Xian was satisfied with the outcome and had no intention of pushing any further. He had caused enough insults and commotion already. It was one thing to imitate his mistress and another to become even more overbearing than her.
The old butler led Xian away from the hall without another word, as though neither the commotion nor the offense had ever occurred.
Once the noise of the hall had faded behind them, the old butler glanced at him from the corner of his eye.
"Nevertheless, you performed admirably. The young man you fought received proper martial-academy training before entering service, and he has several years on you." His stern and weathered face lightened with amusement; he truly found Xian impressive.
"For the personal butler of the Duke of Montagne's only heiress, you were every bit as capable as the rumors suggested."
"You flatter me. Your junior would have outlasted me had we continued."
"Heh! Would you have let him?" The older butler gave him a knowing look. "I doubt the Montagne heiress's personal butler had already shown everything he was capable of."
'Hmm, I really didn't have any tricks... aside from fighting dirty, that is.' Had the fight continued, Xian would simply have resorted to the same underhanded methods he had used against Serika. Luckily, the old man intervened before that became necessary.
"Especially for a servant who achieved the First Seat and became a Rose Title holder…" The older butler paused. "Ah, please do not misunderstand. I am not suggesting that you attained either distinction through luck alone. It is simply the first occurrence of its kind that any of us can remember."
"Has no personal servant ever taken First Seat before?"
"None that I know of. You would have to consult the library or the academy archives to be sure."
The mention of the library and archives immediately stirred Xian's memory. He recalled several matters he still needed to investigate if he wanted to understand this world, and he fully intended to retain the First Seat.
His position depended upon more than combat ability. Grades, merits, assignments, and later competitions would all affect his standing.
Fahna might overtake him through sheer performance, while Rhykard was ambitious enough to challenge him once the opportunity arose. Carmillia showed no desire to claim the seat herself. With Serika and Lucinelle removed from her side, she seemed more interested in using Xian as her hands and feet than competing for a title he already possessed.
"However, there is still one man every butler in this academy aspires to emulate."
"Rozenfall's Head Butler?"
"Yes. Although there is one problem…" The old butler released a quiet sigh. "You will understand once you meet him. Try not to take his words too much to heart."
Xian knew the academy's Head Butler from the game. He had been an unnamed staff NPC who offered Adrian repeatable service quests that granted small amounts of experience, occasional stat increases, and various practical rewards. He rarely became involved in the major routes or central scenarios, remaining little more than part of Rozenfall's background staff.
'Was there more to that old man than met the eye?'
Xian had played the game obsessively, but even he had never experienced everything it contained. After completing two heroines' routes, he devoted himself entirely to finding Carmillia's hidden route. Along the way, however, he kept getting inexplicably pulled into Ruminaria's route and ended up spending much of those attempts trapped within a storyline he did not like at all.
The older butler stopped before a pair of tall wooden doors, the kind Xian would have expected outside an executive's office. Oddly enough, their unfamiliarity made them more imposing than the entrance to Astor's office, which Xian had visited throughout countless playthroughs.
"The Academy Head Butler is waiting for you." The old butler pushed the doors open and gestured for Xian to step inside. Xian entered, with the older man following behind him.
The office beyond was spacious and meticulously arranged. Shelves filled with books lined the walls, while an imposing wooden desk stood near the tall windows at the far end.
Xian barely had time to examine any of it before he found an elderly man standing far too close to his face.
The Academy Head Butler leaned forward and studied him through narrowed eyes. He examined Xian from one side, moved to the other, then took several steps backward as though evaluating a questionable sculpture.
Xian remained still, unsure what had just happened. The behavior was nothing like that of the serious and conventional Academy Head Butler he remembered from the game.
"Devilishly handsome," the Head Butler suddenly declared. He stroked his beard in thought while continuing to stare at Xian with uncomfortable intensity.
"...Pardon?"
"Excellent bone structure. Sharp eyes. A defined jaw and a face blessed with aggressive masculine appeal."
