Chapter 40 Meeting In The Late Night
The sound of a knock on the door woke Werner, who had been dozing on the sofa with his arms crossed.
It was well past midnight.
This was certainly not an appropriate time for a visit.
The visitor must either have an urgent matter or be quite inconsiderate.
"Who is it?"
Werner opened the door slightly, peering out with a wary expression.
Suddenly, a hand slipped through the gap and pushed the door open.
As Werner stepped back in surprise, a tall man smoothly entered the room.
The man walked in confidently, as if it were perfectly normal, with golden eyes and brown skin.
His well-defined face revealed no emotions.
Werner immediately recognized who the man was.
He matched the description of the person Sarah Belts had repeatedly referred to as "the man having an affair with Rhiannon".
"...You're the butler from Rhiannon's place."
"Nice to meet you. I am Kaine Ricciardi, serving the Clahsen family. I have come to escort the young lady."
The man, who introduced himself as Kaine, performed a noble bow with precision.
His movements were graceful and flawless.
(Ah, so this is the one Rhiannon has feelings for...)
Werner stared intently at the man, his romantic rival.
Kaine was a head taller than Werner, with a sweet, handsome face, dressed in loose, pale-colored clothing.
Though he looked like a commoner, he had far more elegance than the average noble.
Even Werner, who was male, found himself captivated.
Kaine, unfazed by Werner's rude gaze, remained expressionless.
After a while, he finally broke the silence with a light cough.
"Your Highness, is there something on my face?"
"...Ah, sorry. Just to ask, how did you know Rhiannon was here?"
"As a butler, I believe one should be aware of their master's whereabouts."
"...That's a rather evasive statement."
"I'm sorry if I offended you. Well, I really want to avoid the rumors about Lady Rhiannon coming home in the morning, so I thought I had to find her no matter what."
Kaine wore a suspicious smile.
Although he appeared to be laughing, it was hard to say he was being friendly.
In fact, Kaine was subtly exuding a menacing aura.
He might think he was hiding it, but it was far from concealed.
Werner furrowed his brow.
"Hey, do you think I did something to your master?"
"With all due respect, Your Highness, that's exactly right."
Kaine answered politely, but a dangerous glint crossed his eyes.
For a moment, Werner felt as if a sharp blade was pressed against his heart.
His instincts told him he couldn't win against this man.
He felt a cold sweat trickle down his back.
"...Don't get me wrong. I'm not lying. I want to restore trust with Rhiannon. I'm not stupid enough to make a move on someone like that."
"Really?"
"Don't glare at me. I really haven't done anything."
Seeing Kaine still wearing a skeptical expression, Werner pointed toward the bed.
"...Hurry up and take your master, who's sleeping in my bed. I've been using a lot of my reason here. Seriously, what kind of education are you giving her? There's way too little caution."
Werner let out a tired sigh.
It was none other than Werner who had carried Rhiannon, who had fallen asleep on the sofa, to the bed.
Unfortunately, all the attendants and maids were out for tonight's party.
With a blank mind, Werner had carried Rhiannon to the bed and ended up waiting alone on the sofa until Kaine arrived.
Kaine silently crossed the room and confirmed that Rhiannon was peacefully sleeping in the fluffy bed.
She looked so comfortable, so carefree.
Kaine's profile softened slightly as he looked at Rhiannon's sleeping face.
Werner noticed that expression and had a realization.
(This guy...)
The earlier hidden killing intent and the softness in Kaine's gaze directed at Rhiannon made it easy to see that he truly cared for her.
Kaine was in love with Rhiannon.
Since they were both infatuated with the same person, Werner couldn't help but notice.
But that was only natural.
No man could resist being drawn to the beautiful Rhiannon Mimi Clahsen while serving her.
However, along with that, a certain question arose in Werner's mind.
(Despite their feelings for each other, it seems like Kaine's hands are unfamiliar with touching Rhiannon...)
Kaine's hand, reaching out to touch Rhiannon as she slept in bed, was hesitant, as if he were handling something fragile.
If they were truly close, he should be a bit more at ease.
After a moment of silent contemplation, Werner smirked.
At this point, the answer was clear.
Though they certainly cared for each other, for some reason, they had not yet become a couple.
"I see..."
Werner muttered to himself, and Kaine quietly responded.
His sparkling golden eyes were fixed on Werner.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, I just thought Rhiannon had a very loyal butler."
"...That is quite the compliment for me."
"Hmph, that's reassuring. When Rhiannon marries into royalty, I'll make sure you get a proper position."
That was implicitly a one-sided declaration of war, suggesting, 'Don't think a mere butler can stay by Rhiannon's side forever.' At Werner's words, Kaine's eyes flickered with unease for a moment.
However, it quickly transformed into a mysterious smile that revealed nothing of his true feelings.
"...It is an honor."
Kaine said this calmly, then gently picked up Rhiannon and walked toward the window.
Werner's fierce intimidation seemed to have been brushed off easily, and he instantly became displeased.
"I forgot to mention, don't just waltz into the palace like it's nothing! If you do it again, I'll call the guards!"
"Sure, I'll do my best. I also hope that this kind of thing won't happen again."
Responding with her usual sharp tone, Kaine stepped onto the window ledge facing the palace garden.
Werner was taken aback.
"Wh-what are you doing? That's not an exit! It's just a window! We're on the 4th floor!?"
"Don't worry. If we go through the regular route, we'll definitely get caught by the guard."
Saying this coolly, Kaine flung the door open.
A cold night breeze rushed into the room.
Just as Werner reached out to stop her, Kaine jumped straight down while holding Rhiannon.
"That jerk, he jumped!"
In a panic, Werner leaned out of the door where they had fallen and saw only the shadows of the two illuminated by the bright moon, racing across the vast palace garden.
He alternated his gaze between the open window and the garden, dumbfounded.
"Who the hell jumps from the 4th floor just to avoid the guard..."
With that killing intent and extraordinary physical ability, it seemed that he had become quite a dangerous rival in his love for Rhiannon.
Werner sighed.
"...Still, I don't want to give up on Rhiannon."
One day, he would stand side by side with Rhiannon and finally have a proper conversation with her.
Maybe while drinking the tea she personally brewed.
Werner glared at the wide palace garden where the two had disappeared, his light blue eyes filled with renewed determination as he clenched his fist tightly.
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