The Terminally Ill Prince is the Mad Dog of the Underworld (Novel) - Chapter 24
Chapter 24. The Duty of a Butler
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Discord
Count Aiden welcomed a guest into his office.
“I greet you, Head Butler.”
“Enough of that. There’s no need for formality between us. It’s just the two of us here, isn’t it?”
“My apologies, Uncle.”
“You’re still so stiff.”
Aiden, the head butler, smiled faintly as he looked at Olivier, his most cherished nephew and pupil.
It was a rare sight that would have surprised many. Few people had ever seen the head butler’s smile, said to be as rare as the feathers of a phoenix.
“How is the young master?”
“Well, that is…”
Olivier hesitated, something he rarely did, and Aiden let out a hearty laugh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this.”
“It’s hard to sum him up in just a few words.”
Of course, it was difficult to easily understand the changes in Allenbert, who had regained the memories of his past life as Karzan.
“That’s fine. It’s better not to define the master you serve too easily.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You’ve never needed to be told things twice, so I won’t nag further.”
Aiden, head butler of the Duke of Grünewald and head of House Borgart, looked at his nephew, who resembled him the most.
He had personally taught Olivier everything—his duties as a butler, his mindset, etiquette, and even martial arts. Olivier was more like a son than a nephew to him.
“After serving him for a few days, I now understand why you appointed me as the young master’s butler.”
“I’m glad you understand my intentions. At first, it must have felt like a demotion.”
“…No, it didn’t.”
“You’re still not very good at lying.”
“Apologies.”
Olivier bowed his head respectfully, like a student before his teacher.
“I’ve always felt sorry for you.”
“I know.”
“If only you had been born five years earlier.”
Being born in the right era is part of one’s fortune. Despite Olivier’s abilities, he was held back by his age.
“Rather than remaining one of many butlers serving the head of the house, I wanted you to become the sole butler serving one of our future lords who would eventually spread their wings.”
It was a sentiment he couldn’t help but feel because they were family.
“But by the time you came of age, all those worth serving already had their own butlers.”
Truthfully, he hadn’t felt inclined to send Olivier to serve Baklava, the youngest fifth prince.
As a result, Olivier had spent time in patience without being given a position that matched his abilities.
“I even considered sending you to another family.”
Olivier smiled faintly.
“Still, I wanted to remain with Grünewald.”
“How could I not understand that?”
The change in Allenbert after waking from his illness had relieved Aiden of his worries.
“I know it was a bit of a hasty decision on my part.”
“No. In fact, I was impressed by your insight in recognizing Prince Allenbert’s potential so quickly.”
Olivier continued,
“He seems like a lion awakened from a long slumber.”
“Indeed.”
Whether Allenbert’s transformation stemmed from long-prepared schemes or an awakening brought on by his illness—
The important thing was that Aiden might have finally found a worthy master for his cherished nephew and pupil.
“More than anything else, there’s already a connection between you and the young master, isn’t there?”
Olivier smiled softly.
“Yes.”
When they were both much younger and Olivier had just arrived at the castle—a timid boy secretly crying—
He had found great comfort from another boy who didn’t even know who he was but handed him sweet treats.
“He doesn’t seem to remember it,” Olivier said with slight disappointment.
“He hasn’t even regained all his memories yet. It’s only natural.”
“Yes, there’s nothing to be done about it.”
“Tell him later. He’ll appreciate it.”
Allenbert had once seemed pitiful and even somewhat pathetic to Aiden. Who would have thought that boy would change so much?
‘It’s been a long time since the second prince has paid attention to someone like this.’
The second prince was indeed sharp. To sense something about Allenbert without even meeting him directly—it was impressive.
“…But there is something,”
“Hm?”
Olivier hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure if it was appropriate to voice such bold thoughts.
“His personality seems to have changed a lot. He’s more bold and playful.”
“Doesn’t he seem like one of those free-spirited men from the underworld or the military?”
“Ah, yes, exactly.”
Olivier nodded in agreement, as if the description was spot on.
