'Xian... Carmillia's butler... Just who are you?'
By the time she worked on the front lines, two years had already passed since graduating from the academy, and she spent another three under Adrian. Being here right now after regressing didn't do much to help her remember famous figures, but she definitely hadn't heard of someone like him.
If he can surpass her raw power even after employing the techniques she learned over the course of her life, then he should be someone famous and known in her past life. Someone like him could've been a key combat figure in the war.
'Hm, or maybe he did enter the academy with Carmillia, then disappeared. But this time, why didn't he? What a nuisance.' She thought about whether her regression and actions had done anything to cause that, but it was too unlikely, since she had just regressed yesterday.
'It doesn't matter. What I need to do doesn't change, and if he or that creepy vine user, Carmillia, tries to cross me, they're gonna get a taste of their own medicine. Actually, why don't I provoke them already and kick their ass?'
"Alright, this will be the last assessment, kids. Stand up and do everything you can to keep standing!" As she was deep in thought, the ranking announcement finished, and George told everyone to prepare for the third assessment.
"Oh, right, there was a test like this." Cas thumped the side of her clenched fist into her palm. She immediately inhaled a deep breath and closed her eyes to focus.
"Hm? You know the third test, Cas?" the girl from earlier asked, seeing her friend act so cautiously.
Cas stared at this friend of hers. She didn't even remember her name anymore, but she knew her as a good kid, although she quickly dropped out after getting bullied by some fellows from the Common and Royal Classes.
"If you can't hold on, you can lean on me." In a way, this was her way of repaying her kindness for the time they shared. What was coming might be a shock to everyone here, and even she herself had fallen in a mere second back then.
The ten men behind George began surrounding the students and drew their swords, planting the tips into the ground as if assuming a stance.
"I'm warning y'all now, try to hang on for your dear life." George grinned as a faint orange light began to emanate from his body. Soon, the orange light formed lines connecting him to the ten other men, and they similarly began releasing the same strange light.
'Here it comes. Humanity's attempt to mimic and fight against Agrind beasts.' Castreyja knew of this formation and had even participated in something similar herself.
Back then, just like this professor, Adrian had been their core, and she had been one of the 'points' that made up their formation. Still, their efforts hadn't been enough.
'Adrian… He had all the potential to become the greatest. Those bastards kept him on a tight leash, sent him there with us to die, and abandoned him in the end.' Bubbling rage suddenly stirred in her chest, and though very faint, a wisp of red light began to seep upward from her body.
...
George's gaze briefly shifted toward the crimson wisp.
'What an interesting girl.' George felt it even while maintaining the Aura formation and enduring the persistent pain of wounds that refused to heal. The latter was already showing signs of Aura usage, which was inconceivable if you only looked at her seemingly untrained build.
"Here goes, kids." The pressure that had been building spread evenly across the students.
Each man he brought could roughly suppress six to eight students at a time, but any more than that and the pressure would become uneven. With him as the core, however, the pressure could be maintained and distributed equally.
"Steel yourselves and remember, this is what you will face out there… The reason why this academy still exists!"
A weight suddenly bore down on the students. Some began to sweat profusely, some screamed and cried, while a few had already fainted face-first onto the ground.
The formation was originally created to stand against Agrind beasts that were overwhelmingly stronger than most of humanity in ancient times.
Over the years, it had improved tremendously and became widely adopted, allowing even weaker Aura users to fight average monsters. Its applications eventually expanded to training, apprehending criminals, and even assassination. Truly, it was one of humanity's greatest inventions.
'This amazes me every time. If only my wounds didn't remind me of how frail I've become…' He, too, had once been part of a full troupe that formed a similar formation and followed a single leader. Unfortunately, his old bones were no longer capable of bearing the burden of standing on the front lines.
'Well, ain't my business as long as it's convenient and out of my way.'
One by one, the remaining students began to drop until finally only a quarter were left.
Castreyja was still holding on, albeit already shaking. Fahna herself was breathing heavily, while Adrian and Kyrin were already down on their hands and knees.
