I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 42

Episode 42

The next day, I headed to the garden for training with Klaus-san.

After what happened with Vanz, I became even more determined to focus on my training. …Even though that incident with Vanz is over, this world’s reality is that without strength, you’re at others’ mercy.

Not only to protect Lady Luciana but to secure my own life here, I need to become stronger.

“You’re here, Rondo.”

“Thank you for waiting.”

When I arrived at the garden, Klaus-san was there. With sword in hand as always, he watched me with his usual piercing gaze. I stood before him and readied my sword.

“….You’re more fired up than usual today.”

“….Yes. I need to become stronger.”

“Is that so.”

Klaus-san’s eyes grew even sharper as he looked at me.

“If that’s the case, come at me with all you’ve got.”

As Klaus-san took his stance, I took a deep breath and channeled magic power throughout my body. I activated [Acceleration] and rushed at him in a single burst.

I swung my sword, but Klaus-san dodged it with ease. He countered, swinging down at me, and I barely managed to evade it.

Our exchange continued for a while, but I was still far from matching Klaus-san.

……But this wasn’t the end.

There will likely be times I’ll have to face opponents as formidable as Klaus-san, if not stronger. Will I just give up when that happens?

I refuse to give up.

I doubled the [Acceleration], increasing my speed.

…The dual activation of the skill succeeded, though it was hard to control. One slip, and my body could be under severe strain.

“…Oh?”

Klaus-san’s expression changed slightly. I launched another attack, but… it wasn’t enough yet.

I manipulated the magic in [Acceleration] further, raising it to a triple stack. I lunged forward all at once.

My sword shot toward Klaus-san with incredible speed, slicing through the air as it rushed him. But he dodged it effortlessly.

“Not bad speed.”

In that moment, Klaus-san swung his sword toward me. I reacted immediately, blocking the blow. But his strength was overwhelming.

As I struggled under the pressure, I doubled my [Strength Enhancement] spell to hold my ground.

…..It was barely enough. Even with everything I had, it took all I had just to hang on.

Klaus-san’s strength was overwhelming. But I managed to withstand it.

“…Hmph, you held up well. But—”

His sword came at me once again.

I quickly reactivated [Acceleration], and a jolt of pain shot through my body.

I tried to dodge, but… his sword was right in front of me.

“—Ugh!”

At the last moment, I mustered a surge of strength throughout my body, just barely managing to avoid the blow.

Thinking I would dodge, Klaus-san was already launching his next strike.

I increased my [Strength Enhancement] spell to a triple stack and swung down with a far heavier blow than before, meeting Klaus-san’s attack.

But—

“Oh…!”

Klaus-san staggered for a moment but quickly regained his footing and held his ground.

Our swords clashed with a resounding impact, echoing through the garden.

“Haaah!”

I gathered all my strength and swung my sword again, aiming to overpower Klaus-san with sheer force. Just as I was about to push through, I rotated my sword to change the angle. I subtly shifted the direction of my strength.

In that split second, Klaus-san’s balance wavered. And I swung my sword.

“…Well done.”

Klaus-san caught my sword, a faint smile appearing on his face.

My blade grazed his shoulder, leaving a minor cut.

“…! I-I’m so sorry, Klaus-san!”

I couldn’t help but apologize. But Klaus-san merely shook his head with a smile.

“No need to worry about it. Let’s move on to the next exercise.”

He patted his shoulder lightly, and his wound healed quickly. He must have used some kind of self-healing skill.

“…We’re not done yet. The training’s far from over.”

“…Yes!”

From that moment, Klaus-san became even more formidable.

His movements were sharper than before. And once again, I couldn’t keep up with him.

I still have a lot more training to do…

—

(Lady Luciana’s Perspective)

As I reviewed some documents in my office as usual, Klaus quietly entered the room. As always, he made no attempt to knock.

I glanced his way briefly, then returned my attention to the documents in front of me.

“What’s the matter, Klaus?”

“Did something happen with Rondo? Today he was more fired up than ever.”

“…..Remember how I mentioned that Vanz would be visiting recently? That’s about the only unusual thing that’s happened lately.”

“I see. You’ve got yourself a good subordinate, Luciana. That young man, he actually managed to land a hit on me.”

“……What?” 

I couldn’t help but set down my papers and look up. Rondo, landing a blow on Klaus…? Had Rondo really grown that powerful?

“Is that true?”

“Yes. Sensing that he lacked sufficient speed, he layered his skill twice, then three times. And he succeeded beautifully.”

“Stacking a skill like that… I’ve never even heard of it.”

“I have. But it’s undoubtedly a high-level technique. At any rate, the boy’s gained a great deal of strength. He might even be stronger than the soldiers we have stationed here.”

…..Possibly so. 

Triple-stacked [Acceleration]… I hadn’t realized Rondo had progressed to that level.

With a mixture of surprise and admiration, I listened to Klaus-san’s report.

“…And, were you unharmed after taking a hit?”

“Oh, naturally. To me, it was little more than a scratch.”

“Good. I was worried I’d have to cover medical expenses.”

“Hmph, cheeky as ever, aren’t you?”

Klaus snorted, a small smirk on his face.

“For Rondo to grow this strong… putting him in your hands was the right choice. Thank you.”

“Hmph. Even if I hadn’t been here, he would’ve grown strong in no time. Well, with that, I’ll be taking my leave.”

With those words, Klaus turned to exit the room quietly. Just as he was about to leave, he looked back one last time.

“I don’t care who becomes the next ruler of this kingdom. But I don’t like Vanz. So, here’s a word of caution.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve heard he’s been moving private soldiers lately. Ever since your meeting, there have been some unsettling maneuvers. Stay on guard.”

“……I see. In that case, would you consider staying here at the manor?”

“I have my own affairs to handle. I don’t have time to involve myself in your family feuds.”

…Well, that’s just the kind of man he is.

I suppose I should be grateful he offered any warning at all.

After Klaus left, I let out a quiet sigh.

…What a hassle this all is.