The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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As the sweltering heat began to dissipate and a refreshing breeze started to blow in,

The Count experienced a significant achievement, as if the season had finally shifted away from the suffocating heat.

And of course, the news was something that our Special Mission Team could not be overly sensitive to.

“Deputy Commander, I heard that the empty space we captured in front of the Demonic Realm has finally turned into a base.”

This outpost is set to become a crucial resting point for the Special Mission Team, which will be exploring the Demonic Realm countless times in the near future.

“I’ve heard as much. They say they will be starting purification and exploration in earnest now.”

“Exactly. If scholars can create broader and more accurate maps and study the ecology of the monsters, our Knights’ Order will face significantly less danger.”

“That’s true. It’s far larger and deeper than we initially thought, so even the Special Mission Team moving straight in would be a bit risky.”

“That’s precisely my point.”

It seemed their operations were firmly on track.

So far, I felt that all the information we had gathered indicated that we must turn the Demonic Realm upside down to achieve victory over the demons.

I only hope everything goes smoothly from here on.

“I believe you said you would be joining the central noble social club along with Princess Shione. After the Deputy Commander’s return, the main operations will begin, as Ainel informed me. I’ll be waiting.”

“I apologize for leaving again.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for. When an opportunity arises, you have to seize it. The Knights will be executing small-scale operations at the outpost for a while, so it’s a good chance to see how our Rangers have developed.”

“That makes me feel reassured. I’ll be looking forward to the Rangers.”

“…No matter what, it’s impossible to make you as strong as you are, so don’t look at me with those eyes.”

The Special Mission Team will also help stabilize the area around the outpost while honing their practical skills.

I’ve heard that until the Divine Department of the Academy returns, Sion will also assist there.

It might be difficult to conduct serious explorations without Shione, but thanks to this opportunity, the outpost can grow even more.

‘They said future operations will be adjusted for my sake.’

I’m just eager to see what I can gain from the next operation.

Now that the Knights’ matters were neatly organized.

“…The governess has experience working as a maid for quite some time. If she wishes, I could arrange a position for her at the Count’s House.”

“Thank you so much, but… there are people waiting for me back in my hometown. I think I should go back now.”

“Well, if you say it like that, I have no choice. Instead, let’s keep in touch more regularly through letters.”

Herrel, who had been staying at the Count’s House for a while, was about to embark on her journey again.

“Governess, this is a present.”

“This is a bow?”

“It’s the first bow I used. I gave the gift I had given to Ray back in the day.”

“…Can I really accept such a precious bow?”

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought it out at all. It’s heavy, so take it quickly.”

It’s the bow Shione first used.

With her already being a master, the bow that signifies her beginnings stirs my collector’s desire. I never imagined such an item would end up in Herrel’s hands.

Although greed crept in, it’s clear that there are few others who would cherish it as much as Herrel, who now had tears of joy in her eyes.

So I too sent Herrel off by Shione’s side.

‘And now all that’s left is.’

Preparing for the central noble social club.

Preparation simply means that I have casually learned some etiquette while serving and can go about as usual.

The issue, however, is that aside from a few uniforms I received from conquering the Knights and working as a servant, I have no other clothes.

“Baron, it’s been a while since we met with how busy things have been. It’s good to see you!”

“It’s been a long time, Sion. Is everything settled regarding the conversations with the Church?”

“There were a few things worth discussing, but… with this, it’s a complete victory for the Count’s House, right? Even though I’m a priest, I’m still from the Count’s House. By the way, I heard you’re attending the social club; have you had your formal attire made?”

Unlike Siabel, who suffers daily under a mountain of paperwork,

Sion Shianella, who is now able to relish some well-deserved relaxation.

“The formal attire is supposed to be assisted by Princess Shione, but… there’s yet to be any progress.”

“With me around, were you going to leave that to your second elder sister? The men at social clubs are incredibly sensitive to even the slightest design details. Leave it to me, and I’ll make sure you’re never dismissed.”

“Wouldn’t that be rather rude—?”

“Rude? This is none other than Baron Karpel we’re talking about, right?”

Somehow, I ignited our brother-in-law’s artistic spirit and was able to have a formal outfit made with Sion’s fervent assistance.

It wasn’t just about the family emblem; as the head of a family, he needed to wear even better attire reflecting his beliefs.

“…Well, I suppose formal attires all look somewhat similar.”

