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Chapter 12
“Head Butler?”
What’s this all of a sudden?
When I tilted my head in confusion, he broke into a radiant smile, deep wrinkles forming around his mouth.
“You shall go receive your lessons immediately.”
Lessons?
I had asked for a general education about this world.
After all, if I claimed to know about the Richard Empire without ever being taught, anyone would find that strange. And since this was where I’d be living from now on, it was necessary to learn about it in detail.
But he already got permission? I only asked yesterday.
“So soon?”
I hadn’t expected such diligence.
When I asked with wide, round eyes, Levi answered in an excited voice.
“His Grace readily granted permission.”
Valentin…?
Suspicion immediately narrowed my eyes, but Levi, as though he had nothing to hide, spoke on behalf of his master.
“He said how astonishing it is to have such a scholarly puppy in Berenice. I, Levi Albrecht, butler of House Berenice, shall do my utmost to educate Sir Nathan into the most brilliant hound.”
What kind of nonsense is that?
His love for Berenice had overflowed into something strange.
Too tired to protest their constant “puppy” remarks, I quickly led the way toward the study.
Even on the way there, I had to listen to a lengthy account of how erudite Levi was and what great accomplishments he had achieved in the field of education.
Levi was born the second son of a count’s family, graduated second in his class from the Letimia Academy in the imperial capital, Emberton, and devoted his life as the top secretary in the Imperial Palace Administration.
Only after years of overwork and stress left him with a chronic illness did he finally achieve his childhood dream of becoming a teacher.
After recovering his health, he became the tutor of young Valentin and remained in the imperial palace.
“When I recall His Grace’s brilliance, my heart still races. If there was one regret, it was that he was so outstanding there was little for me to teach. I thought my dream as an educator had ended so briefly—yet now I have the honor of teaching Sir Nathan. It is truly a privilege.”
His enthusiasm was overwhelming.
I had only wanted to pick up some basic knowledge, not be assigned someone who felt like a university professor.
Who assigns the Duke’s former tutor to teach a mere puppy?
As I seriously wondered whether this was Valentin’s scheme to watch me suffer, we arrived at the study.
Feeling as though I had returned to my school days, I opened a notebook and began taking notes.
I pretended not to notice Levi gazing at my crooked handwriting—written with paws, not hands—with deeply moved eyes.
“This world is divided into the Ouman Continent and the Lisvan Continent across the sea. Millions of years ago, Ouman and Lisvan were one landmass, but over the ages they separated into two. There is, of course, geographical evidence supporting this.”
Oh? Like Wegener’s continental drift theory?
When I nodded with interest, Levi grew even more excited and barreled ahead.
“…Lastly, let us briefly discuss the current imperial family of the Richard Empire. This is related to Duke Berenice’s political standing, so it will be beneficial for you to know.”
Something related to Valentin? My ears perked up automatically.
“His Grace Duke Valentin Berenice is the first son born to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty Empress Elia.”
Levi drew a large crown on the board.
“Before he is a duke, he is the First Prince of the Empire.”
See? Isn’t our duke amazing? His proud gaze practically said so, and I gave a few polite claps.
“Ahem. Under Imperial Consort Cordelia are the Second Prince, Chase, and the Third Prince, Hersion.”
Whether intentional or not, Levi’s voice dropped when mentioning Consort Cordelia.
No surprise. She’s been desperate to have Valentin killed.
It was widely known in the Empire that she had sent young Valentin to the battlefield in order to make her son Chase the Crown Prince.
“And lastly, born of Empress Elia, there is the Fourth Princess, Rachel Junon Bernbaum.”
“She is a most lovely lady.”
Levi’s tone brightened.
Princess Rachel. Though not a major character in the original novel, she uniquely resembled her mother’s side of the family rather than the Emperor or Empress. Because of that, she received the Empress’s affection.
“By now, you must be wondering why His Grace did not remain as a prince but became a duke.”
Levi smiled mischievously and explained the imperial succession.
“The Richard Empire grants priority in succession to the eldest son. Therefore, unless there are exceptional circumstances, His Grace would have competed and been appointed Crown Prince.”
The date of the competition was determined solely by the Emperor.
Until then, the First Prince would act as a de facto Crown Prince, handling affairs and cultivating the abilities needed to rule. It was only natural for the First Prince—who had long prepared for governance—to become Crown Prince.
But there are always exceptions.
If the First Prince had flaws as a leader, or if another prince was remarkably outstanding, the results could sometimes be overturned.
That was why the First Prince was not automatically granted the title.
Priority to the eldest—but with exceptions.
“As you know, Sir Nathan, our Duke has no such flaws. He is more than qualified to be Emperor.”
At the pointed look he gave me, I nodded vigorously.
Satisfied, Levi smiled and continued on Valentin’s behalf.
Recognized for his exceptional swordsmanship from a young age, Valentin went to war early and achieved countless merits on the battlefield.
