The Butler's Unexpected Offer
The Duchess smiled gently at me as I stood frozen in place. Facing the lady of the Northern Archduke's household, I could do nothing but fidget awkwardly.
"I... I think I must have misheard you. You want me to become a butler..."
"You heard correctly."
"......"
No. What qualifications did I even have? Objectively speaking, I was the last person suited to be a butler. I didn't particularly enjoy serving others, either.
"...Then, may I ask why you're making me this offer?"
Since I couldn't fathom any reason why they would want me as a butler, I decided to be honest. The Duchess pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Because you saved our daughter. And... I find you quite likable."
".....Pardon?"
"Ahaha. Not in that way. I simply found it impressive how you didn't shrink back even when facing us."
Was that really such a big deal? I'd only felt slightly intimidated.
"Besides, if you become our butler, you'll receive benefits beyond anything you can imagine."
When I remained silent, the Archduke added his own words. Well... of course. Even a butler would receive unimaginable perks and salary. Plenty of people would covet this position.
'The money would be nice, but...'
Money was important, but something else mattered more to me right now.
"Um... If I become a butler, I'd have to live in this castle, right?"
"You'll be able to go out often, but... mostly, yes."
"...I have children I need to take care of. If I stay here, they'd be left behind..."
The reason I wanted to earn money. The reason I'd accepted any grueling errand without complaint. It was all for the children at the orphanage. If it meant abandoning them to save only myself, I'd gladly refuse.
"I see. So you have children to look after..."
"How can one young man be so kind..."
The Archduke and Duchess gazed at me with curious, almost admiring eyes, as if I were some remarkable child.
"Then how about this?"
The Archduke cleared his throat and made me an offer.
"We'll take responsibility for the children. We'll provide them with quality meals, playtime, and anything they need. And you'll be allowed to visit them at least once a week."
I froze at the sheer generosity of the proposal. All this, just for me becoming a butler? It was practically charity—far more than I deserved.
"...I don't understand why you'd go this far for me."
I spoke my honest feelings. I'd only done what any decent person would do. Was I really allowed to receive such an overwhelming reward?
"You're a benefactor to our family. You deserve this much compensation."
"Thanks to you, our miracle was able to return."
"...I see."
If they were going to put it that way... there was no reason to refuse. Especially when it meant the children who survived on nothing but bread each day in a freezing orphanage would finally receive proper support. Enduring a little discomfort and awkwardness on my part seemed like a small price to pay for such blessings.
"I'll do my best. Please take care of me!"
"A wise choice."
"We'll be counting on you, Butler Venice."
I bowed ninety degrees to the Archduke as he extended his hand for a handshake. Afterward, I signed the contract he provided. Just like that, I went from living day to day to becoming the butler of the Northern Archduke's household overnight.
"Take care of me, Venice."
"Please take care of me as well, Lady Erielle."
And not just any butler—Erielle Frost's personal butler.
***
"...Does this make sense to you now?"
"Hmm... Yes. I think I understand for the most part."
After signing the contract, I immediately began butler training under Everton, the head butler of House Frost. Contrary to my expectations of something extremely strict and difficult, the lessons were surprisingly simple. I was to carry out whatever tasks the head butler or the archducal family requested. Greet the family members with proper respect. Keep my uniform neat. And since I was assigned as Lady Erielle's personal butler, I was to address her as "my lady" and faithfully attend to her needs.
That was all.
'It's... much simpler than I thought.'
Even the worry that a single mistake might cost me my life proved unfounded. Most errors would be overlooked. The harsh remnants of the past had faded with time. Unlike the old days when butlers and servants were treated like slaves, they were now regarded as equals. Was this... one of the benefits of serving House Frost? Being a butler here meant nothing more than completing straightforward tasks.
'Of course, that doesn't mean I'll slack off.'
They'd trusted me enough to hire me, so I would do my best—even if I wasn't perfect. It was only proper respect toward House Frost.
Let's work hard. This opportunity is precious, after all!
With that resolve, I set out to find work.
"Ugh... What should I do..."
While wandering the halls of Frost Castle, I spotted a maid stomping her feet in front of a bookshelf. She looked like she needed help, so I approached her.
"Excuse me... Do you need any assistance?"
"Huh? You... Are you the new guy who started today?"
"That's probably me. My name is Venice. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Well... I can't reach it with my arms."
Ah. Looking closer, the maid was staring up at a rather tall bookshelf. She'd probably tried to grab a book but couldn't reach it.
"Ah, I'll help you."
Fetching a book was simple enough. I pulled out the books from the shelf. They were quite thick and heavy.
"Hup... Where should I move these? I'll carry them for you."
"R-Really? Just load them onto the cart over there."
I walked over to the cart piled with books and neatly stacked them.
"Whew. These are pretty heavy. That must've been tough for you."
Judging by her slender arms, she must have struggled quite a bit.
"Y-Yeah... Thanks... Asking a newbie for help like this. I must look pathetic, huh?"
"Not at all."
Seeing her face darken with self-reproach, I answered immediately. Why would she think that? As long as she did her best, wasn't that enough?
"...Really?"
"Yes, of course. And... if you ever need help, just call for me anytime, senior."
"Hic! U-Uuu...!"
The moment I smiled and said that, her face turned bright red, as if she were in pain. Her pale complexion flushed crimson like a tomato.
"Are you feeling unwell somewhere? Let me—"
"Uh... Uhhh!! Hueeeh..."
Something was wrong. She didn't seem to have a fever. The maid's eyes began to spin.
"I-I'm fine... Really, I'm okay...!"
"Hmm... If you say so. Make sure to get treatment if you're sick. I'll be going now!"
"Y-Yeah... Bye... Venice..."
Holding in pain was never good. After giving her that advice, I moved on to find more work. Just then, I spotted another maid sweating nervously while staring at large boxes. Without hesitation, I headed straight toward her.
***
"Whew... I'll be going now, then."
"U-Uh... Bye! Venice...! Thanks!"
After bidding farewell to the maid, I wiped the sweat streaming down my face and finally caught my breath. True to the size of this massive castle, there was an endless amount of work. No sooner had I finished one task than another appeared right in front of me.
Well, none of it was particularly difficult. Just things I could handle, so it was fine. After tirelessly seeking out tasks and helping wherever I could, the sun had set and night had fallen before I knew it.
'Let's see... The time.'
Checking the grandfather clock in the hallway, it read 9:50. According to the contract, a butler's workday ended at 10, so it was time to finish up and rest.
"...Oh, right. I need to greet Lady Erielle before leaving."
As her personal butler, I was required to report to Erielle both at the start and end of each day. Feeling a bit of fatigue, I figured I'd greet her quickly and get some sleep. I headed toward the room I'd memorized.
After walking briskly, I arrived right in front of Erielle's door. It was firmly shut. She had to be inside.
Knock, knock, knock—
"...Lady Erielle. It's Venice. I'll be taking my leave for the day."
I knocked on the wooden door and waited for her response. Calling someone "my lady" still felt embarrassingly unfamiliar. It was probably my first time doing so in my life.
"...Where do you think you're going."
"....Pardon?"
Beyond the closed door came Erielle's quiet, cold voice.
...Where am I going? Back to my room, obviously.
"Come inside my room."
"............"
Thunder roared in my heart, and alarm bells blared in my mind.
She wanted me to enter the young lady's room?
'Am I in big trouble here?'
Venice. Age 19 (clone body). Not even a full day into being a butler, and already facing a crisis.