It's been one month since our awkward encounter and the relationship between myself and Lameria has only grown stronger.

As for my own prospects, they have improved dramatically. Word has been spreading around at the progress Jeffrey's made, and now I'll be getting another pupil tomorrow. Susan isn't happy about it but she can no longer justify keeping me in the kitchen.

It was argued that I needed time to study and form lessons since I'll have 2 students from now on. I even get my dinner brought to my tiny cramped room. She thinks that she's managed to keep me in that room at the least, but little does she know that I'm not trying to get moved. It gives me the privacy I prefer and lowers the risk for my late night meetings.

My dinner's cold by the time everyone else has gone to bed, but Lameria doesn't seem to mind and I don't mind eating cold food as long as we can eat together. We share my plate and talk every night now.

There's no longer anything else I can learn from her to increase the odds of my escape. I just need a better chance and hopefully time to convince my new friend to trust me enough to come with me. Now I just eat with her for the simple pleasure of human contact. Well, I guess it would be human-like contact in this case.

Another upside is that i'm able to spend longer periods of time with Madeline and have it not be looked at with suspicion. People who were questioning her choice of buying such an odd slave are now forced to admit she made a wise decision. Like usual, she's more than pleased to be proven right.

Since I started tutoring I’ve been learning a great deal from the books I’ve been reading. The history of this land and the lore they have on monsters as well as dungeons will be particularly helpful. I had a great deal of theoretical knowledge before coming here and much of what I've read has refined that. While It's great to learn this, until i get the chance to apply it the knowledge is meaningless.

Besides learning about things that will hopefully help my future as an adventurer I've also put time into learning how the power structure works in this world, such as the names of a few other famous houses as well as specifics about the empire. There hasn't been much in the books about this but I've been able to use Madeline as a resource to fill in the gaps. She's always more than happy to answer my questions. It allows her to remind me that there's still much she's aware of that I’m not, to her great delight.

Tutoring has done wonders to raise my position but I'm anxious to move on. I'm quickly running out of things I can learn from these books that will be useful once I escape from here.

What I need now is to become Madeline's personal attendant, just like Susan is to Lord Armingtage. There are many benefits such a position would give me, but the most important of all is the vast freedom of movement it would eventually allow. If I could get the ability to move around the way Susan does then my escape would go from a long shot to an overwhelming statistical likelihood.

As I was considering all of this and finishing up a particularly complex lesson with Jeffrey a number of status screens popped up.

[Skill Gain: LVL 1/10 Teacher]

[Level up: LVL 2]

Interesting, I guess tutoring this brat was worth it after all. I opened my status screen to see the changes.

Name: William Taylor

Age: 16

Race: Human

Class: None

Sub Class: None

Skills: LVL 1/10 Teacher

Level: 2

Experience: 13%

Constitution: 13

Dexterity 12

Intelligence: 18

Strength: 14

Wisdom 18

Charisma 13

Health 32/32

Mana 32/32

Stamina 16/16

Attribute Points: 0

Thinking back to how my status screen looked at level 1 I was able to figure out the effect the level up had. I gained 1 point in every stat, 2 points in health and mana and 1 point in stamina. I wondered if that might be consistent for every usual level up or if it varied. At least they can't call me a useless level 1 anymore. Now I'm a useless level 2!

I figured it would be the case, but just to be sure I gave myself a test to see if I'd gotten any stronger. It was hard to say without any weights around but overall I concluded that the answer was yes. It may have been only a small amount, but I was stronger. That means all the effects from the other stat boost probably worked as well.

I didn't have a manual or status screen pop ups which could explain in detail how each stat worked exactly. Would high intelligence make you a genius or was it mostly related with your ability to use spells? Would Charisma make you appear more attractive or just more inspiring? Did Wisdom have to do with mana regeneration perhaps? Was constitution just for health or did it have some kind of defensive multiplier? Could I raise my stats without leveling up just by hard work?

These were things I needed to learn, but it may be no one knew all the answers I wanted. Maybe the terms I would use, as someone familiar with games, wouldn't make sense to these people. I would probably just need to experiment and figure a lot of it out for myself to get the answers I wanted. What a pain.

As I finished the lesson for today, Madeline summoned me to her room with what has now become another part of my routine. She wanted a daily update on my progress and I agreed it was a good idea to keep in contact. I also believed part of the reason she wanted to meet every day is so she could talk to at least one person who would speak to her without being intimidated by her title. Perhaps it had to do with me being from another world, but the title of noble or lord mattered a lot less to me than it did to everyone else.

