When Hades was leaving for the academy, he never asked for an attendant—because he knew anyone who went with him would be punished by the Count.
Everyone in the mansion knew how much Trevon despised Hades. That's why the redhead didn't expect anyone to accompany him. Not that he needed anyone—he had learned to live on his own.
He had grown up mostly alone, teaching himself the things he needed for daily life—washing clothes, cooking, sweeping, and fixing what he could.
But there was one person who, just like his mother, had always cared for him in secret. She would prepare small gifts for his birthday, save a portion of food in case he came by, and sometimes even lend him a bit of her own wages.
She knew the consequences of supporting the young master but she never failed to show concern for him when she got the chance.
And when the day of his departure finally came, that woman stepped out of the shadows, her heart full of worry and warmth, and asked to serve him.
