Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56"And where are you off to, young butler?" came the familiar, condescending voice from behind.
Kendrew froze, his heart sinking as he turned to face his second older brother. "K...Ka... I mean, Sir Kane."
He had almost slipped up, almost called him by his name, a mistake that had earned him a sharp slap across the face last time.
"I was on my way to my... t..the flower shop to..." Kendrew's voice trailed off nervously.
"What did you call me?" Kane's eyes narrowed dangerously, his voice laced with disdain.
"Uh? I... I..." Kendrew stumbled over his words, fear tightening his throat.
SLAP! The sound reverberated through the hallway as Kane's hand connected with Kendrew's cheek. Kendrew winced, feeling the burning sensation spread across his face, but he managed to hold his ground, trying to steady himself.
"I am the second young master of the Hughes family, and I expect you to address me as such!"
"But Kane, I am your br—"
SLAP! This time, the blow was even harder, knocking Kendrew slightly off balance.
Kendrew feared Kane more than any of his brothers. The cold contempt in Kane's eyes made him feel like less than human.
He glanced around desperately, hoping someone would intervene, but the other stewards, stewardesses, and family members who had gathered due to the commotion just watched in silence.
They were all the same. They treated him with the same disdain — as if he were something less than dirt.
Each time this happened, Kendrew told himself it was his duty to serve his family. He believed that the hatred directed at him was temporary, that if he could just make the flower shop as successful as the top businesses, maybe they would finally cut him some slack.
But was that even possible? He was barely allowed to leave the house, relegated to the role of a mere butler, and the flower shop was so small, nearly invisible to the world.
"And you still stand there looking at me?! Go and clean the third room in the second wing on the third floor!" Kane's voice was sharp and commanding, leaving no room for defiance.
Kendrew dared not oppose. "Yes... s... Second Young Master Hughes," he stammered, bowing his head obediently.
Hurrying away, Kendrew felt his heart pounding in his chest. The sting of Kane's slap still burned, but what hurt more was the sense of hopelessness that enveloped him.
As he climbed the stairs to the third floor, bitterness welled up inside him. No matter how hard he tried, he could never earn their love — not as a brother, not as a friend, not even as a son. Why?
Pushing open the door to the third room, Kendrew sighed heavily at the sight of the mess inside. "Geez..."
It was a rather unused room amongst the others in the Hughes House which had over 20 rooms and four floors.
Hours passed as he cleaned and organized, lost in his thoughts.
As he finished up, a fleeting thought crossed his mind. What if he could escape this life? What if he could somehow make the flower shop successful and leave the Hughes family behind?
Shaking his head, Kendrew chastised himself for such foolish fantasies. He was trapped, and deep down, he knew it.
Kendrew had just stepped into the shower when his girlfriend called. The ringing echoed faintly through the bathroom, unheard over the rush of water.
Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stumbled out, nearly slipping on the worn carpet of his cramped room.
His quarters were the worst among the household staff. There was just enough space for a bed, his belongings, and a small bathroom where he bathed and cooked.
He was sure on point to take a shit outside and only at night, avoiding any smells that might linger in his tiny room for days if he dared to shit inside.
Unlike the other servants who dined together or with his family members who all dined at the grand table, he ate alone.
"These carpets are getting worse by the day," he muttered, steadying himself against the bed as he reached for his small Android phone.
He earned the least among all the staff and received no allowances from his father. He didn't have enough to buy something better than the meager size of his phone — a mere three inches tall.
Seeing Candy's missed call, panic crept into him.
Candy, his girlfriend, wielded power over him much like everyone else in the Hughes House. She demanded money and gifts, threatening to leave whenever he couldn't meet her demands.
He wasn't sure if he loved her anymore, but the fact that she was willing to be with him when no one else cared made him reluctant to let her go.
With trembling hands, he dialed her number back.
"And who are you?!" Candy's voice pierced through the line, harsh and demanding.
Kendrew swallowed hard, his heart sinking. "Er... Candy, I was... I was in the shower and..."
"Shut up! Did I ask you that?! Who the f*ck are you?" Her tone was cutting, and he could imagine her eyes narrowing in frustration.
Kendrew closed his eyes, feeling tears welling up. He had always been fragile. "I... I'm Kendrew... Hughes..."
"Hmph. And what do you even do for a living?" Candy's voice dripped with disdain.
"Candy, I... I didn't see your call because..." He stammered, his voice trembling.
"Are you deaf or just stupid?!" Her voice rose sharply, causing him to flinch. "Tell me, what the hell do you do for a living, you worthless piece of shit!"
