I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 20

Episode 20

In my dream, I continue my training with Klaus-san.

Without feeling any fatigue, I can focus purely on technique.

I can even slow down Klaus-san’s movements or repeat the same move as many times as I want.

…..This environment is incredible.

Karin has been watching nearby. As I repeat the drills, she smiles.

“Rondo-kun, you’ve been at it non-stop. That’s amazing.”

“Well, I don’t get tired here.”

If this were real life, I’d need breaks. But here, that’s not necessary.

“So, how is it fighting Klaus-san? Have you figured out any secrets to getting stronger?”

“It seems like it’s all about putting in the reps.”

“No shortcuts, huh? …Why do you want to get stronger so badly, Rondo-kun?”

“…..Why, huh?”

Her question brings back a bit of my past.

The reason is simple.

When something happens, if I don’t have power, I can’t protect anyone… and I’d be helpless.  

By pure luck, Lady Luciana took me in. And things have worked out for me since then… But when I think of what might have happened if I’d continued as a male prostitute…

“I… had a younger sister. But my parents had debts all over the place… So, my sister and I were sold off to pay them. Back then, I couldn’t protect her… but if I’d been stronger, maybe I could have.”

“…I see.”

For a moment, I notice Karin’s expression darken.

I try to smile as best I can while continuing.

“That’s why, this time… I want to become someone who can protect the people I care about. I don’t want to regret it again.”

“Rondo-kun… you’re strong.”

Karin speaks gently, but I shake my head.

“Not at all. I’m nowhere near strong enough.”

“That’s not what I mean… I mean the way you face your own weaknesses and still keep moving forward. I think that’s incredible. I… can’t really do that.”

Karin mutters this, looking off into the distance.

There’s a depth to her words that suggests something is troubling her.

“…Struggling to face what you’re bad at?”

“Yeah. Even though I’m a succubus, I’m uncomfortable around men… It’s strange, right? My family and friends used to look at me oddly because of it.”

“…Does that still bother you?”

“Not so much anymore, but there was a time it really got me down. I’d fall into this spiral of self-loathing, thinking I was the weird one.”

Karin lets out a small, sad laugh.

It’s a different smile from her usual cheerful one, as though she’s hiding her vulnerability.

“But if it doesn’t bother you now, isn’t that fine? Other people’s opinions don’t really matter.”

Facing one’s weakness isn’t always the right choice.

If Karin is comfortable with her life as it is, there’s no need for her to force herself to overcome that discomfort.

“…..Rondo-kun, you’re kind.”

For a brief moment, Karin’s smile seems to return to its usual brightness.

“I don’t think I’m particularly kind… But if you ever want to overcome your discomfort with men, let me know. I’ll help however I can.”

“…In that case, I might ask for something impossible.”

Karin teases with a mischievous smile. I shrug, smiling back.

“As long as it’s within reason, I’ll help.”

With that, I turn back to Klaus-san, gripping my sword.

……If this were the real Klaus-san, he probably wouldn’t be silently waiting for me like this.

“Good luck, Rondo-kun.”

“…Yeah, thanks.”

With Karin’s words of encouragement at my back, I face Klaus-san once again.

…His swordsmanship is, as always, incredible.

But as I break down each movement, I can see that each strike is crafted to efficiently corner me.

There’s no set pattern to follow; he adjusts his movements in real-time, adapting his strikes seamlessly to my moves.

…So, I just focus on imitating him.

To replicate Klaus-san’s movements, I even summon a past version of myself from our earlier training sessions and go through the fights again.

…Now I understand.

I can see just how much unnecessary movement I’ve been making.

I keep replaying my past battles with Klaus-san, polishing the areas where I’m lacking.