"You flatter me... sir?" Xian had no idea how he was supposed to respond to such an assessment and settled for whatever polite nonsense came to mind.
The Head Butler had been nodding approvingly. Then, without warning, his expression darkened. He raised one finger between them with the gravity of a judge giving his verdict.
"However! You also look like the sort of man who enjoys beating his own women."
'What kind of prejudice is this? I know I look intimidating, but that is too far-fetched. I haven't even done anything wrong. If anything, I was the one at a woman's mercy just recently.' Being taller and more handsome was supposed to be a blessing, but looking like a woman-beater was the last consequence he had ever thought those changes could bring.
"I have neve—"
"No need to defend yourself," the Head Butler interrupted. "Your innocence is irrelevant. This is a matter of appearance."
The Head Butler stepped closer again until his face was only inches from Xian's, staring intently. The scrutiny made Xian lean back slightly and frown, sharpening his already severe expression.
"There," the Head Butler said as though he had finally seen the crux of the matter regarding Xian's fierce appearance. "Those sharp and narrowed eyes are the problem. Combined with your stature and voice, you appear less like an unassuming servant and more like a scoundrel with plenty of sinister plots and schemes brewing in his head." He walked slowly back and forth, wearing the satisfied expression of a man who believed he had said something profound.
Xian couldn't help but turn to his guide, only for the older butler to offer him a small, apologetic shrug.
"He's always been like this, but he means well. Please don't take offense." He then glanced toward the Head Butler.
"Still, perhaps you ought to introduce yourself before accusing House Montagne's personal butler of terrorizing women."
"Shush, you!"
The older butler merely shrugged again, entirely unsurprised by the dismissal.
'What kind of assessment is this?'
"Fortunately, you are already wearing glasses." The Head Butler lightly adjusted the frame. "They suit you and sufficiently soften your naturally intimidating air. Never remove them in front of others, especially while serving."
"A violent-looking man without glasses is a brute. A violent-looking man with glasses is a fierce intellectual."
"That reasoning seems—"
"Always keep them on."
The Head Butler patted Xian's shoulder and nodded in approval once again. Apparently satisfied with his conclusion, he returned to the chair behind his desk and settled into it.
The older butler studied Xian for a moment.
"Hm. Well, I do agree that the glasses help make you appear less likely to beat someone."
Xian stared at him in disbelief.
"Exactly!" The Head Butler swept one arm outward. "The threatening contours remain, but they are now tempered by scholarly refinement. At least, you no longer resemble a man who beats his women." He paused, as though giving Xian's appearance one final, serious consideration.
"Instead, you seem like a man who calmly explains why they deserved it."
Xian's face twitched, leaving him speechless at the sincerity with which the Head Butler had delivered an insult as a compliment.
"Still intimidating," the Head Butler admitted, stroking his chin. "But wearing glasses is a dramatic improvement."
Xian had entertained this nonsense for long enough.
"I see. May we discuss what I came here for now, Head Butler?"
"Hmph." The Head Butler glanced toward the older butler, then toward the door. His demeanor changed entirely as his previously amused gaze suddenly became sharp and cold.
The older man understood the silent dismissal. He inclined his head and stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
'Finally.'
"Very well. Let's hear what you have to say."
"But! You certainly caused quite the commotion, didn't you?"
Just as Xian was about to explain that he wanted to learn how to serve Carmillia more effectively, the Head Butler cut him off. Realizing that the old man already knew what had happened in the hall, Xian immediately put his guard up and regarded him warily.
'Is he going to punish me?'
He quickly willed the Glimpse Lens to activate, assessing the old man before him.
[Academy Head Butler Lvl 46]
'Level forty-six? That puts him in the same range as some of the professors.'
As a player, Xian never had the opportunity to examine the Head Butler's level. The man rarely left the academy's servant facilities. As background staff, the game never bothered rendering his stats there, since NPC levels and Potential were only ever displayed in recruitment zones or wherever the story deemed them relevant.