"I... I'm the butler of the Hughes..." Kendrew managed to choke out the words, his shoulders slumping.
"Oh, now I remember. You're the useless Hughes son. The disappointment." Candy's voice was laced with cruel mockery.
Kendrew struggled to hold back tears, a solitary droplet escaping down his cheek. He gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"Are you at home?" Candy's question cut through the silence that followed.
"Y-yes, Candy." He replied softly, feeling defeated.
"Good." With that, she ended the call abruptly, leaving Kendrew to exhale deeply. He realized he had been holding his breath.
He used to love Candy before he found out she was a two-timer, maybe he still did a little. "Oh, Candy, when will you ever love me back?"
As he processed her words, his brow furrowed in worry. "Is she coming here? Oh God, she better not. My family would kill us. No! They would kill ME!”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0002: Candy's Betrayal To Kendrew
Evening had arrived, bringing with it the usual routine. Kendrew sighed in relief that Candy hadn't shown up, at least sparing him a reason to call it a good day. However, he couldn't slip away to visit the flower shop, a small solace he usually clung to.He retrieved his worn set of evening white boxers from the drawer. He only had six pairs, which he rotated over two days — a necessity in the Hughes House where strict bathing and attire rules of thrice a day prevailed. He couldn't afford more; his last three months' salary had gone towards buying a pixie wig for Candy. It was a gift he had hoped would surprise her and make her smile, despite knowing she was seeing another man he didn't know behind his back.The thought brought a bittersweet smile to his face. Even after everything, he couldn't shake his feelings for Candy. Perhaps one day she would realize what they could have had together and return his love. Wasn't that how it worked in romantic comedies?“Love-stricken me,” h
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0003: The All Sufficient System
Kendrew couldn't sleep. Despite his exhaustion, he had to follow Kendall's instructions. He slipped out of the Hughes mansion and made his way to Coston Bay Road. It was already past eight, and the darkness was thick and unsettling.When he reached the end of the road, a desolate spot near the cliffs, he pulled out the card and dialed the number. His hands shook as he brought the phone to his ear."I have a package for you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.A few minutes later, a car's headlights pierced the darkness, and a sleek vehicle pulled up beside him. A man stepped out, his silhouette tall and imposing against the night sky."I'm Barry Lincoln," the man introduced himself, extending a hand. He looked to be about thirty-six, just a few years older than Kendrew.Kendrew handed him the envelope without a word, the sense of unease growing in his chest. As he turned to leave, three expensive cars roared up the road, their headlights blinding. He shielded his eyes as the
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0004: Yukodives
Kendrew felt the ground beneath his feet, the rich earth and the ancient atmosphere of Yukodives, though it was dark. He wandered down a dimly lit path, trying to grasp his mind around the reality of his new surroundings. The night was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant howl of some nocturnal creature he had no idea was.As Kendrew walked along the dirt path, he couldn't help but be struck by the stark contrast between this world and his own time. The road was lined with cobblestones, uneven and worn from years of use. Small wooden cottages with thatched roofs dotted the landscape, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys. The air was filled with the earthy scent of freshly tilled soil and the distant aroma of baked bread.The moonlight illuminated his path, casting long shadows and adding an eerie beauty to the night. He kept looking around, curiosity evident in his every glance. As he continued, he noticed an old lady struggling by the side of the r
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0005: Time Travel Skill Unlocked
It was late, and the comforting warmth of the hearth in the old lady’s home was beginning to lull Kendrew to sleep. He lay on a rough straw mattress, covered by a thick woolen blanket. The house was small, with wooden beams overhead and walls made of wattle and daub. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, evoking a sense of the ancient and rustic life of the 16th century.Suddenly, shouts pierced the quiet night. “Fire! Fire!” The cries were frantic and urgent.Kendrew sprang up, heart pounding, and rushed outside. The cool night air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke. In the distance, he saw flames licking the sky, illuminating a nearby barn. The barn’s wooden structure, thatched roof, and surrounding hay stacks were engulfed in a fierce blaze.People from the village, dressed in simple linen tunics and woolen cloaks, were running towards the barn, carrying buckets of water from the well. Their faces were illuminated by the firelight, reflecting fear and desperation.K
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0006: Act Like A Child
