Underlying Fear

"Could you hand me that brush?" I asked of one of the workers.

Without hesitation, he promptly handed it over.

Taking hold of the brush, I meticulously applied a special oil to the carriage's door, enhancing its glossy finish. This carriage, befitting a Marquess, boasted numerous golden ornaments crafted from genuine, pure gold. Colored in a brilliant magenta hue, it had the capacity to comfortably accommodate more than six people.

Completing the application of the oil, I swiftly added the final ornaments, moving on to the next crucial task.

My initial focus was on the carriage's wheels.

"Everything appears in order. Perfect condition. Recently replaced with high-quality, new wheels."

Turning my attention to the horses, I scrutinized each one.

"All four horses are robust and of excellent breed. They exhibit optimal health, free from any signs of injury or fatigue. I meticulously examined their eyes, legs, and even listened to their heartbeats."

Concluding the inspection, I strolled around, hands clasped behind my back, surveying the workers with my usual cold demeanor. It might have seemed even more threatening, considering my intention to root out any potential traitors.

I assessed facial expressions, observed beads of sweat, and scrutinized every movement and uttered word, keenly detecting any hints of nervousness. This continued until I reached the portal gate guarded by two sentinels.

As they caught sight of me, the guards quickly rose, swallowing nervously. They were well aware of the reason behind my repeated presence.

"Any signs of suspicion?" I questioned, pacing around them.

"N-No!"

"Nothing!"

Slightly opening the gates, I glanced outside briefly before closing them again.

"Everything appears to be in order."

I meticulously applied every security measure Alfred had taught me, adhering to his instructions down to the last detail. Although, under normal circumstances, no untoward incidents should occur, given Celastrina's presence at the birthday party in the Game, one could never be too cautious.

As I turned around to head back, I stumbled upon the eccentric old man once again. My gaze hardened as I looked at him.

An intense desire to harm the old man surged within me, though I knew I couldn't act on it. Gripping my arm tightly with my free hand behind my back, I walked past him, attempting to restrain myself.

"You do well for a commoner," he complimented, but I chose to ignore him. The less I heard his voice, the easier it would be for me to control my impulses.

Despite the calming effect of Nathan's memories, I knew my patience had its limits.

When I glanced ahead, Vanessa Alasmira emerged from the mansion.

She was undeniably stunning, appearing more like a woman in her early twenties than the mother of a thirteen-year-old girl. Adorned in a beautiful purple dress with a magnificent hat perched on her head, she exuded grace and sophistication.

"Milady," everyone outside knelt respectfully in front of Vanessa.

While I was aware of the respect and fear Vanessa commanded in the mansion, witnessing it firsthand was truly impressive.

After enduring the hardships inflicted by Malcolm, that despicable man, Vanessa underwent a remarkable transformation, attaining strength and popularity beyond what she might have achieved under her father's erratic rule. She successfully elevated the Alasmira house to greater strength. It spoke volumes about her resilience and capability.

I wasn't well-acquainted with Malcolm or Vanessa's sister, but their decision to antagonize her seemed to be a grave mistake. Though Vanessa spent most of her time traveling, the few instances she returned to visit her daughter in the last three years included moments when she took the time to question me. During these interrogations, I gained a profound understanding of her exceptional qualities.

Now, it became apparent from whom Celastrina inherited her intelligence and talent.

Speaking of Celastrina, she followed behind her mother in a splendid white dress—the favorite color of Arthur. It wasn't surprising, considering the occasion was perfect for her to capture his attention.

Regrettably, it seemed unlikely to happen, despite her stunning appearance, much like her mother. She was wearing heavy makeup, and a lot of ornaments on her dress as she walked confidently ready to impress Arthur.

Hurrying to the carriage, I swiftly opened the door to allow them entry. Vanessa took the lead, followed by the grandfather, who shot me a glare I chose to ignore. Celastrina entered last, her expression a mixture of anger and an unknown emotion that eluded my understanding. Swiftly transforming her features into a cold glare, she made her way inside the carriage.

It was likely she had caught wind of my remarks regarding her corruption, but once again, I hadn't fabricated anything. Arthur's indirect influence had indeed led her down that path, with him being the primary cause of her transformation. The fool could have communicated directly with her, but instead, he chose to play a deceitful game with Irisdina, all without Celastrina's awareness.

Closing the carriage door, I stepped outside the gates.

"Be vigilant for any suspicious movements. Don't hesitate to eliminate anyone approaching the carriage! Understood?!" Alfred's voice boomed.

He stood there, surrounded by a dozen knights. He had foregone his butler attire for a thick suit of armor. Despite holding the position of Head Butler, he also served as the most trusted knight commander of the Alasmira's Knights.

Although Alfred had initially intended to bring a hundred knights, Vanessa rejected the idea, deeming it unnecessary. Given the presence of Vanessa and her father, one couldn't help but feel entirely secure. In the end, Alfred had selected only a dozen of the strongest knights.

Upon noticing me, Alfred approached with a stern glare. "Where is your armor?"

"I'm wearing a mail coat beneath my suit," I reassured him. After all, my intention was to accompany them as a butler.

"You should wear something, Night," he insisted.

His protectiveness had grown over the years, even if he didn't openly display it.

"We're wasting time. Look, the carriage is coming out," I pointed out before effortlessly jumping onto a horse that had been prepared for me.

Alfred grumbled something under his breath before instructing his knights to form a protective perimeter around the main carriage. He then mounted his own horse, taking the lead at the front of the carriage. I rode beside him on my horse.

Though we were a considerable distance from the capital, the presence of magic in this world, coupled with Vanessa and her father's expertise, rendered their assistance unnecessary on this particular day. A concealed route known only to the Alasmiras provided a direct path to the capital, and that was precisely the direction we were headed.

"You had another disagreement with the young lady, didn't you?" Alfred asked suddenly.

"Same old, same old," I replied tersely.

"This time it seemed rather serious though," Alfred chuckled.

Yeah, I'm aware.

I'm not pleased with myself for venting my anger on her, and I'm equally displeased with the current frostiness between us. It's just that, given her unpredictable grandfather's plot to end me, creating some distance between her and me might be a prudent move.

I had overestimated my ability to remain emotionally detached after spending three years in close proximity to her. There was an underlying fear that something more profound might occur, and I knew myself well enough.

Once I crossed a certain threshold, restraint would be abandoned, and the consequences could be catastrophic.