Chapter 20 - Chapter 18

It had been twenty minutes since I finished changing clothes, and the room I was staying in felt markedly different from my familiar quarters in the Williams estate. I found myself still adjusting to the new surroundings.

As I gazed up at the ceiling, my eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted into an unintended nap. In the haze of sleep, an image emerged—an image of a young girl. The girl seemed to be… Olivia? I didn't understand why I was seeing her as a child, but it felt like a memory from the real Hayden's past.

In the vision, Olivia was crying for some reason, and I moved closer to her, reaching out as if to comfort her. Just as my hand was about to touch her head, a sharp knock on the door jolted me awake.

I glanced out the window to see the sun setting. So, I fell asleep, huh?

I stood up and walked to the door, opening it to reveal a girl who was looking down, her smooth sky-blue hair cascading over her face. Remembering the dream, an urge to pat her head surged within me, but I restrained myself. "Lady Olivarez?" I ventured.

Olivia lifted her head, her cheeks flushed. "Well, uh—I apologize for coming earlier. I didn't know that you were, um…" She trailed off, seemingly embarrassed.

"It's okay, Lady Olivarez. Is there anything I can do for you, or is there a place you wanted to go?" As her guard, it was my duty to protect her.

Olivia nodded eagerly. "Mhm, yes! But first… no need for formalities; just call me Olivia." She looked me in the eyes, expecting a more familiar address. I hesitated, still feeling the weight of her title. "Hmm… Okay, Lady Olivia." I noticed a flicker of disappointment, but she smiled nonetheless. "I guess that's good for now." What do you mean by that? I thought, but my face remained cold and unreadable.

"Can you please accompany me somewhere?" she asked.

"Of course, Lady Olivia." She smiled brightly, her expression infectious, though I maintained my emotionless demeanor. I had a feeling I knew where we were headed based on my previous readings.

After a short walk, we arrived at the Olivarez training grounds. From my recollections, Olivia trained in swordsmanship due to her low aptitude for magic, and she was working hard to improve her skills.

"You can train with me if you want," Olivia suggested, her smile radiant.

Having skipped my own training for the day, I agreed. "Okay, Lady Olivia." Her smile grew even brighter, and I couldn't help but think that it was the kind of smile that could blind anyone. It looked especially cute with her soft, fluffy cheeks.

If I were to compare Aria-sama and Olivia, I would say Aria-sama appeared more mature, often described as beautiful rather than cute. But to me, she was the epitome of cuteness! Olivia, on the other hand, radiated youthful charm and beauty in equal measure.

After warming up with a run, we prepared to begin sword training. As I was about to swing my sword, I noticed Olivia already practicing with her wooden sword. Despite it being a training tool, it weighed the same as a real sword due to its metal core. "One… two… three…" she counted.

Her stance was solid, but her swings were off. "Lady Olivia…" I called out.

"Uh, yes?" She turned to me, sweat glistening on her brow, her skin slightly flushed from exertion.

"Your stance is good, but your swings could use some improvement. In swordsmanship, proper stance is crucial, but the way you swing your sword is just as important."

"Oh, I see." Olivia nodded and straightened her posture. "Please teach me how to swing it properly."

I nodded and demonstrated the correct technique, swinging my sword with precision. Olivia gasped in amazement, "Ohh!"

She tried to mimic my movements, and while her form improved, it still wasn't quite right. "How was it?" she asked, looking at me expectantly.

"Hmm… your swings are better, but…" I stepped behind her and gently took her hands, guiding her grip on the wooden sword. My height allowed me to lean down closer to her ear as I spoke softly, "The sword is an extension of your arm, so think of it as part of your body as you swing it. Be precise and clear your mind."

I felt Olivia stiffen, and I noticed her ears turning red. Realizing how close I was, I instinctively backed away and bowed slightly. "Please forgive my boldness, Lady Olivia."

She turned to me, waving her hands in a flustered manner. "N-no, it's okay! No need to apologize!" Her face was bright red.

I nodded, straightening up, and we continued training. With my guidance, Olivia's swings gradually improved, becoming more controlled and accurate.

After our training session, I returned to my room to take another bath and change clothes.

Once refreshed, I headed to Olivia's room to begin my duty of guarding her. Our conversation remained sparse, but she occasionally asked me questions.

"So you really admire your Aria-sama, huh?" Olivia asked with a gentle smile, her gaze fixed on me.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Aria-sama is very admirable!"

As night fell, it was time for sleep. I returned to my room adjacent to Olivia's. Drawing upon my knowledge of space and dark magic, I prepared for the night.

My space magic had many applications: I could teleport within a 1.5-kilometer radius and create portals to places I had already visited. I also utilized it defensively. Anyone attempting to break into Olivia's window would find themselves teleported into my room, where I would be waiting for them.

But… I hesitated, I'm not an assassin anymore. I'm Aria-sama's personal butler now.

With my thoughts swirling, I decided to clear my mind and rest, hoping for a peaceful night.