※Note: This translation was done by AI, and I'm not fluent in English, so it may not be 100% accurate and could contain errors.

Episode 1

※ Note before reading the Butler Story:

This story contains spoilers for the event story "A Night at the Hot Spring Inn and a Moment of Healing".

It is highly recommended to read up to Episode 10 of the event story before proceeding.

If you wish to avoid spoilers, please tap the button in the top left corner to return.

……

Visiting the Eastern Lands as Goodwill Ambassadors... With Lord Finlay's permission, we were spending some time off at an inn.

The innkeeper had earnestly requested: "The inn is currently in its pre-opening phase, so we have a few double rooms available... I would be honored if the Goodwill Ambassadors would make use of one." Though a bit flustered, I decided to invite Fennesz.

The situation of staying in a double room alone with his Master... While he was visibly startled at first, he happily agreed, saying, "It is all to cooperate with the inn in our role as ambassadors."

— One Afternoon —

Fennesz: Master. I shall organize your change of clothes and small items together in this storage space.

You: Thank you, Fennesz.

Fennesz: Not at all... Something of this degree is only natural for a butler. Besides, today... well... we are staying in this room, j-just the two of us... So no matter what it is... please, feel free to rely on me.

You: Thank you, but...

Fennesz: But...?

Fennesz usually works so hard, so today... I want him to get a good, solid rest. That would make me happier, too... and I think we can spend a truly enjoyable day together that way.

You: ...That's what I was thinking, but what do you say?

Fennesz: Uh, umm... I see...

At my words, Fennesz looked momentarily flustered... but soon a gentle, soft smile spread across his face.

Fennesz: First of all... thank you for being so thoughtful toward me. Expressing it so kindly by saying "It would make me happy if you did that" to let me rest... and thinking about wanting to have a fun time together with me... it makes me exceedingly happy. Therefore, I shall take you up on your kind words today... and allow myself to get a proper rest. And on top of that, with you, Master... I would love to spend a truly wonderful day...

You: Yeah, let's make it a great day.

Fennesz: Hehe... yes. Whether we go out after this... or just spend a relaxing time inside the room... let us make it a wonderful day together.

Fennesz, who seemed a bit nervous when we first arrived at the room... was now beaming with a bright, open expression. Delighted by this, when I couldn't help but smile at him... Fennesz returned the gesture with a blissfully happy smile of his own.

— A short while later —

We arrived at a nearby hot spring town.

Fennesz: As expected of a tourist spot... there are plenty of food stalls and souvenirs on sale. Master, if there are any shops you would like to stop by, please feel free to tell me anytime.

You: Yeah, I'll do that.

As we walked along chatting like that... a sweet shop caught my eye. In front of the store hung signs reading "Strawberry," "Lemon," and "Matcha"... and from inside, the sound of shaving ice could be heard.

Fennesz: Shaved ice... Hehe, how fitting for summer. The sun has come out a little as well... Eating it right now would surely taste delicious.

You: Then, do you want to try some?

Fennesz: Yes, let us do that. There are various flavors, but... which one would you like, Master?

You: I'll go with...

After listening to my choice, Fennesz immediately ordered shaved ice for both of us. Waiting until I sat down on a nearby bench... Fennesz softly sat down right next to me. Fennesz's shaved ice was a different flavor from mine... and had an exceptionally vivid color.

You: That's really colorful.

Fennesz: Hehe... you're right. But this vibrant, striking color... really feels like authentic shaved ice. Well then... shall we dig in?

You: Thanks for the food.

Fennesz: Thanks for the food. Alright... for the first bite, I'll start from the part with lots of syrup... ...Ah.

You: What's wrong?

Fennesz: Ah, no...! It's nothing big at all. It's just, well... my shaved ice is so intensely colorful... I feel like if I eat it... the inside of my mouth will probably get stained by the syrup's color...

You: Now that you mention it, that might happen...

Fennesz: Right...? Hmm, what should I do... Even if I'm careful not to get it on my lips while eating... my tongue will inevitably get stained...

Speaking like that, Fennesz had quite a dead-serious expression on his face. ...Is having one's tongue turned the color of shaved ice really that much of an issue? I didn't quite get it... but to Fennesz, it seemed to be a major dilemma. In that case, it might be better to swap with my shaved ice, which was much more subdued in color.

You: ...Do you want to swap with mine?

Fennesz: N-No...! I'm sorry, I'm fine. Even if I eat the shaved ice I have right now... all that happens is the inside of my mouth turns a funny color. It's just that, for me... I simply... didn't want you to see me looking uncool, Master.

You: Ah, I see...

