The Tireless Butler
Euden: We managed to get all the preparations for the Halloween party taken care of, thanks to Edward. I wonder if he's getting enough rest. Directing all the preparations AND taking out fiends has to be exhausting. Hmm? Oh, there he is now. ...And is that Althemia with him?
Halloween Edward: Madam Althemia, how goes progress on the party tricks?
Halloween Althemia: Oh! Umm... Y-you mean like the fog, and...um...bats?
Halloween Edward: Yes, your magical tricks. I trust there is no delay in your preparation?
Halloween Althemia: O-of course not! Obviously I'm done! You don't have to remind me.
Halloween Edward: Splendid. Then I shall call on you again later to confirm things are ready.
Halloween Althemia: Y-yes, by all means.
Euden: Hey there, Edward. You're really burning the midnight oil on the party prep. It seems to be coming together nicely. I know I'm looking forward to it.
Halloween Edward: I appreciate your kind words, but I merely did what was required of me.
Euden: Not at all. It's thanks to all your hard work that we've come this far and done so well. But you haven't taken a single break, have you? How about you give yourself today to relax a little?
Halloween Edward: I must decline, master. I have no need of such things. Besides, I've quite the full schedule ahead of me.
Euden: In that case, I'll take on some of it for you. Will you take a break then? I'm really worried about you overworking yourself.
Halloween Edward: You needn't worry. Working in the service of one's master brings joy to a butler such as myself.
Euden: Hmm... Okay then, what if I ORDERED you to take a load off?
Halloween Edward: Does my master mean to say that he would bid me take a break? If that is what my master wishes, then I, as a faithful servant, could not go against it, however much I might wish to.
Euden: In that case, I order you to relax!
Halloween Edward: That's quite the undignified command. And yet... Oh, very well. I shall take a day of rest for myself.
Euden: Just make sure to do lots of relaxing. It's your one day off, after all. I hope this will lead Edward to let loose a little bit and enjoy himself. Let's see... I'm done with the patrol of the castle perimeter, so next I need to... Whew! Doing his job is making me realize just how much work Edward gives himself. He can do all of this without even batting an eye. What a guy.
Halloween Edward: Master Euden, it's time for lunch. Please come to the dining hall.
Euden: Okay, will do. Thanks, Edward. I... Hey, wait a second! Why are you working?!
Halloween Edward: Is something amiss, master?
Euden: I ordered you to take the day off!
Halloween Edward: Yes, you gave me a day off from work. As such, I've simply opted to spend my time doing whatsoever I please.
Euden: Okay, now you're just searching for a loophole...
Halloween Edward: Oh, dear. We've been standing here gabbing away, and now lunch is late. Please hurry to the dining hall now, Master Euden.
Euden: Okay, okay! I'm going. But will you please take an actual break? PLEASE? Let's see, I've brought in the fresh-baked cookies and the Sweet Retreat, so next on the docket is...
Halloween Edward: ...Hah! ...Yaah! ...Hrgaah!
Euden: Um, Edward? What are you doing?
Halloween Edward: I am practicing my sword swings, master.
Euden: Yes, I can see that. But why are you doing it on your DAY OFF? You're supposed to be RELAXING.
Halloween Edward: What are you talking about? I've plenty of time to myself today, yes? If I don't train now, when will I do so?
Euden: Okay, yes, but... Look, this isn't what I meant at all! I had you take the day because I thought you would be worn out and tired.
Halloween Edward: You worry for me overmuch, Master Euden. I know my own body well, and you've nothing to be worried about.
Euden: Are you sure?
Halloween Edward: I am. And what's more, being idle fills me with unease and ends up rather wearing me down. I am most at ease when I am working hard for you, master.
Euden: I guess I can't argue with that if it's really how you feel...
Halloween Edward: I am grateful for your consideration—and for your allowing me a day of rest, master. That is precisely why I wish to devote this precious time to the things I want to do.
Euden: Well, if you're fine with things...
Halloween Edward: Thank you for your understanding. ...Great heavens, look at the time! I must return to the castle and begin dinner. By your leave, master?
Euden: I get that he's a hardworking guy, but is he really going to be all right?
|