Is That My Alter Ego - Is That My Alter Ego chapter 33

33 – Servant

“……………”

A woman smiling at me. In front of the Northern Duchess, I could only stand frozen, unable to say a word.

“Um. I think I must have misheard. Become a servant…”

“You heard correctly.”

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“……..”

No. What qualification do I have?

Objectively speaking, I was not at all suited to be a servant. I didn’t particularly enjoy catering to anyone.

“….Um. May I ask why you’re making this offer to me?”

Unable to fathom any reason why I, of all people, would be offered the position of a servant, I decided to be honest.

The Duchess seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking.

“Well, it’s because you saved our daughter. And… you. I find you quite to my liking.”

“…..Pardon?”

“Ahahahaha. Not in that sense. I was impressed by how you didn’t lose your composure even when facing us.”

Was that such a big deal? I only felt slightly intimidated.

“If you become a butler, you could receive benefits beyond your imagination.”

Seeing that I remained still without any reaction, the Northern Duke continued speaking.

Well… Of course, that would be the case. Even for a butler, the benefits and salary offered would be unimaginable for ordinary people. Many would covet this position.

‘It would be nice to get a hefty sum. But…’

While a substantial amount of money was important, there was something else more crucial to me at the moment.

“Excuse me. If I become a butler… would I have to stay in this castle?”

“You will have to go out often… but mostly, yes.”

“…I have children to take care of. If I stay in this castle, they will be left behind..”

The reason I am trying to earn money. Why I didn’t shy away from tough errands and work. Everything was for the children at the orphanage.

If it meant abandoning those children and surviving alone, I would gladly refuse.

“Yes. You have children to look after…”

“What a kind-hearted young man…”

The Northern Duke and his wife looked at me with curious and admiring eyes, as if seeing a commendable child, and exclaimed in admiration.

“Then, how about this.”

After a brief cough, the Northern Duke began to make me an offer.

“We will take responsibility for the children. We’ll provide quality meals, playtime, and even the items they desire. And, at least once a week, you’ll be able to see them.”

I stood frozen at the tremendous proposal. To go this far for me?

Merely being a servant was already a compensation bordering on volunteer work, difficult to receive for just taking care of the house.

“…I don’t quite understand why you’re doing this for me.”

I honestly expressed my emotions. Just because I did what any person should do doesn’t mean I should be receiving such a massive gift of fortune.

“You are a benefactor to our family. You deserve adequate compensation.”

“Thanks to you, our miracle could return.”

“…Is that so.”

If they say it like this… there’s no need to refuse. Especially when thinking about the ample support that will be given to the children living in the cold orphanage, enduring each day with only a piece of bread.

The reward I receive, enduring a bit of discomfort and awkwardness, is as overwhelming as a winter of blessings.

“I will do my best. Please entrust me with this!”

“A good choice.”

“I’m counting on you. Venice, the ‘housekeeper.’”

Shaking hands with the Northern Duke, I bowed at a 90-degree angle, and then I signed my name on the contract he handed over.

That’s how, overnight, from a mere survivalist, I became the housekeeper of the Northern Duke’s residence, earning my keep day by day.

“Take care of it. Venice.”

“Please take care of it, Lord Ariel.”

And that too, as the exclusive housekeeper of the benevolent Northern Duke’s residence.

***

“…Does this make sense to you?”

“Well… I think I understand to some extent.”

After drafting the contract, I promptly received butler training from Mr. Everton, the head butler of Frost House.

Contrary to my expectations of the training being extremely strict and difficult, it turned out to be simpler than I thought.

I was to fulfill tasks requested by the head butler or members of the Frost House. Greet the family members of the Frost House with respect. Take good care of the butler uniform.

As Ariel’s dedicated butler, I was to address her as ‘Miss,’ follow her closely, and faithfully fulfill my duties. That was all.

“It’s surprisingly not that different from what I expected.”

Even though there were concerns about strictness and the possibility of worrying about my life over a single mistake, most mistakes were overlooked.

The remnants of the strict past were said to naturally fade away over time.

Unlike the past when butlers and servants were treated as complete slaves, recent practices treated them as equals.

Is this the benefit of the Northern Frost House? It was a simple task as long as I fulfilled the given responsibilities, not just in name but in action.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ll do the job carelessly.”

