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I was pulled directly to the conversation venue with Ainel Shianella.

Ainel greeted me warmly, dressed sharply in a neat servant uniform, while Shione was impeccably styled.

On the guest sofa set up in Ainel’s office, Shione sat. I stood behind her with perfect posture, and thus the conversation was about to begin.

“It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a talk like this. Ray, and Shione. You both must have been through a lot. Since you’ve returned from such a long journey, I thought it might be best to postpone making you comfortable a bit…”

Ainel crossed her legs and began tapping her index finger on the armrest of her chair.

I had learned well by now that this was a habit of hers when she was deep in thought. It was a side of her that emerged when she performed her duties as the head of the family, transforming her into the lord of the Count’s House instead of merely Shione’s mother.

Given her daughter’s gentle yet resolute gaze, it seemed Ainel had sensed that her daughter wanted to express something important. So, she cleared the previously relaxed atmosphere to directly hear from Shione as the family head.

“It looks like you have quite a bit to say. Well, that’s not a bad thing. I’ve also prepared a little gift for you, so thanks to you, I can reveal it today.”

Ainel noticed the sparkling gleam in Shione’s eyes at the mention of a gift and stroked her chin.

“Let’s put the gift aside for now and first listen to your story. Take your time.”

More detailed accounts from Shione flowed forth than those shared at the improvement ceremony. She recounted not just her major but also mine, finally leading to the topic of the new magic she had recently acquired.

Ainel was instantly captivated by Shione’s magic.

“Can I see that magic once?”

“Of course! I’ll show you a small demonstration here.”

As Shione’s intricate magic took shape, Ainel’s admiration shone through—evidently, she had an eye for magic as well.

When her magic spread across the room, Ainel instinctively recognized the power within it through the mystical lineage she possessed.

“…Impressive. A magic that constantly disperses mana.”

“While this magic itself is impressive… Mother, I feel that the limits of this magic are not the end of it.”

“Oh?”

“With the advancements in magic studies across the kingdom, I would like to find an excellent wizard to dig deeper into this magic. If it’s not too much trouble… could you help me find a remarkable wizard?”

“An intriguing proposition.”

Shione tapped the armrest again, organizing her thoughts.

“That magic will represent our Count’s House, and given its high caliber, it wouldn’t suffice with just any average wizard.”

Her words were reasonable.

Of course, an unqualified wizard would be outright rejected. A person with the capability to seriously engage with that magic was needed.

It would be harder to find a wizard who could break down and further develop the magic than one might think.

“I know a talented wizard who has ties with the Royal Academy, so I’ll send her a letter.”

“Thank you…!”

Upon hearing the name of the wizard from the Royal Academy—an institution where only the most talented individuals gain entrance—Shione’s face lit up with joy.

Ainel too seemed to feel uplifted by Shione’s cheerful response.

“Well, I’ve granted one of your wishes. Now it’s my turn to speak.”

However, that bright atmosphere didn’t last long, and soon shifted back to seriousness.

“Shione, your position within the family doesn’t seem clearly defined compared to your achievements. You know that, right?”

“…Yes, I’m aware.”

“You’ve shown no interest in the family’s politics until now. Hence, you’ve neither supporters nor factions backing you. Until recently, that wasn’t a major issue, but now, the situation has changed.”

As Shione’s influence and standing rose to the surface, the consequences began to unfold.

“Some retainers are beginning to move to support you. They’ve already gathered to operate around you to some extent.”

“Are you saying…?”

“The next head of the family will be your sister, and my decision is final. However, who will hold the power in the Count’s House afterwards remains uncertain. Thus, some have begun watching you closely. They may approach you shortly.”

“……”

As politics with the family’s political figures would gather around her, Ainel harbored concern.

With Shione’s overwhelming lack of experience and ambition regarding royal events and family politics thus far, she could easily fall for the flattering words of the retainers, potentially becoming a mere puppet for their power maintenance. Even should she lead them, her inexperience could throw her against new walls time and again.

It was akin to a different type of battle, unlike the ones fought with swords and magic on a battlefield.

Therefore, Ainel wanted to ask Shione.

“Shione, what kind of person do you want to be within the family?”

If she held no ambition for power, she’d just walk the path of a knight alone.

But if she sought to move further as a noble, she would need to learn not only archery but also how to interact with people.

Having discussed factions with me previously, Shione was already prepared.

“I… wish to be a knight and a noble who leads those who are under my command.”

“Will you waver in that intent?”

“Yes, I will not hesitate, as not only I but a trustworthy knight has already promised to stand alongside me.”

“Ahah—”

Ainel’s gaze fixed on me.

“So, that’s why you wanted to take Ray along.”

Finally, Ainel had perfectly discerned why Shione brought me along, who had been standing in the background.

Even if I seemed less than impressive, my own worth was substantial. Close relationships with the barons and the Marquis family inevitably boosted my value. As I followed Shione closely, the connections and their significance could make me a considerable asset if utilized well.

“Therefore, I’d like to ask for your opinion.”

“Go ahead.”

“Mother, what are your thoughts on burning Ray’s slave contract?”

Once class restrictions are lifted, not only would my voice grow stronger, but I would no longer need to be dragged around endlessly. I would now take initiative in expressing opinions and actions without hesitation depending on the situation.

This elevation of my status would undoubtedly benefit both me and Shione.

“He has already achieved far too much to remain merely a slave, and his reputation has spread beyond the Count’s House to the kingdom. He deserves proper recognition and rewards, and with that, the mana pact should…”

“If Ray, supported by his status, becomes your faction, it would provide a solid backing. You and Ray mesh well, so disagreements are unlikely. If it comes to that, it would be fitting to either renew or erase the mana pact.”

