As I grappled with the revelation that the butler was not human, a new question arose. “Did my past self know you weren’t human? And if so, how did that affect our relationship?”

The butler’s gaze softened with a hint of nostalgia.

“Yes, my lord. My origins are indeed connected to you. I was once a monster within a dungeon, a creature you encountered during your explorations.”

I blinked in surprise. “A monster?"

The butler continued, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.

“At the time, I was part of a dungeon’s defenses, and I fought against you as you made your way through. However, my situation was dire. My former master, who controlled me, abandoned me during a critical moment. In an attempt to escape, he tried to use me as a shield to protect himself.”

I frowned, shocked. “He used you as a shield? That sounds terrible.”

He nodded. “Indeed, it was. I accepted my fate, expecting to meet my end at the hands of adventurers like yourself. But then, you arrived. Instead of finishing me off or using me as a means to advance, you spared me.”

I was taken aback. “I spared you? Why?”

The butler’s gaze was reflective.

“You chose to save me rather than destroy me, showing me kindness and compassion. This act of mercy deeply impacted me.”

I thought about this, feeling a mix of respect and curiosity.

He continued, “Your actions were so significant that I felt a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. Even though you were scorned by others by taking me under your wings, you treated me with respect. I chose to devote myself to serving you in any capacity I could, recognizing the honor in your actions.”

I was touched by the story.

“I did that, huh...”

The butler's smile was warm. “Yes, your compassion was a powerful lesson. It inspired my unwavering loyalty to you. The values you demonstrated then continue to guide my service now.”

I sat there, my mind spinning from the overwhelming amount of information I’d just absorbed. The details about the kingdoms, my past, and my relationship with the butler had left me feeling drained. I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion, and glanced at the butler.

“Butler,” I said, almost automatically.

“I’ve been thinking... you still don’t have a name.”

The butler looked at me with a hint of curiosity.

“Indeed, my lord. I have been referred to as ‘butler’ for so long that I’ve never given it much thought.”

I frowned, feeling a bit awkward. “Well, it seems strange to keep calling you ‘butler’ all the time. Would you like to be given a name?”

The butler took a moment to consider this.

“Are you certain you want to give me a name? It’s not as simple as it might seem.”

I waved a hand dismissively, feeling too tired to get bogged down by the details.

“It’s fine. I just think it’s a bit odd to keep calling you ‘butler.’ It’s like you’re just a function, not a person.”

He looked a bit relieved but also hesitant. “I appreciate the consideration, my lord. The reason I hesitated is that giving a name isn’t a trivial matter. It requires a significant amount of mana and can affect my existence in ways that are not immediately apparent.”

I raised an eyebrow, half-listening. “I see... but honestly, I’m too tired to think about it too much. I just want to avoid the awkwardness of constantly saying ‘butler.’”

The butler’s expression grew more serious.

“It’s not about embarrassment; it’s more about the process and implications of being named. It’s a signific-!"

I waved my hand again, cutting him off.

“Alright, I get it. But I’ve got a name in mind. From now on, your name will be Sebas.”

The name slipped out of my mouth almost on a whim, but as soon as I said it, the butler’s eyes widened. Before I could react, a soft glow began to emanate from him. The light grew brighter and brighter until it filled the room.

The sudden burst of light was blinding, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. My vision started to darken, and I struggled to stay conscious. I could barely make out of the butler, or rather, Sebas, bathed in the radiant glow, looking somewhat surprised and overwhelmed.

The last thing I heard before my vision went black was Sebas's voice, now filled with a mix of awe and confusion. “My lord...”

And then everything went dark.

***

I woke up again in the familiar bed, my mind still hazy from the recent events. As I tried to sit up, I was met with the same disorienting feeling, my vision remained fixed, though I could sense my body moving. I muttered to myself,

“Not again...” and took several attempts to maneuver my head back onto my neck.

Just as I was beginning to get the hang of things, there was a knock on the door.

“My lord, are you awake?”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

I called out, “Come in,” and the door opened to reveal Sebas. As he stepped into the room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed about him. He seemed to radiate a new kind of power and presence that felt both imposing and oddly reassuring.

Sebas’s eyes softened when he saw me. “My lord, you’re awake. I was quite concerned.”

I looked at him with a mix of relief and confusion.

“What happened? Why did I pass out?”

Sebas’s expression was a blend of concern and professionalism. “After you gave me a name, you passed out due to a lack of mana. The process of bestowing a name required more energy than anticipated. You’ve been unconscious for about a week.”

I blinked, absorbing this information.

“A week? I had no idea it had been that long.”

Sebas nodded, his tone apologetic.

“I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience. I didn’t foresee the mana requirements being so demanding. I hope you weren’t too troubled by it.”

I shook my head, feeling a bit amused. “It’s alright, Sebas. I wasn’t bothered. In fact, it was probably a good thing that I got some rest.”

Sebas visibly relaxed, though his demeanor remained professional.

“I’m relieved to hear that, my lord. I assure you, I am here to assist you in any way I can, and I’ll make sure to be more mindful of such matters in the future.”

I gave him a reassuring smile. “Thanks, Sebas. I appreciate your dedication. And, by the way, you seem different, more... powerful, maybe? Or is it just my imagination?”

Sebas’s expression grew contemplative.

“The name you bestowed upon me has indeed altered my existence in some ways. It’s not merely a change in designation but a significant shift in my being. The process has enhanced certain aspects of my abilities.”

Woah, giving a name gives you that much?

I looked at Sebas, my mind still buzzing with questions. “Sebas, if giving a name has this kind of effect, does that mean it could make random people more powerful too?”