'But his Potential is rather ordinary. Just how much experience has this old man accumulated?'
"You can rest easy. I'm not such a scoundrel as to beat a junior of mine." The Head Butler's perfectly curved mustache failed to conceal his smirk as he observed Xian's guarded reaction.
"Hot-blooded young men should vent their hot blood on one another before they grow cold and wise." He settled back in his chair and regarded Xian meaningfully.
"As for you, making your position clear was the correct decision. Everyone in that hall now knows that the holder of the First Seat, a Rose Title holder, and the personal butler of Montagne's heiress is not someone they can casually trifle with."
The Head Butler stroked the curve of his mustache and gave a knowing chuckle.
"Of course, your mistress's enemies gained something as well. No matter how you responded in that moment, they would have learned something useful about you. Crafty fellows, aren't they?"
Several implications struck Xian at once: the cold reception from the butlers in the hall, the fact that the hot-headed one already knew of his position, and the possibility that certain people had been watching to see how he would respond.
Those were details even he could never have noticed as a player.
More importantly, the Head Butler was still watching him, as though waiting to see whether Xian understood what he had just been told.
"My lady's enemies?" Xian kept his expression neutral. "What exactly do you mean by that, Head Butler?"
"Hm, it seems I really was correct in predicting why you came here." The Head Butler gestured for Xian to sit as he gently poured tea from the teapot in a smooth, practiced motion.
"What you need, young man, is guidance, eh?"
"But first, you'll have to tell me. Are you a real butler of the Montagne household?"
Xian only had to deliberate for a few seconds before answering assuredly, "Yes. Without a doubt, I am the butler of Carmillia Montagne."
"And you are right. Indeed, I am in need of guidance on how to serve my mistress more meaningfully in this academy while retaining the First Seat."
When Xian spoke those words, even he could feel the faint madness behind them. He knew more clearly than ever what he wanted from this life. It was not merely to serve Carmillia, but to make himself so indispensable that she could no longer live without him.
"Hoh? Those are rather intense eyes, young man. Interesting. You truly do intend to make yourself utterly useful to your mistress."
Whether the Head Butler saw determination or obsession in his eyes, Xian did not bother correcting him. One thing was certain: he wanted to remain within Carmillia's sight and monopolize that beautiful gaze for himself.
"Hm, so Renedon intends for you to become her right-hand man? Well, you've got plenty of rough roads ahead of you."
Xian was surprised by the casual mention of the duke's name, but to others, that might indeed appear to be the case.
"As her right-hand man, you will no longer be merely a regular butler. You must delve into the politics of the world your mistress inhabits. Investigate useful allies and potential traitors in your midst, all while ensuring that none of your fellow servants are cunning spies themselves."
"While seeing to all that, you must remain impeccable as her escort at every ball, occasion, and dinner. You must always be present in the shadows, cleaning up the trails behind her and ensuring that every objective and meeting proceeds smoothly. At times, you may even find yourself involved in unsavory acts."
"With the Montagnes' current reputation, your task will be especially difficult. The academy is safe, yes, but it is hardly free of danger. Here, danger comes from within, born from the clashing interests of countless heirs gathered under one institution."
"Since your mistress is here as well, make use of the opportunity to expand her economic influence. Foresight in investments is an invaluable skill and will help her tremendously in the long run. I suspect she has already considered this, assuming she inherited Renedon's shrewd nature."
The Head Butler took a slow sip from his cup before continuing.
"And finally, as both a servant and a man, you must never cross the line or entertain thoughts of an affair with your lady."
Xian had been listening seriously until the final warning caught him completely off guard.
"Of course. I understand that very well." He nodded with a grave expression.
Understanding the warning and following it, however, were two different things. That was why Xian could say it with complete confidence. It seemed he was getting better and better at hiding his true intentions.
"Hm. That is a good conviction, but I certainly hope you will exercise such caution in practice." The Head Butler set down his cup.