“That’s correct.”

“However, Shione, your gaze seems to suggest you want to express more than that.”

“…Mother?”

Though I couldn’t see Shione’s face, only her back, Ainel sensed something different in her demeanor when looking directly at her.

What kind of expression was she making that prompted such words from Ainel? Curious, I attempted a subtle glance at Shione’s expression, but she had already turned her head to focus on me.

“Ray, it seems you’ve truly captivated my daughter. Shione becomes more emotional when she talks about you, and I can see a more desperate expression.”

“Mother, what are you implying—”

“I’m starting to worry that I might soon hear ‘mother-in-law’ from you.”

“…!”

Shione was silently protesting.

And me?

“Isn’t that right, Ray?”

“…Lady Head, that’s a misunderstanding.”

“Hmmm…”

I had to withstand Ainel’s sharp gaze, a true daughter doting mother.

After a brief trial, the conversation resumed its course, and eventually, Ainel seemed to have completed her calculations as she summoned a servant from outside the office.

“Bring the gift I prepared for Shione and Ray’s slave certificate.”

The servant’s movement was quick.

While I had no idea where my slave certificate was stored, it was retrieved and brought back together with the gift in under ten minutes.

Ainel handed a piece of paper to Shione.

“Since Ray is now your possession, if you tear this with your mana, he will no longer be a slave. Shione, will you tear it?”

Shione looked back and forth between me and the document for a moment.

‘…No, why isn’t she tearing it immediately?’

Was she truly so pleased that I was her slave?

As she revealed her inner turmoil, she eventually took hold of the document’s upper half and spoke.

“I will tear it.”

With Shione’s hands, the certificate was ripped to shreds.

Though it left me feeling somewhat empty for a status elevation, being transformed from a slave to a commoner still meant I could rise to a noble status unable to inherit titles or receive another position, and hopefully, I’d be compensated for my past deeds down the line.

“How do you feel, Ray?”

“It feels like a dream. I can only be grateful for the kindness of Princess Shione and Lady Ainel.”

That was the truth.

Now, I could finally escape the bound life dictated by my status, free from being tangled up in trivial relationships with nobles. I could finally live as a proper human being, breaking out of the life of a slave.

Exchanging joyful words with each other, it came to the time for Ainel to reveal her prepared gift.

“Mother, may I open the gift?”

“Of course. It was prepared for you, so go ahead and open it.”

“Then…”

Shione opened a rather large wooden box.

Inside was a bow. Yet, it became immediately clear that it was of a far superior quality than the one Ainel had gifted her previously.

“I had this bow crafted by a dwarf. It’s more attuned to mana… and won’t easily get damaged, making it handy for use.”

“C-can I really accept this?”

“Don’t just stand there staring, why not try pulling the string?”

Shione carefully picked up the new bow.

The shape was a recurve bow with its ends curving forward — designed for high velocity, and the various engravings on the limbs made it all the more elegant. But like any weapon, performance trumps appearance.

Shione carefully drew the bowstring.

As Ainel watched Shione assume the dead release position, she whispered.

“Stunning, Shione.”

Fwip─!

With a powerful tension, the string snapped back to its original position. The feel of the taut string when released seemed to take Shione by surprise.

“Your expression shows that you clearly like it.”

“…Yes, I truly do.”

“They say shooting a bow is good for mental discipline. When can you teach me to shoot?”

“Willingly…!”

The conversation between Shione and Ainel was a success.

As we neared the end of our gathering, Shione was the first to exit the office, and Ainel called me to a halt.

“Ray.”

“Yes, Lady Head.”

Was it just my imagination?

She somehow felt more like Shione’s mother rather than the Head of the family.

“I’ll be sure to send you a separate message later. I look forward to our conversation.”

“…It’s an honor.”

Just like a prospective mother-in-law that was testing the candidate brought by her daughter.

*

After concluding my talk with Ainel, we took some rest in our respective rooms. Soon, night had settled within the Count’s House.

However, the gentle moonlight shone down, creating an enchanting atmosphere rather than darkness. Shione invited me for a nighttime stroll.

The flowers, perhaps sensing it was time for them to sleep, appeared less vibrant than in daylight but still possessed a charm. As I pondered over the flowers, Shione nudged me with her elbow.

“So, how’s it? I’ve kept my promise. How does it feel to be a commoner?”

“I can’t quite feel it yet… but I’m definitely happy. It’s thanks to you, Princess Shione.”

“Isn’t it?”

As I made that statement, a bright smile flourished on Shione’s face in a secluded corner of the garden.

Venturing into a hidden pathway through dense trees shielded from the public gaze, she lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers.

“Then… now you have to keep your promise too, Ray.”

In her hesitance—was it due to her awkwardness or the weight of all the moments we had shared?—she finally looked up at me, and I could capture her fully before my eyes.

The flowing white dress.

Her fair skin and hair shimmering in the moonlight radiated an almost ethereal fairy-like aura.

In the shadow cast by the night, her eyes held a clarity unblemished by the darkness, captivating me with their cerulean hue.

“……Ray.”

She outstretched her hand and tugged at my collar.

Her cherry-like lips pressed against mine, and her tongue gently brushed my lips as if to greet me.

Our tongues entwined. Had she consumed a small candy before coming to the garden?

The kiss was a delightful sweetness that made my head spin, accompanied by her warm breath that made my skin tingle—a flavor that was utterly unique.

Lost in the taste, Shione enveloped my head, and for a while, we greeted each other in our own ways. Even after the brief three minutes passed, it felt like three hours.

“Phew…”

The transparent, sticky thread of lingering desire connected us now.

Nearing me, Shione sweetly whispered into my ear.

“…Come to my room tonight.”

 

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