Fennesz: ...Yes. I'm sorry for making such a fuss. Regardless of the color inside my mouth or anything... looking like this right now is already pretty uncool, isn't it...?

You: I don't think that's true at all, though...

Fennesz: I-Is that so...?

You: You're always cool, Fennesz.

Fennesz: Eh...!

(Whether the inside of his mouth turns a funny color or he feels embarrassed about it happening... Fennesz's charm isn't diminished in the slightest by something of that level. Rather, being able to carefully consider "how one appears in the eyes of others"... isn't that actually one of Fennesz's greatest strengths and charms?)

You: So, please don't worry about it too much.

Fennesz: I-I see... That is, umm... A-Anyhow... it's gotten quite hot, so... if I don't eat it quickly before it melts... ...Bon appétit.

Saying so, Fennesz tentatively brought the shaved ice to his mouth. And with every single bite he took... his brightly stained tongue peered out from time to time.

Fennesz: ...... ...Is it stained?

You: Yeah, it's a pretty color.

Fennesz: ...Pretty, is it...... Hehe... Hearing that somehow makes me feel like jumping for joy. ...Thank you very much, Master. And... I'm sorry.

You: Eh...?

Fennesz: ...Before eating the shaved ice, I made a fuss about "not wanting you to see me looking uncool"... but deep down, I was actually expecting... that if it were you, Master, you would tell me "don't worry about it."

You: So that was it.

Fennesz: ...Yes. So... even though I didn't mean to, it ended up looking like I was testing you... But hearing you say from your own mouth that you didn't mind... made me feel so deeply relieved. In the process... hearing you say that I'm "always cool" made me extremely happy, too... and the way you conveyed "it's okay, don't worry" was so incredibly gentle...... I realized once again... that you are an even warmer person than I had ever imagined, Master.

You: "Even more than you imagined," huh...?

Fennesz: Ah...! I'm so sorry for phrasing it so rudely. I mean, I already knew that you were an amazingly kind person, Master... but through our interaction just now, I felt it all over again...

You: It's okay, I understand what you meant.

In short, Fennesz thinks of me as a kind person. And through our exchange just now... that feeling of his seems to have grown even stronger. Putting aside whether I'm actually a kind person or not... I now understand how Fennesz feels about me.

You: Thank you, Fennesz.

Fennesz: Eh...? Um... for what, exactly...?

You: For thinking of me as a kind person, and for sharing so much of your feelings with me.

Fennesz: ......! ...Hehe. I see, is that so... You really are... amazing, Master. The way you receive my words, and the words you speak to me... every single bit of it... is overflowing with kindness.

Saying so, Fennesz offered me a smile. A tongue stained with the color of shaved ice peeked from the corner of his lips... but looking so blissfully happy, he didn't mind it one bit.

Episode 2

After that, I was having lunch at a restaurant Fennesz guided me to. Channels of water ran all throughout the interior... and the sound of the murmuring stream was incredibly refreshing.

Fennesz: Phew... Thank you for the meal.

You: Thank you for the meal.

Fennesz: Hehe... It seems the food at this restaurant suited your taste, Master.

You: Yeah, thank you for bringing me here.

Fennesz: Not at all... As long as it makes you happy, Master, that is more than enough to make me happy as well.

As we were enjoying our post-meal moment like that... a single butterfly came fluttering by. It perched near the water channel... quietly resting its wings.

Fennesz: ...Ah. That wing pattern is...

You: Do you know it, Fennesz?

Fennesz: Yes, though I don't know the full details... It's a member of the milkweed butterfly family, and I believe it's male. The reason I can tell it's male... is because the butterflies that gather around water sources like this are usually males. Furthermore, that specific milkweed butterfly... should be the migratory type. Among milkweed butterflies, some travel according to the seasons, just like migratory birds... And if it's that butterfly, if I recall correctly... it should be able to travel over a thousand kilometers. Perhaps to withstand such long-distance travel, its wings are quite sturdy... and as it flutters, there's a certain sense of strength to it.

You: I see...

Perseverance to survive a long journey... and the strength of its fluttering wings... Hearing his explanation of that butterfly... a certain person suddenly comes to my mind.

You: That butterfly looks a bit like you, Fennesz.

Fennesz: Eh...? Umm... I don't think that's the case at all, but... ...May I ask... in what way do you think we are similar...?

Fennesz asked timidly... but his expression clearly showed that he was hoping for a compliment. Looking at him like that was so endearing... that I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Fennesz: Ah, Master...?

You: Hehe... it's nothing.

To reassure the anxious Fennesz... I began to explain the reasons why I thought he resembled that butterfly. The milkweed butterfly by the water channel... quietly watched over us as we spoke.