"Do you have any other questions?"
"Yes. What exactly are my day-to-day duties as Lady Carmillia's butler within the academy?"
There was no change in Xian's seriousness as he asked the question, yet the Head Butler stared at him as though he had finally said something truly unbelievable.
"You mean… you don't know how an in-academy butler is expected to serve?"
"Not beyond the obvious duties," Xian admitted. "It wasn't part of my training back when I had just become a butler." Xian decided to be as honest as possible, even though he realized it was indeed strange for him to have become a butler without knowing the basic duties he needed to perform at the academy.
The Head Butler slowly pressed two fingers against his temple.
"I see. The situation's more serious than I thought. So they didn't choose someone who knew how academy service worked. Even so, anyone considered suitable for a duke's daughter should already know how to conduct her affairs within an institution like Rozenfall." Xian remained silent and allowed the Head Butler to draw his own conclusions.
The old man released an exasperated sigh. His gaze passed over Xian again, as though reconsidering what sort of training could have produced such disproportionate competence.
'Was he primarily raised as a combat butler?' the Head Butler wondered. Carmillia was a particularly vulnerable noblewoman caught in a precarious political position. Perhaps House Montagne had prioritized Xian's combat ability and her immediate survival over his formal education in academy service.
"Very well. Whatever institution trained you has left me a considerable amount of work. Let us begin with the duties you should have learned before entering these walls."
He straightened in his chair and gestured for Xian, who had been standing all this time, to sit.
"First! Always prepare three versions of the day's schedule: the proper one, the likely one, and the one ruined by nobles…"
The Head Butler continued by explaining the more practical aspects of Xian's position within Rozenfall. As Carmillia's personal butler, he would be expected to manage her correspondence, appointments, and social obligations while quietly maintaining cordial relations with the servants of other households. He could make use of the library, academy archives, and the information naturally exchanged among servants, but he warned Xian against mistaking access for permission to pry without restraint.
More importantly, Xian needed to learn which problems he could settle on Carmillia's behalf and which matters required her direct judgment. That distinction was essential, for a useful right-hand man removed unnecessary burdens from his mistress, while an overconfident one created problems believing he was helping.
The discussion continued for some time, moving through etiquette, household management, political discretion, and several less respectable duties the Head Butler mentioned with unsettling casualness.
Eventually, the old man opened one of his desk drawers and removed a thick, carefully preserved book.
"If you intend to become indispensable, then you should at least begin with the fundamentals of judgment. I can teach you the routine in an afternoon. What matters is knowing what to do when circumstances cease to be routine."
"I-It's been an amazing discussion, but you even have a book for me?" At this point, Xian was zealous and completely in awe of the Head Butler. So many of the questions on his mind had been answered, and he had gained so many ideas he could use to become an exceptional butler.
It was as if a brand-new world had opened before his eyes.
"Behold! Authored by myself, A Butler's 101 for Any Situation! This is the first copy, presented before its release. You are a very lucky young man to receive it this early."
"Ohh, you're giving me such an amazing book? For free?"
"No. From now on, I gotta ask you to spar with the butler you just fought, so come by at least once a week. He's a few years older, but he'd do well to be less hotheaded and learn from you."
"…If that's all it takes to get this book, I don't mind at all." Xian didn't expect such a request but accepted it without hesitation. It wasn't much trouble, and he might as well treat it as combat training.
"Hoho, it's been nice talking with you, young butler. Go forth and spread your newly awakened self."
"Indeed, it has been a pleasure, Head Butler. I'll make sure to come and fulfill my promise."
The two men met each other's gazes, and their hands met in a firm clasp before they gave a single, confident shake and nod. Xian's sinister smile was as intimidating as ever, while the butler's mustache smiled for him.
With that, their lengthy session ended. Xian had an hour left before arranging Carmillia's dinner, so he set out to decide what to do.
"A Butler's 101… What to do when you only have an hour left before dinner?"
