008 The Butler of House Fanscent, Zebis Aldin

I am a butler in the service of House Fanscent.

I once served in the Kingdom Knight Order of the South, but after a certain turning point, I resigned. Following various twists and turns, I found myself working for House Fanscent. My days were hectic, but my greatest struggle was a personal one: I couldn't stand the eldest son, Weiss Fancent.

From the time he was a small child, he was arrogant, selfish, and utterly incapable of considering the feelings of others. He treated his slaves like disposable toys—overworking them until they broke, then casually ordering me to "dispose" of them.

Disgusting.

On the surface, I played the part of the obedient servant. In reality, I made sure every single one of those "disposed" slaves escaped to safety. I had concluded that the boy was beyond saving; I spent my time gathering evidence of his crimes, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver his final judgment.

And then, Master Weiss underwent a radical transformation.

"Zebis, I want you to release all the slaves owned by House Fanscent. Furthermore, I want you to send letters of apology to our former slaves and anyone we failed to pay a proper wage."

He just... blurted it out one day.

My first thought was that he had simply invented a new, cruel way to harass me. But as the days passed, everything changed—his table manners, his attitude, the way he spoke to people. It was all different. He even declared that he wanted to undergo special training to prepare for his Academy entrance.

Is this a joke? I wondered. I reached out to my old friend Milk, thinking she could sniff out whatever he was hiding, but she reported that he was training with a level of dedication that bordered on the obsessive.

As everyone around him began to open their hearts, I remained the lone skeptic. I couldn't bring myself to believe it. But as time marched on, I was forced to face the reality: he really had changed.

Milk told me his talent for the sword was on an entirely different level. Intrigued—and perhaps a bit worried—I went to observe his training for myself. I ended up letting out a hollow laugh.

In just a few short years, he had reached a level where he could trade blows with an S-class Adventurer. Honestly? In terms of pure reaction speed, he had already surpassed Milk. His movements were a supple, terrifying hybrid of refined swordsmanship and a massive pool of mana.

He probably hasn't realized it yet, but magic power has permeated his body down to the cellular level. That is the only reason he can move like that. By the time Master Weiss reaches physical maturity, he will undoubtedly possess enough strength to decide the very fate of this world.

It’s terrifying. Had he stayed that same vile brat, I likely would have lopped his head off years ago out of sheer dread of what he might become.

But he isn't that person anymore. He has matured mentally, and his intellect is sharp enough to leave me speechless. Even when it comes to the business affairs of House Fanscent, the difference in profits with and without his input is like night and day.

Overflowing talent, impeccable virtue, mastery of both magic and the blade, and a noble title to top it off. The boy has no idea how truly monstrous—and awe-inspiring—he has become.

Even the cold, detached Lilith has taken a shine to him, which came as a shock. When we spoke recently, she told me she sincerely didn't want to hurt anyone anymore. That, too, is almost certainly Master Weiss's doing.

And then there was the magic.

"Um, the secret to the Four Great Elements is to become one with nature, right?"

The moment he started his magical training, he mastered the basics of the Four Great Elements instantly. His growth rate is... frankly, it’s not normal. I also know for a fact that he has mastered the rare Dark Attribute and its polar opposite, the Light Attribute.

That should be impossible.

Light and darkness repel one another. To hold both is like trying to force two separate souls into one body. It’s likely a historical first; I’ve certainly never heard of it. Dark Magic borrows power from demons and their ilk; historically, its users were driven to cruelty by its very nature. It involves curses and the direct manipulation of the heart.

If it were the "old" Master Weiss, his mastery of darkness wouldn't have surprised me. But Light Magic? That’s different. It requires the protection of angels to perform Recovery Magic or create high-density barriers. Only a truly good person can wield it.

Then, one day, he asked me a question.

"Zebis, is there such a thing as magic that fuses two different elements together?"

"Fusion, Master Weiss? In what sense?"

"For example... something like light and darkness."

"I... I can't say. I have never heard of such a thing in my life."

I will never forget the expression on his face when he said that. He isn't just learning magic; he’s trying to create something entirely new.

Common sense says it can't be done. However, I’ve sensed the mana wafting off him lately. Light and darkness are overlapping, radiating a unique, singular energy.

I decided to play a small, slightly mean trick on him. I fired a spell at him while his back was turned to see if he’d notice. He blocked it effortlessly. Without even looking, he had combined the "Eternal" property of Dark Magic with the "Protection" of Light Magic to create a semi-permanent shield. I’ve even confirmed that it covers his body while he sleeps. I’m not even sure he’s doing it consciously.

It is a terrifying level of talent. And yet, it makes me happy.

I once intended to raise the flag of rebellion against House Fanscent. But now? Now, my own curiosity won't let me leave. I want to see where his path leads. And more than that... I’ve grown to like the man he’s become.

"Zebis, thank you for everything," he said to me. "I was able to change because of you. It was because you were willing to get angry with me that I found the right path. Won't you stay by my side and keep supporting me?"

"Those words are more than I deserve, Master Weiss."

As long as there is breath in my body, I will support him. And if anyone dares to become his enemy, I will protect him—even if it costs me my life.

[A Small Request]

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