The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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Leona had firmly etched Princess Rephelia’s face in her memory from the last coming-of-age ceremony.

The impressive golden hair of the wizard and her elegant demeanor were what stuck with me.

But now, the princess I encountered was dressed in extravagantly luxurious clothing, a far cry from her modest attire back then.

‘With her being the heir of the Duke’s Family and the one hosting this social gathering…’

During the coming-of-age ceremony, with Adelhaite taking center stage, it seemed as if she had behaved modestly to avoid drawing attention. The princess, encountering other nobles from her family, radiated a confidence akin to a fish released into water.

Thus, during our brief introduction, I worried that Shione might show an awkward reaction due to the princess’s intense presence and her shy nature.

“It’s quite busy preparing for the social gathering, yet you came to greet us personally. I truly appreciate your hospitality, Your Highness.”

Well done, our Shione.

When she often reminded me that there was nothing for Shione or the current Count’s House to be intimidated by in front of the Duke’s Family, or perhaps that Shione’s demeanor had completely transformed through various experiences, it felt like a huge win.

Gone was the Shione who couldn’t even muster a word and fumbled about. Now, she even initiated a handshake.

“As a guest of the esteemed Count’s House, a vital pillar of the kingdom, I should be the one to welcome you. And… I look forward to your guidance as well, Baron Karpel.”

A brief handshake between Rephelia and Shione.

Then, the princess’s gaze shifted directly towards me as she offered her hand for a handshake.

However—

“I believe we briefly exchanged glances at Your Highness’s coming-of-age ceremony. That day, you stepped forward before anyone else to protect the princess alongside the Young Lady. It left quite an impression on me.”

It wasn’t just a simple greeting; I felt an instinctive sense of her evaluating me amid the extreme kindness of her gestures and words.

So, I boldly grasped her hand and faced her directly.

“Even if it were not me, any citizen of the kingdom would naturally display such loyalty. However, I am grateful for your high regard, Your Highness.”

The future Duke.

And the head of the Western Baronies.

From the status I held to the things I possessed, everything was clear.

‘Well, there’s no need for me to cower in front of the princess now.’

Right beside me was my master, Shione. Over in the west, there was also Count Ainel. Furthermore, with the princess’s words, wasn’t my friend the next queen?

To be assertive yet not come off as overly boastful or rude, I managed to express my confidence through suitable courtesy.

“Baron Karpel was already renowned as a famous knight even before receiving his title from the royal family. It’s certainly evident from his demeanor.”

Though there were quite a few embellishments characteristic of nobility in my words, the meaning remained singular. It appeared Rephelia was quite pleased with my response, as her smile broadened.

‘A good start.’

There was no downside to getting closer to Princess Rephelia.

Both Shione and I had come to interpret the kingdom’s flow regarding cultists and demons rather than just focusing on our family’s influence. If we could interject ourselves into the conversing place of the high-ranking nobles discussing the royal intentions regarding demons, we could extract quality information.

In that context, it seemed I had left a good impression on Rephelia.

“Would it be too much of an honor for me to introduce our family to Your Highness and the Baron?”

Following that, Rephelia’s question shifted to a subtly more favorable tone than before.

“If it wouldn’t be an imposition, I’d very much like to accept your gracious offer.”

I wondered why Shione responded so swiftly.

Soon we enjoyed Rephelia’s guidance as we explored the Duke’s House.

‘The social gathering is starting in two days, right?’

Perhaps that was why the hustle around checking the event’s final preparations became increasingly apparent. Nobles like us, who arrived early and indulged in a servant tour of the Duke’s House, intermittently caught the eye.

As we walked while surveying the surroundings, we soon arrived in front of an impressive mansion, with Princess Rephelia coming to a stop.

“This will be your accommodations during your stay. I’ve made special arrangements for today, ensuring it’s comfortable enough to shake off your fatigue.”

The building was quite extravagant for accommodations. It bore a name worthy of the Duke’s House; surely other nobles would be lodging here as well.

