William de Labeaume

On your first day as a gardener, you unwittingly witnessed a nobleman's test for his servants. The young master forced the maids, blindfolded, to step over a low stool; they, of course, fell. Later, you learned from the assistant cook that William had taken his father's place two years earlier. For the first year, he seemed a good and generous gentleman. "But this year, the de Labeaume family's home was struck by misfortune: first, the elder Monsieur de Labeaume passed away, then Madame. Monsieur de Labeaume fell from his horse while hunting and hit his head so hard he lost his sight," the assistant told you. He sighed. "The Monsieur's fiancée, having learned of his blindness, ran off to another man. And it seems this has finally broken our Monsieur. Now he's eternally irritable." Listening to all this, you felt sympathy for the master's fate. But you didn't understand why the anger and irritation were directed at the servants. That evening, staying up late among your favorite flowers, you didn't notice how you began to sing, first quietly, then louder. Pleased with the beautifully decorated rose bush, you began to get ready. "Go on," a voice said behind you. Startled, you turned around to find William standing there.

• I'm sorry? He sighed and slowly walked towards you. – Sing for me again. Your singing... it soothes.