Finally...
Xian.
Xian remained standing, his expression stoic and grave as he stubbornly held himself together, much like Castreyja. Most of the students were down, and from Castreyja's position, she had a clear view of Xian's back.
"What... a monster..." Castreyja finally murmured as she fell to her knees. With her gaze forced downward, her unconscious friend entered her vision.
The rest of the students collapsed, either kneeling or losing consciousness.
"Look at this kid..." The more time passed, the more George grew impressed and curious.
Xian remained standing, veins bulging across his neck and temples. Blood had even begun to seep from his lips.
George finally released the pressure, and Xian quickly fell to his knees, catching his breath. There was an obvious wound on his lip as blood dripped from it.
"… Well done, ya damned kids." George muttered, finally unable to resist lighting a cigar. "Men, put them in the tents." He took the class record and began writing his report.
'Now, how should I deal with this...?'
The first two assessments merely determined the students' current limits and the intensity of their future training. The last assessment, however, was different, a special evaluation introduced after Astor became headmaster.
Tucking the report beneath his arm, George made his way toward the dome's exit.
"Eh, I forgot to dismiss 'em. Well, they sure ain't having class after that kinda shock."
…
His lips felt wet to the touch as his fingers were stained by a drop of blood. The taste and smell of metal faintly lingered in Xian's senses as he had bitten his lips a little too hard trying to remain standing. Even with [Defiance] partially unsealed, the pressure from the test earlier was formidable.
'This is the worst part that I didn't have to deal with in the game.' He'd been complaining about the parts of the game that had turned into reality, including the fact that he needed to study every day while working as a butler.
He looked around the dome and saw the academy attendants busy treating the students. Some were cleaning up those who had vomited, some were applying medicine to those who were bruised, and the unconscious ones were placed directly beneath the emergency tents. The academy was surprisingly prepared for cases like this.
He especially went around checking on the important characters. Fahna was obviously fine, but Castreyja had fainted, likely from overexerting herself, as had Adrian and Kyrin.
Now, he stood before the person of interest herself, Castreyja, lying on the bed. Red, disheveled hair, thin arms and a frail body, crooked glasses, and a carefree expression while snoring. She slept without the slightest sense of propriety, probably a habit carried over from years spent among soldiers.
The staff didn't bother to shoo him away after seeing his uniform. It wasn't common for students from another class to visit each other, but it did happen sometimes, and the servants knew better than to mess with those wearing the white uniforms.
'Heh, her power must've not returned yet. It might be a matter of time, but it's better than nothing.' He paused stiffly like a statue for a while. This girl right there had lived a cruel life far ahead of anyone else in this world.
The urge to clutch Castreyja's neck brushed across his mind for a brief moment before fading away.
'I must be going crazy. If I kill her now, I'll basically be a fugitive.' To this girl, he, a random butler occupying the first seat, must be an anomaly she didn't understand.
Although he did want to get rid of her to avoid any competition when it came to utilizing the game events, he still had the advantage. Overwhelmingly so. Xian made his way to the exit of the dome and resumed his efforts to be an exceptional butler.
'I should find Carmillia first.' Her class was either done or still ongoing, and as her butler, Xian had to wait for and escort her at all times. It made him wonder whether he'd have room to carry out his own schemes and plans, but since he was currently clueless, staying by her side had to come first to attend to any needs.
…
The training grounds differed for those on the Magic Path. It was a smaller, cornered structure resembling a multi-storied building, filled with advanced magical technologies for mages to practice on. As someone from the Martial Path, Xian could only wait near the entrance.
Eventually, the other mages and Carmillia emerged from the building.
Her hair had become disheveled as she held her temple with a pained expression. Her clothes bore signs of dirt but were significantly cleaner than the others'. Xian looked around, trying to spot Gumin, but she was nowhere to be seen. Mages naturally numbered fewer than Aura users, so only about forty students attended the class, yet every one of them looked utterly exhausted.
