As you already might have guessed by names, every character in the otome game was inspired by historical figures. Prince Arthur was based on British King Arthur Pendragon, Anastasia on Anastasia Nikolaevna and then this figure, and Duke Tsar Volkovia Flareottems was based on Tsar Nicholas II.
Whatever the histories might say, Tsar in the game was one of the strongest people. I didn't remember his exact skills, but he was capable of freezing the entire Herculine Capital into an ice field. He emerged in the game as the semi-last boss before the villainess and almost killed the heroine and her party.
He would soon declare a rebellion, and the rest was followed by the heroine and party to defeat him.
It was the reason why I was scared of him. His mere presence brought me on my wits so much that my legs started to tremble.
"Come here, brat. Let me take a closer look." Tsar called me when I was standing in front of the door.
As I walked closer, I was able to see his face. He had silver hair and a beard, dark red eyes overall intimidating look. However, every spec of his might spoke of pure strength and pride. I had never met anyone like him. With just a glance, I couldn't help but salute him like I was meeting an army general, but I stopped my move.
Tsar was a person who talked with people based on their manners and knowledge. It will be a game over if I show even the slightest fear on my face. I just had to act naturally.
Besides, the Duke was standing another person. He had dark hair standing back and crimson eyes, a little lighter than that of Duke's. The butler was wearing a three-piece suit and carrying a slight grin. I could tell that he was that maid's father with one glance.
[Lv. ??? Shin Silvia Millianna
HP: ????/????, MP: ????/????
Alignments: Neutral Evil]
Yup, his name tells everything.
I knew he also existed, but I forgot his role. He was Duke Tsar's attendant and had assisted villainess at a few points in the game. He appeared in the game to harass the heroine and party from time to time. Damn, my fuzzy memories!
"Brat, it looks like the Treasure Anastasia bestowed on you has given you some abilities, eh?" The Duke spoke.
I realized that he was a man with keen perception and had in-depth knowledge of magic. I was careless in using my appraisal skill on them.
"It is. Though I am still amateur in this regard." I spoke with a slight bow. I could have apologized, but it could have put me in a more critical situation.
Duke Tsar didn't say out loud, but he dislikes boot lickers and people with an unnecessary kind heart. At least that's how I defined his personality in the wiki.
"Now sit," Duke said, surprisingly offering a seat.
I nodded and sat down. The butler named Shin poured me some tea. I didn't know if I should drink now but seeing Duke calmly sipping his cup, I began drinking mine.
It was strong tea, but it was expected from anyone in Flareottems, which is always covered in snow for most of the year. However, I missed the Afghani Chai more.
After drinking tea with pure silence, Duke put his cup down and spoke, "How was the tea?"
"Bitter," I answered. I think I heard the butler snickering.
"You are very calm for a commoner in my presence. Do you know who I am?"
"Hmm, Duke Flareottems, you don't know?" I tilted my head.
Crap, I realized my tongue had slipped. I think it was my childish instincts.
"Pff! Cough* Cough*" Before I could ask for forgiveness or Duke could speak, we heard the butler snickering, followed by a couple of coughs.
Seriously though, I can't understand these dark hair duo.
"Heh, cheeky, eh?" The Duke smirked and smiled for the first time. I guessed amusing Russians was indeed challenging. "Duke of Flareottems. Do you know what that title holds?"
"Ah yes. I have read somewhere that the Duke of Flareottems is like the ruler of Flareottems. He is Grand Duke of Herculean Empire." I answered modestly. Noting would come by bragging about him, so I responded concisely and precisely.
"You can read, a commoner chick with no family? How did you learn to read?" Duke asked.
I was getting used to being called commoner over and over again. At this point, it didn't even annoy me anymore.
"I learned by hearing some nobles and merchants reading newspapers in cafes or restaurants. I used to do a lot of jobs in Dallas."
The Duke smiled and started massaging his beard.
"It is impressive. On top of being a Whitedeer survivor, you have a good affinity with the brain."
I widened my eyes when I heard 'Whitedeer' from Duke's mouth. I didn't say anything about my clan or tribe to anyone. It means that he had done some investigations on my background.
"Ah, Whitedeer clan, a clan with the natural holders of Void nature but less brain whom to swear loyalty."
I thought I was gone.
I had done some investigation on my former clan. Whitedeer clan used to exist on the Septim Kingdom and Herculine Empire border. The territory belonged to Herculean Empire, to Flareottems, but because of my tribe assisting the Septim Kingdom, Flareottems lost some regions.
And since Flareottems is just mini Russia, anyone can guess what comes next from Duke.
"Well, I couldn't care less for those filths. I wanted to remove them with my own hands, but it doesn't matter now."
I felt anger when he spoke ill about my predecessor's tribe, but I couldn't do anything. I didn't know the whole story, so I decided to listen. I had already let go of my parents' killer. What else could he mock me for?
"Anyway, so what was your real intention for helping Anastasia?" The smile on his face evaporated like it never existed and was replaced with a cold gaze.
I knew what he was asking.
A commoner helping a noble in Flareottems? There could be two reasons.
The commoner wants to get closer to the noble to either start an affair, want a job or plot an assassination.
