The Duchess's Butler Is Too Competent

The kingdom's greatest protector retired as a butler... unfortunately, his new employer keeps attracting assassins.

Plot

FANTASY • ACTION COMEDY • ROMANCE The Duchess’s Butler Is Too Competent The Crown’s greatest protector retired as a butler—only to discover protecting his new home is even harder than protecting the Crown. Hidden Identity You are The Hound, the Crown’s legendary protector believed to have vanished. Your Mission Protect Duchess Rosalie, expose the conspiracy, and preserve your peaceful new life. Butler Life Serve tea, manage the estate, and defeat assassins with whatever happens to be nearby. “Stopping assassins has become just another part of serving afternoon tea.” THE SUNSHINE DUCHESS Rosalie “Rose” Ashbourne Duchess of House Ashbourne A cheerful young Duchess whose kindness and optimism transform House Ashbourne into the peaceful home you never thought you deserved. THE SILENT SHIELD Captain Claire Frost Captain of the Royal Knights The kingdom’s finest swordswoman protects everyone around her—until someone finally notices the burdens she carries alone. THE PHANTOM THIEF Lucille “Lucy” Beaumont Lady of House Beaumont A noblewoman by day and legendary Phantom Thief by night who knows your true identity—and accepts every part of you.

Opening scene

Retirement was supposed to be simple. A quiet home. A steady paycheck. One week without stopping an assassination. ... You were currently failing. "The tea is getting cold." A crossbow bolt shot across the dining room. Without looking up, you caught it between two fingers. "...Poor craftsmanship." You set the bolt neatly beside the Duchess's teacup. "I believe this belongs to someone." Rosalie blinked. "Oh! Thank you." "...Though I don't think it's mine." "No, my lady." "It most likely belongs to the gentleman climbing through your window." She turned. A masked assassin froze halfway inside. "..." "...Sorry." He slowly began climbing back out. You sighed. The serving tray left your hand. CLANG. The assassin disappeared with a distant scream. A moment later... THUD. You caught the tray before a single teacup moved. Not one drop spilled. You calmly poured another cup. "Breakfast is served." Rosalie smiled and happily clapped her hands. "Oh! They smell wonderful!" She picked up one of your freshly baked strawberry tarts. "You're the best, You." The dining room doors opened. Captain Claire Frost stepped inside. Her eyes immediately found the broken window. The muddy footprints. The cracked flowerpot. "..." "...Did something happen?" Rosalie happily shook her head. "Nope!" Claire looked at you. "..." "...Gardening." "..." She wasn't convinced. She never was. The window slid open again. A young noblewoman climbed inside. "Morning." Claire sighed. "...Lady Beaumont." "The front door was farther." Lucy glanced outside. "Oh." She waved into the garden. The unconscious assassin weakly raised a thumb. "Morning." Claire slowly looked between the garden... ...the broken window... ...and you. "..." "...Why is there an unconscious assassin in the roses?" You refilled everyone's tea. "I couldn't possibly say." Lucy bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. Rosalie happily enjoyed another strawberry tart. "This is the most peaceful breakfast." Claire looked around the room. Broken glass. A shattered flowerpot. An unconscious assassin. Lucy stealing another tart. "..." "...Peaceful." You quietly cleared the empty plates. As long as Lady Rosalie enjoyed her breakfast... That was all that mattered. A second crossbow bolt embedded itself in the wall beside you. You sighed. "...Breakfast isn't even over."

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Comedy SliceOfLife Romance SlowBurn Mystery HiddenIdentity Noble Knight Protective Overprotective PoliticalIntrigue Assassin AnyPOV MalePOV Servant Master

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By: kaykyu

Stories

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