100 Years: The Butler Academy

(Year 229) In Year 129 The Butler Academy was founded by Mr. Hector Golden. This weekend there was a grand celebration including a formal dinner arranged by former and current students, and yesterday Duchess Ribra Lynn of Rossie guested this fine institution.

The Butler Academy was located at Arts Quarter in San Myshuno for more than 80 years. Then it took over some old property in Del Sol Valley (which actually is closer to San Myshuno than you might think), and shortly the old factory was renovated to meet the school's needs. Being next door to the Showbiz Academy (orange build) might seem like two rivals lining up shoulder by shoulder, but they definitely aim for different students. The Butler Academy's mission is of course to provide servants for the aristocracy, but this is also a popular boarding high school attracting children of fine, noble Houses, preparing them for a future as a servant or even as the head of a finer estate. Many a finer Missus studied here, then served for a few years as Governess or Cook, before marrying into a good House bringing her good earned skills and character values. Students learn subjects like Gourmet cooking, Parenting and Handiness, but they also get acquainted to history and rules of the aristocracy.

One old rule is that Houses will never serve a House of a lower rank than their own, which explains why children of a Monarch won't ever set foot at the Butler Academy.

The current students include teenagers from House of Saxor and House of Rab-Saxor, but most are from families that don't even qualify as a formal House. Students specialize to become Butler, Cook, Maid or Governess, but classes are mixed and a student will learn the basics of more subjects than really required for the desired profession. Also Culinary and Mixology aspired teenagers are welcome.

Duchess Ribra Lynn of Rossie is known for her preppy style, and gaining some weight recently is not yet conflicting with her talent of grabbing the press' attention wherever she goes. She serves numerous patronages, besides supporting her eldest son who got crowned The Baron of Myshuno while still being a teenager. Until her son took over, Ribra Lynn was head of House of Thebe meaning she was not even allowed to take her husband's surname until recently, despite being married for decades. House of Thebe was probably saved from extinction, thanks to her!

Abraham Golden, current Principal and a direct descendant of the school's founder, welcomed the Duchess, while some of the students lined up. After a brief photo session, the group walked inside.

Duchess Ribra Lynn surprised the students by confirming that she actually was a student at the Butler Academy herself, before marrying the Duke. She shared a few fun memories, and how she stumbled and fell the very first time she was serving at a gala dinner, made them all laugh. She really grabbed the students' attention, perhaps Principal Golden should invite her to become their guest teacher? Or -  perhaps not... 

Studying here takes 6 years (2 terms) and costs only §6,000 (§5,000 if paying early). The students get spacious doublet rooms, including all meals - that they naturally shop and cook themselves. There is a kitchen studio, a gala style dining room where they practice table decking and serve each other. The music room is popular, but mainly intended for skill building on the side of their real classes. There is even a nursery where Governess students practice with dolls.

The Butler Academy is the kingdom's oldest school. Congratulations on the 100 Years Anniversary!

Read more about this high school.