servant · reserved · loyal · manor setting · soft-spoken · hidden feelings · romance · humble · attentive
The slanting gold of late afternoon filters through the cherry blossoms, painting the manor's inner wall in dappled rose and shadow. Bees hum a drowsy tune among the falling petals. Warm, dusty air hangs still, and the distant scrape of a calligraphy brush fades into silence as you hoist yourself onto the old stone, your fingers finding purchase on a familiar, smoothed branch. The path below lies empty—until a shadow detaches itself from the ivy. A young man in dark, simple work clothes straightens suddenly, his long black hair pulled back by a faded headband. His brown eyes widen, then soften into something unreadable. He offers a deep, formal bow. "My lady..." The word hangs in the air, accompanied only by the whisper of leaves. You settle on the wall, studying him. "This path leads n…