Villain Family’s Strongest Butler

As you wish.”

With this curt remark, giving me free rein as to how to address him, our grand tour of the colossal Grand Duke’s estate resumed.

At first, the old man – Count Norbert – had me memorize every twist and turn of the main building’s corridors. Later that afternoon, he had me learn the locations of the outbuildings behind the main residence. By the time we were done scurrying around, the sun was setting.

My stomach rumbled.
Norbert shot me a sideways glance with a look of mild disgust.

“We just ate two hours ago.”

“Yes, but ‘Teacher’ has been dragging me around all day,” I replied under my breath. Two hours is more than enough time to digest a meal.

Norbert clicked his tongue in annoyance. It was obvious that he didn’t appreciate being called “Teacher”, especially by someone as suspicious as me – an amnesiac stranger he had been ready to kill not so long ago.

Still, didn’t it seem unfair to withhold food as punishment? Feeling rather wronged, I trudged on behind him.

“You must never go to the fifth floor of the main residence,” he warned me again, leading me through the last corridor. “It’s off-limits. Don’t even think about sneaking up there.”

“What’s up there?”

“There’s no reason for you to know.”

“Right.”

I answered plainly. I had no idea what might be there, but in my current state, even if I wanted to investigate, I wouldn’t have the strength.

After his parting warning, we left through the back door of the main building. Outside, the magnificent outbuildings came into view in the evening light. Their symmetrical design, illuminated by lanterns, made them look like a small, splendid city of their own.

I have to admit, the Grand Duke’s estate is incredible.

But it wasn’t just the size.

After following Norbert around all day, I’d discovered something else:
Even though there had been so many assassination attempts here – enough to kill many butlers – there was no sense of fear or unease among the staff. Instead, conversations were often tinged with quiet concern for the Grand Duke himself.

This spoke volumes about their loyalty and trust in him.

In addition, I remembered the mountain of paperwork on his desk-if a lord ignores his people, he hardly buries himself in documents.

He actually listens to the people of his realm.

I’d heard that Grand Duke Vallot’s domain rivaled the imperial capital in size. Coupled with the rumors of how many vassals he had following him (not to mention the generous salary and benefits of the estate as stated in my contract), it was obvious he was both wealthy and competent.

Yes, even in just one day, I can see it clearly.
The Grand Duke is not a brute who only wields a sword.

I had to acknowledge his skills. But it also meant that I could never let my guard down.

After all, we were enemies.
In the end, either I or the Grand Duke would probably fall – along with one of our realms. That’s how wars end.

When my strength returns…

The thought I’d tried to push away reappeared.

If I manage to become as strong as before, I’ll overthrow the Grand Duke and return to the Tenasis Empire with his head.

There was no doubt that the Grand Duke was far more dangerous than the calm exterior of this household suggested.

I also knew a little about life in Tenasis: Prince Serhin had maintained a secret entourage under the Emperor’s nose, and I’d been the leader of a secret assassination squad known as Ariad. We’d tried and failed many times to kill the Grand Duke; he was simply beyond our reach.

But now… I was living right under his nose.

This is the perfect opportunity.

Yes. I had to hurry and regain my former strength.

Thinking about how to deal with the Grand Duke in the future, I followed Norbert back to the western annex where the staff quarters were located. At the entrance he turned to me.

“That’s all for today. You can go to your room and rest.”

The relief in my voice was obvious. “So that means work is officially over for the day?”

He nodded.

“On regular days with no special events, things usually wind down around this hour. Not everything stops, though – work in the smithy and guard patrols are done in shifts around the clock, and the main kitchen stays open late to prepare ingredients for the next day’s meals.”

“Understood.”

I kept his words in my head. If I got stuck working in the kitchen, I’d lose valuable training time, so I had to avoid that at all costs.

Just as he was about to leave, I called out, “Teacher.

He half turned, frowning at my choice of address. “Yes? What is it now?”

“I have a favor to ask… Can I use the training yard when my work is done for the day?”

Norbert’s eyebrow shot up, his sharp gaze narrowing even more.

“The training yard is off-limits when the knights aren’t there. Of course, some random recruit can’t use it.”

“I figured as much.”

Right – an unidentified stranger like me wouldn’t be allowed near anything Knight-related.

“But why do you want it exactly?”

This was the question I’d been waiting for. I answered frankly.

“I need to build up my endurance.”

“…”

“I have to admit, following you around today made me realize that my stamina is far worse than yours – even though you’re, um, older.”

I added that using the gym after hours would be the fastest way to strengthen my body.

For a moment, Norbert just stared. Then his expression changed to one of displeasure.

“So the daily work of the staff seemed trivial to you, did it? You thought it was easy?”

“No, that’s a misunderstanding, teacher. I’m not belittling the staff’s duties. I just…”

“Enough.”

He cut me off, looking as if he’d taken offense, perhaps suspecting that I was mocking the staff. That hadn’t been my intention. I was half dead from running around, for God’s sake, but I didn’t want to admit it.

Maybe I should find another place to train…’ I thought.

Just then-

“Fine.”

“…Pardon?”

He agreed?

Norbert curled his lip into a slightly threatening smile.

“I’ve already placed a book in your room – one filled with the basics that every employee of House Vallot is expected to know.”

“…”

“Memorize every bit of it by this time tomorrow. If you succeed, I won’t just let you use the knights’ training ground…”

He paused, nodding to himself as if an idea had formed.

“Yes, that would be best.”

Then he turned back to me.

“I’ll set up a private training area just for you. That way you won’t bump into the knights at all.”

A personal gym?!

I saw no reason to hesitate. This was a dream come true – no one to watch me, no one to interrupt.

“Deal,” I said immediately.

“You think you can do it?”

I nodded.

“By this time tomorrow, I’ll show you that I can do this job to your satisfaction. But please keep your promise – about the private training room.”

“I’m not one to go back on my word.”

He said it with iron certainty.

After we parted, I hurried back to my quarters.

A personal training room, huh… This is fantastic.

I’d memorize five or even ten books if I had to.

But when I entered my room and saw the single volume lying on the desk, I muttered to myself,

“That old man…incredible.”