Chapter 28

In the dining room of the mansion, Rumburg, who was polishing the table alone, was approached by the maid, Eri.

"Master Joshua seems to be resting."

"I understand. Thank you for your hard work today."

"Master Rumburg, too. The fact that Master Joshua is safe and sound is all thanks to your efforts."

"That's not true. Eri. It's because of the four of us."

While speaking to Eri with a gentle smile, Rumburg did not stop his hands.

In response to Rumburg, who was wiping the table from corner to corner, Eri naturally began wiping the chairs as well.

"Eri, you can rest now."

"But Master Rumburg is still working."

"This is not just cleaning. Of course, I don't intend to leave a single speck of dust."

"Let me help. I can't measure Master Rumburg's feelings, but I can organize my thoughts this way."

"I see, what a coincidence. At first, I was focused on the task of wiping the table. But this focus gradually turned into a focus of the mind."

"It's an honor to be like the 'hero' Master Rumburg."

"That's old news. I am honored to be Joshua's butler. More so than my former self."

A smile appeared on Rumburg's lips, and wrinkles formed at the corners of his mouth.

His expression was very calm, revealing that he truly felt this way.

After a while of conversation, the two fell silent and continued their cleaning work in silence.

When the work was done, the two left the dining room. Rumburg went to his room and sipped a steaming cup of tea.

The tea would eventually be produced here, Rumburg thought to himself, looking out the window.

If it's Master Joshua, he surely will.

Thinking about his beloved young master, Rumburg began to recall the past.

"Yes. Since the time I received the fortune of serving under Master Joshua from the late Duke Alfred Roder."

◇◇◇

Fifteen years ago—

The Duke of Roder, Alfred Roder, called a knight to the front of his throne.

"Sir Rumburg Fargot. I have a request for you, a knight among knights. I apologize for calling you here amidst your busy schedule."

"Your Grace, Roder. It is a great honor to be summoned by you directly."

Even in his forties, Rumburg, a knight who had not lost his vigor, knelt on one knee and extended his arms straight out to the sides.

Rumburg felt a great debt of gratitude to Alfred.

This was because he was from a minor noble family and did not have the status to lead a group of knights.

However, Alfred had scolded not only the head of the knights but also the ministers for not placing capable people in responsible positions.

As a result, Rumburg was promoted and was able to achieve many military honors.

The fact that he was called a hero and a knight among knights was only possible because of Duke Alfred Roder standing before him.

Being summoned directly by the Alfred he revered, Rumburg's excitement was beyond words.

"There is no one else I can ask. No one else with your character, loyalty, and the greatest personal valor in the duchy."

"Your words are too kind. If there is anything I can do—"

"Will you become a butler? For my son."

"A butler...?"

It was like a bolt from the blue.

Rumburg, who had lived for battle, doubted his own ears at the thought of being a housekeeper, but Alfred's face was dead serious.

"After a year of training, will you go to my son as a butler? Can you learn the necessary manners and studies in a year?"

"If it is your command, this Rumburg will do so at the cost of my life."

"No, I don't mean to force you."

"No, I have no objections. Since it is for the Duke, there must be a deep reason."

"Have your own will, Rumburg. Don't just follow because I said so. There will be a time when that will crack. Ask yourself. You can continue to serve as a knight. However, I ask you to keep the matter of the butler confidential."

"Your Grace, Roder. May I ask, what is it about Master Joshua that makes you think this way?"

Rumburg, of course, knew about Alfred's only son, Joshua.

As an only son, Alfred doted on him.

However, Rumburg had doubts about becoming a butler.

If it was for an educational role, there were more suitable, intelligent, and well-educated candidates.

He knew only battle. Even if he studied for a year, he could never match a scholar.

"This is not a matter of a parent's bias. It is a calm judgment as a duke and a ruler. I want you to listen to this with that in mind."

"Yes, I will."

"Joshua has the Gift of the 'Great Sage.' He is only eight, but he already possesses knowledge that I cannot even approach."

"The Gift?"

"Yes. He doesn't need a teacher. His intelligence will surely change the duchy. In ten years, the duchy will be transformed. It will become a prosperous country."

"Is it that significant?"

"Yes. I am certain. Joshua is the savior that God has sent to the duchy. That's why I am asking you."

"I understand! I will humbly accept."

Rumburg understood what Alfred was trying to say.

Joshua, the Great Sage, with intelligence that could transform the duchy into a prosperous country just by his presence.

In that case, the only concern was assassination.

Being the most loyal and the most capable in the duchy, he was the right person for the job.

Rumburg whispered this to himself and bowed deeply.

◇◇◇

A year after Rumburg became Joshua's butler, he, like Alfred before him, was certain.

In fact, the duchy had visibly improved since Joshua became involved in politics.

Rumburg was overjoyed.

To serve such a prodigy, no, a child of God.

Not only that, Joshua possessed a character that deeply moved Rumburg.

When Alfred Roder fell ill and Joshua became the new duke, Rumburg made a proposal.

"Master Joshua, should we hire new maids and gardeners? As the new duke, you will have more political duties, and you will be the master of the entire mansion, not just a room."

"Yes, that's right. I'll leave it to you, Rumburg."

Rumburg could not detect any doubt in the young boy's cheerful response.

He completely trusted him.

Rumburg felt tears welling up in his eyes and held them back.

Thus, the gardeners Bartolo, and the maids Eri and Aru, were welcomed into the mansion, selected by Rumburg.

If you enjoyed this, I would be very happy if you could bookmark and rate it!