The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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Suddenly deciding on something, the princess and Shione went up onto the platform with the knight.

The three of them on the elevated spot stood before everyone, slowly drawing the attention of the people in the hall towards them.

After attracting just the right amount of attention, Princess Rephelia began her speech. Although she was speaking at length, I basically tuned out her words.

Of course, to me, our Shione was far more important. Shione kept glancing my way as if she had something she wanted to convey.

‘Got a pretty good idea of what she’s saying.’

I picked it up instantly.

She was probably saying to keep an eye out for anyone reacting strangely when her magic enveloped the hall.

Though the view from the platform was probably better, that wasn’t something to overlook.

So, I silently nodded in response, and at that moment, Shione’s stiff expression, which had been serious until then, broke into a small but lovely smile.

“Therefore, here, as Master Shione, she will commend Lady Eleta’s merits while healing her injuries through magic. I hope you all enjoy this meaningful occasion.”

Just as Leona Rephelia finished her perfectly timed speech, she subtly stepped back, and intricate magic began to form on Shione’s palm.

‘Indeed, it’s true that magic feels more special when seen by someone knowledgeable about it.’

Even within the famous Rephelia household known for their magical prowess, Shione’s magic was something remarkable.

The princess, gazing at the magic circle unfolding above Shione’s hand, seemed momentarily entranced. It looked as though she was on the verge of a realization, focusing solely on Shione’s magic.

When her concentration broke and she returned to her senses, Shione’s magic had already enveloped the hall.

“…Ah! The tingling discomfort in my arm is gone!”

With Lady Eleta’s heartfelt exclamation came a chorus of admiration.

“Impressive. I’ve only seen such a refined magic circle at the academy entrance ceremony.”

“The Count’s House achieves mastery not just in swordsmanship but also in archery and magic. Shouldn’t this be considered a blessing for the kingdom?”

The nobles buzzed with excitement.

Certainly, the spectacle was glamorous enough. As they exchanged words, the atmosphere in the hall reached a peak.

“Well then─”

Since Shione used her magic, it was finally my turn to step up.

Now that a mystical energy was pulsating on the floor, erasing the demonic realm’s magic, I swiftly began surveying the nobles.

‘Though the magic caught only Eleta’s attention…’

Using all available means seemed better than not using any at all.

With no high expectations, I checked the conditions of every noble within view.

‘…Looks like that one has something going on.’

At last, I spotted someone with a shady demeanor.

Fittingly, since the moment the magic was cast, perhaps because her throat was dry, a woman discreetly crept back to sip wine while watching the grand entrance and exit of the hall.

While others praised the warmth that the magic brought, thanks to Shione, many nobles who were previously hesitant to mingle with each other were now busy making small talk, making her behavior a bit suspicious.

Moreover, the problem was—

‘And it’s not just one of them.’

There were also men sneaking away from gatherings, pretending not to be involved while wiping sweat that gathered on their foreheads. And there was a woman who, perhaps feeling uncomfortable, began to stare blankly in tune with the flow of conversation.

After identifying their faces and characteristics, I headed towards them amidst the cheers and praise coming from everyone else. After momentarily sending Eleta back to her seat, under the pretext of a question about the princess’s magic, we managed to sneak back out to the garden without being overshadowed by others.

“I found them. There are three in total.”

“…So it wasn’t just one?”

“I can’t be sure if they’re spies, but they reacted differently when Shione’s magic was cast. It wouldn’t hurt to investigate.”

“Can you describe their appearances or characteristics? Lady Mine likely informed you, but I also have an obligation to search and interrogate them by the princess’s command.”

“Of course. Their characteristics are─”

Seeing how she smoothly launched into the conversation as soon as she entered the round table, despite acting oblivious until now, it seemed like security was indeed tight.

So I informed Princess Rephelia about what I had observed.

“Indeed, there was a reason why Your Highness advised getting help from the two. It’s crucial to determine whether their response was due to them being spies or not before this social gathering ends.”

