Bitter Melon Face

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Bitter Melon Face
Alias(es)	Budd; Butler Budd 23 48
Gender	Male 15
Affiliation	Milkhouse Manor; the Colin family 15 43
Occupation/Role	Steward and butler of Milkhouse Manor 6 37
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Background / History

Budd is an elderly steward who has served the Colin family for roughly half his life. His son was killed in battle, his daughter-in-law abandoned the family, and he and his blind wife raise their young grandson. Despite these burdens, he remains responsible for the manor and its volatile young master, Roger. 15

Before Roger's release from attic confinement, Budd adamantly enforced Sir Colin's order that Roger remain imprisoned for a full month. Roger's threats and unusual demands—such as a bathtub, better sanitation supplies, and a world map—made this period especially difficult for the steward. 6

Budd helped train Igo as a future steward and used him to attend Roger after his release, partly to keep watch over the young master and prevent further trouble. 7

Pirate Crisis

After Roger killed the pirate Ulf, Budd organized Milkhouse Manor's defense by gathering tenant farmers and serfs in the manor residence. He then rode to Brodick to plead with Roger to return to safety, fearing pirate retaliation. 15

When Roger refused to abandon the town, Budd chose to remain at his side despite believing that doing so could cost him his life. Roger subsequently entrusted him with feeding the islanders who came to enlist in Brodick's defense. 15 16

Budd coordinated the free meal by hiring One-Eye, obtaining bread and ingredients throughout Brodick, and overseeing the cooking of bone-and-offal soup for the crowd. 16 21 He also helped manage the recruits, arranged for a priest to bless them, and was tasked with keeping Brodick active while Roger prepared the expedition against the pirates. 23

After the pirate nest fell, Budd and Igo arrived at the mill and were horrified by the bodies left behind. Roger ordered them to board the captured pirate ship at Sheltered Cape. 35

Loss of Sir Colin and Colin II

Budd brought Roger the news that Sir Colin and Young Master Colin had died in battle. He was visibly grief-stricken and pleaded for Roger to return because Lady Mary had fainted upon learning of their deaths. 41

Following the defeat, he helped transport Milkhouse Manor's dead and wounded from Brodick, hiring two oxcarts at Roger's instruction. He also advised Roger on the customary grain settlements for bereaved and wounded tenant families. 42 43

Budd attended the funeral arrangements for Sir Colin and Colin II, bringing Sir Colin's clothing to be buried in place of his unrecovered body. 45

Appearance

Budd is an elderly man whose habitual worried, pained expression earns him the name “Bitter Melon Face.” 6 15

• Often described as wearing a bitter or dejected expression. 21 37
• Has bloodshot eyes during the pirate crisis. 15
• Was soaked by rain when he brought news of Sir Colin and Colin II's deaths. 41
• Rides or leads manor animals, including a blue mule and a gray mule. 15 42

Personality

Budd is dutiful, cautious, and deeply attached to the Colin household. He repeatedly prioritizes Roger's safety and Lady Mary's peace of mind, even when Roger dismisses his concerns or gives him dangerous, exhausting work. 15 37 41

His loyalty is tempered by practical judgment. He questions the cost and feasibility of Roger's projects, including feeding hundreds of islanders for free and distributing relief grain to casualties' families. Yet once given an order, he works to carry it out. 16 21 43

Although Roger's growing ruthlessness and violence frighten Budd, he remains beside him as a steward and gradually recognizes Roger's ability to lead, organize resources, and care for the manor's people. 35 43

Duties and Competencies

Estate Administration

Budd manages Milkhouse Manor's affairs and understands its personnel, resources, and finances.

• Trained Igo as a prospective successor in estate service. 7
• Organized tenant farmers and serfs to defend the manor during the pirate threat. 15
• Explained Milkhouse Manor's severe debt, war expenses, and high-interest loans to Roger. 47
• Discussed salt production and the manor's survival with Roger after the war. 43

Logistics and Procurement

Budd can organize labor, transport, food, and supplies under pressure.

• Prepared or arranged a free meal for hundreds of potential defenders in Brodick. 16 21
• Hired oxcarts to carry Milkhouse Manor's dead, wounded, weapons, and armor home. 43
• Arranged for Blackhide Dog to be evacuated from the captured ship and settled at the manor. 37
• Escorted Lady Mary and Louis back to Milkhouse Manor after Roger's knighting. 48

Maritime Knowledge

Budd has experience traveling aboard merchant vessels and can assess the captured pirate ship's condition and value.

• Identified the vessel as an aging merchant ship and estimated its current value at fifty to sixty pounds. 37
• Was unfamiliar with the purpose of its lateen sail and doubted that a ship could sail against the wind. 37

Relationships

• Roger — His young master. Budd initially acts as Roger's jailer and watchdog, then becomes his persistent attendant, logistical aide, and worried adviser. 6 15 43
• Sir Colin — Budd's master and a member of the Colin family he had served for about half his life. Budd mourns his death and helps arrange his symbolic burial. 15 41 45
• Colin II — Roger's elder brother. Budd grieves his death alongside the rest of the household. 41 42
• Lady Mary — Roger's mother. Budd responds to her distress, attempts to bring Roger home for her sake, and escorts her after the knighting ceremony. 15 41 48
• Igo — A young servant whom Budd trained as a future steward and often assigns to attend Roger. 7 37
• Ma'en — A loyal soldier of Milkhouse Manor. Budd works alongside him during the return from the disastrous campaign and the settlement of casualties. 42 43