I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 47

Episode 47

“…Rondo, you’re adorable.”

“…Shut up.”

For my disguise, Karin had an abundance of clothes. So there was no issue finding suitable outfits. I dressed in easy-to-move-in women’s clothes, women’s underwear, and applied makeup. By the time I finished, I had transformed completely into someone else.

When I looked in the mirror, I was shocked. It felt as if the reflection wasn’t my own, almost like I had vanished. It was a strange and unsettling feeling.

In the stillness of the night, we rode our horses swiftly. Under the faint moonlight illuminating the dark road, Rinyan and I made our way toward the facility.

We each had our own horses. And as I glanced at her face, she seemed visibly tense.

“…Rondo, when did you first realize it?”

“It was when Vanz came to the mansion. Since then, things have obviously been strange, don’t you think?”

“…Yes.”

“Why didn’t you just kill her?”

I didn’t know Rinyan very well, so I asked directly. In response, she gave a faint, weary smile.

“Maybe because it was the first time… but working with everyone, it was… enjoyable. I thought, maybe I could stay here forever.”

“I see… Well, I’m glad. At least, before you had to dirty your hands.”

“…Thank you. I heard from Elena and the others that you’ve been moving around, taking action.”

“Yeah… for me and for Lady Luciana too. We both lost our little sisters because we couldn’t save them. So, we wanted to help.”

“……Is that so?”

“At least for me, yes. And I think Lady Luciana feels similarly.”

……If only I’d had more strength, maybe things could have turned out differently. That thought haunted me repeatedly.

“Will we be able to save her? And… after we do, will I be able to protect Lian?”

“It’ll be fine. I’ll help too.”

“……Yeah, I’ll do my best.”

Hearing my words, Rinyan gave a small nod. At that moment, I noticed her hands slightly trembling as she held the reins.

…Of course, she must be nervous.

After a while, the large building of the facility came into view. The massive stone mansion loomed quietly, blending into the darkness, yet exuding an eerie and ominous aura.

“Is that the place?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

Rinyan squinted as she stared at the building.

……It looked like something out of a game—a location that, in the game, had already become a ruined area.

Judging by the current state of this world, it seemed to be set somewhat earlier than the timeline of the game’s main story.

While mulling over this, we dismounted at a distance from the building and left the horses there to wait.

“Alright, let’s head to the building.”

“But if we approach from the front… we won’t be able to enter without permission.”

“Then let’s sneak in from the back and rescue Lian.”

“…I think that would be best.”

If we’re caught, a confrontation is inevitable. But there’s no choice.

We crept towards the building’s rear. The cover of night seemed to work in our favor, as there weren’t many guards around.

This was our chance. We crouched low in the grass, moving cautiously. Reaching the back entrance, Rinyan cast her gaze toward the keyhole.

“Shall we break in?”

“I can pick the lock, no worries.”

She inserted a wire-like tool into the keyhole, swiftly unlocking the door.

…As expected of someone trained as an assassin.

We slipped inside, moving quietly so as not to make a sound.

The facility’s interior was cold and dark. It has a chilling, impersonal atmosphere. A sparse line of candles on the stone walls cast a faint glow.

“…Lian should be in the farthest room on the second floor. I expect security will be tight.”

Rinyan’s voice was barely a whisper. I nodded back, proceeding cautiously while staying alert to our surroundings.

As we moved down the corridor, two guards came into view. …We’d have to deal with them to advance.

“Rinyan, step back a little.”

“…What will you do?”

“I’ll put them to sleep for a bit.”

I took hold of my sword and approached the guards carefully. Activating my [Acceleration] skill, I closed the distance quickly.

In a flash, I struck the hilt against one guard’s neck. It made him fall unconscious without a sound. I took down the second one the same way.

“…It’s clear. Let’s go.”

“…Understood.”

At my signal, Rinyan resumed the lead. We proceeded to the second floor, reaching a large door at the end of the corridor.

“Lian should be…… in here.”

Rinyan hesitated briefly before steeling herself and opening the door.

Inside, a frail-looking girl lay on the bed. Dressed in a simple white gown, her face was pale. It was likely due to illness. Despite her young appearance, she shared Rinyan’s features.

……She didn’t seem to be in good health. Either she hadn’t been eating, or perhaps she was barely being fed at all.

……It seemed as if Lian was only kept alive to be used as a tool for Rinyan. Her condition looked that bleak.

“Lian…!”

The moment she saw her sister, Rinyan rushed over and took Lian’s hand. Slowly, Lian’s eyes opened, gazing drowsily at her.

“…Onee-chan…?”

Lian’s faint voice filled the quiet room. And the moment she heard it, tears began to spill from Rinyan’s eyes.

“It’s been so long, onee-chan…”

“…I’m sorry. I couldn’t come to see you sooner… I’m sorry it took me so long to rescue you.”

Rinyan gripped Lian’s hand tightly, apologizing as she cried. Lian looked up at her sister and gave a fragile smile.

“…No… I’m just… happy… you’re here…”

As soon as she heard those words, Rinyan wrapped Lian in a strong embrace. The joy and relief of their reunion were enveloping them both.

“…Rinyan, let’s get Lian out of here. As long as we’re here, she’ll be safe.”

The moment I said that—

“There’s someone here!”

Footsteps echoed down the corridor as soldiers approached. Damn, they’ve noticed us…! I quickly readied my sword.

Rinyan, holding Lian close, hid on the opposite side of the door. In an instant, several soldiers appeared in front of us.

“…Intruders! Two women…!”

Who are you calling a woman?!

Suppressing my irritation, I prepared a spell to confront the soldiers.