I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 16

Episode 16

(Lady Luciana’s Perspective)

(Note: Just like “pulling off heroic moves” and my other TL-ed novels, I add the “perspective” part to aid you guys. Though there is no such thing in the Raw. Well, you *can* figure out whose perspective this is by reading it. But I think it’s more convenient from the start?)

“Thank you for waiting, Lady Luciana.”  

Entering the dining hall were Elena and Karin.  

Both had already finished their duties. So instead of their maid uniforms, they were in their nightwear.  

I was dressed similarly, and there was no need to comment on it.  

“Sorry for calling you so late at night.”  

“No, please don’t worry about it.”  

I had called the two of them here to discuss Rondo.  

Once Elena had prepared drinks for everyone, I quickly brought up the main topic.  

“Now then… what do you think about Rondo’s work? No issues so far?”  

“Not only are there no issues…… he’s been exceptional. From the first day, he’s completed every task perfectly. And he’s memorized everything we’ve taught him after only hearing it once. Honestly, I’m quite surprised.”  

“Is that so? That’s good to hear.”  

“As expected of you, Lady Luciana. To find someone with such talent…”  

Elena spoke with admiration, which made me a little anxious inside.  

Considering how strange my meeting with Rondo had been, I didn’t want her to delve too deeply into it.  

Though I wanted to know their assessment of him, it seemed there were no significant problems.  

“However… there is one thing that’s been bothering me.”  

“What is it?”  

“Rondo-san mentioned that he defeated a Skeleton Lord.”  

…….What?  

For a moment, I couldn’t believe my ears.  

“A Skeleton Lord…? Elena, is that true?”  

When I instinctively asked, Elena nodded with a serious expression.  

“Yes. He told me he actually defeated the Skeleton Lord and acquired the weapon it dropped, the Black Thunder Sword. So I believe it’s true.”  

“…..He defeated the Skeleton Lord….. alone? I don’t recall Rondo being particularly skilled as an adventurer.”  

“Indeed, and his level is still quite low… yet it seems he managed to defeat it without any harm. It was concerning, so I thought I should mention it.”  

I was so astonished that I unconsciously held my breath.  

The Skeleton Lord is a unique monster, a formidable opponent.  

To defeat it at such a low level… is far from ordinary.  

Karin seemed just as surprised. She turned to Elena and asked,  

“Isn’t the Skeleton Lord a monster he wouldn’t be able to defeat easily unless he were around the same level as us? Does that mean Rondo-kun is secretly incredibly strong?”  

“…I don’t think that’s the case. He mentioned having the job and blessing: [Enchanter] and [Time God Limres]. But I haven’t heard anything about those being particularly exceptional.”  

“[Enchanter] and [Time God Limres], huh…”  

Rather than being strong, that job and blessing are often considered weak.  

And yet, he managed to defeat the Skeleton Lord alone?  

“Oh, I talked with Rondo-kun over dinner today, and he did confirm that he possesses those two. So there’s no mistake.”  

Karin looked my way as she said this.  

…It seems that’s confirmed, then.  

“Perhaps he knows a way to use those skills that we don’t.”  

“…..Could there be a chance he’s a spy sent by an enemy?”  

Given my position as the seventh princess, my claim to the throne is almost non-existent.  

I’ve been left in this remote territory with little supervision, more or less abandoned.  

If my rank were higher, Elena’s concern would be more valid, but…  

“If that were the case, he wouldn’t be doing anything that could arouse suspicion. Rest easy on that front.”  

“…Understood.”  

Elena’s worry was understandable. But if Rondo truly had intentions of harming me, he would be more discreet about his identity.  

…..Rather than being a potential threat, I felt like I had unexpectedly stumbled upon something valuable.  

I hired Rondo as a kind of emotional support, but… perhaps he might become an essential member of my team in the future.  

While I pondered this, Karin turned her gaze toward Elena.  

“But you know, Elena, you seem to like Rondo quite a bit, don’t you? He’s exactly the kind of delicate pretty boy that’s your type, right?”  

“….I don’t think that’s the case, though.”  

“Really? I was kinda worried you’d suddenly say something like ‘I want him to whip me!’ ”  

“Yes, I’ve thought that many times.”  

………She’s thought about it?  

I gave Elena a sideways glance, and she hurriedly shook her head in a flustered manner.  

“But I have no intention of forcing anything on him, of course.”  

“…Is that so? Well, romance is your business. But if both of you suddenly quit on me, that would be a problem. So just keep that in mind.”  

“O-of course. Besides… I think you are more suspicious than I am, Karin-san.”  

“Huh? Me?”  

Karin blinked in surprise, looking puzzled. Elena’s comment made me ask as well.  

“Why’s that? Karin, aren’t you bad with men?”  

“Yes, that’s true…… but Karin-san doesn’t really see Rondo-san as a man at all.”  

“…What do you mean? Does he not have one?”  

“He does. I secretly checked when I measured him.”  

“Hey, don’t confess to sexual harassment!”  

Despite my reproach, Elena continued without reacting.  

“Karin doesn’t really see him as a man, does she?”  

“…Wow, Elena-chan, you’re sharp as ever.”  

“…What’s this about? What do you mean?”  

Karin finally confessed with a resigned sigh, and I pressed for more answers.  

“Rondo-san just doesn’t give off a very ‘manly’ vibe. He’s got such an androgynous face, and I couldn’t help but think how cute he’d look in a maid outfit. And then, I thought I could use my magic to temporarily turn him into a girl, let him experience the pleasure of being female, and maybe modify his body to make him crave me eventually…”  

Karin was speaking with an unsettling smile, letting her imagination run wild.  

I sighed deeply.  

“Karin… don’t do anything weird. I can’t afford to lose both of you at once.”  

“Of course, Lady Luciana. Though, who knows, maybe you’ll find Rondo-kun’s gender has changed one day. But I won’t quit, promise!”  

…..Seriously, these two.  

As Elena and Karin’s conversation continued, I found myself thinking.  

Compared to these two, I’m definitely the more sensible one.  

Both Elena and Karin are very competent, but sometimes their extreme remarks and actions make me hold my head in my hands.  

Still, despite being my subordinates, they’re among the few people I can treat as friends.  

“Thank you for making time for me. If anything else comes up, please report it to me.”  

With that, I parted ways with the two of them.  

…It’s gotten pretty late.  

Looks like I won’t be able to visit Rondo’s room tonight.  

Oh well. I’ll just have to endure it for tonight.