As I sat across from her drinking the tea that had been brought, I told her of the level up and skill I gained today. I expected her usual banter and wise crack comments but instead she gave me a simple and sincere congratulations. While getting the level up was nice, that wasn't want I planned to discuss today.

I could've waited longer to broach being her attendant by building up to the idea over the course of a few days, but the longer a bird stays in a cage the more comfortable and safe the cage starts to feel. I don't want to be so patient that I get use to this situation.

“Madeline, I have something a bit more important I want to talk about with you than my level.” She gave me a look of surprise but seemed very interested in what I could want

“Go on.”

“As far as I can tell, I don't believe you have a personal attendant. Is that correct?” She now knew where I was going with this, but in her usual style she wanted to play along and make me flat out ask.

“No, I've had them in the past, but I've dismissed each and every one as I found their abilities lacking. Why do you ask William?”

“I want the job.” She leaned back in her chair as she faked deliberating over whether to give me the position.

“So far you've done a great job I must say. If you want to be my personal attendant then you'll need to do much more. It'll mean a bigger work load and more skills that you'll have to learn. If you really want the job I'd be more than happy to give you a chance I suppose. Just know that It doesn't mean you get to skip out on duties you are currently doing right now.” I rolled my eyes

"Don't pretend that you believe I might not be able to do it. We both know I can and will do the job better than anyone else you could get”. She shrugged letting the game drop..

“I was starting to get worried that you hadn't asked me this yet to be honest. For a while I thought you were going to happily stay in your current post. Most may think it's good enough that I picked you and you were able to climb up to where you are. But I saw more in you and I want what you promised me. You've yet to deliver on that you know.”

“I will, don't you worry about that.”

“Fair warning, you'll be getting up an hour earlier tomorrow since your training will start immediately. Be ready.” I nodded and turned to leave.

"One more thing before you go William. I have a question I want to ask you. It's only fair I get my chance now, don't you think?" I turned around and gave an exaggerated bow.

"Of course, I'm at my ladyship's complete disposal." She gave a small laugh at the comment but then her face turned serious.

"What is it you want William?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I know you weren't happy being a dishwasher. But you seem to have this compulsion to climb higher and higher up. What is it you're trying to get?" I shrugged.

"Maybe I want to be the emperor one day," She shook her head.

"No, you don't want power for powers sake. But if you did want to be the emperor I would bet on you before most nobles."

"Does that include yourself?" She rolled her eyes.

"Let's not be silly William. Has there ever been an emperor whose been a slave before?" I crossed my arms and retorted

"Has there ever been an emperor whose been a woman?" She shrugged at my response

"There has to be a first time for everything."

"Indeed, I wonder which shall happen first." She shook her head and playfully flicked me away with her fingers.

The next day my training to be her personal attendant began. I was woken by a knock on my door. I quickly washed with the bucket and tub placed there by some poor slave who had to wake up even earlier than me. Before dressing I examined the clothing as they were not my normal attire. They were looser and less decorative. Built for movement and utility. At the top of the stairs awaited none other than the captain of the guard. This is an honor I certainly didn't need. He silently signaled for me to follow.

As we walked towards the training grounds I couldn't help but wonder why the captain of the guard himself escorted me. I highly doubted my training would be handled by someone in his position. The reason became clear just as the training ground came into sight. He spoke to me for the first time today.

"I haven't the time to hold your hand, from now on you'll report to the man you see standing in the training grounds. But remember, just because I'm not babysitting you doesn't mean I’m not watching you. I don't know what game you're playing, but ever since you came here I've seen you try to sink your claws into her ladyship. If I think for one moment your up to something that might cause others to question her virtue, or you're trying to cook up some scheme that will put her in harms way..." He put his hand on his sword hilt.

I nodded that I understood and quickly ran towards the other guard. Why do so few people here like me? I'm really a pretty good guy once you get to know me.

As I came into the grounds I was tossed a training sword. I fumbled it in the air but managed to catch it by the blade end. He either shook his head at the failure to cleanly catch it or the fact that I would grab any sword by the blade end, maybe both. Well, if it wasn't a training sword I wouldn't have even tried to catch it like that, so there was no need for him to give me that look. But now wasn't the time to bring up that point. The guard waited until I gave him my full attention before he spoke.

