Aiming to be the perfect butler for my lady

Chapter 72- Accusation

The next morning, Kyle was tending to his duties by reporting to his mistress before she woke up and helping her get out of bed and get ready.

Alatia washes her hair thoroughly alternatively, and the rest days she stream washes her hair. Normal bathing doesn't require it, but when she uses steam, her hair needs to be completely straight. That's why combing becomes necessary.

"What did he ask last night?" Alatia, with her eyes half closed, asked him as Kyle softly brushed her golden mane like it was nothing less than a treasure.

Last night it was already quite late when Kyle returned from the forest so he just informed Alatia that everything was fine before retiring to the servant's quarter.

Naturally, she was interested to hear what happened and whether she could rely on Aiden if things went unpredictably in the future. She trusted her brothers, but not when Kyle was involved.

"He asked me those questions which can give him the confidence that I would never leave your side," Kyle spoke with a soft smile which didn't show exhaustion or sleepiness like her.

He didn't disclose the initial questions which Aiden presented regarding their personal life or Alatia might have actually crossed her brother's name from the list of trustable people.

Just like him, she didn't want her personal life to be known by anyone else.

Kyle also hid the world championship talks he had with Aiden, for the time being. Nothing was set in stone so making her worried in advance was not preferable.

"Kyle...I am feeling nervous about what we have to face today." The only person she could share her actual feelings with, without fear of getting mocked since she was a princess, was him.

Kyle was not just her lover but also a reliable childhood friend to whom she confided in all her worries.

Kyle's expression remained unchanged as he held her soft and comfortable-to-touch hair in his hand and ran the brush downwards.

"Ala, we talked about this, right? If things go awry, we will just elope." Leaning towards her he looked at the girl in the eyes through the mirror. A hint of teasing in his tone as he asked, "Or are you no longer willing to spend your life with me while being a fugitive?"

"Believe it or not Kyle, I still perceive that option to be best for us. There are so many obstacles waiting for us that it always makes me feel like living as a Princess, worthless." Her words were heartfelt. She said what she always felt. The things that separate her and Kyle are unnecessary and if removing them seems so daunting, then she better choose the path of a coward and run away with him.

Kyle, truth be told, didn't have a problem. The War of Deities can be handled if he trains in secrecy and lets the Protagonist do his work. His feelings for the girl were also straight and simple; he didn't want to get separated from her.

However, more than anyone, Kyle knows how much Alatia adores her family. And that's why he didn't want to live in guilt of detaching the girl from her beloved people even if she looked ready to run away with him.

Rubbing her head softly, he smiled at her in assurance before saying, "Don't worry; everything will go fine today. I promise you."

However, as much as he assures her, or how much she tries to convince her heart both of them know, that today is going to be challenging for them.

*****************

The court was partially filled with the people whom the Emperor allowed to be here today.

Not every member of the council or ministers were invited. The Prime Minister, Finance Minister and the head of the Royal Order along with some other important individuals were present. On the left side were the two eldest Princes—Edward and Edmund.

As usual, Aiden didn't report to the court since he didn't deem these things to be important or suitable for him.

The Emperor sat on the throne while his wives were on the right, hidden behind a translucent floral patterned curtain. Alatia was with them but unlike the Empresses, she didn't wear a smile and looked solemn.

The one who knelt in the court and paid respect to the elders and the Emperor was Kyle.

The Prime Minister rose from his seat while holding a scroll in his hand and after sharing a nod with the Majesty, he finally began to address the court,

"Attention, esteemed members of the court. It is with great honour that I will address you today. Our noble butler, Kyle, who serves the Princess with unparalleled dedication and excellence, has been recognized for his exemplary performance. The Emperor himself has expressed his desire to reward Kyle for his unwavering commitment and service. Let us all commend Kyle for his outstanding contributions."

The Prime Minister's words were heard and a smile was shared between Edmund and the two Empresses.

Alatia remained unwavering.

"As per what was promised, I-"

"Wait a minute, Sir Prime Minister."

The first Prince suddenly interrupted the speech which was moving toward the announcement of the rewards which Kyle would be receiving.

Kyle's shoulders tensed but he didn't show any visible reaction and allowed the Prince to continue, "Before we move onto the ceremony I would like to confirm something from Kyle."

The person left his throne and walked towards the Prime Minister. Naturally, the latter didn't show much of a reaction since he was aware of what this was about.

The Prime Minister nodded before he shared a glance with Edward and walked back to his designated seat.

"Kyle, you may stand up."

The command was followed and the butler, dressed in a white suit, got up on his feet.

There was a silence that briefly descended upon the courtroom. The Emperor never raised his voice in support or protest of this sudden interruption—clearly aware of the matter.

The wait didn't last long before a man from behind the curtains walked towards the Prince and with a respectful bow he handed Edward a scroll.

The Prince read, "Ten months ago, on the day of the full moon, a man was caught venturing in the unmonitored forest of Belur and showed some unique skills which only an element specialist could possess."

With his gaze turning chilling frosty, Edward looked at the butler before adding, "And from my sources, your name comes up."

"What are you trying to prove here?" The irritable voice of the Princess resonated across the hall but she was shushed down by the supreme authority,

"Don't interject when your brother is talking, Alatia." The Emperor steeled his heart and harshly scolded his precious daughter.

Alatia's expression worsened but for now, she decided to remain silent.

Edmund looked uncomfortable and seemed like he wanted to say something but after hearing his father, his motives were shredded. The two Empresses looked at Alatia in concern but showed no sign of interfering.

"I supposed there has been some misunderstanding, Your Highness. I am non-awakened so using Elemental magic is out of my capabilities."

"That's what you say, but I am not obliged to believe a mere butler, am I?" Edward's word made Alatia's hand clutch the cushion and frost began to form around her. But she held it in. She had to endure.

On the other hand, Kyle didn't show any sign of being offended and remained silent.

Edward crossed his hand behind his back before calling out,

"Come out now."

From the shadows, a person appeared kneeling before the Prince who, by appearance, seemed like a spy.

"Whatever you saw that day, report," Edward commanded.

The shrouded figure, in a tone that could be heard by everyone in the courtroom, stated,

"As my lord commanded, I was investigating and surveilling Butler Kyle closely. The day when Your Highness Prince Edmund departed from Belur, I witnessed Kyle going through several books in the mansion's library. The book he settled for was a directory of past experiments of those beings who carried Cursed Energy and were infused with Angelic blood."

Many people in the courtroom gasped including the Empresses. The previous accusation of Edward suggested that Kyle was involved with Cursed Energy to overcome his weakness as a non-awakened.

And now, after hearing the spy's words, things became even more concrete.

"You may go now," Edward commanded before the spy dissolved in the shadows and disappeared.

The look on Kyle's face was no longer the same. He was genuinely shocked to realize that someone could go past his guard and spy on him.

Edward smirked at that reaction before turning towards his father, "Your Majesty, after Edmund disclosed the reward you might be granting that butler, he became frightened since wielding that armour requires the ingestion of Angelic Blood."

Redirecting his eyes toward Kyle, the Prince added, "And this blasphemous being knew he would be dead if he consumed the sacred blood without knowing what consequences he might have to face."

A brief and heavy silence enshrouded the courtroom before the Prince officially announced,

"I, Edward Triwin Valenchide, indict the servant named Kyle of being involved with the Dark side. I request a thorough investigation on the matter and proper punishment if found guilty."

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A/N:- Oh lord, how far can they go? Gah, the next chapter is gonna be one hell of a drama fest.

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