Two, the commoner is stupid.
I fall in the second category. I sighed and looked at Duke with my natural expression, showing some annoyance. I was done playing the good guy act. I knew my life was hanging on a threat, but as someone who had already died once, my sense of fear for death was narrow. I might put my words before I die than be crushed like an insect.
"Duke Flareottems, I respect you as Grand Duke, but please don't test my sincerity here. I don't know why nobles are hard to trust, but I don't care anymore. I am aware of what helping a noble meant, but I helped Lady Anastasia because that child needed to live a good life. I don't want to regret helping her."
No, I already started regretting it, but I wasn't sure. One part of me wanted to be by the villainess's side, while the other just wanted to escape.
The Duke stared at me for a couple of seconds before a smile appeared on his face.
"Very well, I guess I can trust for now." He said and then threw a pouch towards me filled with coins. "300 gold coins. It should compensate for your helping hand."
I couldn't believe my eyes. Those coins were ready, radiating with a golden aura. I couldn't help but drool. So much money! I am rich!
I was about to grab my future wealth when the Duke said again, "My daughter has put a good word for you and desired to be her side. As such, I have a good proposal."
I stopped my movements as the colours started to fade from my face.
[Damage: -1 HP due to excessive stress.]
"So how about working here in the palace. You will be trained to work by her side."
I realized why there was no butler by her side, why our names resembled, and our appearance matched.
'No, this can't be happening.' I shook my head and called Vivi. 'Vivi, what are my chances of escaping here?'
[Vivi: 1%. Don't even think about moving from your spot. You will die.]
"So you have two options: work here or leave with money. The choice is yours."
Choice my ass! Even if I chose to take a reward and leave. I will die.
This is why it is considered taboo for helping a noble in Flareottems. They would either enslave you or kill you.
The Duke didn't want to hear, 'oh, you know Duke's daughter was kidnapped? He couldn't protect his daughter. Guess he isn't that strong' from anyone.'
As such, he never leaves any traces of his failures behind. His reputation and his pride were everything to him.
It seemed like I was fated to interfere with the story.
I stood up and bowed, "Please take good care of me."
"Very well. From now on, you will work under the Grand Duke Flareottems. From now on, your name will be…."
The name of the villainess' butler.
"Ivanov Grayravens."
---
"So I have to foster him for the time being. Don't mind raising a son." The butler named Shin spoke when the little boy left. "Milord, I am confused. Even though the boy appears quite talented, it was unusual to pique your interest."
Duke Tsar didn't say anything for the whole minute. He remained silent before finally opening his lips, "Shin, did you see him drinking tea?"
"Ah yes. I acknowledge he has some basic manners, but I think Milord's eyes saw something I could not see." Shin smiled.
"Hmm, yes, one could say that the brat has learned by watching nobles or merchants, but that is not the case. From his immediate step to his last step in this room, he acted mature for his age." Tsar spoke as he stood from his seat and walked towards the window behind his chair, gazing at the snow-covered city.
"It could just be his talent. There is no comparison between a noble and a commoner but isn't our young lady a natural-born ice mage? She also mastered many high-level spells, deemed impossible for anyone of her age. Maybe maturity was just part of him due to struggling alone."
"Heh. It seems like you have taken a liking to the boy." Tsar smiled as he glanced at Shin.
"I didn't say that, but he did make my day when he insulted you with a straight face," Shin said and chuckled lightly.
"Indeed, it was surprising. I was taken back too." Tsar said and turned his sight back to the snowy scenery outside.
'This time, he is carrying not only baseless emotions but care for my daughter. Let's see what difference he would bring to this 'Loop'.'
---
[Damage: -1 HP due to excessive stress.]
My dreams of living a peaceful life were crumbling before my eyes. Not only I was given the exact name is villainess butler, but I was also put in care of that attendant Shin.
"Ara, you are alive."
As I came out from the study, I saw the maid Kasumi holding a couple of sacs and cleaning tools. When I tried to look, she hid them behind her or tried to hide since they were still visible. She was looking forward to cleaning my dead body, wasn't she?
"Yes… for now," I said and then took a deep breath. "I was given a job."
"Job for being my toy, right?" It was the voice of silver head, Anastasia.
"Job for being your attendant!" I glared at Anastasia with mortal eyes, saying, 'Test me more, and I will show you how terrible this Ivan can get.'
"E-eh…?" She was taken back by my sudden outburst but then cleared her throat and flipped her hair, "It doesn't matter. Follow me. We have to choose your uniform."
"Yes. I think Ototo-chan can fit in my old pants since he barely has any stuff down there." Maid added.
"Ototo-chan?" I raised my brow, ignoring the rest of her comment.
"It means 'pathetic little brother' in my mother language. Since my father will foster you, you are my weak little brother." The maid said and smiled. Her smile was sweet, and I would have proposed to her if not for her sharp, dark tongue.
"Come on, hurry up! Move your legs!" Anastasia jumped between us. Another cute girl if not for her haughty nature.
"W-wait and release my collar! Ack!"
And that's how my grey days started.
I seriously don't want to become a villainess' butler.
[Damage: -1 HP due to excessive stress.]