After experiencing numerous wars, Valentin chose to become the sword of the North protecting the Empire rather than participate in political schemes of deception and intrigue.
“…I see. His Grace must truly love the Empire.”
I agreed with Levi’s long explanation, but I knew his words were half truth, half lie.
If Valentin failed to inherit the throne, his life would be in danger. With Cordelia’s ambition, it was obvious.
Yet he still gave up the path to becoming Emperor and left the palace because—
Because of Empress Elia.
Though she kept him practically confined, she visited him every night.
Countless nights whispering in his ear not to become Emperor—whether he was asleep or awake.
Unfortunately, Cliff Flower did not describe in detail Valentin’s emotions or circumstances when he relinquished his succession rights and left the palace.
As a growth-centered romance fantasy focused on Lucy, the male lead’s role was comparatively small.
The only thing I clearly remembered was that he had called the imperial palace a “loathsome place.”
Though Empress Elia, his mother, disliked him, Emperor Rikayen did not openly defend Valentin either.
He wanted to show off the beautiful Valentin like a trophy, yet avoided him out of fear of Cordelia’s reaction.
Even when Valentin fell victim to Cordelia’s schemes, the Emperor offered help only once or twice—like charity.
I guess the male lead’s life can’t be smooth.
Frowning as I recalled the abuse he endured, I was startled when Levi clapped three times, signaling the end of today’s lesson.
“Tomorrow, we shall learn about the Empire’s relations with neighboring nations and diplomacy.”
What would a mere puppy need that for?
I looked up at him with a baffled expression, but Levi’s resolve was firm.
Now that I thought about it, he seemed like the kind of passionate lecturer who could give a class even to inanimate objects.
Before he could change his mind and resume the lesson, I dashed out of the study. Even with my experience as a Korean high school student, Levi was a bit much.
Air. I need fresh air.
Clutching my dizzy head, I hurried outside.
The sight of the lush green lawn cleared my mind instantly.
After sitting half the day, I’d been restless. I felt alive again, and my tail puffed up on its own.
“Woof! Woof!”
Wait—where did that barking come from?
I touched my snout just in case, but fortunately the barking came from elsewhere.
“Sir Nathan!”
Neumann and Charlie were running toward me from afar.
Charlie—the handsome guard dog of Berenice’s ducal estate.
A muscular Doberman with sleek black fur bounding with excitement, tail wagging wildly.
“Woof! Woof! Woof!”
You adorable rascal.
Bracing myself on sturdy legs, I leapt like a rabbit and vigorously petted Charlie.
As we tumbled and ran across the wide garden together—
“Woof woof! Pant, pant.”
Because of Charlie, I’d discovered something: I could understand animals to some degree.
I’d understood the rabbit at Rafelia Castle, but I thought that was simply due to the magic placed on the castle.
So when I first met Charlie and could read his feelings, I was stunned.
Why does it feel like I understand everything?
Part of me felt depressed, wondering if I’d truly become a beast. But another part decided to see it positively—perhaps I had a future as an animal interpreter.
At least I won’t starve.
I’d just die without ever becoming human again.
Since then, Charlie greeted me like a long-lost family member every time he saw me.
Maybe he knew I played with him at his level.
Feeling oddly proud, I was running around the garden when Neumann called out.
“Charlie! Return! Sir Nathan, please head inside as well!”
I pretended not to hear out of reluctance, but Charlie glanced at me.
Only for a moment. Then, like the well-trained dog he was, he ran swiftly back to Neumann.
Watching his wiggling backside, I felt strangely abandoned—left alone.
Like a child no one came to pick up.
As I blankly stared at Charlie and Neumann, a familiar silhouette caught my eye.
Valentin.
When did he get here?
My eyes widened, and Valentin smiled softly.
Like spring melting winter.
“Nathan, come here.”
“……”
The way my name naturally slipped from his lips sounded pleasant.
I hesitated only a moment. Before I realized it, I was practically running toward him.
My steps toward Valentin felt as light as feathers.
Woof! Woof!
Hunting dogs large enough to threaten even a grown man barked from all directions. Maiden opened the iron gate and shook the feed.
“Wait.”
At her low command, the dogs sat obediently, bottoms on the ground. Their disciplined posture showed they were well-trained hunting dogs.
Maiden poured premium feed—rich with balanced nutrients—into each trough.
“Eat.”
The dogs, who had been watching only her lips, began devouring the feed at a ferocious pace the moment she gave permission.
While they ate, Maiden scanned them coldly for any signs of deterioration.
Though there were many, each dog’s coat gleamed with health, and their lean silhouettes—formed of dense muscle rather than fat—were impressive.
“They’re in good condition. They’ll have no issue accompanying us to Shamantre.”
When she turned, her superior was closely inspecting the hounds.
“Your Grace.”
