I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 22

Episode 22

(Lady Luciana’s Perspective)

While I was working in my office, there was a knock at the door. Before I could respond, the door opened, and Klaus stepped in.

“Klaus. You didn’t even wait for my response before coming in… What if I had been in the middle of changing?”

“I wouldn’t care in the slightest.” 

Though I made the comment in jest, he replied with a snort and dismissed me.

Klaus and I have known each other since childhood. For a time, after he retired as the head of the knight order, he served as my personal guard. Since then, he’s always been the type who acts without hesitation, regardless of one’s rank or authority.

Many nobles find Klaus distasteful, but I’ve never felt that way.

“So, Klaus. What brings you here? If you’re planning to stay a while, I’ll have Elena bring some tea.”

The one who’s helping me with chores today is Elena. It’s rare for Klaus to come and see me directly. But I could roughly guess what he wanted to discuss.

“No need. …Luciana, who is that young man?”

Klaus’s voice carried his usual gruff tone, but I detected a hint of curiosity mixed within.

“Rondo. Just an ordinary young man you’d find anywhere. Well, maybe a bit above average in looks. Slightly androgynous, and secretly popular among the household staff.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. He didn’t originally train with a sword somewhere, did he?”

“No, he didn’t. When he first came here, he was at level 1.”

“I see.”

Klaus looked slightly surprised and nodded.

“What’s this about?”

“…Hmph. I just didn’t expect him to improve that much in three days.”

So that’s it. Klaus was clearly astonished by Rondo’s rapid progress.

I had observed Rondo’s training a little myself. On the first day, his movements were clumsy, and he couldn’t keep up with Klaus at all. But today, he managed to handle Klaus’ moves with little trouble. No doubt this sudden growth caught Klaus off guard. It’s likely because he’s been training with Karin’s help.

……Though, admittedly, this has left me feeling a growing desire to indulge in some pampering.

“Karin, the succubus servant, has been helping him practice sword skills in his dreams.”

“…..In his dreams? I didn’t know that was even possible.”

“Not just anyone can do it. It requires considerable power to use a succubus’ abilities like that. But Rondo’s dedication has earned Karin’s support.”

“..…I see. His dedication, huh.”

Klaus gave a faint snort. From his demeanor, I could tell he was starting to acknowledge Rondo a little. Though, he’s never one to admit it outright.

“Klaus, you feel the same way, don’t you? That Rondo’s dedication has made you want to support him?”

“…I don’t find it amusing in the slightest to have more work added to my plate.”

He’s as stubborn as ever. The very fact he’s taken the time to train Rondo and look out for him shows he’s grown quite fond of the boy.

“Besides, all your students left the dojo you opened. So you’ve got time on your hands, don’t you?”

Klaus had opened a sword dojo. But his spartan approach to training, like what he was putting Rondo through, drove all his disciples away. Now, not a single student remains.

Klaus turned away with a huff at my little jab.

“…The youth these days are a bunch of weaklings.”

“Honestly, you go overboard. That’s why they removed you as the special instructor for the knight order, isn’t it? Maybe try a gentler approach that fits the times. You know, kindly, with a smile… heh.”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing, imagining Klaus kindly smiling while offering gentle instruction. Apparently, that bothered him, as he snorted again.

“Hmph, don’t be foolish. We put our lives on the line in battle. Anyone trained too softly will inevitably falter when it counts. I wouldn’t trust my back to someone like that on the battlefield.”

A sharp glint appeared in Klaus’ eyes.

…Well, he does have a point. On the battlefield, where life and death are on the line, even a moment’s weakness can lead to death. 

However, it’s also true that his strictness doesn’t quite fit the modern era. Unlike in Klaus’ youth, our current times are marked by peace, with good relations between nations and no wars on the horizon.

“Well, I can understand your perspective. So, how’s Rondo? Do you think he’ll be able to keep up with the training?”

“He might… But who knows how he’ll fare in the future. If I decide he can’t handle it, I’ll cut his training off immediately.”

“Why not share some of those encouraging words with him? He might become even more motivated.”

Klaus shot me a quick glare.

“And what if he gets overconfident and starts slacking off?”

“Rondo, of all people, wouldn’t do that.”

I know just how seriously Rondo is dedicated to his sword training. Having lived together, I’m certain he’s not the type to cut corners halfway. Even when I seek a bit of indulgence, he never fails to shower me with care and attention.

“…..Well, perhaps you’re right. Still, where exactly did you come across a guy like him?” 

Klaus asked, looking really curious.

“Well, I wonder where,” 

I replied, giving him a slightly mysterious smile to deflect the question.