Along the way, he opened the book and was amazed to find that a page had been neatly folded at the corner, then became even more amazed by the Academy Head Butler's foresight.
'When dismissed before supper, remember that your presence has been dismissed, not your mistress's need to eat.'
'Under no circumstances should a butler interpret "You are dismissed" as "Allow me to awaken hungry and blame you for it."'
"This… This must be a legendary book!" That was his exact situation just now, and the thick book provided the answers.
Xian closed it and looked around him. There wasn't a person in sight at this time, and the maids seemed to be busy indoors until one happened to pass by carrying a basket of folded linens.
"You." The girl froze but suddenly quickened her pace instead of turning around.
'Whoever's spreading our infamy is one sinister bastard.' As mentioned by the Head Butler, even the hatred fostered around the butler hall had been orchestrated through gossip.
But how could a maid ever outpace him? In a few steps, Xian caught her by the shoulder before she could pretend not to hear him and slowly turned her around. Based on her frightened gaze and guilty expression, she seemed to recognize who Xian was. That meant she knew of the circumstances surrounding him and his lady.
"Lady Carmillia is resting. Have the kitchen prepare something light and keep it warm until she wakes. No one is to disturb her, but the meal must be ready the moment she asks for it."
"Y-Yes, young lord."
"And make sure someone actually delivers it." His fingers tightened slightly, squeezing the maid's soft shoulder.
"I heard she received no breakfast this morning." Xian leaned closer and lowered his voice to a whisper.
The maid visibly paled.
"M-Miss Miri was injured, and no one told us whether—"
"I am telling you now." Xian released her shoulder and straightened the edge of her uniform where his hand had wrinkled it.
"If there is any confusion, you know where to find the First Seat."
"Understood!" The maid hurried away so quickly that she nearly dropped the basket.
Xian watched her disappear around the corner, satisfied. Lady Carmillia would have her dinner, and this time, no one could claim they had not received instructions.
After checking the day's correspondence and finding nothing that required Carmillia's immediate attention, he returned to his room. There, he decided to record the story timeline he could recall in his diary before retiring for the night.
…
Carmillia stood alone. She looked around and found herself in a very familiar place.
It was where her mother had read books to her, where Carmillia had found her whenever she couldn't sleep, and where the three of them had spent nights together in candlelit darkness and warmth.
But she knew in her heart that this place was no longer the same as it was in her memories.
At first, there was only darkness and nothing can be seen beyond the other falf of the room, but gradually, the visages of two familiar people emerged from the shadows. The swordmaidens who have pledged their lives to her for as long as they lived.
"Serika? Lucinelle!" she called out to them, finding it strange that neither wore their usual armor or helms. Serika's gaze was filled with hatred and Lucinelle's with disappointment as they both walked away and vanished into the darkness.
She was about to chase after the two, when the periphery of her vision caught another emerging figure. She found Moris with his usual deadpan expression and slightly slouched back, however, the eyes behind his monocles were hollow and shrouded in shadow.
Carmillia took a step back, finding Moris even stranger. Even so, he also turned around and disappeared into the darkness. She decided to follow where her swordmaidens had gone and ask them what was happening, only to find herself unable to move.
She frowned and tried to trace the Mana around her to determine whether Magic was at work, only to fail. Her Mana refused to respond at all, as if it were nonexistent in the first place.
The thought brought her great distress, and her heart pounded. A familiar constricting pain in her chest began to pulse with each beat, the same one she had felt in this very place all those years ago, as though something terrible were about to happen again.
Her hands clutched at her chest, but just then, another visage formed in the darkness. It was the butler, and he appeared especially clear compared to those who had come before him.
"You?" Even at this moment, Carmillia refused to acknowledge him by name.
But there was something different about Xian at that moment. His gaze no longer resembled the way her mother used to look at her, despite those sharp and intimidating eyes that seemed to defy her.
"Hah, are you going to leave me too?" The butler didn't answer. He merely stood there quietly.