However, I thought they would clandestinely kidnap and interrogate them deeply after the social event ended. I found myself momentarily speechless when the plan was mentioned even while the Duke’s household event was in full swing.

“Are you saying you’d interrogate them before the social event ends…? Even if there were orders, those nobles were invited guests. They might not be guilty after all, and… if word gets out that they were interrogated during the banquet, even the Duke’s residence might face backlash from the nobility.”

At Shione’s cautious question, Princess Rephelia merely smiled.

“You don’t need to worry. This is the Rephelia estate, where all magic of the kingdom converges. Furthermore, even if word gets out that we interrogated them by force, all the responsibility will fall on our Adelhaite.”

Not only did she refer to the princess as ‘our Adelhaite’ but her confident demeanor suggested that if anything went wrong, Adelhaite would take responsibility.

Her sweet and fragile smile didn’t match with the continuous flow of bold statements that were pouring out.

“Considering their reactions, I think it might be a good idea for me to reintroduce myself now.”

Seeing the identical reaction from Shione and me, Leona finally continued with a pure smile that was radiantly beaming.

“I’m the heir of the Duke’s House and furthermore, I’ve been a close friend of Adelhaite’s long before either of you.”

Leona’s introduction about her relationship with Adelhaite felt eerily familiar, and as my memories followed back, I finally recalled.

“I could say I’ve been through a lot of trouble thanks to Adelhaite before either of you.”

The Leona before us seemed incredibly close to Shia and Aria, and yet at the same time, there was a sense of melancholy.

Then, suddenly, as if we had received orders from Adelhaite, it felt as though she had already experienced much.

“Shione Shianella, and Ray Karpel. I’m genuinely thrilled to finally have friends to share the stories of Adelhaite with!”

Princess Rephelia welcomed us warmly.

*

There are still two more days left of the social gathering. Each day filled with different foods, drinks, and events to enjoy, the other nobles returned to their lodgings brimming with anticipation for what would happen tomorrow.

But Shione and I somehow ended up working instead of enjoying the banquet, leading us to feel utterly exhausted as we made our way back to our lodgings.

‘Does this mean we’ll have to keep this up until we catch the traitor for sure?’

Princess Rephelia had promised to create another opportunity to talk later and was making every effort to enjoy the social gathering too, but it was still tiring.

So, I quickly changed out of my formal attire into something comfortable and headed towards Shione’s room.

‘There’s a lot to talk about.’

Starting from the orders we received. The existence of those who reacted to Shione’s magic despite her not sensing any magic, and how she was now whining about wanting to play since she was so tired.

Once everything was settled, it was better to relax thoroughly, so after refreshing my weary mind, I entered her room and found myself facing another situation.

“Ray, you’ve arrived─”

Shione was sprawled on the bed in her clothes, not even bothering to change.

With her hair disheveled, she struggled to lift her upper body as she spoke.

“Can you help me take off my clothes?”

“Pardon?”

“My outfit is a dress, and it’s too troublesome to take off by myself. I was sprawled here and couldn’t call for a servant before you arrived.”

“…So, you’re asking me to help with that?”

“Yep! Besides, I’m wearing underwear underneath, so it’s not like it’ll be a problem or anything.”

While asking for help to change, she didn’t even bother sitting up.

“So, Ray, can you assist me? I don’t have the strength to move.”

She just flopped back down onto the bed.

Wondering why she was acting like this, I walked up to the side of the bed.

“…You expect me to take off the defenses of an unguarded young lady on the bed? Ray, aren’t you being too forward while being a man?”

She crossed her arms around her body and giggled at my response.

In the end, feeling utterly exasperated, I could only chuckle back at her antics.

“Well, if I have to take it off, I can’t just rip it.”

“…R-Ray, are you angry?”

“Angry? Look at me. I’m laughing right now. Orna will help you change.”

“Why did you throw Orna away!? Just wait a moment…! I’m going to change, so I’ll have to tell her to leave…! I’m going to end up biting my hands!”