The World's Strongest and Most Evil Noble Strives Humbly and Diligently ~ Using Knowledge of the Original Story and Unique Magic to Avoid a Destruction End ~ - Chapter 2: The Butler's Journal of Orvin Dunkelt

Chapter 2: The Butler’s Journal of Orvin Dunkelt

March 4, Year 1009 of the Sacred Calendar (Rain)

Another maid quit today.

She submitted her resignation in tears, having endured cruel treatment from that despicable, insufferable Hollow-sama—the worst son imaginable.

He complained that the food was bad, her face was unpleasant, and her attentiveness inadequate.

Young master’s arrogant behavior grows more intolerable by the day.

Why does the master never reprimand his foolish son? I cannot understand it.

If the mistress were still in good health, this would never have happened.

Lady Layla was the sun of the Heisenberg family. Since the day she fell ill, the gears of this household have been out of sync.

I still regret it.

Why did I allow the mistress to face the Sky-Eater alone that day?

Even if it meant defying orders, I should have accompanied her.

I will spend the rest of my life regretting the foolish decision I made that day.

March 5, Year 1009 of the Sacred Calendar (Clear Skies)

The insufferable Hollow-sama asked for swordsmanship lessons.

Frankly, I was surprised.

The embodiment of sloth, the young master, voluntarily wishing to learn swordsmanship?

What’s more, he actually requested it at first.

When I asked about the sudden change, he simply replied, “It’s just on a whim.”

For a moment, I thought, “Could it be…?” but it seems he’s still the same insufferable boy as always.

We ended up conducting a mock battle in the training hall.

I saw this as an opportunity.

Rarely do I have the chance to cross swords with Hollow-sama.

Through this swordsmanship training, I hoped to instill in him the joy, beauty, and depth of swordsmanship.

Perhaps it might lead to his reformation.

However—I was defeated.

Hollow-sama, who had held a sword for the first time today, bested me.

Lacking magical talent, I had dedicated my life to the sword alone.

The pride I had in my accomplishments, the very foundation of my being, was utterly denied.

As despair gripped my heart, something unbelievable happened.

That arrogant Hollow-sama praised my sword.

In his words, I saw a glimpse of the mistress.

The kindness in his tone was unmistakably Layla-sama’s.

Could it be… has he changed?

No, it’s too soon to judge.

Regardless, starting tomorrow, I will officially begin teaching him swordsmanship.

March 6, Year 1009 of the Sacred Calendar (Sunny)

Starting today, I will teach Hollow-sama swordsmanship.

The first step is observational practice.

I demonstrate a form, and he imitates it.

I planned to spend the first month progressing at this pace… but Hollow-sama perfectly replicated the form after seeing it just once.

As expected, the young master is a genius.

If not for his rotten personality, he would be a prodigy of his generation.

In the morning, we focused on basic training. In the afternoon, we headed to Garan Mountain, owned by the Heisenberg family.

This mountain was where the mistress trained in her youth.

Here, I tasked Hollow-sama with “Rock Cutting.”

A sword is a delicate weapon.

One must read the texture of the rock precisely and strike at the correct angle.

Otherwise, the blade will chip instantly.

The sword saint, Lady Layla, mastered rock cutting within a month of holding a sword.

If it’s Hollow-sama, perhaps he might achieve it even sooner…

As I pondered this, I demonstrated it myself.

The young master nodded, saying, “I see,” and cleaved the rock in a single strike.

It was as if he were slicing tofu.

The result was astonishing: the cut surface was unbelievably smooth, almost crystalline in its beauty.

Unable to contain my excitement and curiosity, I led him to the largest rock on the mountain—the “Garan Gemstone.”

I lifted the ban on magical enhancement, which was prohibited during training, and had Hollow-sama perform a full-strength slash.

The result was… astounding.

Not only did he cleave through the Garan Gemstone, but he also split the mountain beyond it.

With magical power inherited from his father and physical strength from his mother, Hollow-sama’s body is truly godlike.

My heart raced.

How strong will the young master become?

I genuinely wish to witness his ultimate potential.

March 6, Year 1010 of the Sacred Calendar (Sunny)

After nearly a year, I pick up my pen again.

During this time, I’ve spent my days training with Hollow-sama.

The young master has changed. He treats his sword with sincerity.

His innate laziness and arrogance have faded, replaced by humble, steadfast effort.

I swing my sword with renewed vigor too.

What once were monotonous days now carry purpose.

The sepia-toned world has regained its vibrant colors.

I wish this time could last forever.

But it seems that is not to be.

Tomorrow, I believe I will be defeated.

There is a certainty in this feeling.

In just one year, Hollow-sama has become unrecognizably strong.
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Against an average swordsman, he would no longer even need to try.

With focus, strength, and unparalleled skill, his body seems almost divine.

Although I’ve prohibited magical enhancements for now to keep him focused on swordsmanship, I wonder what he might achieve once he incorporates magic.

Just imagining it makes my heart burn with anticipation.

I have already prepared my resignation letter.

Hollow-sama is destined to be a peerless master.

There is nothing more I can teach him with my meager skills.

Staying by his side would only hinder him.

Thus, I have resolved to leave.

…Looking back, it seems I misjudged him.

A year ago, his behavior was likely just rebelliousness.

Though extreme, it was typical of a young boy.

I, too, was unruly in my youth and often earned my father’s scolding.

Considering Hollow-sama’s tragic circumstances and lack of love, his behavior was inevitable.

What angers me more is our failure.

Why couldn’t we reprimand him?

Why couldn’t we face him?

Why couldn’t we stand on equal ground with him?

As head butler, I am deeply ashamed.

Hollow-sama will undoubtedly become a magnificent lord.

His disciplined heart, his considerate gestures toward maids—there is now little to criticize.

Though his tone remains harsh, it carries warmth and sincerity.

After 40 years in the Heisenberg household, this journal entry will be my last.

Though it reflects my foolish complaints about Hollow-sama, I will cherish it as the peak of my life.

…No, as my greatest pride, I will treasure it.

To be honest…

The past year with Hollow-sama was so enjoyable I forgot the passage of time.

It was a time of discovering the essence of swordsmanship.

I recalled the youthful days when I swung my sword with passion.

Even my worn-out body was revived with fiery determination.

Let me record this once more:

This past year has been sublime.

Thank you, Hollow-sama.

And farewell.

March 7, Year 1010 of the Sacred Calendar (Clear Skies)

Tonight, I take up my pen once again, swallowing my pride.

To state it plainly, as expected, I was defeated.

It was a pure loss in swordsmanship, with no excuses to make.

Strangely, I felt no regret.

Instead, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction.

The swordsmanship I dedicated my life to honing has been firmly passed on to Hollow-sama.

The young master will surely elevate my techniques to greater heights.

As a swordsman, nothing could make me happier.

As I walked toward the master’s room to submit my resignation, something unbelievable happened.

“What time tomorrow?”

Hollow-sama invited me to tomorrow’s training.

He had seen through everything.

He knew I intended to resign.

And yet, he invited me to train tomorrow.

Without wounding this old man’s fragile pride, he simply said, “What time tomorrow?”

What an elegant and subtle way of expressing himself.

I am convinced.

Hollow-sama is destined to be a king.

To refuse would be unthinkable.

I pledge my eternal loyalty to you until this body can no longer move.

—Head Butler, Orvin Dunkelt