Chapter Text
Dear Diary,
Mother and father are far from used to the cold climate that hits this country in fall and winter, sometimes even carrying into spring. I went out into the garden with Jamil today, but Najma stayed inside because she's too young and could get sick. She's only a year younger than Jamil, so I think they might've been lying. I hope Najma isn't in trouble, I want to play with her again soon! Jamil and I played games together in the garden, and he even helped me climb a super tall tree! He's very good at climbing, I'm impressed with his skills. After playing together, Jamil and I took a little stroll through the house. We ran into one of the footmen, and he called us cute. After that, we snuck into the kitchen and found some sweet things left out, but one of the kitchen maids caught us and threatened to tell my father. I grabbed Jamil's hand, and we ran all the way up to my playroom together, and we stayed there for an hour playing with toys I own. Jamil really likes my stuffed rabbit, I might ask his parents if I can give it to him! I like Mr and Mrs Viper. They're both very kind to me, but sometimes they get angry with Jamil. I hope they say yes, I plan on asking them tomorrow.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 1st, 1887.
This entry is a rather tame one. The heir Asim frequently talked about his day and childish adventures when he first started writing.
Dear Diary,
Today, I got really sick, so the Ashengrotto family offered their family physician's services. Dr Rosehearts is a stern woman, and she brought her son along too. He's going to grow up to be a doctor just like her, but right now, he's Jamil's age. He's short with big blue eyes and bright red hair, and I really like talking to him. He sat by my bedside because he and his mother knew I wasn't contagious, and after Dr Rosehearts left, Riddle and I played together! He had to go soon after, but after begging my mother, she allowed Jamil to come and spend time with me too! He didn't really talk much, he was just happy it wasn't anything serious. Jamil held my hand and told me stories and folktales his aunt told him, and I listened to every syllable that left his mouth. I'm fascinated by all of them, and I hope my tutor will help him write soon so he can write them down for me! Today was a good day.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 2nd, 1887.
On August 2nd, the heir Asim had contracted an awful case of what was likely the flu. He sweat it out and recovered in only a few days. This was his first time meeting the young man who would later become his family's physician, Dr. Riddle Rosehearts.
Dear diary,
My tutor said capitalizing the "D" in "diary" is incorrect, because diary is not my journal's name. I don't know what my journal's name is, my tutor will not tell me. Another thing people won't tell me is why adults are so difficult! It took three whole days to convince Jamil's parents to let me give him the bunny! They only relented when I dropped to the floor and started wailing like my new baby brothers do. My mother gave birth to twins yesterday, so she's resting in her bed chambers until she feels better. They cry a lot, but I think they're cute. Najma was kind of grotesque as a baby, but I can’t remember it too well because I was a toddler. Jamil seems to really like the bunny! He hugs and kisses it and I'm oh so happy he cares so deeply for it! Maybe now he'll be less grumpy.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 5th, 1887.
Two days prior, twin boys Affan and Afif Al-Asim were born to Karam Al-Asim and Maryam Asim, Karam's legal wife. He had an assortment of what was widely known as "concubines" in England, but he referred to them as his wives. The thing that set Maryam aside from the others was that she was both legally his wife and the woman who bore the heir.
Dear diary,
Jamil and I got to go out into town today! His father was my mother's escort, and Jamil was mine. We went to a toy store, a candy shop, a rose garden, and much more! I had a wonderful time, and I convinced my mother to let me buy Jamil a stuffed bear that caught his eye. I bought tons of candy and toys for the both of us, but that one was undoubtedly his! I also bought a doll for Najma. It has bright blonde hair and a little red dress. Najma likes the doll, she gave me a big hug and told me the doll's name is Kalyani. Jamil's teddy bear has light brown fur, and it's as soft as they come. I'm happy they like their gifts.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 7th, 1887.
That is likely the first time Kalim went out into town, but it's certainly not the last. However, this may have been the only time he never attempted to run away from his escort.
Dear diary,
One of the sons of the heads of the S.T.Y.X. Research Foundation has a birthday that's steadily approaching. Ortho Shroud is very sweet, he's turning seven this year and I'm one of the children invited to his party! We went out into town again with the hopes of finding some toys to give him, and I picked out a train set. I remember that last year, Ortho loved trains! I want him to have the best birthday ever, so I hope he likes the toy.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 9th, 1887.
Ortho Shroud was the second child of Pluton Shroud and Kore Shroud, previously known as Kore Despoina. He was a very sweet young man, consistently making friends at parties his parents brought him and his older brother to. Idia Shroud, the future patriarch, was a quieter fellow.
