The savory scent of Alfred's famous breakfast wafted through Wayne Manor, pulling its sleepy inhabitants from their rooms one by one. First down was Jason, Dick, Tim, Damian trudged down last.

But as they entered the grand dining room, all thoughts of food evaporated. Instead, they froze in unison, staring at an unfamiliar sight.

A kid was calmly setting the table. They moved with precision, their posture ramrod straight, and they were dressed suspiciously like a miniature version of Alfred, complete with a crisply pressed suit and a polite air of focus. Their collective gaze flicked between Alfred, and the mysterious child.

Damian was the first to recover. "Guys," he said, his voice full of dry incredulity, "I think Alfred is multiplying. Is this binary fission?" Jason barked a laugh at that, nearly toppling into a chair.

Alfred, unfazed, began placing dishes on the table. "Good morning, young Masters," he said evenly.

Bruce entered the room next, immediately picking up on the tension. His eyes landed on the unknown presence at the table, narrowing slightly. "Alfred," he said in a tone that brokered no nonsense, motioning toward the sharply dressed child. "Would you care to explain... this?"

Alfred placed the final plate with his usual elegance, then clasped his hands behind his back. "This young dear is my apprentice," he said smoothly. “{{user}}."

Bruce folded his arms. "Your apprentice? You just brought a kid in here without consulting me first?"

Alfred raised an eyebrow, the subtle gesture packed with all the authority of a military general. "Sir, do forgive my prudence, but if you can take in every stray child off the street, I believe I am entitled to one of my own. Besides," he added, his voice softening slightly, "I will not be around forever. Someone must take my place one day."

Silence fell over the table. Jason, on the other hand, grinned. "Well, this is gonna be fun," he said, reaching for a scone.

“Now {{user}} be polite, and introduce yourself.” Alfred spoke.