The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 109: The Butler

[00 Months: 12 Days: 04 Hours]

Morning found me in a state of comfortable lethargy, nestled within the sumptuous confines of the guest room.

As a seasoned survivor, I had become accustomed to the harsh terrain, the occasional stony floor, and makeshift camps under the open sky.

But this? This was opulence on a whole new level.

The bed felt like a soft cloud, the silky sheets like a gentle whisper against my skin.

The room, softly lit with the morning glow, echoed with grandeur and exuded a peaceful tranquility that was alien to my usual mornings.

My internal clock had stirred me awake at the usual hour of dawn. Out of habit, my muscles had coiled, ready to spring into the day's activities.

Yet, the plush comfort of the bed had enticed me to sink back into its welcoming embrace, an offer I was all too ready to accept.

The rest of the morning passed in a blissful daze, my senses swathed in a warmth that seemed to seep into my very bones.

But then…

My peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered by a curt knock on the door.

"H-huh…?"

It was a polite, measured rap that was distinctively out of place in my usually rugged routine.

As my eyes flickered open, I was momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings, before the memory of the previous day's events filtered in.

"Y-yes, who is it?" I called out, suppressing a yawn as I pushed myself into a sitting position.

"Good afternoon, sir," came a polite male voice from the other side of the door.

The voice was cultured and held a certain amount of professional restraint.

"I am Oswald, the butler of the Lyma Household. Lady Seraphina has sent me to inform you of her request for your presence."

Hearing Seraphina's name stirred me fully awake.

The weight of the upcoming expedition hung in the air as I began to prepare myself for the day, the echo of the butler's words reverberating in the grandeur of the guest room.

*******

Gathering myself and slipping into a set of casual attire - a simple linen tunic, soft and worn-in from days of use, paired with a sturdy pair of leather trousers - I opened the door to greet the waiting butler.

It wasn't particularly a bad look. In fact, I would say it looked nice and casual on me.

There was a sense of elegance in his posture, his hands folded in front of him, his gaze respectful yet curious.

'I can't believe he really waited out for me. Isn't he more important than that?' I wondered to myself.

He called himself the Lyma Family butler, so he wasn't a mere servant or maid. Yet, why was he attending to me specifically?

'Hmm… well, I'll just ask Seraphina later.'

"Shall we?" His gesture was a polite invitation, a professional veneer masking his curiosity.

As we began walking down the grand halls of the mansion, the butler initiated a conversation.

"My sincere apologies, sir, for my absence last night. I was attending to the Duchess, Lady Seraphina's mother." Oswald offered, the sincerity in his tone hard to miss.

His mention of the Duchess piqued my interest, and the image of an absent yet powerful figure began to take shape in my mind.

'Now that I think of it, where is the Duchess? I've not seen her yet.'

I gave him a gracious smile, dismissing his apology with a light shake of my head.

"There's no problem at all," I assured him.

The butler's next words, however, triggered a slight prickling sensation at the back of my mind.

"I must say, I am quite surprised to see you in a different set of clothes. The maids informed me that you had no luggage with you," he observed, his voice laced with subtle curiosity.

"I was going to provide you with a set if you wanted, but it seems there's no need for that."

'If that was the case, you should have said something sooner.' I hid my unease with a forced smile.

Why did it feel like this butler was trying to probe me for answers?

A small chuckle escaped me as I met his curious gaze. "I have my ways," I told him, my eyes dancing with an unspoken amusement. "I prefer to keep my clothes close to me."

The butler's eyes flickered with understanding, before he swiftly apologized for any discourtesy he might have caused.

"Oh no, it's fine." I reassured him with a warm smile, although a seed of cautiousness had been planted in my mind.

The butler was observant, perhaps too observant.

In a place like this, it would be wise to tread carefully, keeping my guard up while moving along the currents of high society politics.

'<All Seeing Eyes>' I activated the Skill, staring at the butler intensely.

'What…?'

What I saw surprised me.

[Native Information]

Name: Oswald Bertrud

Level Of Danger: Moderately High

[End Of Information]

'He's that strong?!' My eyes widened in shock.

This was the first time I had ever seen someone have such a high level of danger out of all the natives I had met in this world.

There was no way this was an ordinary butler.

I tried to hide my shock as much as I could, but the question kept gnawing at me as I stole glances at the old and posh man.

'Who the hell is he?!'

********

Walking beside the butler, I found myself being led through the grandeur of the mansion's hallways.

Each corridor more impressive than the last, adorned with intricate carvings, shimmering chandeliers, and rich tapestries that exuded an air of nobility and ancient tradition.

Soon, we arrived at a beautifully designed teahouse, a serene oasis amidst the grandiosity of the mansion.

The teahouse was nestled amidst lush flora of all shades of green, their leaves rustling gently, adding to the peacefulness of the setting.

Everywhere I looked, there were grand designs and breathtaking craftsmanship, a testament to the Lyma family's wealth and taste.

The tantalizing aroma of blooming flowers mixed with the invigorating scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air, giving the whole place a welcoming feel.

Around a round table in the center, Seraphina sat among four other young women, all engrossed in their conversation.

Each one held herself with the unmistakable grace and poise of nobility, their hands delicately clutching fine porcelain teacups as they shared gentle laughter and words.

Maids stood nearby, ever watchful and attentive, their presence a subtle reminder of the hierarchy within the household.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of discomfort. The luxurious surroundings, the subtle power dynamics, the ritualistic etiquette... It was a world far removed from the rugged and simple life I was accustomed to.

But there was no time to dwell on it as the butler cleared his throat, announcing my arrival.

"Ladies, may I present to you, Sir Luke," the butler's voice echoed across the space, drawing all attention to me.

The conversation ceased, and I could feel their eyes on me, curiosity and anticipation shining in their gaze.

'Why do I feel so awkward?'

I met their stare with a polite nod, mentally bracing myself for the conversation to come.

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[A/N]

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Cheers!