Dear diary,
My tutor is helping me prepare for the party by teaching me proper etiquette when talking to a young lady! I think it's kind of funny, because there won't be many ladies there. For some reason, one of my father's wives has started to call my tutor Divus, and I find it strange. Mother calls him Mr Crewel, but only Ms Aya calls him Divus. He doesn't seem to like it either, and he tells me not to bring it up to my father. Other than that, my tutor is very nice! He started teaching Jamil how to write in our spare time, and Jamil is already close to my level! I'm very proud of him. It's a secret between me, the tutor, and Jamil because my father hasn't authorized it. Speaking of Jamil, he has been asked to accompany me to the birthday party. When we're older, he'll have to do it more often, so Mrs Viper says this is his practice. I'm very excited.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 12th, 1887.
Here, we finally found out who his tutor actually was, and when we looked for the name Divus Crewel, we found a man who taught various children of noble families. It seems the heir Asim was one of his students over the years.
Dear diary,
I have never before attended a party so lively! It started at one in the afternoon and went until ten in the evening! I was having such a lovely time, I played with Jamil and spun him around. We played games with the birthday boy, Jamil even got to try a sip of champagne! He didn't like it. It made his tongue tingle so I hugged him tight so he wouldn't make a disgusted sound. Ortho seemed to love the train set I got him as well! He squeezed me tightly the moment eyes were no longer on him. He didn't want to seem improper in front of the adults, after all. After that, we played a few games together before Jamil started to grow hungry, so I asked around to know where any finger foods were. We ate small cakes together and he ended up really enjoying it! I wiped some chocolate frosting from his cheek. It got all over his face, but it was nothing a handkerchief couldn't fix! The party lasted ages, and by the time we arrived home, I was almost certain I had to help carry Jamil back to his quarters. I insisted on it, telling the servants to instead help my mother stumble her way to her bed chambers. I carried him on my back, sat him in bed, took off his shoes, and helped him into his nightgown just like how the servants help dress me each night! I even tucked him into bed, and then I went to my bed chambers. I had to ask for a servant's assistance to change my own clothes, but after that, I got to sleep well. I'm writing this after breakfast this morning. One of the chefs managed to acquire coconut water for me to drink with breakfast!
Kalim Al-Asim, August 15th, 1887.
Kalim Al-Asim mentions coconut water quite a lot. It appears to be his favorite drink. Ortho Shroud's birthday party was a rather tedious day. Several servants from several houses were reported making remarks about how intoxicated most adults left and how exhausted most children ended up being. It was apparently quite the mess to clean up as well.
Dear diary,
Jamil really likes curry, so I'm setting up a surprise for him! I asked one of the chefs to make various snacks, a special lunch, and dessert for the upcoming Friday! I plan on having a special play date with Jamil. One with curry for lunch, cherry pie for dessert, and a bunch of sweet and spicy finger foods to snack on. I also arranged a time for one of the older servants to take me into town, I plan on buying a few books for Jamil so he can practice his reading skills too. I'm excited! Mother says I'm doting on him too much, especially with his birthday steadily approaching, but I disagree. He deserves the world! I'll let you know how it goes!
Kalim Al-Asim, August 17th, 1887.
The heir Asim always held his servant close to his heart, and that's very apparent throughout his entire life. People often said Asim had a tendency to spoil the young Viper, buying him lavish presents not fit for a servant.
Dear diary,
Jamil had a very nice day today! I gave him the books and we ate lunch together in my playroom. He enjoyed the snacks as well, and he was a bit messy while eating them again. He's getting better at using his right hand to eat, but the dessert fork is proving to be a challenge. I don't mind wiping his mouth, though, because he always gets so embarrassed afterward and thanks me with a huff. I'm glad he had fun today.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 18th, 1887.
Yet another example of Asim's devotion and favoritism towards the young Viper, preparing what has been recorded as Viper's favorite food (A Servant's Letters, pg. 38) and buying him books. This was far better treatment than most servants were given.
Dear diary,
Today, I received a letter from Idia Shroud. He thanked me for attending his brother's birthday party and formally invited myself and my father to his birthday party in December. I am as excited as I am every year since the first invitation three years ago. I plan on asking around for any board games from a different country. That way, he'll have something new to play with. Both he and Ortho love their games.
Kalim Al-Asim, August 23rd, 1887.
Idia Shroud and Kalim Al-Asim first met in the summer of 1884, and ever since then, the Asims were invited to any events the Shrouds held.
Dear diary,
August is growing to a close, which means I can finally start pestering Jamil about what presents he wants! I may ask to take him around town to find something that catches his eye. I want this to be one of the best birthdays imaginable!
Kalim Al-Asim, August 27th, 1887.
That marks the final entry of the August of 1887, and the year slowly drew closer to its end.