"How did the assessment go, milady?" Xian attempted some small talk. With the swordmaidens gone and as the only servant Carmillia could rely on, this was a chance to close the distance between them.
"Shut up. I don't want to think about it." Carmillia rubbed her temples further at Xian's question. "I'll be in my chambers for the rest of the day. I assume you know what to do?"
Xian answered with a bow. He actually didn't know what to do, but he guessed that meant any disturbance was not permitted.
"As you wish."
Carmillia stared at him. Whether she was doubtful or distrustful, Xian couldn't tell. But it was always a welcome sight seeing those calm, beautiful eyes, especially when she wasn't trying to die or ordering someone to kill him.
She took a step forward.
Her footing faltered.
Then she slowly reached out her arm, her hand dangling limply.
"I'm feeling a bit lightheaded."
"…?"
Xian didn't know what to do at first.
He stared blankly at the arm extended toward him. Was she asking him to hold her hand? Help her walk? Or was this another piece of noble etiquette that neither the game nor his month at the Montagne estate had ever prepared him for?
So he slowly held it like a dance partner would, convinced he had finally understood.
Carmillia's face immediately darkened.
"Tsk."
A single click of her tongue was enough for Xian to realize he had done something terribly wrong.
That's when he connected the dots and quickly offered her his forearm instead.
"Lower." Carmillia snarled while trying to keep her voice down as much as possible.
Xian obediently lowered his arm until it rested at a more comfortable height. Only then did Carmillia place her hand upon it, using him for support as though it had been the obvious answer from the very beginning.
Leaning on his arm, Carmillia walked with her eyes closed, astonishing Xian quite a bit.
'So this is how it works. While she's trying to get some shut-eye, she's just going to walk using my guidance. Such a thing can actually be done…' Xian couldn't help but feel a little pleased. Furthermore, he deliberately slowed down and subtly guided her whenever they turned left, right, or climbed stairs. A slight nudge was all it took, and Carmillia followed along flawlessly.
Xian was even more dumbfounded when they finally reached the girls' dormitory in this manner. What welcomed them was the same student guard who had seen them go out the other night, whose face immediately turned bright red.
"I-illicit relationships are forbi—mmph!"
Xian raised his free hand and placed his index finger against her lips.
"Shh. I'd rather you not be noisy right now, little girl."
Carmillia merely formed a slight frown, probably displeased at what the girl had been about to say, but she seemed far too tired to even reprimand her.
They left the student alone, making small exclamations behind them.
Standing before her own room, Carmillia finally opened her eyes. This time, the sharpness had left them, replaced by languidness as though she could fall asleep at any moment. She released her hold on the surprisingly steady arm of her butler and entered the room.
"…You're dismissed for today, butler."
The door clicked shut, leaving Xian alone in the corridor.
He stood there quietly for a few moments.
Escorting a noble lady, guiding her pace, adjusting to every staircase and turn. It seemed butlers had far more responsibilities than simply serving tea and opening doors.
Only then did the earlier moments finally sink in. Carmillia's body lightly leaning on his arm, the faint scent of perfume lingering on her clothes, and the quiet trust she had shown by closing her eyes.
At that moment, Xian finally understood why veteran players always insisted on spending as much time with the heroines as possible. Only by remaining at their side could one discover the countless little habits, weaknesses, and vulnerable moments that never appeared in the game's event scenes. Now, he was experiencing it firsthand.
"… That was adorable."
With Carmillia resting, Xian found himself free for the remainder of the afternoon.
No, that wasn't quite right.
There was still Lady Carmillia's dinner to arrange, the day's correspondence to check, and several other matters expected of a butler. Fortunately, most of those could wait until evening.
'I should visit Miri first.'
The academy naturally housed those who served alongside its noble students. Separate residences had been prepared for retainers, maids, and butlers alike, all built a short distance from the student dormitories. Compared to the lavish mansions of noble estates, the buildings were modest, yet far more comfortable than what ordinary servants could ever hope to receive elsewhere.
