The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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Under the influence of Shione’s excitement throughout the day, perhaps, time seemed to fly by for me as well, and before I knew it, the festival day had arrived.

Since the battle with the orcs in the blizzard, I felt as if I had only been waiting for this day. Shione woke up earlier than yesterday and was already finishing her preparations to go out.

“Looks good enough.”

Shione inspected her outfit in front of a full-length mirror.

Her fur coat, made from high-quality fur suitable for the cold winter day, covered her from her ankles to her neck, effectively blocking the cold wind.

With her bangs pinned back and her hair neatly tied up, she looked ready.

‘That hairpin…’

Oh, it seemed familiar somehow.

It was the cheap hairpin I bought for her on our way to the Feiosha Marquis Family.

Not only was it inexpensive, but the quality wasn’t great either. I couldn’t help but think it was quite a feat that she was still using it.

Swish!

On top of her outfit, she donned a plain gray robe with a hood. Its length made it so that her expensive clothes were concealed at first glance.

“Hmm…”

She deepened the hood, hiding her silvery-white hair unique to Shianella, leaving only her shining blue eyes reflected in the mirror.

Satisfied with her appearance, she handed me a robe as well.

“Ray, you should wear this too.”

Shione spoke in an exaggerated noble tone.

Well, considering that there were unusually many people passing through this corridor since morning, it made sense to stay discreet. If she were to call me ‘brother’ in front of everyone, it could lead to quite the awkward situation, so I also played along with her subtle cues.

“This robe, you say?”

“Yes, today’s festival is to honor the achievements of our esteemed head of the family. On such days, we should indulge in food and drink without worry. If we show ourselves openly, the common folk might feel uncomfortable.”

Shione placed the robe into my hands.

The fabric seemed to be of high quality and thick enough to keep warm.

Wearing it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Though I can just hide my hair color… the outfit you’re wearing also seems to belong to nobility. I worry those enjoying themselves might notice how we stand out.”

“Even common folks deserve some consideration. You’re quite thoughtful.”

“…Well, it’s only natural since they’re all our own people.”

Shione appeared a bit shy at my compliment and turned her head away to look at her attire in the mirror again.

While she was fidgeting with her clothes, I put on the robe she gave me. Its length was just right, indicating she must have prepared one specifically tailored for me.

I even tried on the hood to check my own appearance.

‘A sword for protection and a bit of armor.’

Since I would accompany her as her guard, it was fitting.

Ainel helped me get armor that wasn’t too flashy, allowing me to blend in without drawing much attention.

‘…Looks like I’m a real knight now.’

I wore a basic leather armor for the upper body.

However, during the oath ceremony for my mana, I promised that I would take good care of her, and it seemed I meant it quite seriously.

The chest plate bore the intricate spelling and emblem of the Count’s House.

For the lower body, I wore active pants along with leather shin guards.

While not as sturdy as the heavy armor of the local guards, they were mainly tasked with catching troublemakers and criminals.

Regardless, I was only supposed to fill the role of a guard.

In reality, my encounters would probably be limited to minor crooks or pickpockets.

This level of equipment should be enough.

Having checked my gear, I picked up a sword hanging in Shione’s room.

A prestigious sword given by the royal family, yet one that had never been used, now abandoned.

I handed it to her.

“You should wear this.”

“A sword?”

“Yes, I’ll be nearby, but since we’re heading out of the Count’s estate, having at least a minimal level of armament is wise.”

“Well… true. It’s much better to have something there than nothing at all. But wouldn’t a bow be more useful than a sword?”

I shook my head without hesitation.

“Carrying a bow and a quiver full of arrows while enjoying the festival isn’t as convenient as carrying a single sword for protection. And if something happens, handling a sword swiftly in the town center is preferable to shooting arrows.”

“That makes sense, I guess. It’s been a while since I’ve held a sword…”

“Your body remembers how to wield a sword… and just like I said, I’ll be by your side, so don’t worry.”

“Hehe. I trust you.”

At last, her fingers touched the dusty sword, now shining with the warmth of its owner.

Yet her interest faded once the sword was strapped to her waist, and she effortlessly covered it with the robe, showing no further interest in it.

It could be said she was generously treated for a royal gift.

Anyway, having finished our preparations, I decided to ask lightly.