Sebas shook his head, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. The effect of naming is specific to beings who start out nameless, such as monsters. Naming them imbues them with a unique essence and power.”

I raised an eyebrow, curious. “So, it’s not something that applies to everyone?”

Sebas continued, his tone informative. “Correct. Only beings that are initially nameless, like monsters, can experience such a transformation through naming. For most people, a name is merely a form of identification, not a source of power.”

I nodded, understanding a bit better. “What about those rare cases you mentioned? When does a monster become a named monster?”

Sebas elaborated, “In some rare instances, a monster becomes so infamous or powerful that it earns a name from the people who encounter it. These are monsters who have achieved significant notoriety or strength. Eventually, these names become recognized and can even affect their status and power.”

I tilted my head, thinking it through. “And what about creatures with intellectual capabilities, like dragons?”

Sebas’s eyes brightened slightly.

“Dragons and other highly intelligent creatures are often given names at birth, as they possess a level of awareness and significance that makes naming more appropriate. These names reflect their inherent power and wisdom from the very beginning.”

I considered this information, feeling more enlightened about the naming process.

“So, it’s not just any random name that can change someone’s power—it’s more about the nature of the being and their circumstances.”

Sebas nodded in agreement.

“Precisely, my lord. Naming has a profound impact on those who start without a name, but for others, it’s not a matter of power but of identity and recognition.”

I listened to Sebas’s explanation and then asked, “If naming a monster has such a profound impact, what’s required to name one? Is there a process or something?”

Sebas nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, my lord. For a monster to be named, there’s a crucial factor that must be considered: the monster needs to trust you.”

I blinked, slightly surprised.

“Trust? Why is that so important?”

Sebas explained, “Monsters are highly attuned to their interactions with others. To bestow a name upon them, they must first trust you, as it’s a deeply personal and transformative process. Without their trust, the naming might not have the intended effect, or the monster might resist the change.”

I absorbed Sebas’s explanation and then asked, “So, if trust is essential, does affection play a role too? Does the relationship affect the strength of the monster?”

Sebas nodded.

“Yes, my lord. Affection and the bond you build with the monster can significantly influence their strength. The stronger the emotional connection, the more powerful they can become.”

Hmm... If I want to have a subordinate, a monster like Sebas is much better than having a human serve me. I'm a monster so it would prove to be bothersome if human came to serve me.

I pondered over Sebas’s explanation and then asked,

“So can a name be lost? Like, forgotten?”

Sebas’s expression grew more serious.

“Yes, my lord. If a nameless monster is forgotten over time, it can indeed lose its name and the associated powers it gained. Being remembered is crucial for maintaining their strength.”

I frowned, intrigued.

“So, that’s why named monsters are so driven to stay in the spotlight?”

Sebas nodded. “Precisely. Named monsters often go to great lengths to ensure their names are remembered. They understand that being infamous or well-known is essential to preserving their power and status. They might engage in dramatic acts or seek constant recognition to avoid fading into obscurity.”

I considered this, feeling a bit of sympathy for the nameless creatures.

“It sounds like a lot of pressure for them to stay relevant.”

Sebas agreed. “It is. The need to be remembered drives many of these beings to seek out notoriety and keep their names in the public eye. For them, fading into obscurity can mean the loss of their identity and power.”

I contemplated this, feeling a pang of empathy.

“It’s quite similar to how humans fear being forgotten. There’s a deep-seated anxiety about leaving no mark or being erased from memory. It’s a universal concern, even among monsters.”

“You’re right, my lord. The fear of being forgotten is a powerful motivator, whether for monsters or humans. The desire to be remembered, to make a lasting impact, drives many actions and decisions.”

I sighed, feeling the need for a break from the room. “Sebas, I think I need to get some fresh air. Can we go outside?”

Sebas nodded, his expression thoughtful.

“Of course, my lord. However, I would advise that you wear armor when going outside.”

The mention of armor made my eyes light up with excitement.

“Armor!? That sounds incredible!"

I quickly calmed myself, reminding myself not to get too carried away. Absently, I touched my neck, and I watched as the blue flames there responded, flickering with movement.

Sebas, observing closely, cleared his throat.

“My lord, I should mention that whenever you’re reattaching your head, mana is continually used to keep it in place. Since you’re a dullahan, this is a necessary function.”

I frowned slightly. “So, it’s using mana just to keep my head attached?”

How bothersome...

Sebas nodded.

“Yes, the amount of mana used is relatively small, but it’s a constant drain. During fights or strenuous activities, it’s more efficient if your head is not attached, as it conserves mana and maximizes your effectiveness.”

I chuckled nervously at the restriction, feeling a bit exasperated. “Great, so not only do I have to worry about my head not falling off, but I also have to conserve mana. It’s just one more thing to keep in mind.”

Sebas’s expression remained neutral, though there was a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “It’s an aspect of being a dullahan, my lord. Managing your mana effectively will be key to utilizing your abilities to their fullest.”

I sighed and muttered under my breath,

“Sometimes I wonder if God is just messing with me...”

Sebas, always the professional, didn’t seem to catch the full weight of my frustration. Instead, he offered a reassuring nod.

“I understand, my lord. It may seem challenging at first, but with time and practice, you’ll adapt to these nuances.”

With a resigned smile, I stood up, ready to face the day outside despite the quirks of my new condition. “Alright, Sebas. Let’s get that armor and head out. I could use a change of scenery.”

Sebas nodded, leading the way. “Very well, my lord. I’ll ensure you have everything you need before we proceed.”

As we prepared to head outside, I felt a mix of anticipation and mild exasperation, ready to embrace the adventures and challenges that lay ahead.