The Duchy’s Madman

There was an uproar in the capital.

A miracle has occurred in Bavaria.

Arthur Bavaria, the only heir of the Bavarian duchy has finally overcame his disease and now he is no longer stuttering.

It didn’t seem like a significant event, but given the prestige of the Bavarian family, it naturally attracted a lot of attention.

There were even talks like this might be the beginning of Bavaria’s return to the prominence.

As time passed and new events took over the place, people slowly started forgetting about it.

***

| Arthur Bavaria’s new butler |

Anna Kraft got up early in the morning, washed her face, combed her hair, and put on the suit which she had ironed last night.

After checking herself in the mirror for one last time, she made her way to the backyard while passing through the mansion, where she could see people who were still half asleep.

Whiik-!

At that moment, a strange sound pierced her ears.

Anna looked over and she saw a man.

No, a boy to be precise.

The boy’s movements when wielding the wooden sword were very sharp.

There was a sharpness in his movements that she couldn’t believe That it belonged to a boy of that age.

Anna couldn’t help but click her tongue.

‘…Who would believe me if I said that he was the same little duke who was stuttering just a few months ago.’

With that thought, Anna waited for Arthur’s training to end.

Arthur, who was swinging his sword frantically, suddenly stopped and stood up straight.

Then, he looked at the circle in his chest and thought.

Beyond the swordsman lies Knights, and these knights can manipulate mana.

That mana strengthens the physical bodies of knights and upon reaching a certain level, it allows them to use sword energy.

‘The requirement for using sword energy is to achieve five circles. Until then, one can only strengthen your body.’

So, after completing one circle, Arthur has been increasing the link between his body and mana every day.

The best way to get stronger was by building up mana inside the body so as to increase the number of circles, but he couldn’t build up mana in a short period of time unless he consumed powerful elixirs.

Instead, there was a way to force the rate at which mana was accumulated, albeit very slightly.

You had to use up all the mana in your body and then replenish it.

‘An inefficient and ignorant method… but it’s the best I can do right now since I have no other choice.’

Arthur turned his head.

At that moment, Undine, who was playing with gnome near Arthur, whispered.

[‘Arthur, Anna’s coming!]

“Okay. It seems like it’s morning already.

Then Undine carefully advised.

[Don’t you think you should get some sleep? You’ve had very little sleep for two months now, and I’m worried that you might collapse].

It’s okay, and even if I do collapse, Undine will heal me right?.

The water elemental hovered above Arthur’s head while smiling.

Seeing her gesture of joy, Arthur shrugged and walked over to Anna.

Anna bowed and then she held out the towel as if she was waiting for him.

“Thank you, Anna.”

At Arthur’s greeting Anna looked up

“Excuse me, young master?”

“Yes?”

“I’ve mentioned this before, but… You can speak with me comfortably.”

Arthur tilted his head and asked.

“Is it uncomfortable for you?”

“…No, I’m only saying this because of all the states i get.”

At her advice, Arthur thought for a moment.

‘Hmm…. Come to think of it, it’s actually kind of weird. A nobleman addressing his butler with respect.’

Then he remembered.

I remembered why I started to be respectful to everyone I met.

The reason was very simple: it was because of a slip of the tongue.

‘When I was insane, I used to talk without even thinking properly’

That got me into trouble more than once.

I would say things I should have kept to myself, or I would say things out of context and ruin the atmosphere.

As a result, Arthur naturally ended up speaking politely.

‘I used to think that if I spoke politely, at least I wouldn’t seem rude even if i mispoke… but now I don’t have to worry about that.’

Now that he’s back to his senses, he doesn’t have to use those polite words.

Though it would be hard to change his habits anytime soon.

Having made up his mind, Arthur spoke up.

“Okay, Anna, I’ll try to speak more casually from now on,it’s a habit so it’s going to be hard to change it.”

Anna smiled and gave him a nod.

The pair exited the training room and made their way to the dining hall.

As the time passed and noon began, the sleepy Bavarian mansion was once again bustling with life.

As a result, numerous people were walking around the estate, and all of them greeted Arthur when they saw him.

