Villain Family’s Strongest Butler - Chapter 16

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Episode 19

The carriage flew forward at considerable speed.
Even as it rattled over the uneven dirt road, it barely swayed.
Mana Stones had been installed throughout to smooth the ride, or so I’d heard.
Mana Stones were rocks infused with Mana. Because they gleamed like jewels, people often used them to craft ornaments.
‘Like my dog’s collar.’
Once the Mana within them depleted, the stones lost their luster and color, becoming dull and worthless. The longer they retained that shine and brilliance, the higher their value.
‘By that measure, the Mana Stone on my dog’s collar is definitely top-grade.’
It had held its gleam for two years now.
Thump—the carriage lurched suddenly.
‘As expected.’
Yet the interior remained undisturbed, serene as ever.
I felt a fresh appreciation for the power of wealth as I lifted the curtain draped over the carriage window.
We’d been traveling by carriage for an hour now, and outside, morning had fully arrived.
‘By now, the kitchen staff would have woken.’
The rich aroma of fresh-baked bread from the oven and the savory smell of thick stew simmering in great pots would be stirring appetites.
It was a scene and scent imprinted on me through habit during my time at the Grand Duke’s Residence.
Without seeing it directly, without even smelling it, I could picture the kitchen as vividly as if I stood there.
I could recall exactly how tempting that food’s aroma and taste had been.
Saliva pooled beneath my tongue.
‘Right—I never had breakfast.’
Between my duties as a butler and training, I’d carved time as thin as possible.
But there was one thing I refused to compromise on: eating.
Even back when I was Seia, I’d always eaten well.
I didn’t want to call it gluttony.
When you worked your body hard and trained deeply in Aura Training, your body naturally demanded more nutrition.
Moreover, my growth rate now far exceeded what it had been during my time as Seia. It was only natural that my body required more food.
Grrrrowl—!
Right on cue, my stomach announced its hunger.
‘Damn.’
I must have been too absorbed in thoughts of the Grand Duke’s Residence kitchen. My body was responding instantly.
But of all times and places—in this cramped carriage, right in front of the Grand Duke.
Somehow, my plan to maintain perfection in the Grand Duke’s presence kept slipping away bit by bit.
‘This is all that Grand Duke’s fault.’
I glared secretly at the Grand Duke, whose eyes were closed.
‘If he’d just let me eat on schedule, none of this would’ve happened.’
Now that I’d acknowledged the fact of my skipped meal, I rapidly grew irritable and uncomfortable.
Then the Grand Duke’s eyes cracked open. I quickly concealed the emotion in my gaze.
The Grand Duke examined my face for a moment. Then his lips curled—that infuriating smile.
‘No. Don’t. Just don’t say anything!’
Contrary to my silent plea, the Grand Duke’s voice filled the narrow carriage.
“I’ve heard you eat frequently. And well.”
“…….”
Really—who reports every little thing?
For a moment, I could almost hear my adjutant Ed’s irritating chuckle ringing in my ears.
In any case, the whole point of bringing it up was to enjoy watching me flustered.
I wouldn’t play along so easily, Grand Duke.
I smiled and spoke.
“I’m grateful for the Ballot Grand Duke Clan’s generosity.”
In other words—I’ve been making excellent use of your larder.
And I plan to keep doing so for a very, very long time.
As I spoke, I lowered my head slightly, offering a genuinely courteous bow.
The Grand Duke’s magnanimity when it came to food, clothing, and shelter was something I could only respect.
Then, with a soft chuckle, laughter burst from across from me.
He laughed?
I snapped my head up.
Yet the Grand Duke’s expression remained perfectly unchanged from before.
It was definitely laughter—laughter held back and suppressed, only to slip through the teeth unbidden.
Or was it?
‘Did I mishear?’
I tilted my head slightly, studying the Grand Duke. A moment later, he uncrossed his arms and opened the window connecting to the driver’s seat. Then he issued a command.
“To Essmenta Village.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The carriage quickened its pace.
Essmenta Village.
‘I remember it.’
A place I’d learned about while memorizing the territories of the Cadea Empire.
‘So that village is…….’
The one famous for roasted whole pig.
I hastily raised my hand and wiped the corner of my mouth.
How embarrassing. My mouth was already watering just from hearing the village name.
Ironic as it was, my mind had already conjured up a massive pig turning slowly over a bed of crackling flames.
‘It must taste incredible.’
The skin, crisped to perfection. The meat, tender and dripping with juice and smoke.
All the special cuts materialized in my mind on their own.
That’s when my eyes met the Grand Duke’s. I saw the corner of his mouth twitch upward.
‘Oh no! Surely not!’
I quickly composed my expression and touched the corner of my mouth with my fingertips.
‘Good grief. He’ll think I’m drooling.’
It must be hunger—my composure keeps slipping.
‘No. Absolutely not.’
At least not in front of the Grand Duke.
I cleared my throat and asked casually, as if nothing were amiss.
“Weren’t you supposed to be waiting at the Imperial Palace?”
The Grand Duke answered matter-of-factly.
“As long as I arrive today, that’s all that matters. I simply left early to avoid drawing attention.”
Ah, I see. I nodded. The Grand Duke continued.
“It’s not important enough to starve my butler on the way.”
…….
Your Highness……. I looked at him with grateful eyes.
‘He’s thinking about my hunger?’
It was just an offhand remark, but it moved me more than anything else could have.
Growl. My inconsiderate stomach rumbled again.
I gently rested my hand on my belly and smiled faintly.
Just wait a little longer. I’ll feed you soon.
I spoke to the Grand Duke with a serious expression.
“Once we arrive at the village, I’ll find a restaurant at once.”

