Aiming to be the perfect butler for my lady

Chapter 20- Desire for Alatia

It was a coincidence that the moment Radolf was making the demand to have a battle with me, I walked in.

There was something strange about those parchments which every servant of the mansion was holding. Their reaction told me so.

However, my focus remained on Alatia and Radolf at the moment as I waited for her response.

I knew Radolf was sent here as a substitute butler for Alatia after the news of my disappearance flared up. However, I didn't realize his desire to serve Alatia was so persistent that he would even bet his life on it.

After all, talking to Alatia in that manner was something like an invitation to death.

"Oh, Chief Collen. Here, can you verify the credibility of this document?" Suddenly, Radolf's focus shifted toward the person standing beside me before he advanced and handed a scroll to Collen.

By Collen's demeanor, I could tell that he also didn't like the way Radolf was acting in front of Alatia. But he chose to first look at the scroll which had the central ministry seal on it.

Unfolding the scroll he began to read it, and so did I.

'...damn.' I couldn't explain how amazed I was upon reading the content.

The permission for Radolf to duel against me for the position of Alatia's personal attendant was allowed by the central administration and the Prime Minister.

'He got himself some support.'

Collen soon walked toward Alatia and respectfully presented the agreement to her.

Her facial expression didn't shift upon reading the texts...but the way frost began to appear around the parchment and even the room temperature went down by several degrees, I could tell that she was upset.

The chandelier in the dining space began to sway and the cutlery began to tremble under the fierce aura she was radiating.

Those, from the staff unit, who could sense mana, had a pale complexion as they shivered in fret. However, surprisingly, Radolf held his stance bravely without a single sign of terror.

'I wonder at what stage his Elemental Magic has reached...' It was given that Radolf was not stronger than Alatia...or forget about her. Before Alatia there was Collen who would slaughter Radolf any moment Alatia demanded.

Yet, Radolf seems unfazed by the presence of him or any other threat.

'Remarkable...nope, foolishness.' Contempt makes people blind. And Radolf has already reached that stage where he would choose rather to die than live with his pride tarnished.

"My lady."

I didn't know how and why I called out for her but I felt that if I didn't soothe her anger, Alatia might freeze everyone present here to death.

Collen immediately stepped aside to give me space as I stood close to Alatia.

"I accept his challenge."

*Crack*

The parchment which had already turned into an ice glass, broke under her brute force as Alatia turned her face in my direction. The frown made her look beautiful but it wasn't her face where my focus remained for long.

Taking out a handkerchief from my pocket I stepped closer and took her left hand in my hold.

Securing her delicate hand which has a small cut in the fabric, I whispered to her,

"Please trust me Ala."

My voice only reached her, and the expression she wore hearing my words could be easily interpreted as 'Unfair'.

I have noticed that whenever I switch from being a Butler to a Best friend, she can't resist me. Although it was evil to blackmail her in this way, I discerned this was the only method to solve this situation.

Her small nose blew heavy breaths, through which she showed her displeasure against my underhanded tactics. However, as I extended a gentle smile to her, it rendered the princess helpless.

Soon she turned her eyes back to Radolf, however, all her annoyance morphed into plain indifference.

"You are challenging Kyle, I allow that. However, the victor would be decided by me."

Radolf's answer was swift, "I humbly accept your terms, Your Highness."

Again...that unexpected way of talking. This time, I wasn't able to control my facial expression from contouring.

Collen's hand went to his sword as he growled, "Watch your tongue or next time it will be detached along with your head."

Radolf bowed to that but didn't express that he was apologetic.

'...there is something about Radolf, which isn't right....' I had the feeling but I didn't want to dwell on it before the battle.

*****

All the servants were told to resume their work and the only people who followed me and Radolf to the backside of the mansion were, Maria and Collen along with my lady.

There were guards stationed around the training ground as per Collen's call but they were merely there to protect Alatia if the confrontation somehow affected her.

Just before I was about to enter the arena, Alatia handed me something.

"...consume it if necessary." It was a vial of recovery potion.

I took the container with a surprised look. However, Alatia didn't bother answering me about why she was suggesting me to cheat in the battle.

Regardless, I wasn't going to reject her kindness so after putting the vial in my pocket I marched toward where Collen and Radolf stood.

Radolf was holding a grimoire in his hand with no weapon whatsoever.

I had my usual favorite wooden spear in hold since this was a mock battle.

Collen, who was our match referee called out the rules,

"Lethal attacks are prohibited. Any spell or physical assault that could leave permanent injury on your opponent is restricted. Render your opponent unconscious and make them surrender to win this duel."

With his eyes turning steel cold he concluded, "If either of you break any of the rules, I will end this battle through force. That's all."

My eyes sized up Radolf as Collen stepped back to announce the commencement.

From what I know, Radolf was an excellent mage who had proficiency with the aqua element. The reason why he was chosen to be Alatia's personal attendant must be because of his skills. As such I needed to be on high alert.

I wasn't sure how strong he was in close combat but remembering our last confrontation I could tell that it was easy to provoke him.

'I just need to draw him in and land a powerful blow...' I knew it was an easier-said-than-done situation, but I couldn't run away from this.

Radolf was one of the easiest threats I need to face to secure a safe future.

Taking deep breaths, I readied myself and faced my adversary.

Radolf stood in a straight posture with his grimoire held behind his back.

The air seemed to have taken a sudden halt in that precise moment, as suddenly, the sound of air slashing resonated in my ears followed by Collen's call,

"Begin!"

*****

While a battle between two young men began in Belur, someone from the capital just entered the carriage and commanded the coach to depart.

The man had pretty blond hair and ocean-like eyes. His charming face could make even his enemy adore him and his sitting posture signified that he was a bonafide noble.

"Master, would it be really fine to visit Your Highness without any prior notice?"

The maid sitting across the man, who addressed him as 'Master', asked in a hesitant voice.

In response to that, the man grinned and replied without any hesitation,

"She is my little sister. I have all the right to meet her whenever I desire."

The maid looked uncomfortable, but she uttered it anyway,

"...I hope Master wouldn't do anything reckless to conjure young lady's displeasure."

The man, or to say, the second Prince of Valenchide, grinned in response but didn't say anything.

Even if Alatia gets mad at him, it won't matter. After all, he was her brother...her family. And against a mere butler, it was given that she would choose her brother.

'It's time for me to assess that person myself.'

*****

A/N:- sis-con alert?

Well, her whole family is like that. Drop a comment if you are excited about the battle.