“Greetings, young master.”

Each time, Arthur stopped and returned the greeting in the same polite manner.

He was so polite that the maids who had just entered the ducal residence looked up at him in surprise.

Every time that happened, Anna stepped in to mediate the situation, and as a result, they ended up being about 10 minutes late for their breakfast appointment.

However, Yonel and Irene, who came first and were waiting for Arthur didn’t mind it at all.

“Welcome home, Arthur. Did you have a morning workout today?”

“Yes, Mother.”

his answer brought a smile on Yonel’s lips.

Anna, who was watching this, couldn’t help but feel happy seeing the beaming smile on her face.

“The knights have been singing your praises all time,they say that reaching the first circle on your own is an impossible feat unless you’re a genius.”

“Really?”

“They are also wondering why there is no swordsmanship instructor to manage and develop such talent.”

Yonel coyly suggested.

“You still have no intention of taking lessons from a instructor, do you?”

“No. For now, I want to practise a little more on my own.”

At his firm answer, Yonel thought for a moment, then gave a nod.

“You can learn from an instructor when you’re ready,your mother will always be waiting for you.”

With that said, they began eating.

laughter blossomed As various stories were exchanged

The atmosphere was quite different from that of an ordinary nobleman’s dining table, and that caused the guests around them to smile involuntarily.

It was during such a good atmosphere where everyone was enjoying breakfast.

Arthur asks a question.

“Mother. Can I go out again today?”

Yonelle said, as she sipped the coffee that had been served for dessert.

“Again’? You’ve been out a lot lately.”

“There are so many interesting things out there, and I lose track of time watching them.”

Yonel hesitates at that answer.

But then she nods and agrees.

It had already been a month since Arthur had last gone out.

It wasn’t right to stop him now, and it had already been six months since he stopped stuttering, so it’s the right time for him to experience the world.

Since he took the first step, I have to believe in him and support him.

After finishing her thought, Yonelle looked at Anna.

“Take care of my son, Anna.”

Anna, who had been standing behind Arthur, flinched.

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

After hearing the answer, Yonel stood up and hugged Arthur tightly.

“Have a wonderful day today. My dear boy.”

* * *

With Yonel’s approval, Arthur and Anna got ready to go out.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black cloak, Arthur shook his head at the bowler hat that Anna handed him.

“Do I have to wear it, Anna?”

“It’s the latest fashion in the capital. It comes in a set with the one you’re wearing now.”

“You mean I have to wear it?”

“You don’t have to wear it, but considering that it will cover your face, I think you should.”

You can cover your face with a hat like this?

I doubted it, but I put it on without saying a word.

From what he had seen, the new butler, Anna, paid great attention to fashion.

It wasn’t exactly a problem for Arthur, so he had no reason to refuse.

When he put on the hat, Anna looked at him with admiration.

“It looks really good on you, young master.”

“Thank you. Now then, shall we leave?”

With that, Arthur leaves the room, followed by Anna.

As they left the Bavarian manor, Anna asked.

“Where would you like to go, young master?”

“Let’s go to the tea house where we go every time.”

With that, Anna took the lead.

Arthur followed her.

After about 10 minutes of walking, they entered the main street.

Beep!

Beep, beep, beep!

They heard a continuous noise of car horns and the sound of high heels in their ears.

It was the largest shopping street in the capital, and Anna was feeling nervous.

She wasn’t expecting anything to happen in the middle of the street, but the person behind her was the Duke’s son.

Considering his position, it was possible that something absurd could happen.

‘Normally, we should be traveling with the family’s knights… but the young master refuses to do so.’

Anna, who was very nervous, broke out in a cold sweat but she was somehow able to guide Arthur to the tea house.

“Would you like a seat by the window or in a private room, sir?”

“In a private room, please.”

The waiter then led them to a private room.

It was a small room with a sofa and a table that looked quite luxurious.

The waiter who came with them asked them a question again.

“What can I get you for drinks?”

“Two cups of hot tea, please.”

At Arthur’s words, the waiter bowed and left the room.

