The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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Siabel and I reluctantly released our hands, which we had been clasping tightly for the handshake, gradually calming our expressions.

As I tried to suppress the excitement that had surged unexpectedly from the joyful reward, I quickly thought about what it would mean to be with Siabel in the future.

‘What if Siabel becomes my swordsmanship teacher?’

Surely, I would have to face her with swords quite often. Enduring that deadly sword dance she had, experienced firsthand in the past, would definitely not be easy. I knew that each bout would leave my body exhausted and fatigued. Yet, I couldn’t help but think it wouldn’t be all that bad.

After all, compared to the days I used to kill monsters in the dungeons every day, I had become rather dull of late.

If I could confront Siabel’s relentless blade—more tenacious than any demon—every day, or at least periodically, I could regain my sharpness.

It was amusing that an archer was pondering such things with a sword instead, but well, considering it was to awaken my dulled combat senses, it seemed more than reasonable.

‘The only hitch in this is the relationship between noble and commoner establishing a mentoring connection…’

This part was something I was uncertain about. Siabel must have her reasons for accepting me as her student.

…A slave learning martial arts from the eldest daughter of the Count’s House. I could only imagine what gossip would spread around here.

While the eyes and rumors from those around us might be a little annoying, Siabel again slipped her hand into her fur coat and said.

“In a few days, after adjusting my schedule, I’ll come visit. In the meantime, just relax with Shione.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“Yes, it’s okay to rest until the festival. I’ll come after the festival, so take your time preparing.”

Ah, the festival.

I distinctly remembered Shione mentioning it once before; a pretty large festival was held around this time in the territory.

It was supposedly a festival to honor the accomplishments of the former head of the family. I recalled Shione being quite excited about the idea of playing together.

“May I ask when the festival will start?”

“I believe it starts next Tuesday. Unless something unusual happens, it should last for three days, just like it has every year.”

“Next Tuesday… understood.”

Next Tuesday, huh.

Today being Wednesday means it’s just a little over a week away.

Since Siabel said she would come after the festival, it seemed wise to prepare a dedicated training sword for myself beforehand.

The subsequent conversation continued at a pace neither long nor short.

Siabel asked about the conversation I had with Aria just moments ago, and I answered her questions.

Upon relaying what the wizard Ravi Crunel had said, Siabel’s faint smile, which I thought would never fade from today, seemed to stiffen a bit, indicating her recognition of the situation.

With the simple discussion wrapped up, I bowed slightly and said,

“Since Princess Shione is likely waiting for me, I shall take my leave.”

Shione must be anxiously waiting in the room. It was about time I returned.

*

“Hah…”

How long has it been since I sighed so deeply? As I traced back my thoughts, it wasn’t even that far in the past.

At the first princess’s coming-of-age ceremony held at the royal castle—a day meant to be the most splendid and radiant was tarnished by the despicable minions of demons; I sighed once then.

As a head of the noble family and the lord of Shianella in the western frontier of the Aisiliah Kingdom, I sighed again after engaging in deep conversations with His Majesty the King and the first princess about the recent cultists.

Tok— Tok— Tok—

With my left hand propping up my chin, I absentmindedly tapped my index finger. The rhythmic sound of lightly tapping wood entered my ears.

It was a habit. A reflex that surfaced when I was sorting my thoughts or when something didn’t sit well with me.

The steady, non-intrusive sound soothed my irritated mind, which was displeased that things weren’t going as I’d hoped.

“…It’s late.”

The scout team and scout unit I had dispatched to the Beltlin Mountains a while back had returned later than expected.

I had sent them off when guests from the Alenarr Marquis family arrived at the Count’s estate. After Diolia had returned, I anticipated that they wouldn’t take long to come back with news, but my expectations were sadly unmet.

I had carefully selected rangers from within the Count’s household to form the scout and scouting teams. Given that demons had emerged from the mountains six months ago, and I had even requested reliable priests from the church affiliated with the papacy stationed within the Count’s castle to join them.

What in the world was happening over there in the West to cause such delays?

It was maddening to ponder. Thus, I couldn’t help but dwell on it.

To the east of the kingdom, the imperial troops were full of greed for territorial expansion, causing trouble, while to the West, the fierce monsters left behind by the demons roamed around.

The Count’s house, situated closest to that cursed land beyond the mountains, could not afford to disregard the significance of the Demonic Realm.

─We have repelled all invading enemies leading the knights. Thus, although we managed to quell the uproar spreading through the territory… now I feel this silence is like the calm before the storm.