“You're job is not to guard her ladyship. That's our job. You are to do your best not to get in our way if such a situation arises. However, her attendant is considered the last line of defense as you will likely be directly by her side. If worse comes to worse, you will fight to protect her and die for her if need be." He spoke in a tone much more casual than i liked about my potential death.

"If her ladyship dies and you don't, then you will join her in the afterlife as punishment for failure of your duties in this world, only it'll be much more painful that it would've been if you just died fighting in the first place. So remember, it's better to fall on a sword that's aimed at her ladyship if it comes to that, and get those pesky notions of self preservation out of your head ."

I understood that it was a good way to make sure any attendant would try to protect their lord. But why did I get the impression the guards don't get the same treatment? What bullshit! He walked 3 paces away and took a fighting stance with his sword.

"What level are you by the way boy?" Why is everyone always so concerned about levels?

"Level 2." He gave a grown but kept his focus.

“Damn level 2. You probably aren't even worthy of being a meat shield, but lets at least make you look a little scary if nothing else." The next hour was spent being taught how to stand, hold on to my sword, thrust, parry, counter and move. What I was taught the most was how to be hit by a practice sword till i bled and ached all over, and how to stand back up quickly to avoid being hit harder.

Even with all that I was happy to finally be learning swordsmanship, but I knew he could've been more instructive and less of a sadistic sociopath.

After the training was over, I cleaned up and changed back into my clothes. Forcing my aching body to keep moving, I somehow managed to make it in time for the start of my tutoring class. I had a new pupil who was willing to do as I told him and without any bribes for a change of pace. I had to hide the deal I made with Jeffrey from him so he wouldn't get any ideas.

After the tutoring was done for the day, I was called away to continue my attendant training. This time I was in the care of an older woman instead of a guard. She was to teach me the social protocols and etiquette that must be followed in a room full of nobles, as well as information about the other lords in the area. I was expected to remember their names, business connections and personal interest, and that was just for a start.

There were several lessons that would take place, each receiving an allotted amount of time. Next would come my dance training, and no, she didn't care how much my body was hurting. It was unlikely I'd ever be asked by a noble besides Madeline. But as I would be going to these balls, if a partner was ever needed and I was available I couldn't refuse any lady, and was expected to at the very least possess flawless fundamentals.

Then came my training on how to assist with dictation and the proper way to offer a suggestion. After that it was the proper way to be an intermediary betweem her and other servants. Then an explanation of how i'm to walk with her if we're in public. Two paces over and half a pace behind at all times. It went on and on with more absurd rules and regulations that I was sure Madeline would have absolutely no interest in enforcing.

It goes without saying that not all of this training would be applicable in my life, but I was getting some good experience none the less. I didn't get a chance to talk to Madeline about what I did today, busy as I was. I doubted that mattered, I was certain she knew perfectly well about everything I'd been put through.

Due to my new schedule I got my dinner a bit later than even when I worked in the kitchen. At least it seemed a bit warmer than usual.

The next day was like the previous one, only with more work jammed into the same amount of time.

The next day they found a way to add even more to my work load. My lunch break during tutoring was cut short to go horseback riding with the guards. My ass and thighs were sore the rest of the day. The difficulty only increased as time went on and more was added. Clearly being a full time tutor and training to be an attendant for a Lord's daughter weren't 2 things someone was meant to do at the same time.

This schedule went on for almost a month. I was barely getting enough sleep to function properly as I had to keep getting up earlier and working later to fit in the lessons. My attendant training wasn't slowed down or paced in the least just because I had an 8 hour a day blocked of time filled already. We wouldn't want to be humane or anything right?

At least I was seeing results. My swordsmanship was still amateur at best, but I was now able to follow the flow of my opponent's movements. I parried and dodged when I was suppose to, and attacked my opponent when given an opening. It usually turned out to be a trap, but I was told to keep developing the habit of attacking and in time I would learn to tell the difference. I was still pathetically bad compared to the guard, but at least now I had a base to build off of.

During one particularly great parry I caught the guard by surprise and felt my opponent almost lose his sword. Yes, we've cross swords thousands of times by this point so it could be argued something would go right for me eventually. Still, an 'almost win' is an 'almost win', and I was proud to have it. It also gave me the nifty [LVL 1/10 Swordsmanship] skill. I can't over state how important that was to me. My real first step towards being an adventurer.