'I wonder if I have a room here…' Xian was already the first seat among the students, but he was still a servant of the Montagne household, Carmillia's butler. If there was an additional room for him, it might come in handy someday when he somehow needed to leave Carmillia or his position as first seat.
The Maids' House bustled quietly despite the early dismissal. The gossiping maids toned down their voices as they saw Xian, a student in a white uniform, and bowed whenever he passed through.
'It seems the reputation of the Royal Class isn't so welcome here…' Some were carrying baskets of laundry, while others were hanging uniforms out to dry.
"…" He'd already grown accustomed to the white uniform eliciting fearful reactions. It was like this even when he passed by Common Class students.
While walking, Xian spotted a maid who wasn't carrying anything but was hurrying along.
"Hey, you." Xian spoke just as he passed her, and the maid visibly flinched. She tried to quicken her pace, but Xian had already caught her by the shoulder.
"Y-yes!? What does the young lord need me for?" the maid blurted out, unable to recognize which noble household Xian came from.
"… I'm looking for someone."
...
"...She's awake."
"Mh. You may go now." The maid who had guided him there left with a sigh of relief.
Xian knocked softly on the door.
"C-come in." The already meek voice sounded even weaker. Opening the door, he found Miri sitting against the bed's headboard.
The wound on her head had already disappeared due to the effects of healing potions, yet her complexion remained pale. Even sitting upright seemed to tire her.
"… Sir Xian." Despite everything, she still smiled sweetly.
The room was nicely lit by the daylight coming through the windows, and the breeze kept it at a comfortable temperature. There were empty plates and folded clothes, probably for the patient to change into, and Miri herself wore a white patient's attire.
"How's your condition?"
"The doctor said there are no major issues, but I have to rest for today. I can probably resume work tomorrow."
Xian activated his Conqueror's Eyes Glimpse Lens at the same time.
'Her stats were as expected. All of her 'potential' values ranged from 2 to 3, what any normal person would have, but her level was quite surprising.'
[Miriel Besdonia]
Montagne Household
Intermediate Maid Lvl. 24
'Higher leveled but far weaker than me or any of Rozenfall's students. Does this mean level doesn't always correlate to combat power, but rather to how good they are at what they do?'
The Glimpse lens allowed one to see the potential and current level of the character they were looking at. Although it did not reveal current stats, it showed perceivable information as long as the target didn't use a disguise spell.
'Also, it's gone up a bit again, but not as aggressively as before. At this rate, it will reach the 'breakthrough' soon. I wonder if there will be any scenario?'
Miri had come to like him even more, her affection displaying another noticeable increase above her head.
[Blue Heart: 76]
"It must've hurt. How did you get wounded anyway?" Xian purposely drew closer to gently caress her head where the wound used to be. He tried to appear as warm as possible, but to Miri, he only looked even colder.
Fortunately, it didn't affect her affection for him one bit.
"Uh, i-it's because of me. Miss Carmillia tends to harm herself when she gets drunk... and I tried to stop her." As if pleased with Xian's rough hands caressing her forehead, she closed her eyes and began to blush.
Her affection rose once more before stopping at [Blue Heart: 83].
"Is that so? So you must've attended to Lady Carmillia quite often."
"Mmh, as maids, we usually took turns every month... I've been serving the young lady ever since the other maids became too afraid. I was scared too... but I couldn't refuse either." Now, instead of her forehead, Xian's hand gently cupped one side her face, as Miri slowly opened her eyes and looked at him expectantly.
Seeing that, Xian pulled back his hand and knew he shouldn't push too hard. Leaving her wanting more would only make earning her affection easier the next time they met.
'Being liked really makes everything easier.'
"I see. Then, Miri, could you help me with something?" Xian took a seat to meet her eyes directly.
"Of course. Whatever Sir Xian wants, I'll gladly help." Miri readily agreed, still with that expectant gaze.
"Good." Xian clasped his hands beneath his chin. "Then tell me everything you know about Lady Carmillia. You know I've only served as her butler for a month, right? I've run into... a bit of a problem."