“His eyes were a bit wild too.”
“Well, um…”
Olivier couldn’t quite bring himself to fully agree and changed the subject.
“By the way, the young master has assigned me two tasks.”
“What are they?”
“First, he asked me to prepare a training ground for physical conditioning. And second—”
Olivier lowered his voice.
“He instructed me to weed out certain servants from the annex.”
“He intends to remove those playing the role of eyes and ears for others and replace them with trustworthy people to secure the annex.”
The head butler easily grasped his intention.
‘It’s one of the first things promising young nobles do.’
Just like Allenbert’s other siblings had done.
…And of course, the head butler was well aware that Baklava had failed in this task and ended up under his older brother’s control.
“What do you plan to do?”
“I’ll start by discussing with the attendants who have been closest to the young master to compile an initial list and gather their reputations. Then, I’ll conduct interviews and decide how to handle them.”
“Good. When information is lacking, it’s wise to seek help from someone you trust.”
“I understand.”
Seeing that Olivier handled his first task quite competently, the head butler felt some of his concerns ease.
“Be careful. If word gets out, it won’t be good.”
“Yes.”
“While we’re at it, let me give you some advice.”
“I’m listening.”
“Keep an eye on those who complain the most and those who are the quietest.”
“…!”
“Do you know why?”
After thinking for a moment, Olivier answered,
“The ones who complain the most likely represent the discontent within the annex.”
“And?”
“The quietest ones are probably observing all the rumors and atmosphere in silence. They’re cautious but likely know a lot.”
“Exactly.”
The count patted his nephew on the shoulder.
“You already understand well, so I have no worries.”
“Yes.”
“And what is the young master doing today?”
“He said he plans to go to the library after finishing his training to study swordsmanship manuals.”
“Huh.”
This boy never ceases to surprise him.
“It seems his progress with Ocean Circulation Heart Technique is fast.”
“He has already reached four stars.”
“That’s an impressive speed,” murmured the head butler.
“Rudan will be pleased too.”
It seemed Ludan had recently acquired some fine tea but annoyingly hadn’t shared any with him.
‘What a grumpy old man.’
…When you’ve worked together for decades without any professional conflicts, you usually end up becoming friends.
But this time, Count Aiden swallowed his words about how the young master would probably be disappointed and dismissed Olivier.
“You may go now.”
“Yes.”
Olivier bowed with perfect precision and etiquette. Even the most fastidious noble wouldn’t be able to find fault with his movements.
—
“Wow, I’m exhausted. Damn it.”
I yawned loudly, stretching my mouth wide open as if I were breathing dragon fire.
“I don’t even have the strength to walk up these stairs.”
Who would’ve thought that heading to the library could feel so far? Honestly, I just wanted to collapse and sleep right there.
“Shall I carry you on my back?” Peter asked foolishly, so I replied,
“Do you want your skull cracked? Who do you think you can carry with those skinny arms?”
Peter was still small in build with narrow shoulders—not exactly suited for heavy lifting.
“That’s true. I was just saying.”
“If you keep running your mouth, I might actually make you carry me.”
“Sorry.”
“You should be sorry. Useless fool.”
“But young master, your body has really improved over just a few days.”
Peter’s flattery was actually true.
“Do you want to try training like me? In three days, you could look like a different person.”
“I think I’d end up dead in a coffin instead.”
“Exactly.”
“You’re too much, really.”
As Peter exaggeratedly complained, it was true that my training regimen was beyond what an ordinary person could handle. After just a few days of it, even muscles that weren’t visible before had started showing definition.
‘This body is quite useful.’
In fact, it was more than just useful. Recovery, flexibility, muscular endurance, strength, explosiveness—everything far surpassed Karzan’s abilities.
If I had possessed such a body in my previous life, how much stronger could I have become?
‘But it’s a meaningless thought.’
Still, someday I plan to untangle everything I left unresolved and bring it to a close with my own hands. Even if it takes ten years, that’s fine.
‘Until then, I just have to hope that guy holds on.’
