I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 25

Episode 25

After finishing my hunt in the dungeon, I headed to the guild to check the day’s achievements. I also appraised some accessories and sold off the materials I had gathered.

“This piece of equipment is a Hard Necklace. It grants a bonus of +8 to Endurance and +6 to Mental Strength, plus it has a damage reduction effect—an excellent piece.” 

The performance of the equipment I heard from the receptionist is the same as in the game. The bonuses are to endurance and mental strength. Although I may not need it immediately, it’s a top-tier item considering my current gear. Getting an accessory with such bonuses at the early stages isn’t easy.

After storing the money from selling the necklace and materials in my item box, I left the guild. My dungeon run went well. Ever since I defeated that Knight of Curse, I’ve continued to dive deeper into the dungeon. And my level has finally reached 10.

…It feels like I’ve grown considerably in a short time. I owe it to my game knowledge and Anfi’s support. If she could continue attracting unique monsters like she has, I’d certainly want her as my party member.

Maybe on my next day off, I should challenge the dungeon’s boss? With the swordsmanship that Klaus-san taught me and my abilities as an [Enchanter], I might just stand a chance.

While I was contemplating all this, I arrived at the mansion.

“I’m back.”

As I reached the entrance, I saw Elena. So I called out to her.

“Welcome back, Rondo-san. Lady Luciana is calling for you. Please head to her office right away.”

“Did something happen?”

“I don’t know…she only requested that you come alone.”

So that’s why Elena was waiting by the entrance. A summons, huh? I haven’t done anything wrong, as far as I know.

Thanking Elena, I made my way to Lady Luciana’s office. When I knocked on the door, she responded calmly, as if expecting me.

“Come in, Rondo.”

Before I could even announce myself, I was given permission to enter. So I opened the door.

Inside the room was Karin. She looked at me with a slightly worried expression.

“I need to talk about something important. Karin, please step outside for a moment. Rondo, lock the door after her.”

“Understood.”

Oioi.—What’s going on here?

I entered the room, swapped places with Karin, and locked the door behind me as instructed.

“So, you were adventuring again today? Are you managing to get some rest?”

“Yes. The leveling in the dungeon is enjoyable, so it’s a good way to relax.”

“I see. A lot of men enjoy leveling up, and you’re one of them.”

“Perhaps so.”

“How did the dungeon run go?”

“Thanks to you, it went well. I even took down a unique monster, and I’ve reached level 10.”

After my brief summary, Lady Luciana nodded with a pleased expression.

“Another unique monster, huh? I’m not sure if it’s good luck or bad. Just be careful not to overdo it.”

“Yes. …So, what’s the reason you called me here?”

“Well…” 

Lady Luciana exhaled slightly, then pouted her cheeks.

“You haven’t been pampering me lately!”

“…….Pardon?”

“That’s right! You haven’t been pampering Shia, and I’m exhausted!”

Watching her pout and sulk, I felt my cheek twitch.

“W-wait…is that the reason you called me?”

“Exactly! Shia’s so tired! I want head pats!”

“And, uh, this *Shia* you mentioned?”

“Shia is Shia’s nickname, okay? I was called that when I was little!”

Oh, I see… “Shia” must come from her name, Luciana.

(Note: In katakana, luciana is written as ru-shi-a-na. Take the middle and you get “Shia”. I think using that will sound more nice than just using the original “Cia”.)

She approached me, pressing her head against me. So I complied and patted her as requested.

“My eyes are all bleary from staring at documents today.”

“You’ve done well.”

“Shia, good?”

“Yes, a very good girl.”

“Ehehe, I’m a good girl!”

With her cheeks puffed in satisfaction, Lady Luciana looked like a child. Although today, instead of a baby, she seemed more like a preschooler.

Is this what she calls “growth”? It’s…something, I suppose.

“Shia, if you’re too loud, people outside might hear. So be careful…”

“Don’t worry. The soundproofing in here is excellent. No one can hear us.”

“Please don’t switch to your usual self so suddenly; it’s a bit jarring.”

“Rondo, give Shia ‘uppies’!”

“……Um, do you mean a lift?”

“Come on, do it!”

Lady Luciana stretched her arms toward me.

Usually, “uppies” involves placing your hands under the arms and lifting. But…is it even physically possible to lift an adult woman?

And, well, Lady Luciana has a rather… ample chest. If I lift her from under her arms, I’m inevitably going to, well… make contact.

But she likely wouldn’t mind about such a thing, so I suppose it’s fine… though honestly, I’m not sure if I can even lift her.

“Rondo, are you going to do it or not?”

“Understood. Here goes.”

Saying this, I slipped my hands under her arms and put some strength into lifting her up. She rose just a little bit—but it wasn’t quite enough.

…..Currently, I have some unused stat points. If I allocate them to strength, I might be able to manage it. But should I really be spending stat points on something like this?

…..Then again, if it’s for Lady Luciana, who’s helped me so much, maybe it’s worth it.

With that thought in mind, I poured all my remaining points into strength. And then, with my entire body straining, I somehow managed to lift her up.

“Wow! Rondo, you’re amazing!”

“……Kuh”

There’s no room for me to comment on the fact that her chest brushed against me. I quickly set Lady Luciana down and took a deep breath to steady myself.

“Rondo, do it again!”

“…..Understood.”

With a smile, Lady Luciana extended her arms toward me once more. Determined, I put all my strength into lifting her again. …..This is starting to feel like weight training.

After indulging her for a little while, she finally looked satisfied. She took a deep breath and smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Rondo… It’s truly the best, being spoiled by you.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

I was utterly exhausted….. Bowing my head slightly, I excused myself and left Lady Luciana’s room.

Outside, Karin was waiting and our eyes met briefly. She gave me a worried look, as if to ask, “Are you alright?” I simply nodded firmly in response.