The easiest way to begin would be with the beginning, I suppose. I was born the oldest son of the Smithings family. For those reading this who hail from without the Magic Zone, we Smithings have served the Lord of the Edge for generations. Specifically, the oldest son is chosen to serve the current Lord, and is trained from early childhood in the Buttling Arts. As far back as I can remember, my life has been equal parts servitude and luxury - while my master always came first, I was encouraged to take full advantage of my station and often lived as comfortably as my master. On the other hand, my lessons were rigourous, as I was required to master my craft before the birth of the next heir.
At this point that I should mention the most peculiar system our families have employed: the concept of generation skewing. Each generation of servants is seperated from the corresponding generation of masters by at least 30 years, but never more than 40. This is so every butler may learn from his father while serving the same master, and ultimately each generation serves three generations of his counterparts. In this way, I have served both my master's father and his son, as did my own father and - had things been different - would my son.
At this point that I should mention the most peculiar system our families have employed: the concept of generation skewing. Each generation of servants is seperated from the corresponding generation of masters by at least 30 years, but never more than 40. This is so every butler may learn from his father while serving the same master, and ultimately each generation serves three generations of his counterparts. In this way, I have served both my master's father and his son, as did my own father and - had things been different - would my son.