William Lionheart.
My first impression of him… He was a beast.
I was merely a man standing before a beast.
“I asked who’s this kid. Why don’t you answer?”
William’s tone carried the weight of a predator. It felt as though I might, at any moment, release my grip on Amelia.
I recalled when he first met Ryunosuke—there was no such scene in the manga, was there?
“Stop it, Father! He’s just my new butler!”
At Amelia’s words, William, who had nearly acted on impulse, pulled back and adjusted his collar.
“Ed, can you explain what happened?”
“Yes, sir.”
Ed bowed formally before speaking.
“This is the apprentice butler personally chosen by Lady Amelia. His name is Kim Hyunjin.”
“An apprenticeship, huh? Did you give him the monocle, Ed?”
“Yes.”
“That sounds interesting.”
William muttered as he glanced between Amelia and me. Then, locking eyes with me, he asked,
“What is your name?”
“He—”
“I didn’t ask you, Ed.”
“I have been rude.”
Ed gave a brief nod and stepped back.
William turned his gaze to me once more.
I gently unwrapped Amelia’s arms from around me and helped her stand before addressing him.
“My name is Hyunjin Kim.”
“Kim Hyunjin? You’re Korean.”
“Yes.”
“Tell me how you two met.”
Amelia was about to answer, but I spoke first.
“I saw Lady Amelia being attacked in the park.”
“So, my sweet daughter hired you as repayment for saving her?”
“Yes.”
“Hahahaha!!”
William burst into hearty laughter as he stood.
Was that funny?
“Daughter, you certainly found an amusing way to bring in a new employee!”
“Oh, Father?”
“Well, it’s that time of life, after all. Emotions can be difficult to control. I suppose I can understand….”
William muttered as he studied me again. He slowly approached, exuding an air of intimidation as if he were conducting an impromptu interview.
“If Ed has acknowledged you, then I suppose I have no reason to object to your presence. Hyunjin, was it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t know what kind of person you are, but I can see it in your eyes—you don’t seem to have any ill intentions.”
“Ahaha….”
Is that so?
I felt a little guilty, but it was fortunate that he thought otherwise.
“Oh dear, I must have been too harsh at a party meant to be enjoyable. I hope I haven’t offended you, Hyunjin-kun?”
“Not at all.”
“Then, let’s begin the party. Come, my dear daughter. This is the gift your father has prepared for you.”
With a snap of William’s fingers, a neatly dressed elderly butler emerged from behind him.
Compared to Ed, he looked a bit older.
“Long time no see, Ed.”
“…Long time no see, Tommy.”
The two butlers exchanged greetings as if they had known each other for years. There was a strange tension between them, an unspoken rivalry lingering in the air.
The elderly butler, Tommy, handed a box to William. Holding it, William turned to Amelia.
“Come now, Amelia. Show some gratitude to your dear Papa.”
“Wh-what are you talking about?!”
Amelia’s face turned ruby red as she raised her voice.
Wasn’t it a bit childish to call him ‘Papa’ at her age?
“You used to call me that when you were little, Amelia! Why are you being so distant now? You’re breaking your father’s heart…!”
“I will call you Father! I will never call you Papa again!”
Amelia turned her head away in defiance, clearly pouting.
William sighed, waving a hand with a bittersweet smile.
“Now, now. Let’s not dwell on that. Let’s eat. It’s been a while since we all enjoyed dinner together. Everyone, take your seats.”
With that, William led the way, and the party officially began. Amelia, as the guest of honor, sat at the head of the table, with William seated directly to her left.
As I hesitated, considering where to sit, Amelia suddenly spoke up.
“Hyunjin, sit next to me.”
“But, my lady—”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
“…Understood.”
Nodding, I took the seat to her right.
William’s gaze lingered on me, making things slightly uncomfortable, but I decided to endure it for now.
As I settled beside Amelia, William spoke again.
“Amelia.”
“Yes, Father.”
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