Kendrew sat up from and in his bed, his mind replaying everything that had just happened. Whether it was real or just a dream, he didn't care, he just wanted to live like this forever. He then took time to look at round where he was. The familiar, cramped confines of his room in the Hughes House felt surreal after his journey to the past. Before he could gather his thoughts and come out of it, the door burst open, and the head butler, Elder Ray, stepped in to clear the room. The death of Kendrew had been told to every living thing in the Hughes House and secrets like that remain buried in the house as for employees, they took the Hughes secrets to their graves and Kendrew's suicide was just one of them. Immediately, he got in Elder Ray's eyes widened, and he let out a shriek. "What in the name of— Ghost! Ghost!" The shouting soon drew the attention of the entire household. Within moments, the rest of the family and servants rushed in, their faces plastered with a mix of shock
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0007: Facade Skill Unlocked
[Additionally, you need to enhance your skill set through targeted practice and resource acquisition.]Kendrew nodded, feeling a renewed sense of enlightenment. “Alright, I need to strategize. Let’s focus on what’s immediately achievable.”[Understood.][Given your current situation, gaining the trust of part of your family while maintaining your cover is crucial.][Use this time to gather information, improve your skills, and identify potential allies.]Kendrew spent the next hour in the System Haven, reviewing possible strategies and planning his next steps. When he felt ready, he asked the System to return him to his room. “Hey, All Sufficient, can you send me back? Thanks.”As he lay back down in his bed, the System spoke in a whispering robotic tone. [You have the potential to accomplish great things, All Sufficient. Stay focused, and remember: your journey has just begun.]‘That was deep.’With a deep breath, Kendrew closed his eyes, feeling less isolated. He felt had no reaso
The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System 0008: A Hidden Lair
25th June 2***, the Hughes family was abuzz with excitement as preparations for the Yves family's grand ceremony began. The Yves family, known as the third richest in the city, was hosting an opulent event that promised to be the talk of Coston City for months. While the Hughes family was wealthy, their true specialty and difference laid only in their mysterious aura and regal presence, which set them apart from the straightforward opulence of the Yves.As the Hughes family members prepared for the evening, Kendrew watched from the sidelines. His father, Master Hughes, had made it clear that Kendrew would not be attending. Instead, he was to stay at home, under the watchful eye of Martha."You will stay here," Master Hughes had commanded, his voice brooking no argument. "Martha will look after you."Kendrew had no choice but to comply. He nodded obediently, still playing the part of the childlike simpleton. In the grand hallway, the Hughes family members were adorned in their fine
Latest Chapter
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0008: A Hidden Lair
25th June 2***, the Hughes family was abuzz with excitement as preparations for the Yves family's grand ceremony began. The Yves family, known as the third richest in the city, was hosting an opulent event that promised to be the talk of Coston City for months. While the Hughes family was wealthy, their true specialty and difference laid only in their mysterious aura and regal presence, which set them apart from the straightforward opulence of the Yves.As the Hughes family members prepared for the evening, Kendrew watched from the sidelines. His father, Master Hughes, had made it clear that Kendrew would not be attending. Instead, he was to stay at home, under the watchful eye of Martha."You will stay here," Master Hughes had commanded, his voice brooking no argument. "Martha will look after you."Kendrew had no choice but to comply. He nodded obediently, still playing the part of the childlike simpleton. In the grand hallway, the Hughes family members were adorned in their fine
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0007: Facade Skill Unlocked
[Additionally, you need to enhance your skill set through targeted practice and resource acquisition.]Kendrew nodded, feeling a renewed sense of enlightenment. “Alright, I need to strategize. Let’s focus on what’s immediately achievable.”[Understood.][Given your current situation, gaining the trust of part of your family while maintaining your cover is crucial.][Use this time to gather information, improve your skills, and identify potential allies.]Kendrew spent the next hour in the System Haven, reviewing possible strategies and planning his next steps. When he felt ready, he asked the System to return him to his room. “Hey, All Sufficient, can you send me back? Thanks.”As he lay back down in his bed, the System spoke in a whispering robotic tone. [You have the potential to accomplish great things, All Sufficient. Stay focused, and remember: your journey has just begun.]‘That was deep.’With a deep breath, Kendrew closed his eyes, feeling less isolated. He felt had no reaso
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0006: Act Like A Child
Kendrew sat up from and in his bed, his mind replaying everything that had just happened. Whether it was real or just a dream, he didn't care, he just wanted to live like this forever. He then took time to look at round where he was. The familiar, cramped confines of his room in the Hughes House felt surreal after his journey to the past. Before he could gather his thoughts and come out of it, the door burst open, and the head butler, Elder Ray, stepped in to clear the room. The death of Kendrew had been told to every living thing in the Hughes House and secrets like that remain buried in the house as for employees, they took the Hughes secrets to their graves and Kendrew's suicide was just one of them. Immediately, he got in Elder Ray's eyes widened, and he let out a shriek. "What in the name of— Ghost! Ghost!" The shouting soon drew the attention of the entire household. Within moments, the rest of the family and servants rushed in, their faces plastered with a mix of shock
