Chapter 18: A conflicting feeling

A week or so had passed since I became Anastasia's aka villainess' butler here in the castle of Punit, the capital of Flareottems.

Since I was appointed as a servant in the cleaning category, it didn't take me long to adjust my routine between my other tasks like studying, training my muscles, writing possible plots that this world would take, and how can I escape from here.

For now, I can work my way to getting stronger, but I had to escape from this place.

Anyway, I was alive even after confessing to the duke's wife. I didn't think he knew or ignored it, but I better not pry. I hadn't met him, so I can't say for sure.

Kasumi also helped me a lot to adjust to the capital. If you ignore her toxic mouth, she is a capable maid for taking care of any task given.

Shin also gave me hints about how I should act like a proper butler from time to time.

I also met Lady Alexi from time to time, but we couldn't continue a relaxing conversation because of her poor health.

If there was one person who wouldn't let me catch my breath was Anastasia.

"Hey butler, didn't I tell you always to replace Green Daylilies?! What is this red filth doing here?!"

"Milady, Green Daylilies don't bloom regularly, especially in the garden, so I thought about decorating the vase with different flowers," I answered with veins popping on my forehead.

We were in the tea room, where she was throwing tantrums as usual. Some other maids were also present, but she paid them no heed; instead, she kept rumbling on me. I was getting annoyed.

Every single day, she would create a lot of problems for me.

She would break the glass on purpose and ask me to clean it with my hands. She would yell at me if I left even a speck of dust or spilled some tea.

No matter what I tried, she would mortify me with no sense.

Even though I was an adult and a forbearing person, I was still a 12 years old child. She started to get on my nerves. I didn't know how long I could endure her.

"We can bring more from the capital, so don't you dare try something on your own!"

"Very well, I understand."

Today, I replaced Green Daylilies with Peonies since they provide a sweet odor, but Anastasia started complaining. She was allergic to Green Daylilies but always asked for them because Prince Arthur liked them. I felt stupid trying to do something good for her.

I removed the flowers from the vase and was about to leave when she asked, "Where are you taking them?"

"To burn them since you don't need them."

I wanted to take them to my room, but I was pissed.

"Humph. Let them be. It will be a waste of time." She said with rosy cheeks, clearly liking the flowers I brought.

'Then don't complain in the first place!' I was enraged inside.

Then she smirked and placed another absurd demand.

"The chair is dusty. Become my chair."

The hell?!

"Milady, I am a butler. Not a chair." I said, trying to look at the other maid, but they reluctantly reverted their eyes. Arg, where the hell is Kasumi?!

"Then what good use do you have?!"

"I don't know. Maybe you should learn to use a butler before hiring (enslaving) one!" I raised my voice.

"How dare you raise your voice at me!? I am the lady of Flareottems and your master!!"

"And I am your freaking butler, not your bitc- slave!!"

I didn't hold back this time and answered her with equal rage. Even maids started to panic, but no one came closer to stop us.

It was then she raised her hand and slapped my cheek.

"…" I widened my eyes, speechless as to why I was being treated like this.

Turning around, I saw pure rage and disgust in Anastasia's eyes.

"How dare you…? You filthy commoner, how dare you disrespect me?! I went my way to request for you to be my servant…! But you… Do you know who I am?! I am Anastasia Silkia Flareottems, future-"

"Future grand duchess, but you are nothing but just a spoiled brat! I don't care how much I can earn from this job, but if it requires me to be humiliated daily, I don't want to be here anymore." I cut her midway, ripped my tie, and slammed it on the floor. "I fu*king quit."

I started walking.

I didn't care if I would be executed or tortured to death, but I wouldn't stay there any longer. My tolerance level just got hit.

I was about to walk out of the room when my instincts detected danger, and I flipped on the right side, avoiding several sharp icicles that froze the door, but one was able to cut my shoulder skin.

[-1 HP for taking damage.]

"How dare you show me your back and walk like that…!?"

Turning around, I saw Anastasia first time properly using her ice manipulation ability but what took my breath away was the pure rage in her eyes. They were burning with the desire to kill someone.

I had seen them. In the game, whenever Anastassia gets pissed, she rips her opponents apart whenever she gets annoyed. I could see that happening now.

'But what's this?'

Just for a brief moment, I felt her emotions! Her whole existence was expressing her anger and desperation for needing someone.

'Sigh, I don't like doing it….' I sighed and picked my dagger out of my belt. I always kept the blade in case of unexpected danger, but I didn't expect to use it against the person I was supporting to serve.

"Then be it on your way!" I said, spinning my dagger in my hand before taking a stance.

'Vivi, what are my chances of winning against her?'

[Vivi: 68%]

That was more than enough to stop her.

I knew that the room was equipped with defensive magic weapons that could nullify any magic skill or spell cast other than Anastasia or anyone from the family. So I couldn't use my Shadow Hide to avoid her attacks.

My chances were average.

I also noticed Shin peeking from the door, ready to take action, but I ignored him. I had to focus on the berserker in front of me.

"I will kill you!" She screamed and shot several sharp icicles.

It was easy for me, who had [Instinct] passive skill, to dodge them or use my daggers to reflect/cut the icicles as I ran towards her.

[-1 HP for taking damage.]

[-1 HP for taking damage.]

I wasn't used to this type of combat, so I took some damage but nothing major. I just took some minor cuts, but it wasn't a problem.

Unlike me, who had a fair share of combat experience, she was just a child holding a pistol.

While I was sprinting towards Anastasia, the maids who were standing began to move to stop me, but I was fast.

Soon I was in front of her.

Finding me near with a dagger in my hand, she was stunned. She tried to speak, but words didn't come out of her mouth. She closed her wet eyes.

I smirked, raised my hand to finish the person and…

Flicked!

"Ouch!" Anastasia moaned and opened her eyes wide while rubbing her forehead where I had just flicked. She raised her head and looked at me with confusion.

"You are a troublesome brat, huh?" I smiled.

"I-I am not a brat! I am the heir of…."

"Yes, yes. You are the heir of blah blah and so on, but calm down, okay?" I smiled and started patting her gently.

"Don't touch me. I am… Prince Arthur…" She tried to step back with rosy cheek and watery eyes, but I continued to smile and pat her.

I was angry, but I understood. I was not a children man, but I for that moment, I want to caress her head and ensure her that she wasn't alone. She is just a child. She was just frustrated and needed attention.

I started to develop new feelings where I wanted to save this child, the same feelings when I found her first time. Maybe there was something wrong with me.

I ignored such thoughts.

I raised my hand and gestured to the maids to leave us alone. It was not like they were of any help. They were reluctant to abide by my order, but they eventually left after seeing Shin outside the room.

"It's okay, Miss Ann. I am here." I smiled. She widened her eyes when I called her a false name or nickname.

She turned her head down with rosy cheeks, and tears started dropping from her eyes.

"Idiot…"

Ah, children are troublesome, but I was also one. Who am I complaining?

I didn't know why I had such conflicting feelings. One part of me wanted to run away from here, and one wanted to stick by the villainess's side forever.