I Became the Butler of the Seventh Princess, Who’s Regressing Into a Child - Episode 54

Episode 54

As soon as I opened my eyes, I found myself staring at the ceiling in a daze. This…is my room, isn’t it? How did I end up back here?

Ah, right. I remember now. I fought against Gushinus, pushing my body to its limits until I passed out.

Surprisingly, though, I could move pretty well already. There were still a few aches if I tried too hard, but they were like mild muscle pain—not enough to keep me down. Maybe someone had called in a skilled healer to treat me.

As I stretched, the door to my room opened. I looked over and saw Rinyan standing there. The moment our eyes met, she bolted out of the room in a fluster.

…….Huh. I’d hoped to ask what happened after the battle, but I guess she’s gone to fetch someone. I can wait a bit longer.

It was around the usual time I’d start my duties. So to pass the time, I began changing into my uniform.

…Alright, I should be able to resume work starting today.

As I was thinking this, I heard hurried footsteps approaching from the hallway. When I looked toward the door, Lady Luciana and Rinyan appeared.

“Ro–Rondo…you’re awake?”

“Yes, thanks to everyone’s help, I’m back to full health.”

At my answer, Lady Luciana bit her lip slightly and her eyes grew misty.

“…I’m so relieved. I’m truly glad you’re safe.”

Her gentle words touched me deeply. I hadn’t realized how much she’d worried for me… It made me feel a bit shy.

“I’m sorry for causing you such concern. But…I’m glad I could protect you, Lady Luciana. By the way, what happened to Gushinus?”

“…It seems he exhausted himself by overusing the cursed blade’s power. He…passed away shortly afterward.”

“I see…”

“There’s no need to dwell on it. As for Vanz, I’ve already informed him of the situation. He kept insisting he had no connection to Gushinus, but he seemed quite rattled. He likely won’t try anything against us for a while.”

“I’m sorry, Lady Luciana. Because I spoke out so boldly, I ended up putting you in danger.”

“Think nothing of it. It was my choice. Rinyan, please inform Elena, Karin, and the rest of the staff that Rondo has awoken. Everyone was quite worried about him.”

“…Understood,” 

Rinyan replied, bowing respectfully before hurrying down the hall.

Lady Luciana was still looking at me with a worried expression. She was struggling to hold back tears, and it made me worry for her as well.

“You weren’t hurt, were you, Lady Luciana?”

“…Of course not. Why do you ask?”

“Well…you look as if you’re about to cry.”

“…Naturally! You didn’t wake up for days. How could I not worry? Honestly…risking your life for someone like me…”

She puffed out her cheeks a bit, looking unexpectedly childlike.

What on earth is she saying?

…I gave her a slight smile and spoke softly.

“Our meeting was…pretty strange, but… I’m grateful that you got me out of that male brothel.”

“……You are?”

“Yes. If I’d stayed there, I’d likely have been treated terribly. So, being able to protect the one who saved me…it really feels worth it.”

“…I…I see.” 

Lady Luciana’s cheeks flushed as she averted her gaze.

Did I say something strange?

“Well, in any case, since I can move around just fine…why don’t I resume my duties today?”

“Y–you’re…really able to move?”

I could see a lingering worry in her expression, so I moved a little to show her. Despite all the injuries I’d taken, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly I’d recovered.

“Yes, I’m absolutely fine. Besides, I left Elena and Karin with extra work while I was resting. I’ll treat today as a bit of rehabilitation and get back to it. First things first, Lady Luciana, shall I assist you with your morning preparations?”

At my mention of our usual routine, Lady Luciana turned bright red, all the way up to her ears. And she began shaking her head in flustered denial.

“No, no need for help with changing! I don’t want you to see me!”

“Huh? …Did you, um, gain weight?”

“What a rude thing to say out of nowhere, you fool!”

Caught off guard by her sudden refusal, I voiced my question, only to be scolded for my rudeness.

“Anyway, I don’t need your help with changing! Right now, Rinyan is assisting with some of your tasks. So you can ease back in by supporting her. No need to help me with changing or bathing! Understood?!”

Still red in the face, Lady Luciana shouted this and hurried out of the room.

…….After that, Elena and Carin stopped by. They were thrilled to see me up and about again. By the doorway, I saw Klaus-san standing, watching to make sure I was alright before quietly leaving.

…….It seems Klaus-san is doing well, too.

A lot has happened, but it seems that today marks the start of peaceful days once again.