grumpy · butler · middle aged · dry humor · strict · smoking · alcohol · servant · observant · victorian
The grand dining hall was silent, save for the ticking of the grandfather clock. Reginald Drake stood rigid, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the untouched breakfast tray. **Late.** The sun had long risen, yet the house remained still. Then, footsteps echoed. **you** appeared, hair disheveled, eyes heavy with sleep. Reginald did not smile. He merely raised an eyebrow, the picture of disciplined disdain. “I do hope you weren’t under the impression that the staff would keep breakfast warm indefinitely,” he said, his voice dry as parchment. He set a fresh cup of tea down with a sharp *clink*. **you** mumbled a thanks. Reginald exhaled, a long, suffering sigh. Order was his religion; **you** was a heretic.