Aiming to be the perfect butler for my lady

Around midnight, the carriage rolled past the entrance to the capital. The heart of administration and residence for major aristocrats, it was also the bustling trade hub and the most expensive place to live.

The Empire of Valenchide was famous for its trade. The soil of the numerous provinces is very fertile for staple farming and as such this Empire was also regarded as the food provider of the world.

The Valenchide Empire prided itself on the prosperity and well-being of its citizens, highlighting their robust health and quality of life as a testament to the empire's success. Bolstered by a formidable army of strong and skilled soldiers, the empire stood as a formidable force in its region, known for its military prowess and defensive capabilities.

And the person who sits at the top of the hierarchy and holds most of the authority in his hands was someone Kyle was going to meet today.

To say he was just nervous would be an understatement. The Emperor didn't have a good impression of Kyle and he had all the reasons for it.

Not only was Kyle incompetent when he joined, but recently his beloved daughter has started to show strange traits after she started to spend more time with her butler—Kyle that is. That's why, this meeting was going to be difficult and nerve-wracking for him.

"You shouldn't feel anxious when I am on your side." Hearing Alatia's confidence statement, Kyle couldn't help but chuckle,

"Aren't you giving yourself a little too much importance? I know that your family adores you but that wouldn't stop them from accusing me. After all, I have adversely influenced their precious child."

Alatia hit his arm with her small fist but there was no strength in it so all he felt was tickles.

Grumbling she responded, "You are teasing me a lot these days," Crossing her arms on her chest haughtily she added, "Don't forget, I am still a princess of this Empire. Be grateful you got to serve such a benevolent lady."

Her expression demanded praise and worshipping. However, all she received from her rude butler was a snicker.

With her arms crossed she puffed her cheeks until they turned red—leaving Kyle with no other option than to yield, "Yes, yes, my lady is the most kind, sweet and beautiful lady. Happy now?"

"Huhu~" She let out a sound of victory as her cheeks deflated and she sat back down.

Although it was around midnight the capital was still quite lively. As mentioned before, trade hubs were situated here so it was quite normal for consignments to arrive at an untimely hour.

While they were talking, Kyle had his attention outside as well which allowed him to realise that the carriage had come to a halt for some reason.

"Kyle?" Not hearing any response from him, she tilted her head.

Kyle didn't say anything to her and after sliding the curtain he was about to ask Collen what the matter was—when suddenly, froze up.

Alatia frowned seeing the sudden shift in his demeanor. She couldn't sense any killing intent around her and from the loud noises from outside she deemed that there must be some sort of problem occurring in the market that's why the carriage came to a halt.

However, Kyle's paling complexion made her worried as she asked him in a quieter tone, "Kyle? What happened?"

He didn't reply. More like he couldn't. From his expression, Alatia could discern that he was horrified by something. She has only seen this side of his when he was recovering from 'that' trauma.

Her heart began to knock heavily against her chest as she followed his line of sight and found the reason for his horror.

'Conven Slave Market.'

Alatia's eyes slightly widened before she hurriedly closed the curtain and broke his trance.

That was...the place where his parents left him. That was the place where Kyle had spent some of his darkest days. The place which seldom still haunts him at night.

Alatia grabbed his shoulder and made him look at her.

"A-Ala...that..."

"I know and I am sorry you have to see that place once again." She inwardly cursed herself for not taking down this place which had left such deep scars on her lover. But at that time she had different feelings for Kyle that's why she didn't take any major steps. However, now, she was well set on demolishing the place to rubble.

Cold sweat trickled down his head as he raised his trembling hand to wipe them—only to find his hand being held by Alatia.

"Kyle, listen to me. I know you have suffered because of your parents but no one can touch you anymore. No one can bother you anymore. You are strong now...you have the strength to fight everyone who may try to bully you. And above all....you have me."

The last part came out with a choked sob. She couldn't see him like this and despite trying her best to maintain a composed front, she couldn't.

Kyle suddenly took a deep breath and finally looked at her.

His trembling hands slowly regained stability and his eyes regained clarity.

He cupped her cheek and looked into her moist eyes. The emotions in them, her familiar fragrance, this warmth...which only his Ala could provide him with....yes, Kyle was no longer in that cage.

He was free. He was with her.

"Ala...." Kyle whispered her name under a laboured breath before embracing the girl tightly in his arms.

"Yes...I am here. I am here." She whispered back and clung to him like he was the last plank of wood—saving her from drowning.

The duo had developed such a deep dependency on each other that they could easily make the other anxious and troubled, yet they could only find solace in each other's arms.

"Are you okay now?" After they had embraced each other for a good minute, Alatia somehow collected herself and asked him in a sober tone.

Kyle nodded as he slowly detached himself from her and said, "Sorry for scaring you. I didn't think we would stop just outside that place and I would suddenly get a seizure."

Kyle chuckled near the end but Alatia didn't share the amusement. She was worried about him. The things he has faced and the reasons behind them were both not justifiable.

She was about to say something, when suddenly Collen's voice reached them, "We have reached, Your Highness."

Kyle took a deep breath before uttering under his breath, "Let's go out. There is a chance that Prince Edmund might be waiting for you."

Although she wanted to spend some more time with Kyle alone, knowing her brothers she decided to get out first or they might come to check on them.

With a disappointed look, she watched Kyle getting out of the carriage and opening the door for her.

Alatia took his head and climbed down.

They walked some steps towards the palace entrance when slowly both of them came to a gradual halt in shock.

Kyle was only expecting her brother to be waiting for Alatia since it was already too late...however, their eyes were greeted by the whole family of the Princess—waiting for her with a smile on their faces.

Kyle couldn't help but gulp in slight nervousness at the reminder of how much they loved Alatia.

'I pray Alatia's plan works out....or I might...'

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A/N:- Hmm~What just happened at that moment would be retold from Kyle's perspective. Drop a comment.