I recalled the face of the subordinate I trusted and relied on the most. He was Karzan’s true successor and second-in-command. In some ways, he was also my disciple.
Is he still alive? Is he healthy? What is he doing now?
‘He’s probably cursing me, saying I died after making a mess of everything.’
Sorry, but just wait a little longer. Karzan will surely return.
Perhaps because I was thinking about the past, Peter looked at me strangely as I smirked.
“Are you that happy?”
“Of course.”
I couldn’t tell him the real reason, but it was true that I felt good on the way to the library.
“I didn’t expect to move from inner energy training to swordsmanship this quickly.”
The sword is a heavy weapon. But now, I had enough strength to wield that hunk of metal and perform sword dances. So there was no reason to delay any longer. How excellent would Grünewald’s sword techniques be?
“We’re here.”
Having arrived at the library before I knew it, I sent Peter away.
“I’ll head back on my own, so go take care of your tasks.”
“Understood.”
Peter replied,
“I actually have a meeting scheduled with Butler Olivier.”
“Don’t mess around and do well.”
“Of course. What do you take me for?”
“What are you exactly?”
“I’m your one and only attendant, aren’t I?”
“How impressive.”
I waved him off dismissively.
“Alright, go now.”
“Yes, sir.”
I watched Peter run off before turning around.
—
Olivier was preparing a roster of the staff with Peter and Julia—those whom Allenbert had acknowledged as his people.
“The chef is trustworthy. In all these years, he’s never stolen ingredients or swapped them for cheaper ones.”
“That’s impressive.”
Olivier nodded as he took notes in his ledger. A chef with that level of integrity was indeed remarkable.
“He’s tight-lipped and sticks to his duties. That’s why he really hates being disturbed during his breaks. Oh, and…”
As Peter rattled off evaluations one after another, Olivier found himself surprised.
‘Unexpected.’
He had quite the keen eye for observation. Perhaps because Allenbert constantly kept him by his side and scolded him often, Olivier had underestimated him without realizing it.
‘I judged too quickly based on preconceptions,’ Olivier scolded himself. Peter may be young and lacking in formal education, but his attitude and work ethic made him an excellent attendant. He carefully observed who benefited or harmed his master.
“Who’s next?”
“Hmm. That would be Marco.”
Peter and Julia both spoke up eagerly as if they had much to say.
“He has a foul mouth and is reckless. Honestly, he’s pathetic.”
“He acts tough around the weak but crumbles in front of the strong.”
Even Julia chimed in with criticism, indicating how low Marco’s reputation was.
“Ever since Prince Baklava got humiliated by our young master, he’s been keeping his mouth shut.”
“Yes! It seems like he’s afraid that what he said might reach the wrong ears.”
“Hm…”
Olivier barely held back from saying “what a pathetic man” and tilted his head thoughtfully.
‘He’s tricky. He might not be much of a threat because he’s such a small-minded person.’
In that case, would it be necessary to reassign him? Emotionally speaking, he was annoying—but that wasn’t enough reason…
‘Managing people is indeed difficult.’
It was one unexpected situation after another.
“I’ll meet with him first.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Peter said with a grin.
“He’ll probably be scared out of his wits and grovel right away.”
“Really? Just thinking about it makes me feel sorry for him,” Olivier remarked dryly.
“I’m telling you! He even changed his attitude toward me completely—acting like he’d never insulted or harassed me before…”
“He even gave me bread once because he felt bad for me. It was tasty though,” Julia added.
“Haha…”
Watching the two youngsters chatter excitedly made Olivier smile without realizing it.
They were rather endearing colleagues, weren’t they? Leading them well was part of the task Allenbert had entrusted to him.
‘Now then…’
Marco. While Olivier had decided to meet with him first, he wanted to think ahead about how to handle him.
‘A loose tongue often comes with loose loyalty. If someone were to bribe him…’
If there seemed to be any chance of that happening, Olivier wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of him. In his mind’s “kill list,” Olivier wrote down Marco’s name and drew a neat triangle next to it.