— That Evening —

Having returned to the inn... we decided to take turns taking a bath. I enjoyed my bath first... and now, it was Fennesz's turn. Wishing that he, who loves baths, could fully enjoy this time... I waited for him to return.

Fennesz: Phew... (Hehe... What a truly wonderful bath.) (It's not just because it's an open-air bath with a beautiful view.) (It's because I went out with Master, came back... and am taking a bath while looking back on the fun time we had... That's surely why it feels so good.) (And what's more, even after I get out of the bath... my time with Master will still continue...) (Hehe... I am... so incredibly happy right now.) (So much so that I catch myself thinking... Is it really alright for someone like me to be this happy...?) ...Hm? Is that a milkweed butterfly?

……

Fennesz: ......Woah, amazing! For a butterfly to come this close to a person... Hehe, looking at it like this... milkweed butterflies really are beautiful... And... its wingbeats are strong, just as expected. ...Earlier today, Master told me... that the milkweed butterfly resembled me... To think that I could be compared to such a wonderful butterfly...

...Fennesz, who had gone to take a bath, showed no signs of coming out at all. He might just be enjoying a long soak... but it would be terrible if he fell asleep in the warm water. Facing the open-air bath beyond the screen, I called out to him in a slightly raised voice.

You: Fennesz, are you okay?

Then, a voice replied—sounding somewhat panicked, yet somehow delighted at the same time.

Fennesz (Voice): Ah, Master... I'm sorry, did I make you worry? Umm... I am terribly sorry, but... I would be grateful if you could give me just a little longer before I come out. Well... my face is probably smiling way too broadly right now...

You: Your face...?

Fennesz (Voice): Y-Yes. How should I put it... As I was recalling various things from today... I couldn't help it... Besides..... right now, my hands are a bit full.

You: Eh...?

Just as I was about to ask what kind of situation he was in, Fennesz's joyful voice drifted over.

Fennesz (Voice): Hehe, to tell you the truth... right now, a milkweed butterfly is resting on my hand. Today, when you looked at this butterfly, Master... you told me that it looked like me, didn't you? I... was so incredibly happy back then. I'm sure for you, Master... it was just a casual comment... but for me... it was a phrase as precious as a treasure. To think that I could be reflected in your eyes as an existence as beautiful and strong as this butterfly... I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that I might faint from the heat. ...If my wish could come true... I would love to continue being like a milkweed butterfly to you forever, Master... ...Hehe. Goodness... I'm sorry. For me to say something like this... it seems I've already gotten dizzy from the hot water.

In a gentle yet surprisingly clear voice... Fennesz conveyed his feelings to me.

Fennesz (Voice): Well then... I shall get out soon. Because once I do... I want to talk with you right away, Master.

Shortly after, Fennesz emerged from the changing room.

You: Welcome back, Fennesz.

Fennesz: ...Yes. Thank you for waiting, Master. I am sorry for making you worry because of my long bath. And..... to present myself before you with my hair still so wet... how should I put it... it might have been a bit too unkempt of me. No matter how eager I was to talk with you quickly... it seems I rushed through getting dressed.

With his hair damp and his clothes worn more loosely than usual... Fennesz apologized nervously. He seemed to deeply regret showing such an unkempt side of himself... but from my perspective, there was absolutely nothing he needed to apologize for.

You: It's okay even if you're a bit unkempt.

Fennesz: Master... ...No, but...

You: I wanted to talk with you too, Fennesz.

Fennesz: ...Is... that so?

Timidly, in a reserved tone... yet with eyes full of hopeful anticipation... Fennesz asked me. My answer to him... had already been decided long ago.

You: That's right.

When I told him, "I probably wanted to talk to you even more than you did"... Fennesz let out a bashful, gentle laugh.

Fennesz: Even more than me, you say...? Hehe... That... must be quite a feat then.

Looking so happy and delighted... Fennesz smiled, his eyes narrowing softly. His face, his damp hair... were illuminated by the evening light.

Fennesz: Ah, umm... Master...

You: What's wrong?

Fennesz: This is... entirely my fault for not properly drying my hair, but... if possible, I would appreciate it if you didn't look at me too closely right now......

You: If it bothers you, I'll look away, but...

...Spending the whole day with Fennesz today reaffirmed it for me: he really cares deeply about how he appears in my eyes. Paying attention to how he is perceived is one of his great strengths... but just for now, I wanted him to spend time with me without any worries at all.

You: You look cool even with wet hair.

Fennesz: Eh...!

You: So, can I keep looking at you?

Fennesz: Th-That is... ...... ...Yes. If that's how you feel, Master... as much as you like.

