"Excuse me?"
Every single part of my brain flashed the same warning: Error detected. Please try again.
"Did you not hear me? Take off my shirt. Now."
Oh wow, the man is already diving into fantasies on the first day.
What is this weirdo even saying? Why am I undressing him? Does he think he's making a joke or something? Am I really going to deal with a young master who enjoys trolling people first thing in the morning?
Or… or maybe he actually has a serious health condition? Maybe he can't even undress himself? Yes, yes, that must be it! That's probably why my uncle didn't tell me on purpose. He must've been afraid I'd pity him!
I looked into the man's eyes with sympathy. Don't worry, young master, I'll keep your secrets safe. I will assist you to the best of my ability!
"Why are you looking at me with pity?"
Why else? Because of your illness, of course. I sighed inwardly. What a sensitive young master.
"It's nothing, my lord. Let me help you take off your clothes," I said, rolling up my sleeves.
The young master continued to stare at me with that sharp gaze, as if he were analyzing my every move, waiting for the smallest mistake. The moment I raised my hand to touch the buttons of his pajamas, the question "What am I doing?" started growing louder in my head.
"Why are you wearing gloves?"
As I undid his pajama buttons, his curious eyes remained fixed on me—questioning, scrutinizing. Right now, I feel like I've been caught red-handed in the middle of a crime.
"I have a minor condition, my lord."
"Is it contagious?"
Bro, do I ask if your stupidity is contagious? You can't even take off your own clothes.
"I was treated yesterday, and the doctor confirmed that it's not contagious. I will do everything in my power to ensure it doesn't affect you, my lord."
"If it's not contagious, why are you wearing gloves?"
"The doctor told me to wear them for my own sake, my lord."
"Why?"
This man has a special talent for not understanding things. His expression right now is just like a student who showed up to an exam without studying…
"I have a touch allergy, my lord. I must avoid direct contact, so I wear gloves."
"What happens if you touch someone?"
If I explain in detail, he'll just ask more questions. If I mention my ability, he'll pry even further. The best thing to do is give the shortest answer and end this conversation.
"I am in pain, my lord."
For a brief moment, I saw a strange glint in his eyes, but it quickly faded back into his usual calm gaze.Is this man testing me?
"What are you waiting for? Wash my face and hands."
"…Pardon?"
"Why do you have such a hard time understanding things? Didn't the butler tell you that you'd be taking care of me?"
He didn't tell me I'd be bathing you, you weakling.So, this is how you want to play? Very well. I was already curious about whether you could even feel anything…
I smiled sweetly and tilted my head slightly. "Understood, my lord."
Seeing me agree, he narrowed his eyes at me. I suppose he had failed his first test.
I followed the young master as he sat on the bed, his eyes fixed on my hands. After placing my gloves beside the tray, I rolled up my sleeves. I took one of the towels from the tray, dampened it, and began to wipe his face. I made sure not to touch his skin with my hands as I gently moved the towel across his features.
But as I observed him with his eyes closed, I noticed something. His eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair were entirely silver.
His eyelashes, in particular, stood out the most. Why wasn't I blessed with eyelashes this long?Well, let's not get distracted.
It was my first time washing someone's face.Even when I washed my own face, I wasn't this gentle.Maybe I should start treating myself better…
Once I finished drying his face, I moved on to his hands. He extended his long, slender fingers toward me. His skin was so pale that I could see the veins beneath it. The man was practically transparent…
As I wiped his hand with the towel, our first direct contact occurred, and… I felt nothing.
No emotions, no energy—nothing at all.
The guy turned out to be completely emotionless! Until now, I had always felt something whenever I touched someone. But this man… was blank. Like an empty sheet of paper.
The last time I sensed emotions was two days ago when I hugged my uncle.
If my ability was still working fine, then did that mean the young master had no emotions?
Or maybe he simply hadn't fully woken up yet, so he wasn't feeling anything. That was normal… right?
But why was I even thinking so much about this? I was only here to wipe his hands and leave.
"Do you like my hand?"
When I looked up, I saw him grinning shamelessly. Yet, I still couldn't sense any emotions from him.
It was as if I were looking at a porcelain doll—its face showing an expression, but its insides completely hollow.
"I-I'll just finish drying it, my lord," I stammered.
As I quickly finished my task and gathered the towels, he walked over to the wardrobe.
"Dress me."
Hold on a second... Was I hired as a babysitter? I really hope he doesn't say, "Take me to the bathroom," later. Because this emotionless man seemed like the type who would actually ask for that…
He opened the wardrobe, and I stepped beside him. Inside, there were countless clothes and accessories. He pointed at one outfit with his hand.
"I'll wear this. And these as well."
He had chosen a black suit. Alongside it, he picked out a brooch and a pocket watch. I seriously felt like I was dressing up a doll.
I selected a white embroidered shirt and stepped closer.I wasn't wearing my gloves, but there was no need. Because, even now, the only thing I sensed from him was… nothing. It was as if he had never experienced a single emotion in his entire life.
After buttoning up his shirt, I attached a jabot to his collar.
I continued dressing him, piece by piece, and yet, not a single reaction came from him. He was like a lifeless mannequin.
Finally, I put on his jacket and placed the pocket watch in his vest. After pinning the brooch to his lapel, my task was complete.
"You are ready, my lord. Allow me to accompany you to your meal."
After giving a slight bow, I slipped my gloves back on and straightened the sleeves of my shirt. Once I had prepared myself as well, I opened the door and stepped outside, where the young master was waiting for me.
At the door, my uncle and Eric were already there to greet us. As the young master walked ahead, we followed behind him. Then, all of a sudden, a hand patted my back.
I turned to see my uncle smiling at me, as if saying, Well done. The first test had been successfully passed.