The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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“I’m back─”

“…You’re late.”

As soon as I returned to the room, before I could finish my greeting, I heard Shione’s whiny voice.

Exasperated by the prolonged conversation, I thought it was unfair for her to hold me accountable.

Well, it wasn’t like this was the first time Shione acted like this. I shrugged indifferently and walked calmly over to her.

“I got a bit delayed talking to Aria. I also bumped into sister Siabel on the way.”

On the bed, Shione was wrapped in a blanket, looking sulky. As her puffed cheeks deflated, her eyes twisted with annoyance.

With a scowl piercing through the thick blanket surrounding her, her fair forehead wrinkled. She started making it clear just how displeased she was.

Ouch!

“Hmm.”

Shione let out a voice that hinted she wasn’t happy, glaring at me in a way that didn’t suit her usual demeanor.

Caught off guard by the intensity of her glare, I hesitated in my steps even before I reached her. A larger surge of discontent emanated from her.

…What was she expecting me to do? Was she saying to come closer or to stay away?

With an awkward expression, I cautiously approached her, and Shione’s blue eyes followed my movement.

“…Shione?”

“…You seem to have gotten quite close with my sister. You even call her ‘sister’ when we’re alone.”

“Oh.”

Her tone was sulky, clearly displeased.

Not too long ago, I had been in high spirits and referred to Siabel as ‘sister’ without thinking. It seemed Shione was getting jealous of me saying that in front of her.

I couldn’t understand why she had to get jealous about something as trivial as titles.

I realized from the piercing look in her eyes that despite her age, she had some childlike traits, perhaps due to her sheltered upbringing.

“Are you jealous?”

“…Hmph, jealous? I just thought you seemed closer to her than I expected, that’s all.”

Even with her words, it was impossible to escape my gaze at her.

As the word “jealous” left my mouth, her expression contorted with surprise.

Seeing her emotional state was just too obvious, I couldn’t help but chuckle as I sat down softly on the bed.

“Then that means you want to be called ‘sister’ too, right?”

“Wha, what?”

“If you’re not jealous… then there’s really no other reason for you to glare at me like that…”

“…I-I just said, it was because you seemed closer with her than I thought…”

“Shione, don’t be upset.”

I gently nudged the blanket she was wrapped in and patted her head until she finally calmed down.

With the situation finally settled, she looked up at me, murmuring softly while still bowing her head.

“…Since I’ve been waiting for you in the room, next time, try to come back as quickly as possible.”

I nodded quietly in response, but Shione still had a suspicious look in her eyes.

After staring at me for a while, she added one more thing.

“…Consider it a command.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

After this series of exchanges, we slowly began chatting.

The topic, of course, revolved around what I had learned from Siabel about swordsmanship and what I discussed with Aria, mixing the two stories while occasionally sharing silly jokes, making the time fly by.

As time passed, the sun began to lose its strength. The bright light coming through the window had faded, leaving only a gentle glow that bestowed warmth in the shadowy room.

It was while I was confirming the time slipping away through the window that—

Knock, knock.

Someone was knocking again on Shione’s door.

“Seems like we have a lot of visitors today.”

“Indeed. I’ll go check.”

Leaving Shione, who was still sprawled on the bed with tousled hair and rumpled clothes, I quickly fixed my appearance before welcoming the guest.

When I opened the door, I found a familiar maid standing there. After being led here by Ainel, I learned my duties from this maid, so seeing her again brought back a wave of nostalgia.

However, that nostalgia aside, the maid wouldn’t have come here without any purpose.

I acknowledged her with a nod and calmly asked, “What brings you here?”

“Ainel wishes to speak with you, Princess Shione, and your knight, Ray, in her office.”

“Ainel is calling for us?”

“Yes, please come as quickly as you can.”

“Understood.”

After the maid passed on the message and left, I closed the door behind her.

What in the world could be happening today? Why did it feel like the work was never-ending?

I sighed and turned back to Shione, who must have overheard Ainel’s name mentioned. She had already gotten off the bed and was tilting her head curiously.

I relayed to her what the maid said.

“The head of the family is summoning you.”

*

Knock, knock.

Shione, now neatly dressed, knocked on Ainel’s office door.

“Mother, I’m coming in.”

With a tense expression and stiff tone.

Shione seemed to radiate nervousness about Ainel’s sudden summons.

And I too, found myself equally on edge.

‘Whenever Shione visited the office, work always piled up.’

Every time she returned from Ainel’s office, she brought back annoying tasks.

Whether it was the engagement proposal to the Feiosha Marquis or the trip with Siabel to the Beltlin Mountains, even this winter’s monster hunt, every single task stemmed from those office visits.

Not to mention…

‘I was just as much the same.’

Whether it was summoned by Ainel or Shione, whenever I was called to the office, I found troublesome matters waiting for me.

It was all fine now that I was among peers, but when I first became this reckless servant, I remember how dark my future seemed. Even now, I can still feel the injustice that would come flooding back at the thought.

Not to mention, Ainel had once aimed a sword at my neck and the absurd notion that I would be heading up to the kingdom’s capital as well.

Ainel in the office always presented Shione and me with trials.

And I wagered this time would be no different.

“Come in.”

With that permission echoing from beyond the wall, Shione opened the door and stepped inside.

I followed her in cautiously, standing face to face with Ainel.

She was leaning with her arms crossed, calmly assessing both Shione and me.

“…You arrive quickly. Even though a lot has changed in a year, your walking pace remains the same.”

A year ago, Ainel had scolded Shione for being slow. Those same words now echoed from her lips.

However, aside from her remarks, everything else felt markedly different from a year prior.

The cold indifference in her gaze that used to be directed at her daughter was nowhere to be found now. The difference between indifference and tranquility was apparent; her eyes now held a soft warmth rather than icy disinterest.