The deeper my thoughts ran, the more I recalled what Diolia had previously said.

“It feels like the calm before the storm.”

Tok—. Tok—.

The tapping of my index finger grew stronger, reflecting the intensity of my thoughts.

What on earth could be happening in the mountains? Could it be that something unusual was going on in the Demonic Realm, which had remained silent for thousands of years?

“Ugh.”

Whatever it may be, it was certain that troublesome matters would arise.

As I fiddled with my trusty pen in my right hand, I closed my eyes.

The world dimmed.

The only sounds remaining in the still office were the occasional strong winds rattling the window and my faint breath.

I took my time to gather my thoughts in the stillness and darkness. It took a little while to suppress the unpleasant thoughts.

Slowly, as the creases of my brows smoothed out, I returned to my usual chilly expression. With my regained composure, I gradually opened my eyelids.

The shapes of objects settled on my retina.

It was an expensive decorative sword. From the hilt to the sheath, it was a work of art of great value.

But the sword was not only impressive in appearance; its functionality was equally remarkable. The blade rivaled the hilt and sheath in elegance and sturdiness.

As I absorbed the sight of that sword, memories of a recent event flooded back.

─Should I consider you unfortunate enough to be a danger to be killed under the pretense of being too dangerous to be near? Or should I let you stay by Shianella’s side as you are now?

A commoner. Only possessing external looks and the awakening of mana, and nothing else as Shione’s steward.

The first thought that came to mind was drawing that sword at his neck.

─Mother, I’ve found someone I would like to teach swordsmanship to.

The second was the eldest daughter, Siabel Shianella, who had recently matter-of-factly brought up something to me.

“How interesting…”

For I knew better than anyone that she couldn’t muster the slightest interest or amusement in anything but swords and her martial arts.

It was surprising to learn that my daughter had found someone she was genuinely intrigued by, aside from swords.

So I grew curious about who that someone could be.

When I inquired whether she had found a soldier with exceptional talent in swordsmanship at the training grounds she visited daily, she shook her head.

Then, asking whether she had discovered a gem that would shine even brighter amongst the still unrefined knights, she shook her head again.

When I stopped questioning and pressed for answers, not only did she not reveal the name I sought, but she only piqued my curiosity even further.

─“I’ll tell you when the time is right. There’s no need to worry. I’m not planning to teach him our inherited swordsmanship.”

“…I’m looking forward to it.”

I wondered if her desire to teach swordsmanship was genuinely heartfelt. The very fact that she even expressed the desire to borrow my personal training room, left unused for so long, was a good sign.

As I placed the pen I had been fiddling with back on the desk, I pondered who could possibly have captured Siabel’s deep interest.

It was obvious that simply showing talent in swordsmanship wouldn’t suffice. The Count’s House was known for its valiant knights. Even without the bloodline of Shianella, there were competent soldiers and knights skilled with the sword within our territory.

For Siabel’s curiosity to be sparked, that individual had to possess not only notable abilities but also something special that stood out beyond mere talent.

Yet… I find it strangely perplexing why it could only be…

“…Ray.”

Of all those fitting the criteria, the first name that came to mind was none other than Shione’s slave.

I entertained a silly thought.

What if the man I had aimed a sword at had to consider this daughter of mine as his swordsmanship teacher?

…As my thoughts delved deeper, I began imagining absurd scenarios.

Shaking off those trivial thoughts, I gently opened the right desk drawer.

Creak…

I could see a folder carefully kept hidden between the quiet slats of the drawer. After reaching out and retrieving it, I cautiously placed it on my desk.

“Hmm.”

Rather than languishing in thought, it would be better for me to first sort out the matters I could resolve right away.

As I opened the folder, a single parchment resembling a contract came to view.

I picked up the parchment. Then, sliding the folder aside to clear my line of sight, I filled in the blanks with all the necessary terms and conditions using my fountain pen to ensure its official capacity.

After finishing this series of actions with a blank expression, I called for a servant who was waiting outside the office.

“Did you call for me?”

“Yes. I have something important to convey to Princess Shione and her attendant, Ray. Please let them know to come to my office.”

“Yes, I shall deliver your message as instructed.”

The maid nodded respectfully before stepping back and closing the door behind her.

Tok— Tok— Tok—

The room filled once more with the sound of tapping on the desk and the silence of one awaiting their guests.

Ainel remained with his chin propped up, gazing once more at the parchment, specifically at the large lettering on the top.

『I swear before the mana』

The words shimmered with the mana, instilling a sense of marvel in those who beheld it.