-1 A Certain Butlers Diary Prologue (1/2)

Today was an auspicious day.

The Finn Iphelleta House had its third son delivered.

His black hair had a striking resemblance to his mother's.

His name is Riley.

”At least I have enough strength left to name him!”

Lady Iris smiled brightly.

Age 0

The child spoke.

It was a word other than ”Mommy.”

He mumbled, ”Finally...” What did he mean?

We never taught him that word...

Age 1

I have secretly inspected young master's body.

To check his talent.

...

I have never seen anyone with such talent in my 60 years.

My head was filled with excitement and envy.

Not as a butler, but as a swordsman.

Was it because I'd seen talent that surpasses genius?

I could not fall asleep that night.

Age 2.

The first-born, Master Ryan, has won second place in the Novice Swordsmanship Tournament.

His competitors were all around the age of 14–15.

He defeated them at the age of 9.

The maids of the mansion are clamoring that he may surpass his father.

Fools, the true 'genius' is here.

Age 3.

Even if their mothers are different.

Watching his brothers train everyday should arouse some curiosity.

But the young master shows no interest in the sword.

Simply watching this talent go undeveloped, is driving me insane.

Age 4.

Maybe I'm getting impatient due to my age.

I have given him a wooden sword.

Unlike his usual intelligent self, for some unknown reason, he bawled his eyes out, screaming because he did not want to hold the sword.

In the end, he never even swung it once.

Was I too early?

Age 5.

The Finn Iphelleta House has a bloodline that has been blessed by the sword.

After the first son, the second-born, Master Lloyd, has done well in the Novice Tournament.

As I carefully mention the idea to the Young Master Riley, he replied with a smile, ”Not doing it.”

Age 6.

Hah... Just why?

Age 7.

Master Ryan has already learnt to imbue mana into the blade.

Within the mana was a pure and powerful essence. Therefore, his father gave Master Ryan the title of ”Geuk-Geom”.

Master Riley showed no reaction to the story.

Hah, if only he would just hold a sword.

TLN: Geuk-Geom = Strong Blade

Age 9.

I am disheartened.

I am sure there will be great achievements.

Even if I ignore my bias as his servant.

Even if I ignore his talent for the sword.

He is a truly intelligent boy, and it crushes me.

...

Today, Master Lloyd was given the title of ”Sok-Geom”

His speed was extraordinary, even beyond Master Stein's.

Suddenly...

”Did I see it wrong?”

This thought occurred to me.

TLN: Sok-Geom = Quick Blade