Aiming to be the perfect butler for my lady

It has been some months since Kyle began training under the Great Sage without revealing his identity. The Sage never asked nor did Kyle ever seem keen on sharing who he is.

The training regime of Kyle was a lot different from the other ones. He wasn't even trained in the presence of other students, except for Alatia. When Kyle arrives, everyone else departs.

The preferential treatment was allowed either because the Sage favors him or she suspects that someone would inform the security about the fact that the Sage is teaching a Dark magic user. Regardless, Kyle never asked since given the grumpy personality of the Sage, he only opened his mouth to raise reasonable questions.

His training mostly involved him training most of the basic flame spells and getting better at them with time. Kyle knew the mechanism of the spells, but he wasted too much energy even in a one-circle spell.

Sage took several weeks to determine his shortcomings, noted his mistakes, and then started to train him.

Alatia was happy to see that Kyle was improving in his strength and overcoming his weakness. She couldn't remember how many times he thanked her for this opportunity.

And just like that, four months passed.

******

[Alatia's POV:]

"You need to be careful, Kyle. You can't be too confident in your skills just because you have mastered it." Warning Kyle has become one of my habits these days.

I knew he was reckless, but training alongside him made me realize how much I underestimated him. He can go to some abrupt lengths to accomplish a goal he sets.

Just like now, when he was casting a dragon made entirely of flames with the use of a single circle spell. He went overboard with it and in an attempt to extinguish the flames, he ended up burning his hands.

"Knowing I would be nursed by such a beautiful healer, I sometimes intentionally get hurt."

....well, although that made me happy, I still pinched his wrist.

"Ou! That stings..."

"Oh really?" I raised my brows and thinned my lips in a smile. So something can hurt him, huh?

A brief silence ensued between us, before I asked him something casually, "Kyle...don't you feel the silence from the Capital, a little eerie?"

Hearing my words, he didn't show any sign of being concerned. As I expected, he must have already thought about it.

"...Indeed, it's a little odd that your brothers are still quiet even though they must have been informed about your confrontation with Prince Edmund. However, I think I know the reason behind it."

"Father's tour around the continent?" I asked curiously.

"It seems so. The report of what happened must have reached the eldest prince since your youngest brother majorly remains confined in his room right?"

"Yes. Ellis doesn't like to go out much." Ellis is just a year older than me and in a way, we are similar when it comes to our likes and dislikes. Although I am not that extreme, I also don't like meeting people and going out regularly.

"Hmm...that means Prince Edward has decided to keep it hidden. But he wouldn't let us off the hook until Your Majesty returns."

That made me slightly anxious as I asked, "You mean...he is spying on us?"

Kyle shook his head, "I check my surroundings every now and then; especially when we are together. However, I found nothing."

I heaved a sigh, but it was short-lived. I suddenly remembered something which I had forgotten to warn him about,

"Kyle, Starfall Academy will conduct a test of the servants just after the entrance ceremony. Whatever happens, please don't use your magic in those events."

Kyle wryly smiled as he informed me, "I know, Ala. I am not an idiot to announce being a Dark Mage in front of those many eyes. My life as your attendant at the Academy would end before it could even begin."

I nodded slowly to that. I know Kyle can be a battle junkie at times, but he wasn't an egoist who would try to surpass the other examinee just because he has the strength.

I was wrong to suspect him. I shouldn't have gotten worried about this in the first place.

"Alatia." Hearing the Master's voice I turned to look at the entrance of the house where she lives. We were sitting at the far end of the training ground and she was standing under the light so I wasn't able to see what expression she had. However, I had a feeling that she was quite serious right now.

She didn't say anything and walked back inside the house.

"She wants to talk to you. Go." Kyle urged me; already quite familiar with master's behavior.

I couldn't help sighing as I took out a potion and gave it to Kyle.

Kyle made a bewildered face before asking what I expected, "You said you don't have any more potions left?"

I flashed him a smile that I don't show to anyone else and confessed, "I just wanted to spend some time with you."

The expression he had, upon hearing my words was priceless.

I love him.

*******

[Third Person POV:]

"You called me, Master?" As Alatia entered the house where only the Sage resides, she asked in a low tone—not wanting to disturb the serenity of the place.

The outer room was huge and unlike most houses, this room was not devoted to reception. There was no sofas or even a chair. Every single spot of this place was allowed to plants and herbs.

Some were hanging from the ceiling and some were sprouting from the ground. It was a miniature garden in Alatia's perception.

The owner of the place remained standing at her place—near one of the herbal plants that Alatia failed to recognize.

"You know this plant?"

"No, I don't." Alatia had no shame in announcing that she wasn't omniscient.

The older one explained, "This is called Paircubs."

Alatia was tempted to take another look at the plant now that the focus on conversation was directed at it.

The said plant was a small bonsai-like tree with two finger-thick hard stems protruding from the base and intertwined in a tight embrace. The small tree continued to grow up to one meter where a single flower rested.

The flower wasn't anything peculiar. Just a pretty red and black flower with seven thick petals. It didn't have any particular scent...or maybe Alatia wasn't able to sense it?

"I failed to recognize its importance, Master." Alatia couldn't understand what was so unique about this plant that she was invited in here—a place where very few students are allowed to enter.

The older one remained silent before she pointed toward the flower in a tired manner, "Do you know, that flower cannot be plucked like other flowers. It takes a lot of strength to pluck them."

Alatia raised her brows. Was her master asking Alatia to show her prowess on these petals?

Alatia doubted, that's why she still could be seen rooted at her spot.

The Sage turned to look at Alatia with a peculiar look in her eyes, as she asked, "But there is a far easier method to destroy the flower....do you know how?"

Alatia shook her head.

The older one wordlessly turned her attention back to the plant before she held the intertwined branches separately with the fingers of both hands and very gently plucked them apart.

Under Alatia's surprised gaze, once the branches separated, the full-bloomed flower shredded all its petals and turned lifeless in an instant.

Alatia slowly came to a realisation which brought a frown on her face. However, to be certain, she needed to ask,

"Master...what are you implying by all this?"

The older one slowly walked around the cluster of plants in the middle of the room, and without looking at the other person, she began,

"The Paircubs flower defines you and your companion. Together, you cannot be defeated but once you drift apart, you both won't survive."

Taking a pause, she corrected herself, "Well, he won't for sure."

Alatia's eyes have turned solemn—an expression which she adapts to hide her real emotions.

Alatia didn't say anything as she saw the older one halting in front of her with her eyes drawn toward Alatia.

There was no hostility that Alatia could find in those eyes. The Sage purely seemed indifferent

However, her following words changed Alatia's perception,

"Listen Alatia, there would come a time when the world would be against your companion. Both sides might merge to oppose him. He would be all alone...all cornered. At that time, you have to be with him. Understood?"

Alatia exhaled a breath, which she was holding for who knows how long.

Softly she nodded, even though Alatia had a lot to ask.

In response, the Sage smiled at her student and patted her head softly.

"I wish the best for you two."

********

A/N:- Hmm~ I hope that explains some of the things.

The first volume concludes here. I hope you guys liked the story so far and continue to read it in the future as well.

Okay then, see ya next time~