Uncommon breakfast

When you wake up you first forget that your father is away and you are the count right now. So instead of sleeping long you get up with the first morning lights and do some fitness training. Then you go down and have a short breakfast. You always have breakfast alone with only your maid who keeps you company and wait for your orders.

But this time you come into the dining room and almost bump into half of your families servants. They all are cleaning and preparing the room. You notice the head of servants in the middle giving orders and Mia cleaning the floor with two other maids. There is also a group of servants setting the table. However when you enter they all look at you surprised and stop working.

“My lord, I am terrible sorry,” the head of servants says surprised, “we didn't knew you were already up. We thought we had more time to prepare the dining room.”

“But I am up this early every day,” you reply with one eyebrow raised, “don't mind me. Just continue with your work. Mia would you be so kind and bring me my regular breakfast!”

“Of course, sir,” the head of servants agrees and sends Mia away to get your food, “we just thought you would prefer to sleep in. As the count you don't have to get up this early to train with the soldiers. And you also would deserve a more generous meal.”

“Count?” you ask unsure, “but I'm not the … oh yes, you are right. I totally forgot they were on their way to the capital. Sorry, guys. I didn't remembered I am the count now.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, my lord,” the head of servants, “just tell us if can do anything to help you.”

Mia appears with a plate of bread, butter, cheese and two apples. She places it at the table and bows her head. The other servants leave you to do other work and let you eat alone. Only Mia stays in case you need something.

“Mia, dear,” you say friendly as you see her standing like a statue at the side of the wall, “wouldn't you like to sit down and keep me company like every morning?”

“S-should I?” Mia asks stumbling, “but ... but that would be improper, master. You are the count now. I'm just a servant.”

“Please save me this,” you say and roll your eyes, “I am only the count for a month or so. You work for my family for four years, if I remember correct. And since two years you are my personal maid. There is no need to behave like that.”

“If … if you insist, master, than I will keep you company,” Mia stumbles afraid and sits down at your side.

You offer her a apple but she refuses and looks away. Mia is even more shy then usual. She avoids every eye contact and you have the impression that she is about to cry. But before you can ask her she decides to change the topic.

“Master Pike, do you thought about go out and visit the villages around?” she asks shy, “I could arrange a carriage right now. And the peasants surely would appreciate to see their new count.”

This is a very uncommon suggestion. Sadly it's not possible. You can't leave the castle for long when you are the responsible.