“Did you pack enough money?”

“Of course! I have more than enough, so no worries there.”

I nodded at her words.

It was time for a delightful outing.

*

It had been years since I walked through the territory under my own power.

The contrast between viewing the scenery from inside the carriage and feeling the wind while exploring was significant.

The world beyond the window. That window, thicker than I expected, hid my senses more than I realized.

I could hear the thoughts and daily life stories of various people. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious foods mixed with the crisp wintry breeze to awaken my senses.

My skin and eyes felt the vitality of the bustling city.

“It’s been a while.”

It had genuinely been a long time since I strolled through the territory without worry.

In this life that was supposed to confine me to the mansion, I didn’t expect to experience again the world lost to me within the little crevices of my memory, making it all the more enjoyable.

And it didn’t end there.

Today was a day honoring the achievements of the esteemed head of the family.

The long road ahead was lined with wandering bards occasionally singing songs praising her accomplishments.

“Hehe.”

A smile escaped me.

I felt proud of the Count’s House. Even if it was by chance, knowing that my blood came from that great knight filled me with joy.

However, one thing captivated my attention beyond just the song.

─In the blizzard of winter, brave women who do not forget the knight’s spirit once again defeat the monsters.

A bard was singing of those who had vanquished the monsters that invaded the territory recently.

The song was simple.

It spoke of dedication to the land and the promise to never neglect the defeat of demons and their minions. Once again, they had magnificently protected the territory.

I unconsciously straightened my shoulders. I too had contributed by personally catching kobolds during this frigid winter and piercing through orc hides. Thus, that song could be for me as well.

With an excited heart, I looked around.

Everyone seemed lost in the celebration of this year-end festival.

Children holding their parents’ hands, smiling brightly. Shy couples engaged in quiet conversations. Friends laughing heartily and enjoying playful banter.

Was I absorbed in their bright emotions as well? My lips curled upwards.

That moment—

“Sniff sniff…”

I caught a whiff of smoke and a sweet aroma of meat coming from afar.

It was an aroma that could make anyone salivate. Having packed plenty of money, there was no reason to hesitate.

I glanced towards Ray, who was quietly keeping a watchful eye next to me for my safety.

“Over there!”

“That would be… skewers, right?”

“Yup, let’s try some of those first.”

I gathered coins from my pouch and handed them to him.

“Buy some!”

I couldn’t wait to taste those skewers.

*

The blue eyes peeking from beneath her hood shone like bright stars. It didn’t end there; her small lips formed a smile, showing no signs of frowning.

“Hmm…”

That light-footed gait.

After passing by one of the bards, she had started merrily hopping along, leaving behind a staccato of steps.

She was clearly overly excited.

What was the song about again? Ah, it was about thanking those who defeated the monsters that invaded the territory.

It seemed Shione was quite moved since she had struggled immensely during the hunt herself.

As I pondered, Shione suddenly stopped sniffing the air and turned to me with wide eyes.

“That!”

“That?”

I followed her gaze.

Sure enough, there was a vendor from which people were lined up, eagerly purchasing skewers.

“Is that skewers?”

“Let’s try them first!”

…Was it truly worth standing in line to eat that?

Though I felt doubtful, that thought quickly vanished.

Shione’s smile as she handed me a coin was irresistible.

“Buy some!”

Sigh… Why is the burden always on me?

“Ah… yes. I’ll get some.”

Eventually, I accepted the coin from Shione and bought those coveted skewers.

One was for Shione, and the other was for me. Each of us held a skewer in our hands.

With a line like that, it surely promised to be delicious.

Curious about Shione’s opinion, I took a bite and asked.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s great. It wouldn’t be bad to grab another one on our way back.”

…Did she expect me to wait in that line again?

“…Next time, why not consider standing in line yourself? It could be a nice experience.”

“Really?”

“Yes, there’s a huge difference between watching from afar and experiencing the crowd firsthand.”

“If that’s the case, I wouldn’t mind waiting with you next time.”

…This time, I had secretly hoped Shione would be the one to line up and bring them back.

All I got in return was someone to chat with while waiting in line.

I took a bite of my skewer, continuing to stroll alongside Shione.

The combination of sweet sauce and juicy meat surpassed my expectations, leaving me satisfied and continuing to enjoy the sights around us.