Her tone mirrored this change.

No more scolding; only a hint of grumbling remained.

Surely, having taken time to prepare before seeing Ainel, this level of grumbling was to be expected.

“I apologize for being late.”

As Shione bowed her head to apologize, Ainel raised a hand to signal it was fine.

“Can I know why you and Ray have been called here?”

“Here, read this parchment.”

“This is….”

Shione took the parchment from Ainel.

After staring at the writings for a while, she lifted her gaze again.

“…Is this a mana oath?”

“Yes. It’s the oath your knight will take. I thought it best to call you along since you’re his master, Shione.”

As Ainel adjusted her fountain pen and began observing Shione, her eyes shifted toward me.

“Although tying an oath with a competent wizard as a mediator isn’t necessary, failing to uphold it could lead to dire consequences. However, even this could suffice to render someone a fool or a cripple.”

“…Is it really enough to make one a fool or a cripple?”

Shione gripped the parchment tightly in her hands.

“…That can’t happen.”

“Did you not read it? It’s merely a simple conditional pledge to not betray Shianella and… it’s also an oath to protect you.”

“But….”

“Shione, the worry is palpable.”

With her chin resting on her hand, Ainel began tapping her fingers on the table.

“Do you think your slave could be someone who cannot abide by a simple condition?”

“…No.”

“Exactly, based on his past behavior, he will more than fulfill this. Now, just hand over the parchment to Ray.”

Shione cautiously transferred the parchment to my hands.

I took the parchment and calmly read the inscriptions.

The Mana Oath.

After catching Arachne in the Beltlin Mountains, I remembered being told I would be bound by an oath someday.

But with no news for over six months, I had thought the topic was dead. It seemed today was the day for my oath.

The conditions of the oath were straightforward.

In short, I was to serve Shione loyally, ensuring that my sword and magic—specifically, any intent to kill—would not be directed at her, and I would not betray the Count’s House of Shianella.

However, it also allowed for certain flexibilities should it involve Shione’s life or mine.

Ultimately, since I never intended to harm Shione or betray the Count’s House, I nodded without hesitation.

“I will do it.”

Upon my response, Shione and Ainel exhibited remarkably different reactions.

Ainel nodded with satisfaction, while Shione displayed a hint of anxiety.

As Ainel mentioned, under such basic and clear conditions, there should be no reason for concern. So why did Shione seem so worried?

Even the mere thought of a slight chance for me to become a cripple or fool seemed to upset her.

Well, there’s still some longstanding feelings involved. I resolved to hug her tightly the next time we returned to the room.

We began preparing to finalize the oath.

“Take this and place your blood seal below.”

“Understood.”

Using the small blade Ainel handed me, I pricked my thumb.

With a sting and a fresh droplet of blood rising, I pressed my thumb down onto the pledged area on the parchment.

Wooosh!

The letters on the parchment began to glow a brilliant blue. The blue light flowed into my beating heart, tightening around me.

The sensation was less than pleasant.

“Ugh.”

I winced involuntarily.

“Ray, are you alright?”

Shione, startled, began to show deep concern.

“I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt at all right now.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really, I’m fine.”

“If you say so….”

I passed the parchment back to Ainel after the contract was completed.

Ainel, who had been watching our exchange with keen interest, retrieved the parchment from me and, adjusting her lips, spoke.

“You’ve sworn the oath. Do you have any regrets?”

“I pledge my loyalty to the Count’s House and Princess Shione.”

Ainel’s expression morphed into a smile of approval as she nodded.

“While your oath is active, our Count’s House, as well as my protection as a knight, will always accompany you.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Congratulations. The most formidable force in the western kingdom will stand as your ally from now on. You can stop hiding yourself.”

“….”

“Even if many eyes are watching you, whenever you feel the need, especially if Shione is under threat, you may unleash all your power without holding back, including your spirit magic.”

“But….”

“The repercussions will rest on our Count’s House.”

“…Is that really possible?”

It was an audacious question, but I needed confirmation.

“The moment you unleash your powers, it will be made known that our family and I stand behind you. Those who might send assassins or test you out of envy will be marked as enemies of our Count’s House. At least within the kingdom, those marked as our foes will face a living hell day by day.”

“…….”

“However, do not reveal your power merely for vanity.”

“I will be cautious.”

While I silently absorbed her words, Ainel opened the drawer and pulled out a beautifully crafted box.

Setting it atop the desk, Ainel spoke.

“Shione, take this.”

“What is…?”

“You may open it.”

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Inside, there were rings—matching couple rings that sparkled with white gemstones.

“When infused with mana, rings of the same pair will glow blue. If something happens to you, use the ring to summon your knight. And Ray, if the ring reacts, you should set everything else aside and focus solely on Shione.”

“…Understood.”

After the conversation concluded, Ainel picked up a sheet of paperwork next to her and began jotting down notes.

Following the ongoing discussion, Shione and I quietly exited Ainel’s office.

*

Returning to Shione’s room.

My master, looking enthusiastic, hurried over to the table.

She retrieved one ring and joyfully turned back toward me.

“Ray, hand!”

…I’m not some eager puppy just waiting for a hand signal.

I grumbled as I extended my right hand.

“No, not the right, the left.”

“The left hand?”

“Uh-huh.”

Reluctantly, I presented my left hand, and Shione slipped the ring onto my finger.

“Hehe.”

With the ring on my finger, Shione smiled brightly and returned to the table.

It was on my left ring finger.

Soon, as she put her own ring on, Shione infused mana into it.

Wooosh─

My ring resonated with hers, shining a brilliant blue light, while Shione, casting a rosy hue on her cheeks, exclaimed.

“Bring me cookies!”