Still, they trusted and employed me, so even if I couldn’t excel, I would do my best to fulfill my duties. It was a matter of courtesy to the Northern Frost House.

Let’s work hard. It’s a rare opportunity given! With such determination in my heart, I set out to find my tasks.

“Hmm… what should I do…”

While wandering through Frost Castle, I noticed a maid looking at the shelves in the hallway, rolling her foot in frustration.

Seeing her in a state that clearly needed assistance, I approached and asked, “Excuse me… do you need help?”

“Huh? Are you… the newcomer who arrived today?”

“Probably. My name is Venice. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Well, my arm doesn’t reach, you see.”

Ah, I see. Upon closer inspection, the maid was looking at a rather tall shelf. It seemed like she was trying to take a book from the shelf, but her height wasn’t sufficient.

“Ah, I’ll help you with that.”

Pulling out a book is simple enough. I took out all the books stuck on the bookshelf. Since the books were all quite thick, they were reasonably heavy.

“Ugh… Where should I move these? I’ll carry them for you.”

“Um… Can I really? Just put them on the cart over there.”

Upon hearing that, I immediately approached the cart piled with books and organized and placed them neatly.

“Phew. They are quite heavy. You must have had a hard time.”

Looking at her arms, which didn’t seem to have visible muscles, it seemed she struggled a lot to take out and move the books.

“Uh… Yeah. Thanks for helping out a rookie. Am I foolish for asking you?”

“No, not at all.”

Seeing her face darken as if blaming herself, I replied immediately. I don’t know why she thinks that way, but isn’t it enough if she did her best?

“….Really?”

“Yes, absolutely. And… if you ever need help, feel free to call me. Senpai.”

“Heek! Uh…uhh..!”

As I spoke to her with a smile, her face suddenly turned as red as if she were in pain. The once pale face now turned as red as a radish.

“Do you have any painful spots? Where…”

“Uh…uhh!! Heeeh..”

Strange. I don’t feel any heat from her forehead. The maid’s eyes began to roll around.

“I… I’m fine… really!”

“Hmm… Are you sure? If you’re not feeling well, be sure to get treatment. Well then, I’ll be going!”

“Uh…yeah… goodbye… Venice…”

It’s not good to endure pain. So, I advised her and went to find something else to do.

Just then, I noticed a maid sweating profusely as she stared at some large boxes. Without hesitation, I approached her.

***

“Phew… Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Uh… Yeah. Take care! Venice…! Thank you!”

After bidding farewell to the maid, I wiped off the sweat streaming down my face and finally took a breath.

In this massive castle, work seemed to be never-ending, just as befitting its size. Just when I thought I had finished one task, another one would immediately appear.

Well, it wasn’t terribly difficult. They were all tasks that I could easily handle myself, so it was fine.

Continuously searching for work and helping out without rest, before I knew it, the sun had set and night had arrived.

“Let’s see… What time is it?”

I looked at the pendulum clock in the hallway, and it showed 9:50. According to the contract, the maid’s work was until 10 o’clock, so it was time to finish work and take a rest.

“…Ah, right. I should go greet Miss Ariel.”

As Ariel’s personal maid, I had to go greet her before leaving for the day.

Feeling a bit tired, I should greet her quickly and get some sleep. I moved towards Ariel’s room, which I had memorized.

I had been so focused on walking that I had reached right in front of Ariel’s room.

A firmly closed door. Behind this door was Ariel, I suppose.

Knock, knock, knock-

“Ariel, it’s Venice. I will be leaving now.”

I knocked on the wooden door and waited for Ariel’s response. Calling someone “Miss” and addressing them as “Ariel” felt more embarrassing than I had expected. It felt like the first time in my life.

“…Where are you going?”

“…Yes?”

Beyond the firmly closed door, Ariel’s voice came through, quiet yet cold.

…Where am I going? Isn’t it natural for me to return to my room?

“Allow me to enter my room.”

“…………”

In my mind, thunder rumbles, and in my head, an alarm goes off. Enter Yeongae’s room?

“Is something serious going on?”

Venice. 19 years old (doppelganger).

It hasn’t even been a day since I became a butler, and I’m already facing an obstacle.