***

As it turned out, I didn’t need to search for a restaurant at all.
The Ballot Grand Duke Clan had a retainer who ran a restaurant in Essmenta Village.
Shortly after the Grand Duke and I entered the restaurant, a sign was hung at the entrance announcing that they were closed for the day.
It meant they would accept no further customers.
Only the Grand Duke and I would be using this restaurant.
‘If this is what abusing power feels like, I welcome it wholeheartedly.’
Thanks to this, the whole roasted pig, which had been cooking since dawn, was brought entirely to our table.
I’d only meant to eat a few pieces from each section and satisfy my hunger, but at this windfall my eyes nearly bulged out of my head.
A pig roasted to a caramel-brown perfection was impossibly tempting.
Hah, hah. My breathing had somehow grown rapid.
I quickly picked up the BBQ Carving Knife. After settling my mind, I brought the blade to the caramel-colored, crispy skin.
The well-honed knife cut cleanly through the skin and meat without resistance.
I portioned the meat by cut onto a plate and offered it to the Grand Duke.
“Please, Your Highness.”
“Eat first, butler.”
Ah, checking for poison, are we?
I placed small portions of meat onto my own plate and speared them with a fork.
“Then, allow me to start.”
And I stuffed a generous portion of meat into my mouth.
Ah……! I let out an internal gasp of admiration.
It seemed like this was the first time I’d tasted something this delicious since I’d eaten Rend’s lamb steak back at the Grand Duke’s Residence.
The more I chewed, the more the succulent juice seemed to melt away—a flavor so divine it felt like I might perish from sheer pleasure.
Watching me like that, the Grand Duke asked.
“How is it, steward?”
I swallowed the meat I’d been chewing and answered.
“No poison, Your Grace.”
“……Poison?”
The Grand Duke tilted his head. I placed the meat on a fresh plate, carving it neatly into portions.
“Yes, so you may eat without worry.”
I arranged the accompanying vegetables beside the meat and offered it to the Grand Duke.
‘Go on, Grand Duke. I really do know how to carve a piece of meat properly.’
I knew how to cut the skin, fat, and lean meat in perfect proportion.
I wore a confident expression.
The Grand Duke picked up his fork and knife, bringing the meat to his mouth. Once I’d confirmed he was eating, I returned to my seat and resumed my own meal.
Thus began a rather aggressive bout of dining.
Of course, that was only on my end.
The Grand Duke ate with elegant composure befitting his station.
It didn’t take long to work through an entire pig.
After I’d neatly stripped the meat from the remaining hind leg and devoured it, I finally set down my fork with a satisfied expression.
“You really do eat well.”
The Grand Duke let out a genuinely impressed remark.
Ha ha. I simply laughed.
When my belly was full, I tended to be generous about everything, so I felt I could listen cheerfully even if the Grand Duke had more to say.
Then, while watching me quietly, the Grand Duke asked.
“Was it good?”
I answered without hesitation.
“Yes, Your Grace. I apologize to Chef Rend, but when it comes to roasted whole pig, this restaurant is unmatched.”
At that, the Grand Duke let out a small chuckle.
He clearly shared my sentiments.
And shortly after, the Grand Duke’s next question followed.
“You don’t remember anything from back then?”
“Yes……?”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————