@Vieanh
>Where was this mindset when he tried to escape in the first place
Getting sold to a royal family, especially to a daughter who is rumored to have a bratty personality, and strict father, is not desirable at all. of course he tried to escape, but after actually meeting the father and the daughter, and finding out they are different from the rumour, of course he started feeling conflicted. and start warming up to them. in the original story, this is where the MC betrays him and make him sign an enslavement contract.
Also the other children is a "friend" which I assume will appear later down the story. Considering he is a friend, of course Stayle doesnt want to let him to get sold if the rumours are true.
>i'm sure there would be others who would want this position
But all he want really is just his family, especially his mother. He is seven year old. the reason he doesnt want to escape is his family, and a friend. not everything is about money and power, he is all about that loyalty, which is why he is likable.
>without even trying to improve her combat ability further
She does though. in chapter 6. like Bakarina, she believes her death is inevitable. even then she doesnt believe it 100 percent. thats why she only said it as IF I turned bad please kill me
she does improve herself, but not in a comedic way like Bakarina. she is a different character anyway, looking at the prologue, she is less positive. this is also not a shounen isekai. where the first few chapters are magically finding new skills. as it focuses more on the romance and relationship side.