"Answer me!" Carmillia scowled, the strange atmosphere doing nothing to calm the constricting pain in her chest.
The butler remained silent, and this time, instead of leaving, he was slowly swallowed by the darkness. Serika and Lucinelle were gone. Moris had left. Now, even the butler appointed by her father had disappeared.
The few people she could trust and could have trusted had vanished without leaving so much as a shadow behind.
The scene changed again. The darkness covering half the room disappeared, revealing a sight Carmillia could never forget.
Before her stood Renedon with his back turned to her.
One arm was wrapped around a body, holding it close against him. Locks of white hair lay disheveled across his arm. Her head slowly lolled, and Carmillia saw her smiling face and the blood inside her mouth.
Renedon's sword was buried deep within Lisalia's chest.
Her mother's body hung against the blade as though suspended upon it. Renedon slowly pulled the weapon free, and blood poured copiously from the wound, spreading across the floor until the crimson flood reached Carmillia's feet.
Even the same stench of rust from that day assaulted her senses. She looked down and found her own hands stained with blood.
Yet as she watched her mother collapse, Carmillia felt nothing but coldness.
There was no sorrow. There was no grief.
Not even the faintest urge to cry.
Renedon turned toward her after pulling his sword free.
His eyes glinted within the darkness as he began to approach with slow, heavy steps that creaked against the floor. Blood dripped from the tip of his sword before he raised it and pointed the blade directly in her direction.
Then she heard her mother's sweet laughter, just as it had sounded during the happy moments they had spent together.
"Carmillia…"
The voice came from everywhere at once, warm and delighted.
"You'll keep being a good girl, won't you?"
Renedon continued walking. His face was obscured in darkness, leaving only two glinting blue lights.
"You'll remain the girl Mother raised…"
The blade drew closer.
"Forever and ever…"
Renedon pressed the tip of his blade against her neck, but the pain in her chest overwhelmed even its cold touch.
Just as the lingering thought of ending it all began creeping from the back of her mind…
Carmillia woke with a violent gasp.
Her body jerked upright beneath the sheets. Sweat clung to her skin, and her breathing came in short, uneven bursts. The headache that had tormented her earlier had lessened, but an unpleasant heaviness remained behind her eyes.
For several moments, she merely sat there, catching her breath.
Then hunger twisted sharply through her stomach.
Without thinking, Carmillia reached toward the bedside table and rang the bell for the maids. She pushed aside the covers and rose in her nightgown, only to pause after taking a few steps.
This was not the Montagne estate.
Serika and Lucinelle were no longer nearby. Moris could not answer her summons, and of all the people who had followed her here, only Xian remained within reach.
Carmillia approached the window.
Rozenfall stretched beneath the bright moon, its towers and pathways washed in pale light. She remained there for some time, silently watching an academy that was still entirely unfamiliar to her.
A few knocks eventually came at the door.
Carmillia opened it to find a single maid standing outside with a tray of reheated food. Ordinarily, two or three servants would have attended someone of her position, but she allowed the girl inside without comment.
"Um, Sir Xian instructed me to bring you some food, my lady."
The maid arranged the food and began attending to her as best she could. Carmillia watched her for a moment before speaking.
"The maid who accompanied me here. The injured one. What happened to her?"
The girl hesitated before answering, reminding Carmillia of the other maid who had accompanied her. They were both timid by nature.
"Your accompanying maid is resting in the servants' residence, my lady. The physician said she should recover soon."
"I see." Carmillia did not remember the woman's name. She only recalled that another servant had accompanied her to the academy alongside Xian.
Even so, an available pair of hands remained useful.
"Tell her to report to me once she is capable of working again."
"Yes, my lady."
Carmillia turned toward the moonlit window once more.
Until her swordmaidens returned, Xian and that maid were all she had within the academy.
…
[Regressions: 6/7]
'Seven?'
Xian suddenly shot upright. That number used to be a lone six, with nothing beside it.
"Why… Why is there a limit?"