Haures: Now then. Now that I've finished this part of the work, those baked sweets that I bought earlier....

Haures: ...mmm, delicious. They're still slightly warm inside.

Haures: They’re tasty even though they've gone cold.... Eating freshly baked goods during the winter, it really is the best....

Lono: H~mm.... I wonder which winter clothes would suit me....

Lono: In order to stay by Aruji-sama's side.... I have to look my best at all times.

Lono: Ah, Aruji-sama! Good afternoon.

Lono: Umm.... I was just tidying myself up.

Berrien tends to hold his plushies like his children, he made sure they wouldn’t fall from his hands while patting them. Berrien chose the medium Berrinya because it feels nice to be held during sleep as Berrien usually has a doll to help him with his sleep.

Lono would most likely shake his nui excitedly and be like “look at this guy” he’ll grip on Lonya like a burger. He most likely won his nui from an arcade because you looked interested in getting his plush.

Bastien who loves mofumofu (fluffy things) would hug his plushies tightly as he is very protective of them. Bastien would offer to hold Nyastein for you while you two walk around to the next amusement park ride.

Haures who would love to share his happiness together with you, he thinks about what to get, but thought a small one would be compact and easy to carry, plus he wants to match, he would hold Haunyasu by the chain carefully, the plushies would bump into each other like the Newton’s cradle.

Fennesz who cradles his nui, he chose a medium size Fenyasu that rests easily on his palm, he knows he could hold it stably, and supports by his thumb. When you hold up a phone towards him, he made sure to keep his nui as the center while he shyly poses.

Boschi would wrap the chain around his finger for extra support, he would most likely spin Bosunyako around on his finger before he presents his nui to you. He would love for you to put his nui in your pocket as a souvenir to carry around.

Ammon, who pinches the chain too, holds it more casually, where the cheeks are touching, because he would imply that these nuis are you and him, he holds his other hand closer to the nui just in case if it falls off. He would love if you put the Nyamons on your bag so that he’s with you all the time.

Lucas holds his nui in his arm, he presents it on his hand, as if to appeal to you about both of their cuteness, also kind of like his baby, he holds it close to him, so he would teasingly say to you, “what do you think ♪” and he has a letter, was it a love letter written from him? Or maybe he would disguise it as Lunyasu who wrote the letter.

Lamli holds his nui by the side, he would hold it up high like lion king, and he just wants to take his nui everywhere (much similar to how he would take his geko-chan’s everywhere), and he would say, “Arujisama, Arujisama, do you find my nui cute~?” And if you say yes, then he would also say, “Yay! Arujisama finds me cute~” and when you hug his nui, he would stare at you, jealous that Nyamuri can be hugged in your arms instead.

Nac holds his nui like he holds power, in his palms, he wish to present Nyaku to you with the most beautiful pose. He most likely would offer to carry it for you when you feel tired of holding the nui. He most likely got his nui also from darts game, because you look like you want to get it and he chose a medium one so that you can carry the nui easily in your arms~

Miyaji holds his nui the way he holds small animals, very very carefully, even though he knows the Minyaji nui is not alive, but he still uses the gentlest force to hold his nui, cupping it, and hold it towards you. Whenever he looks at the nui and think about how Flure makes it in his image, he couldn’t help but smile softly and wonder if this old man can be this cute.

Flure also cups his nui towards him, but he seems more relaxed, because it’s his work after all, he can hold Funyare like his baby, and he supported it with his thumb behind to make sure everything is steady.

Lato, who never thought he would have a nui inspired by him plus it’s made by Flure, he would hold Nyato closely like his most precious. He would care for it the way he wish to care for.

Triple cabbages-//jk. Hanamaru is the type who would go to a crane machine and he’s so darn good at it, he would make sure to twist the control before landing on the doll and catch Hanyamaru with the claws. And he would get two in one try, “one for you, and one for me~”

Teddy would raise his nui close to the same level like a little brother. He made sure not to show his hands in the pic to immerse in the moment where the nui is alive and he’s good at voice acting as Nyakuma who would make you smile.

Yuuhan would also try to voice act as Yunya, pretending to hold Yunya close to his ears as if he was listening to a secret and when you come closer and ask him what he said in his ear, he would also whisper in your ear about how wonderful he thinks of you.

Shiro would observe how Flure makes his nuis as a fellow artist, he wondered why Flure designed this with him in mind. But nonetheless, he holds Shironyako carefully in his palm so that he doesn’t fall off.

Beren would present his nui towards you too, wondering if you wish to hold him too, he would playfully poke his cheek and when you want to poke Benya’s cheek, Beren would come closer for you to poke his cheek instead.

CHARACTER(S) :: Nac, Shiro