Aiming to be the perfect butler for my lady

"Big Sister...are you sure about this? There are many uncertainties in your plan and your destination is very difficult to reach. Are you sure, you would be okay?" Charlotte couldn't help but smile at her little brother, who was undoubtedly worried for her.

Not only he, but her mother also seemed concerned despite how encouraging she sounded previously.

Crouching a little, the brown-haired girl, ruffled his hair slightly as she conveyed her thoughts, "Don't worry about me, Rey. Regardless of hurdles, your big sister is confident to cross them all."

Charlotte has recently decided to enroll in the Starfall Academy. The reason for her sudden change in decision arises from the desperation she has been feeling for the past few days.

'Stop trapping yourself in your past and strive for a better future.' His every word had been etched on her mind and following his words, she was heading to the place where she hoped to find her future.

"Are you sure you will find him there, though? Although that person was strong he didn't show any sign of being a Divine Awakened." Her little brother, who was only a year apart, asked in a doubtful tone.

Just like everyone, Rey also has heard the feat that the masked man achieved before he disappeared. The young boy knew the intention behind his sister's sudden change of mind. However, if that savior wasn't a Divine Awakened then there was no point in going to the Starfall Academy—which only allows a Light User to enroll.

Rey and the older lady whom they call, 'Mother', were startled upon seeing that thin smile lifting Charlotte's lips.

It was unusual to see her smiling like this so evilly.

What neither of them noticed was the parchment Charlotte held in her hand, which was the sole clue she had to find her savior.

Turning her attention to particularly no one, Charlotte uttered in a tone, that sounded passionate rather than confident,

"Oh, you don't have to worry about it. I will surely find him, even if I have to take some extreme steps. "

Charlotte didn't have any life goals until now other than to ensure a good future for her mother and her siblings. However, now, along with that motive, her entire being was encouraged to meet that person to whom Charlotte owes a 'Thanks'.

Clutching the parchment in her hand, she muttered under her breath,

'Wherever you are Kyle....I will make sure to find you. '

[A/N: (⁠⊙⁠_⁠◎⁠)]

************

It has been some days since Kyle and Alatia returned to Belur and were engaged in their everyday work as usual.

Kyle was exempted from his daily duties since he still was recovering.

Maria was extremely concerned about his sudden disappearance but thankfully Collen had sent a mail beforehand which allowed her to take a breath of relief.

However, once her eyes laid on the bandaged Kyle, injured and broken, she was once again reminded, of how reckless Kyle could be.

Like a mother, she scolded him for a good hour, and Alatia supported Maria for her actions.

Kyle needed to learn some self-restraint.

It has been some days since he was verbally punished by Maria. Currently, he was lying on his bed with his eyes wide open—even though it was five in the morning.

Kyle has developed the habit of waking early in the morning without setting an alarm(an hourglass artifact that sounds like a gong once the sand is transferred entirely.)

Today he was going to meet the Great Sage and possibly get rejected by her. He would be concealing his identity from her, but his mysterious impression wouldn't urge her to take him under her wing.

The Great Sage admires talent and respects hard work. Although Kyle can handle the latter part, he doesn't possess such incredible talent to be taught by one of the living legends.

Moreover, he is a Curse Magic user.

'...it would be so beneficial if she accepts me tho...' In six months, the Academy begins. If Kyle could get some training from the Sage then he would be able to ensure a better future for himself and Alatia.

Now that Alatia and Kyle were together(almost) Kyle wasn't letting those situations occur which would bring Logan and Alatia close. To substitute Logan from those incidents, Kyle needs to build his strength.

If there was anything positive about his resolve, then it was the fact that he had unlocked his Third Socket.

The medium through which he channels magic in his body and charges up the straw dolls.

Before his battle against the Gnome, Kyle has a feeling that he is reaching his limit. After facing those demonic creatures finally, the frost over the Third Socket melted and he awakened for the third time.

Now Kyle's magical abilities would increase dramatically and he would be able to utilize high-ranking magic more frequently without worrying about exhaustion.

As such getting trained by a professional seemed more desirable now.

However, Kyle didn't raise his expectations and just hoped that the Sage wouldn't kick him out...

*******

After breakfast, Alatia and Kyle boarded the carriage which was heading toward the training center where the Sage teaches very few students.

"You are unusually nervous today, Kyle." Alatia couldn't help smiling at her butler, who was fidgeting at his place like a child who was about to see his report card.

"I just...don't want to make you feel ashamed."

Alatia raised her brows, "You can never make me feel ashamed, Kyle. I am very much proud of you. "

Kyle's movement halted and his face took the shade of a setting sun. At times like these, the last thing he wants to hear is...those kinds of words from Alatia. Those kind of words that make his heart restless.

"...seriously, Alatia, aren't you being a little too aggressive these days?"

Alatia, who was honestly unaware of what she said to gain such a reaction, adorably tilted her head to the left.

'Well, he looks better now...' Alatia smiled at that. She was content with anything until she could keep up that smile on him.

It didn't take long, mostly because they had many topics to converse about before the duo reached their destination.

A small part of the town is surrounded by tall walls that cannot be climbed until the ambusher isn't well-experienced in their job. And even if they succeed in climbing up, the long poisonous spikes awaiting at the crown might prove to be fatal.

This separate section was created on special orders from the central ministry in Belur last year after the Great Sage agreed to teach Alatia.

The two got off the carriage and stood side by side. Kyle has already worn a wooden mask to hide his face for obvious reasons.

The entrance of the Sage grounds only opens from the inside.

Alatia was about to call out and inform about her arrival when suddenly the large steel gate suddenly pushed open and revealed the figure of an elderly-looking woman with her eyes widened apart.

Alatia was naturally startled and so was Kyle upon witnessing the woman all of a sudden.

However, their surprise didn't stop the old woman from approaching Kyle and raising her hand toward him.

"Master. " Alatia placed herself between them and shielded Kyle behind her.

The old woman frowned and stated, "If I wanted to harm him, I wouldn't have shown myself in the first place."

Alatia didn't waver from her stance and responded, "I am aware, master, but I can't take a chance to let you touch him until you have a reason."

Kyle panicked behind her. He believed that Alatia was being a little too cautious but as someone who knows the Sage closely, Alatia was being sensible—well, from her perspective she was.

The old lady's frown deepened as she kept her gaze steady on Alatia. In response, Alatia also retained her gaze without showing any signs of backing off.

Amidst the wordless battle of the two, the older one yielded first, "Alright fine. I won't touch your man. But once he enters the place don't expect the same mercy from me again."

The old lady turned around and began walking inside—much to Alatia's surprise as she glanced towards Kyle and soon asked the Sage.

"Master...that means you accept him as your student?"

There was no response from the lady but that was enough for an answer.

Alatia held Kyle's hand and looked up at him with her eyes turned crescent,

"Let's go, Kyle. You are the thirtieth student of the Great Sage. "

Kyle, who hasn't spoken a word after getting off the carr

iage, only could let himself get dragged by his lady.

'... seriously, what kind of twisted situation has this turned into?'