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0005: Time Travel Skill Unlocked
It was late, and the comforting warmth of the hearth in the old lady’s home was beginning to lull Kendrew to sleep. He lay on a rough straw mattress, covered by a thick woolen blanket. The house was small, with wooden beams overhead and walls made of wattle and daub. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, evoking a sense of the ancient and rustic life of the 16th century.Suddenly, shouts pierced the quiet night. “Fire! Fire!” The cries were frantic and urgent.Kendrew sprang up, heart pounding, and rushed outside. The cool night air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke. In the distance, he saw flames licking the sky, illuminating a nearby barn. The barn’s wooden structure, thatched roof, and surrounding hay stacks were engulfed in a fierce blaze.People from the village, dressed in simple linen tunics and woolen cloaks, were running towards the barn, carrying buckets of water from the well. Their faces were illuminated by the firelight, reflecting fear and desperation.K
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0004: Yukodives
Kendrew felt the ground beneath his feet, the rich earth and the ancient atmosphere of Yukodives, though it was dark. He wandered down a dimly lit path, trying to grasp his mind around the reality of his new surroundings. The night was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant howl of some nocturnal creature he had no idea was.As Kendrew walked along the dirt path, he couldn't help but be struck by the stark contrast between this world and his own time. The road was lined with cobblestones, uneven and worn from years of use. Small wooden cottages with thatched roofs dotted the landscape, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys. The air was filled with the earthy scent of freshly tilled soil and the distant aroma of baked bread.The moonlight illuminated his path, casting long shadows and adding an eerie beauty to the night. He kept looking around, curiosity evident in his every glance. As he continued, he noticed an old lady struggling by the side of the r
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0003: The All Sufficient System
Kendrew couldn't sleep. Despite his exhaustion, he had to follow Kendall's instructions. He slipped out of the Hughes mansion and made his way to Coston Bay Road. It was already past eight, and the darkness was thick and unsettling.When he reached the end of the road, a desolate spot near the cliffs, he pulled out the card and dialed the number. His hands shook as he brought the phone to his ear."I have a package for you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.A few minutes later, a car's headlights pierced the darkness, and a sleek vehicle pulled up beside him. A man stepped out, his silhouette tall and imposing against the night sky."I'm Barry Lincoln," the man introduced himself, extending a hand. He looked to be about thirty-six, just a few years older than Kendrew.Kendrew handed him the envelope without a word, the sense of unease growing in his chest. As he turned to leave, three expensive cars roared up the road, their headlights blinding. He shielded his eyes as the
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0002: Candy's Betrayal To Kendrew
Evening had arrived, bringing with it the usual routine. Kendrew sighed in relief that Candy hadn't shown up, at least sparing him a reason to call it a good day. However, he couldn't slip away to visit the flower shop, a small solace he usually clung to.He retrieved his worn set of evening white boxers from the drawer. He only had six pairs, which he rotated over two days — a necessity in the Hughes House where strict bathing and attire rules of thrice a day prevailed. He couldn't afford more; his last three months' salary had gone towards buying a pixie wig for Candy. It was a gift he had hoped would surprise her and make her smile, despite knowing she was seeing another man he didn't know behind his back.The thought brought a bittersweet smile to his face. Even after everything, he couldn't shake his feelings for Candy. Perhaps one day she would realize what they could have had together and return his love. Wasn't that how it worked in romantic comedies?“Love-stricken me,” h
- The Butler's Retribution With The All Sufficient System
0001: Kendrew, Young Butler
"And where are you off to, young butler?" came the familiar, condescending voice from behind.Kendrew froze, his heart sinking as he turned to face his second older brother. "K...Ka... I mean, Sir Kane."He had almost slipped up, almost called him by his name, a mistake that had earned him a sharp slap across the face last time."I was on my way to my... t..the flower shop to..." Kendrew's voice trailed off nervously."What did you call me?" Kane's eyes narrowed dangerously, his voice laced with disdain."Uh? I... I..." Kendrew stumbled over his words, fear tightening his throat.SLAP! The sound reverberated through the hallway as Kane's hand connected with Kendrew's cheek. Kendrew winced, feeling the burning sensation spread across his face, but he managed to hold his ground, trying to steady himself."I am the second young master of the Hughes family, and I expect you to address me as such!""But Kane, I am your br—"SLAP! This time, the blow was even harder, knocking Kendrew slight