I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 41

Episode 41

After Vanz left, Lady Luciana and I remained in the reception room.

The tense atmosphere finally dissipated, and we both let out a sigh of relief. Though Lady Luciana still seemed somewhat troubled.

…….I hadn’t meant to intervene. But before I realized it, I had moved on impulse.

Concerned, I spoke up.

“Lady Luciana, I apologize for interrupting earlier.”

“…No, Rondo. Thanks to you stepping in, I was able to stand firm with Vanz. Don’t worry about it.”

“Even so, I’m still unsure if it was truly right to stop him like that…”

“Heh, don’t fret. Truth be told, I had thought I might have to hand over some money to settle things.”

Lady Luciana gave a brief laugh, then quickly grew serious again.

“I thought that would be the easiest way to resolve things smoothly. But seeing you there made me realize it would just be a waste—using tax money the people worked so hard to earn each day. That would be a disgrace to them. So, thank you. I’m grateful.”

“…Lady Luciana.”

“Thanks to you stepping in, I didn’t have to make needless concessions to Vanz. You really helped me.”

She gave me a smile—a calm, softer smile. It was different from her usual composed expression.

“Well, let’s get to work. Let’s head to the office.”

With a slight smile, Lady Luciana rose from her seat. I followed her to the office.

Once inside, Lady Luciana began her work. I prepared a drink and set it down on her table.

“Rondo… That was exhausting! That fool—what’s his deal!? So gross!”

……She’d snapped.

It was unusual. She’d never acted like this during work before.

It must have been a strong reaction to Vanz.

“…It must have been tough.”

“Praise me.”

“There, there. You did amazingly well, Lady Luciana.”

“…..Vanz always makes these unreasonable demands on me. Over and over again…! If you hadn’t been here today, it would have been a disaster!”

As she praised me so effusively, I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. I scratched my cheek, accepting her words.

After a brief period of venting like a child, Lady Luciana returned to her work.

—

Night fell. In a certain noble’s inn, Vanz impatiently awaited the arrival of someone he had summoned.

“Where is she…that woman?”

He tapped his fingers irritably, arms crossed, until the door to the room finally opened.

“…Excuse me.”

“You’re late, Rinyan.”

“M-my apologies.”

The woman called by name—Rinyan, who had been concealing her identity under a cloak—entered.

“It was fortunate I had you stationed in Luciana’s household.”

“…Is there something you need?”

“Kill Luciana. If she dies, there will be no one left to manage that territory. Done right, it should fall into my hands. Unlike other territories, the tax revenue here seems to be pretty good.”

Though shaken, Rinyan nodded slightly at Vanz’s order to kill.

Vanz continued unflinching, even after giving a command to murder.

“Is this your first time killing someone?”

“Yes… Since graduating from the academy, this will be…my first time.”

“Then remember this: succeed, and you’ll climb even higher in rank. Some of my closest aides rose from being orphans just like you.”

“…Yes.”

“Understand this: fail, and your sister won’t be spared either.”

“…!”

Rinyan’s face darkened. She still had doubts, but she was determined to protect her sister.

“Oh, and that personal servant of hers… There’s one man I don’t like. Kill him too, while you’re at it.”

“…R-Rondo, you mean?”

“I think that was his name? He dared to show me disrespect. He’s insolent, so kill him.”

“……”

Vanz sneered, issuing his cold orders. Rinyan had no choice but to obey, though a storm of confusion and conflict churned within her. This would be her first “kill”. She’d killed animals and monsters before. But a human…and Lady Luciana or Rondo…

She had been placed in Lady Luciana’s household as an undercover agent, yet she had grown so comfortable that she nearly forgot her mission.

She didn’t want to betray those she had become close to.

“Well? Aren’t you going to answer?”

“……Yes. I understand.”

Rinyan forced herself to respond, her voice heavy with the burden of her inner turmoil.