Soon my tutoring days were put on hold as Jeffrey and his cousin, who had become my other student, left to spend the season at their summer house with Jeffrey's over protective mother. Now my training schedule had thankfully been reduced to what a normal person would call merely excessive. Not long after that it was decided that while my training would need to continue for some time to fully earn the title, I was fit to be Lady Madeline's acting personal attendant.

We sat together drinking tea in her room. It was the first time in a while we've gotten to talk together in a relaxed atmosphere since my training began. Madeline lifted up her cup towards me and took a sip.

“In less than 3 months you've gone from a slave destined for the mines to the personal attendant of the daughter of a powerful lord. I don't say this often, but I find myself impressed."

“Without your help it wouldn't have been possible. Not in under 3 months anyway.” She always enjoyed when I made egocentric jokes. She put the tea down.

“How's the sword training coming by the way? I want to know you have what it takes to protect me if need be.”

“It's been going well lately. I recently acquired the swordsmanship skill which is something I'm very happy about”. I showed her my status screen. She gave a smile at that.

“Well done William, I suppose we ought to test it out, don't you agree?” Standing from her chair she walked towards the wall. 2 swords stood on display with one laying across the other as they hung on a very fancy looking mount. She grabbed them both and tossed one to me. These were not dulled in the least. Flesh and bone would easily give before them if force was applied.

“Madeline, I don't think this is a good idea. If you want I can go grab some practice swords”. She gave me a sweet and innocent smile, one I haven't see her make yet.

“Don't worry William, I won't hurt you. It'd be a waste to damage you now that you're finally proving so useful after all.” She held her sword towards me. Her footwork and form looked smooth and effortless. It was obvious she had been taught the sword. I wondered how many years worth of training she had compare to my month. Probably since she was a young child.

I took my stance opposite hers and waited for the attack to come. None came. She just stood there keeping that same smile glued to her face. I faked a lunge to draw her in and then prepared for a counter. She stood as still as a statue smiling at my movements that accomplished nothing except making me feel silly.

“Are you just going to keep having fun by yourself over there? A lady hates to be kept waiting you know."

I lunged for real this time. My sword struck only air. I turned the lunge into a side slash. She blocked and parried it over her head. My form broke as the momentum of the sword being forced high and away threw me off balance. I felt her sword at my throat.

“You'll need to do much better than this. Try again.” She turned her back on me and walked away like she was taking a stroll.

I lunged and again hit nothing. I pulled back and slashed from the opposite side I did last time as I circled around her. Miss, block, miss, block. Suddenly I saw an opening. I swung down on her sword knocking it free from her right hand and on to the floor. In an instant her left hand was at my throat holding a dagger. She kept the same smile on her face

“Better, but not good enough. Not yet anyway. One word of advice. If an opponent gives you an opening that looks as tempting as the one I just gave you. Don't take it. Now drop the sword."

I dropped it. I expected her to drop her knife in return. Instead she held it there, then softly ran it slowly against my throat while staring into my eyes. Something in hers changed. The look in them became animalistic. She bit her lower lip for the smallest of moments. Suddenly she took it away from my throat and put the dagger back from wherever she pulled it from. She turned her back to me picking up the swords and putting them back on the mount.

“You may retire for the night, If I have need of you I’ll send word.” That was a fairly abrupt goodbye, even for her. I left the room and turned the corner only to see the intimidating level 39 guard Jameson Carter standing there. No doubt he was waiting for me and probably not for any reason I wanted. He grabbed me by my collar and pushed me into the wall.

“I don't care if she commands it, or if the mother herself commands it. Mark my words. If you ever use a real sword against Lady Madeline again. I'll see you dead for it.” He tossed me aside glaring at me as I walked away. I guess that explains why no one rushed in when the swords where clanging against each other.

He probably decided not to interrupt, knowing how bad I was and how unlikely it was that I could hurt Madeline, so as to save her ladyship any embarrassment. Clearly that would not be happening again. I didn't plan to be here long enough for it to become an issue in any case.

I went back to my room to spend the rare free time I had reading until dinner came. I was getting good at riding a horse, using a sword, learning to dance and how to act with people of a different status. All good things to learn for once I got out of here. But so far none of that has been much use for actually giving me any help with my escape plans.

What would give me the chance was something entirely different.