaction from her. It was much more fun to see her struggle to keep a calm face when she clearly wished nothing more than to bite him.

Hmph, this job may prove to be quite interesting after all...

.

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One evening...

.

"Gina... you're more used to our new butler, I assume?" Rin, remembering yet another incident where she quite possibly bickered with her butler, asked suddenly.

"Yes, my lady." Her maid replied, holding a comb to weave through Rin's hair.

"What do you make of him?" Rin asked ponderously.

The maid hesitated, but answered earnestly after a moment of consideration. "Our opinions were mixed at first, but I think he's very sincere now, my lady. That's what I told Hide-san too."

Rin was nearly snapped out of her reverie at hearing this. Seeing her confused expression, Gina smiled generously and explained.

"It's his voice, miss, I think... I'm not too sure. It's something about him. He invokes our trust."

This was somewhat in line with what Rin had gathered from others in the household about Archer. They had all commented on how reliable Archer is, and what a fine job he does managing the estate while running as a valet, handyman and chauffeur every day. Hide-san said she never met anyone as hardworking and well-mannered as the young man.

"He does everything so well, that lad. And he works faster than anyone I'd seen, even our own Tadao." She had told Rin.

The young girl sighed. There's no helping Archer's universal popularity. Was she the only one who had seen his sadistically teasing side? Was she the only one of the receiving side of it? Was it her imagination?

Rin was suddenly feeling quite light in the head.

"Thank you, Gina. It's late now. You can retire." She told her maid, who carefully set down the brush on her table and bowed.

"Good evening, my lady."

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A/N:

This is an omake chapter on what happened on the first day Archer got his job. I brought and read a special book about the art of being a butler by Stanley Ager just for the sake of writing this chapter/story. However, you probably got a Black Butler vibe reading this chapter, and I shamefully admit I have no small inspiration from the series.

I understand that some of my lovely readers want me to update more regularly. You have all supported me a great deal and I might never have written so much so fast without your kind words. And I'm working on chapter 7 as we speak.

However, I said this times before and I must say again: I wrote this fic for the kicks. And I have a habit of putting stories on hiatus if I don't feel like I can do it justice. What's more, I have other stories I want to finish as well as finals coming in next month. So gotta get that study mode going. Sorry if this doesn't sound too appealing, but it's all I can do.

Enjoy the omake!