SWNOVELXO Chapter 2: A Peculiar Scene as Observed by the Veteran Butler
Chapter 2: A Peculiar Scene as Observed by the Veteran Butler
Jürgen Hoss.
I have been serving the Lindblum Marquis family as a butler for many years, and I am currently facing a profound dilemma.
Young Master Vanitas.
The 15-year-old heir of the Lindblum family, the Marquis’ legitimate son, and the potential successor, with two younger sisters.
Young Master Vanitas fell into a treacherous and seemingly bottomless swamp during a distant expedition on horseback.
One of the accompanying slaves managed to rescue him, but he remains unconscious and in critical condition.
Even after consulting Dr. Dominic, the Marquis’ appointed physician, the cause of his inexplicable high fever remains unknown, and he has been writhing in agony for three days and nights.
Surprisingly, the young master has now miraculously regained his health, as if the high fever was nothing more than a lie. He appears bored as he reads history books while lying on his bed.
Initially, he seemed troubled by something, but then he commanded us, “It’s dull just lying here. Bring me books from my father’s library. Yes, any books on this world’s history, or anything, really. Just bring them all.”
Books piled up next to the bed.
What shocked me was the young master’s extraordinary speed in reading them.
I even wonder if he truly comprehends them, given the pace that is almost disrespectful.
…In the past, the young master never bothered with studying.
He spent his days parading around the Marquis’ territory, accompanied by slaves he had persuaded his parents to purchase.
Although no official complaints were made, representatives from the town discreetly reported to Ernst-sama.
“Please, put an end to Vanitas-sama’s tyranny.”
“In town, one of the slaves was kicked for no reason… It’s so pitiful to see that girl.”
If I step just a bit into the town, I can hear the voices of the people condemning the young master’s actions, and his bad reputation has spread far and wide.
Even at the Magic Academy, there are no favorable rumors.
He is among the aristocracy who are under the Marquis’ authority, leading a self-indulgent life with three slaves, doing whatever he pleases… A scoundrel.
It is unbearable to hear, but I cannot deny it, which is the hardest part.
As someone in his service, I cannot utter such things even if it tears me apart.
Ernst-sama and Lady Lavinia are truly patient.
In his childhood, Young Master Vanitas was such a gentle and kind-hearted child.
I can vividly recall the scene where he picked flowers and made flower crowns as presents for Lady Lavinia.
Ernst-sama would forget all his daily fatigue, and he would carry the young master on his back as they returned home.
If only that incident, no, accident had never happened, the young master would not have become the target of everyone’s scorn.
I regret it deeply, but what about the current young master?
As he reads book after book, he looks dignified, and even his facial expression seems different from before.
Not only the maids but also he treats me with politeness and courtesy, using entirely different language.
It’s as if he has been replaced by a completely different person.
What happened to the young master?
During his struggle with the high fever, he kept muttering his parents’ names repeatedly. What on earth happened to the young master?
But…
“Eek!”
“Huh? Oh, my apologies. It just happened…”
The young master touched the maid’s buttocks.
…These aspects remain unchanged from before.
His hand skillfully caresses the maid while reading a book with ease.
“…Perhaps it’s unconscious behavior?”
Aspects that have changed and those that haven’t.
A feeling of discomfort lingers within me.
However, I suspect that this feeling won’t persist for long.
During a meal with the fully recovered young master.
It is at this moment that I gain insight into the true nature of Young Master Vanitas.
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