Meanwhile, Anna breathes a sigh of relief and wipes the sweat from her forehead.

Arthur asks her a question.

“You look tired. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a while?”

“How can I sit in the same place as you, young master.”

“I sit with you every day, drink tea with you, and you give me the same answer every single day. Anna.”

Anna closed her mouth.

Because, unfortunately, Arthur’s words were true.

For nearly a month, she had been going out and sitting in the same seat with Arthur every day, taking her time to relax.

Anna hesitantly lowered her stance.

”If you’ll excuse me, then….”

Arthur nodded and opened the book that he had brought with him.

Ten minutes, thirty minutes, and then an hour has passed.

Arthur twirled his fingers.

At that moment, Anna’s vision grew blurry as she struggled to overcome the boredom and drowseness, and she collapsed onto the table.

After confirming that she had passed out, Arthur got up.

“Mr. Gnome, please.”

The little gnome flapped its wings above Anna’s head.

With the help of the earth spirit gnome, Arthur put Anna to sleep and slipped out of the teahouse without making any noise.

Buzzing buzz-!

The noise of the downtown area they saw a moment ago rang in Arthur’s ears.

He walked through the streets like he was very familiar with them.

After walking for about 10 minutes, he started hearing the voices of beggars instead of car horns.

Arthur put on the mask he had secretly stashed in his pocket as the atmosphere changed.

As he continued to walk again, a beggar cautiously approached him and asked.

“Have you arrived already?”

“Yes. Is everyone gathered?”

“They are all gathered. Please follow me.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the beggar led them into a narrow alleyway.

Arthur followed him.

As they wandered around for a while, the beggar eventually led Arthur to Adun Slum, the fifth largest beggar community in the B-21 district of the capital.

“Here’s a tip for your hardwork.”

Arthur flicked a silver coin to the beggar.

The beggar grinned as he bowed.

Meanwhile, a man stepped out from among the sleeping beggars lying on the street.

He was the leader of the Adun slum.

He was Adun.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

In response to Adun’s greeting, Arthur replied.

“Yes, good afternoon to you too. So, what did you find today?”

* * *

Adun didn’t answer, he just rolled his eyes.

Seeing this, Arthur pulled out another coin, but this time a gold coin, and he flicks it towards Adun.

The sparkling light of the gold brought a smile to Adun’s face.

‘I am really sure about this one and so today might be the last time’

Muttering to himself, Adun recalled his first encounter with this strange visitor.

He barged in, to be precise. Because one of his men picked a fight with him.

The visitor had a voice that hadn’t even reached maturity, yet he was able to take down dozens of Adun’s men in a single blow.

Seeing that remarkable skill, Ardun lay flat on the ground and begged for his life, and then the guest in front of him made a suggestion as if he was waiting for it.

“I’ll forgive you if you can find me one person, how about that?”

That was the beginning of the strange relationship that lasted for about a month.

Each time the visitor came, he would give money to find thar person, the beggars would wait for him to come and do their best to find that person.

‘At first, I thought about scamming him… but after seeing his skills, I couldn’t even think about it.’

Adun was a beggar but he was also a smart man, and he instinctively knew that the man in front of him was very dangerous.

So he did everything in his power to try and win this man’s favor.

‘If this powerful person tries to use us by giving us money… There’s no need to scam him.’

Greed is only a skill when it matches with one’s strength

After finishing his thought, Adun slowly opened his mouth.

“To summarize, I think I’ve found him.”

Arthur’s eyes widen at the answer.

“Really? Where is he now?”

“It seems that he is hiding in [Haradan’s alley]. A man with black skin and red eyes, exactly matching the appearance that you had described, has been staying in Haradan’s alley for a while now.”

The corner of Arthur’s mouth twitches at his description.

‘Finally found him. The black wizard Frakil’

‘It seems that he had been hiding and operating in this B-21 area after all.’

Arthur murmured, unable to hide his excitement.

‘That bloodline ability… you better make sure to keep it well, because I will be taking it.’

The second bloodline ability to be absorbed after returning to the past.

That bloodline’s ability is to create ‘armor’ on the skin.