I tried on the formal attire in front of the full-length mirror in my room.

Unlike the heavily adorned outfits of other noblemen, mine exuded a calm and composed atmosphere.

The navy blue base and the clean fall befitted my usual activities with the Knights’ Order.

However, my gaze was drawn more to the brooch attached to my chest.

“Still, I like this.”

The representative emblem of the Karpel Baron House.

Originally meant to be worn by royal dispatch officials to flaunt their connections and trust with the royal family, but now it belongs to me.

While I feel somewhat ingrained in the social hierarchy, having something is always better than having nothing.

So I made my way lightly dressed in my formal attire toward Shione’s room.

‘I haven’t shown my formal attire to Shione yet.’

When I told Shione that Sion was offering to help, she had clapped her hands in delight yet seemed somewhat disappointed.

So this time, I’ll get to show her the first view of my formal attire, eagerly anticipating her reaction as I sought her out.

“The formal attire has arrived…!”

I was met with a response that surpassed my expectations.

Shione quickly circled around me, peering in various places.

After spinning around twice, she came to a stop, nodding silently.

“I promised to show you first, so here I am. How well does it suit me?”

“It fits you like a glove with the icy Deputy Commander image who rarely smiles in front of the members.”

“Eh…?”

“I guess it can’t be helped. I definitely wouldn’t have chosen such a well-fitting outfit on my own. I’m glad I left it to Sion.”

“Do our members really call me the icy Deputy Commander?”

“Ah, that’s—…”

Shione suddenly covered her mouth with her hands and began to glance slyly at me.

Then, out of nowhere, she dashed towards me and hugged me, looking up while exclaiming,

“So what! The important thing is that Ray’s formal attire looks amazing on you!”

At this point, I figured that even as a Baron caught in the midst of the central nobles, I wouldn’t be overlooked.

*

The central noble social club.

There isn’t a single person in the kingdom who can deny that it’s the most popular gathering among nobles after the banquet hosted by the royal family.

For minor nobles, it’s a dream venue and a sort of stepping stone. For those nobles who have already accumulated prestige and wealth, it’s an opportunity to solidify mutual alliances.

Originally, it was supposed to be Siabel who received the invitation, but she decided to pass this time and attend the next banquet instead. Thus, Shione, now acting as the representative of the Count’s House, and I as a bonus were to journey together under the Count’s support.

Without further delay, we boarded the carriage. Our journey was nearing its conclusion.

“Princess Shione, we are about to enter the territory of Duke Rephelia.”

“…Really?”

Shione, who had been using my thigh as a pillow, rubbed her eyes awake. She stretched delightfully and yawned, displaying no signs of fatigue or sleepiness.

She had been requesting since yesterday to wake her up as soon as we entered the duke’s territory. It seemed like there was a reason for that.

I asked Shione, who was still hum humming a low tune, still somewhat drowsy.

“You’ve been looking forward to this moment since yesterday. Is there something special about this duke’s territory?”

“Well, it’s Duke Rephelia’s domain! It’s a pretty large city, much like the capital where the royal castle is! Mother and sister told me it would be much more magnificent than our Count’s House.”

It seemed like the family had already briefed her about Duke Rephelia’s estate in advance.

So as I gazed out the window alongside Shione, I couldn’t help but be awed by the sight of a well-planned city.

‘Just how much wealth do they have?’

Even the Feiosha Marquis House, known for its wealth and renowned for producing powerful wizards, couldn’t compare to this level. Duke Rephelia’s estate was definitely on another scale.

The city was bustling with activity, yet it had an air of leisure that made it seem alive. The landscaping and city management in the background were assuredly top-notch.

Perhaps to uphold public morals, there seemed to be a considerable number of patrolling soldiers. Wouldn’t they all be hired with funds from the duke’s coffers?

“…It’s certainly different in some way.”

Though when there’s brightness, shadows deepen as well.

I had no idea about the other side of things, but the current scene did carry a charm that was at least on par with the capital of the kingdom.

“B-But I still think our Count’s House city is more romantic…!”

Of course, Shione, also stunned like me, chimed in with her thoughts as we conversed, and before long we reached the inner district.

After disembarking the carriage on the driver’s signal,

We beheld a warm welcome.

“Welcome to the visitors from the Shianella Count’s House to the Rephelia Duke’s domain.”

Standing there with a deep smile that seemed to have been waiting for us all along was Leona Rephelia.