The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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The believers of the cult move with more meticulousness and audacity than I had anticipated.

Of course, not everyone worships the same demon. While some groups act in a brazen manner that borders on reckless, there are those who have even infiltrated the princess’s coming-of-age ceremony. Such individuals cannot be underestimated.

Thus, I found myself inevitably sensitive to Shione’s words.

‘It seems we don’t have to worry since our human detector Shione has said so.’

Yet, the very presence of magic lingering on someone’s body is never a normal situation.

We’ve dealt with our fair share of insane groups, and our knights, who have even dabbled in the Demonic Realm, have never carried any residual magic.

It’s strange for someone from the fanatic extermination squad to possess lingering magic on them.

‘…I’ll need to investigate further to be certain.’

There’s also a history of those who worshipped the Demon of Gluttony colluding with people from the Academy. Given that they’ve caused significant disturbances before, it’s not impossible that similar individuals are hiding within the royal family’s cult extermination squad.

It would be wise to remain cautious. If given the chance, it might be prudent to probe that fellow a bit and discreetly inform Adelhaite later.

But as soon as I thought that—

“The Princess Rephelia is waiting. It would be best to move now.”

We hurried along once more.

The princess had already noticed us making our way toward her and had been patiently waiting. It was clear that lingering any longer would not work in our favor.

Shione was the first to greet the princess, and I followed her lead.

“It’s an honor to receive an invitation to the cult gathering. This place truly lives up to the prestige of the Duke’s Family.”

“Not at all. I’ve heard from the royal family that the Baron is well regarded. I’m the one grateful that you accepted our invitation.”

When talk of the Count’s background was brought up, once again, the gazes of nearby nobles were directed toward me.

‘This must be intentional.’

To have such a promising future mentioned by none other than the princess, who is close to the royal family, carries its weight.

It seems the princess is also keen to score points by giving me an opportunity to appeal to the other nobles.

While this is a good intention, and if utilized wisely could lead to a more comfortable and prosperous future, I was much more intrigued by those too busy forming their own circles and leading conversations, rather than the ones directing their interest toward me.

“Then when the atmosphere becomes more suitable, I will introduce you to others.”

Naturally, my attention was drawn to the individuals the princess mentioned she would be introducing.

After all, following the conclusion of our greetings, I was now once again immersed in the center of the cult gathering.

Feeling like I might become the main course, numerous people began to engage me in conversation.

“I’ve heard of Baron Karpel’s reputation. I’m from the central Baron Family of the kingdom—”

There were people who tried to flatter me, skillfully building up their connections, hoping a crumb would fall my way.

“If you’re lacking food in your territory, I would appreciate it if you remember me. My family resides in the rich agricultural lands of the South—”

They certainly have a territory, and being a baron makes it easy to handle funds and contracts, so it’s not surprising that any nobility wanting to expand their business connections would approach me.

“If you’re without a partner, my daughter is of marriageable age—”

There were even those who subtly hinted at alliances through marriage while casting glances my way.

However—

“Excuse me for interrupting, but I’d like to introduce the Baron to this knight here. May I have a moment?”

“Haha… of course. Such conversations about lack of knowledge are vital at a social gathering. I shall return shortly.”

This was someone who was swiftly redirected by Shione, who discreetly glanced at her.

And through Shione’s intervention, I couldn’t help but feel—

‘It seems that more people are gravitating toward me than Shione.’

Shione is effectively following through on her part.

Somehow, perhaps due to her engaging with people in a knightly demeanor rather than appearing awkward, she seemed to carry a certain poise that contrasted with my own. Consequently, her commanding presence provided her with some degree of composure.

Of course, this resulted in those unable to engage with Shione flocking toward me, but thankfully, the people in this room take pride in being cultured citizens of the kingdom. They discern well and maintained appropriate distance when necessary.

The issue, however, was—

“I have heard that the Baron is skilled in handling mana…! Do you perhaps have any secret techniques or catalysts?”

“I’ve always wanted to ask that too! Besides, static archery is a pastime we, as knights, enjoy. I’d like to know how the Baron approaches archery!”

With their faces painted white, noble sons approached me, chattering away.

‘How is this possible…’

Is it possible for one’s energy to be depleted even more than when I first met Bronte?

Amidst their rapid-fire questions and a barrage of statements surrounding me, I felt utterly overwhelmed.

“You’ve arrived early, it seems.”

The appearance of a third party between Shione and me finally freed me from this hellish scenario.

“It’s been a while. Have you found some fruitful connections at this gathering?”

Evan Feiosha, the one who provided Shione with her recommendation, and a notable young noble in social circles.

Instantly beginning with pleasantries while bringing up the subject of the recommendation, Evan showcased his connections. As he took control of the conversation, the swarm of nobles dispersed, presumably feeling that chatting with us would now be futile.

“Judging by your reaction, it seems you have yet to have any successful encounters. I’d like to introduce you to someone so that the recommendation won’t go to waste… if that’s alright?”

With Evan scanning our expressions, Shione nodded.

“May we accept this courtesy from you, Young Noble?”

“Absolutely. Thanks to you and the Baron helping the Academy, everyone has been afforded the opportunity to be saved.”

With Evan Feiosha’s aid, we finally connected with one of our coveted targets.

“Allow me to introduce this individual. This is Mine Trimang, affiliated with the royal intelligence department.”

A composed middle-aged woman with gray hair appeared, whose calm demeanor was one of the subjects we had been aiming to engage with.

As Evan stepped away after introducing us, Mine Trimang, who had maintained a gentle smile, now directed her attention toward us.

“I’ve heard tales of your heroic deeds from Your Highness the Princess. I have been keen to meet you both.”

Even if she’s from the intelligence department, given that the disaster in the north demands attention from everyone, it’s puzzling how Adelhaite could have found the time to share our story with this noble at the gathering.

So as Mine Trimang continued—

“Would you mind if we discussed matters in the garden right next to us? It may be a more private space.”

Seeing as she indicated that there were words to be spoken in a less populated area,

We stepped out into the relatively secluded garden adjoining the hall, and her demeanor shifted entirely.

The warm presence she’d shown previously transformed into a cold, doll-like gaze devoid of emotion.

With the abrupt shift, even Shione stopped smiling and matched her seriousness.

“It seems what you wish to discuss isn’t something ordinary.”

“I must excuse myself for a moment.”

“That would be magic, wouldn’t it? It’s not good to use magic recklessly in the Duke’s banquet hall.”

“On the princess’s orders, I have procured the Duke’s cooperation for this. The only wizards capable of sensing the mana of this artifact, which focuses entirely on secrecy, are of the Duke’s lineage.”

What does that even mean?

“This is a direct command from the princess.”

Despite the oddity of the situation, the noble from the intelligence department continued without a hint of hesitance, even amid the bustling social gathering. I never expected to receive such a command without any prior preparation in such an overtly public setting.

“The princess has commanded it.”

Still, it seems like Mine Trimang believes this moment is ideal for relaying the princess’s directive. She delivered Adelhaite’s intent without any uptick or drop in her voice.

“You are to seek out the spies hidden among those in attendance at this gathering and assist in eliminating them.”

…Why on earth is a spy appearing at this moment in the Duke’s Family’s social gathering? If you’re going to set us to work, you should have let us know in advance, not deliver this overly dramatic message at such a conspicuous time.

‘…Adelhaite Aisiliah, you said we could be friends.’

It’s rather amusing to find myself thrust into such a ridiculous situation so soon after having just become friends.

If anything, it leaves me with a headache filled with countless questions.