Anticipation bubbled in me, thinking of what the assigned lodgings would feel like, just as Rephelia proudly claimed.

“Regrettably, I can accompany you only this far.”

The busy princess, preparing for the upcoming social gathering, bid us farewell.

Turning back to face us, she raised one hand over her heart, gently closed her eyes, and gracefully bowed.

“And… I firmly believe you will both become the stars of this social gathering. Therefore, in two days, I look forward to having deeper conversations with you more than ever.”

As she straightened her bow while speaking in a refined tone, when Rephelia opened her eyes again, it seemed she had realized what kind of individuals Shione and I were, her eyes sparkling.

*

Upon returning to our assigned lodgings, I had envisioned throwing myself onto the luxurious bed after a long time, but alas.

My happy imagination was regrettably dashed.

That was while we were both exploring each other’s rooms.

“…Ray, you were chatting quite amiably with the princess, weren’t you?”

Perhaps due to Shione’s silver hair.

I couldn’t quite fathom what she had seen that made her think I was talking so sweetly with Princess Rephelia.

“I don’t remember sharing anything significant; I merely responded suitably to not get flustered by her intensity.”

“Well… that may be true…!”

Shione pouted for a moment before she seemed to agree with me, losing words.

Ultimately, with her adorably drooped eyes and sulky lips, she trotted over to my side and grabbed my hand.

“How could I not feel a bit jealous…! You did spend quite a bit of time shaking hands with the princess; it’s your fault for dragging it out.”

“Are you now trying to hold that against me?”

“…I suppose that would be the case.”

Perhaps still embarrassed by her own words, Shione dropped her head, that firm grip on my hand showing she didn’t want to let go. As I tried to pull away, she gripped tighter.

It was a bit absurd to see her getting that worked up over just a handshake. After all, as I was treated to the princess’s hospitality, the main topic of conversation had mainly revolved around me.

In reality, it wasn’t the handshake but rather the fact that Rephelia continually posed questions about Shione during our conversation that likely bugged her.

While I tried to soothe Shione’s mood and have some playful banter, I tightened the grasp on her hand, causing her to look up at me.

“Therefore, to prepare well for the social gathering… I think we should start preparing today. What do you think?”

“What? What do you—”

“You know, some animals, when they wish to mark their territory, leave their scent behind. Thinking of it that way, I believe you could find some comfort.”

“……!!”

Of course, the comparison between highborn nobles and animals was an ill-fitting analogy. Nevertheless, it seemed to strike a chord with Shione as she became momentarily dazed by the direct hit. Blushing but seemingly in agreement, she nodded her head.

Taking that moment, I decided to steer the conversation forward.

“Anyway, there’s no downside to being friendly with Princess Rephelia, so please be accommodating. The duke has intelligence rivals as proficient as the royal family, or so they say.”

Shione, who seemed quite irritated, merely nodded in agreement.

“Especially since I heard that not only nobles from the northern areas but also several leaders from the north will attend this social gathering. It should be worth looking forward to.”

Ultimately, the information we sought from the gathering focused on the northern kingdom.

“We might uncover useful information beyond what Your Highness shared at the gathering.”

I had heard that although prominent figures like the Alenarr Marquis Family wouldn’t attend the social gathering, there would be reputable individuals from the northern territories, recommended for invitations just like Shione. With Rephelia’s own sources of intelligence, it was certain that noteworthy people would gather around her for conversations.

Information, as they say, is a weapon in itself. Leaving a good impression on her would likely encourage them to speak more freely.

But first—

“Before that, we should figure out how to make our entrance to the gathering.”

“Our entrance?”

“Both you and I should enter together to avoid unnecessary attention from the noblefolk.”

At this age, Shione and I stood as the hottest marriage prospects in the kingdom.

With that in mind, saying it would be easier to handle any flies buzzing around her made sense.

“Indeed… I think I know a thing or two about that!”

Fortunately, my suggestion seemed to have lifted Shione’s spirits, and she began to chatter away, her previous sullen demeanor fading.

“What sort of book did you read that was so insightful?”