That was when a particular shop caught my attention.

“That…”

It was a store specializing in accessories.

Come to think of it, I had wanted to replace Shione’s hairpin for a while.

As the daughter of the Count’s House, it felt off to see her using such a cheap hairpin picked up randomly from a market.

I tucked my hand inside the hood covering her face and peered out a bit.

Bending down to meet her gaze, I asked softly.

“Ray, Ray? Why did you suddenly—”

“Just wait a moment.”

While Shione appeared confused, I took a look at the hairpin she had stuck in her bangs.

It had indeed faded from its original color over time.

Surely, it was time to buy her a new one.

Though she had just handed me some money, she was still, after all, a daughter of nobility. Shione had brought along enough gold coins, and surely a small hairpin wouldn’t make a dent.

Without hesitation, I took her hand and led her toward the shop.

“I’ll buy you a new hairpin.”

Of course, with your money.

*

Clop-clop! Clop-clop!

Three people raced forward on horseback.

Each of them riding magnificent steeds, galloping through the wind with vigor.

However, the riders were far from ordinary.

Leading the charge was a priest, whose one arm had been severed and was barely stopping the bleeding. His robes were soaked in dried blood, the holy white and yellow now a distant memory.

To either side of the priest, the other riders looked equally worse for wear.

The one on the right rode furiously, but his left eye was a gaping hole. His body bore countless wounds, proof of the fierce battle he had faced.

“…If only I had a bit more Divine Power left…”

The priest clenched his teeth, frustration evident as he expressed the woman’s lingering bitterness.

She cast a brief glance over her shoulder.

Their comrades had been struck down, the priest feeling the weight of loss as only two rangers from the Count’s House remained by her side.

They, too, were in urgent need of healing, as there was barely a patch of healthy skin left on them—they had to return to the Count’s estate as quickly as possible.

“Keep your wits about you. Once we return to the Count’s House, the church’s priests will make sure to heal you.”

“…Understood.”

The voice came from the woman riding on the right.

And therein lay a problem.

Among the dispatched team, she had been the most loquacious and skilled—until just moments ago, she had encouraged them, but now she showed only silence.

The priest, in disbelief, turned his head to look at her.

“You…!”

“…Go on. I feel my consciousness slipping away, so I suspect I don’t have much time left.”

“Hold on, it’s better to stop the horses for a moment. I will find a way to channel my Divine Power!”

She shook her head.

“I know my body best. I would like to live, but… it seems my time is up.”

“…But—”

“So I beg you one last time: do not worry about me, just move forward. Time is of the essence; it would be best if you conveyed what we’ve witnessed.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“…It’s nothing, really.”

The resigned smile graced her lips, indicating she had begun to accept her fate.

“How can you speak so lightly of this…!”

The ranger beside her tried to keep her emotions in check.

Swallowing back tears, she had grown up with her all her life, having considered her a sister.

“I’m sorry for keeping this from you…”

“You… you…!”

“There are just… a few wounds to heal. But had I been treated…”

The ranger faltered for a moment.

“Did you think that I wouldn’t have enough Divine Power left to heal you?”

The woman stared at her friend despondently.

“…This fool.”

With the last remnants of their strength, the ranger managed a faint smile. Blood had begun to seep through her back and chest.

“…Stop crying like a girl and move on, you idiot…”

And that was the end of it.

She seemed to want to say something until the end but never got the chance to voice it.

Her focus faded, and her pupils dilated. The grip on the reins slackened, and she fell helplessly from the horse.

Thud! Thud! Tumbling down…

Her body rolled to the ground, colliding against a stone as she fell, finally collapsing onto the cold earth with a hard thud.

The ranger gazed at the fading world with grief as the only comrades left galloped ahead.

She tried to take a final breath, yet she couldn’t.

And then, someone returned.

A single steed, which she had cared for as if it were her own child, returned for its fallen owner, nuzzling against her face stained with blood.

It was warm. Just like that friend who had stayed by her side until the end, she wanted to feel warmth right until her last moments.

…She didn’t want to die.

And thus, she felt sorry.

What on earth was happening? She should have ignored them and run alongside them.

What awaited her here were starving beasts and monsters.

All she could do was lie there, let her warmth fade away alongside her beloved steed.