LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 37
Chapter 37
“Hey, where did Orto-san go?”
I realize this after finishing the soup.
The elderly warrior who was with me until a moment ago is nowhere to be seen.
Alshade responds with an “Oh” to my question.
“Orto wasn’t in the room when the meal started.”
“He wasn’t there from the beginning? I didn’t notice at all.”
“He’s using an application of a technique called ‘Shadow Residual.'”
“Shadow Residual? I remember that name. It’s a technique that increases evasion rate based on the difference in martial skill between opponents.”
“Yeah, that’s right. I’ve seen him demonstrate it in front of me before. After he moves away from the spot for a few seconds, his figure becomes blurry.”
The name “Shadow Residual” makes sense to me.
In the game, it was a technique used to reduce damage in minor battles by increasing evasion rates, though it wasn’t particularly effective against bosses. I remember that well.
“How does it work that his figure becomes blurry a few seconds after he’s gone?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t been taught that much about it because I’m still inexperienced. He showed me to make sure I wouldn’t get confused if an enemy used it. Maybe it’s just to let us know about the existence of the technique?”
“There’s a huge difference between knowing something and not knowing. I’ll try asking him about the mechanics later. Anyway, did he really need to use it here?”
While I was lost in thought, he managed to use the technique. It probably wasn’t meant to teach us about the skill’s existence, like Alshade said.
So, what might be the reason for him to use it to leave the room unnoticed?
“Maybe he was being considerate of us? There might be things that are difficult to discuss with Orto around.”
“Difficult things to discuss? Like… oh, now that you mention it.”
Both Alshade and I simultaneously turn our gaze towards Vivian.
When I heard her name, I was surprised. Even considering that she was forced into betraying Alshade due to her family being held hostage, I didn’t expect her to continue serving as Alshade’s attendant.
I thought she would have been dismissed from the role of an attendant at the very least…
“You also had a surprised expression when you heard Vivian’s name. I thought I should explain.”
“Well, even if Al had reasons, it’s hard to believe someone who betrayed you once, especially in such a short time.”
“Hahaha, you’re straightforward. You’re right though.”
When Alshade confirmed my thoughts, I noticed a slight change in Vivian’s expression.
It’s not a look of hostility, but rather, it seems like she might be feeling a sense of guilt for betraying Alshade.
Even though it’s not something you say to perpetrator’s face, she must have been prepared for this when she decided to stay here.
“Vivian used to hold the position of Head Maid, overseeing the other maids. But now, she’s just a regular maid. We couldn’t simply let her go without any responsibility,” Alshade explains.
“Of course. I mean, considering the crimes she committed, even the death penalty could have been an option. People said I was being too lenient, but I insisted,” Alshade adds.
The possibility of facing the ultimate penalty makes sense, considering she had drugged Alshade and was involved in the abduction, despite being a noblewoman. But then, why did Alshade go against opposition and give her a more lenient punishment?
“You’re being too soft, aren’t you? I mean, it’s not like you had any lingering feelings for her or anything,” I commented.
“Well, you’re right. The reason she remains a maid is because of me, and because of you,” Alshade replied.
“Me?”
Why would I be the reason for this decision? I have no idea.
Seeing my confusion, Alshade chuckles.
“While Vivian still holds the position of my maid, she is actually serving as your personal tutor and caretaker.”
“Tutor and caretaker?”
I can understand the tutor part.
Being the former Head Maid, she probably has excellent manners and etiquette. Her academic knowledge is likely well above average as well.
I’m not supposed to know anything about academics, so she couldn’t very well appoint a noble tutor for someone who’s supposedly ignorant of even the basics of learning.
That’s probably why Vivian was chosen as an alternative.
But a caretaker? I’ve been taking care of myself just fine until now. Do I really need one?
“Yeah, that’s right. Vivian has been trained in etiquette, manners, noble protocols, dancing, mathematics, and geopolitics. And she’s got a basic grasp of magic if you need her to teach that too.”
…Vivian’s far more skilled than I expected.
“But how can Vivian teach magic if she can’t use magic herself? It doesn’t make sense. There’s no point in me learning that.”
“It’s because she helped me review. To teach others, you need to have a solid understanding yourself. Plus, when you’re teaching, you often come across new insights,” Alshade explained.
“I see.”
Listening to these episodes from before the incident, I’m starting to understand that Vivian was truly loyal to Alshade.
She had been studying subjects that had no relevance to herself just to assist Alshade.
“And apart from magical studies, I’ve also learned other subjects from her, so I can vouch for her teaching skills,” Alshade continued.
“I get that part, but why is she also serving as a caretaker? I don’t think I need one.”
Being taken care of is not something I’m used to, and it might be embarrassing.
Also, why would I need Vivian, who is of the opposite sex, to be my caretaker?
Is this common in this world? Even if it is, Alshade herself should probably be against it, but this is something she decided herself.
Trying to reason it out myself only deepens the mystery.
“I wanted you to get used to being taken care of. I could have assigned a male servant for this role, but I thought it’s a good opportunity for you to develop some resilience toward women,” Alshade explained.
“Resilience toward women…”
Well, I can’t say I have no clue what she means.
In my previous life, I was a virgin and had no female friends, and in this life, the only woman I’ve been close to is my mother.
If anyone claims they have plenty of resilience toward women, I would seriously question their sanity.
“In that sense, there’s no one better suited for the role than Vivian. After all, she was caught between her family’s life and her loyalty, and ultimately chose her family. That kind of record is rare. It’s safe to say she would never betray her family for a relationship with you. It means she can be trusted in that regard,” Alshade continued.
“Hey, you’re really saying all this in front of her…”
My words were cut off by a stern gaze from Vivian.
With a seemingly innocent expression, Alshade spat out a bitingly sarcastic comment, and behind him, Vivian twisted her face slightly in a pained expression and shook her head while looking at me.
While Alshade’s comment was a bit too harsh to be said in front of the person herself, I couldn’t continue with anything else after Vivian had signaled for me to stop.
“You’re really kind, Rio. Well, because of that, I want you to get used to having a woman around you. …So you won’t fall into a honey trap in the future,” Alshade added.
“…I understand.”
Alshade’s smile softened slightly, but there was a weight in her expression toward the end. It wasn’t my imagination.
If I were to fall into a honey trap in the future, I can’t even begin to imagine the consequences. It sounds odd, but it’s probably best to take this matter seriously.
“Alright, it’s settled then. Well, Vivian, go ahead and introduce yourself to Rio again.”
“Allow me to introduce myself again. Nice to meet you again, I am Vivian, and I have been entrusted with the responsibility of educating Rios-sama and taking care of his daily needs.”
“I’ll probably end up causing you a lot of trouble, but nice to meet you,” I replied.
Prompted by Alshade, Vivian gracefully moved to the side of the bed and executed a smooth and elegant bow towards me.
For a moment, I was tempted to mimic her graceful movement and bow in return, but I caught myself before doing so and settled for a simple verbal greeting.
“Well then, I’ve finished eating, so I’ll head to the training grounds. If I have some free time, I’ll come visit again,” Alshade declared.
“Sure, do your best,” I replied.
“No need to tell me. Well then, for the time being, make sure to rest,” Alshade advised.
“No need to tell me that either.”
Alshade and I exchanged a glance, shared a small laugh, and then I watched as she left the room.
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