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After the moon set and the sun rose again, I quickly returned to my duties. Despite my elevated status, I still wore the same neat suit that represented my position. As Shione’s dedicated attendant, I had to act appropriately.

Unlike usual, while raising my collar due to the marks left on my neck, I noticed a small notebook with a dark red leather case among my belongings as I was about to step outside.

‘That’s the notebook Shione wanted to see before. I should take it with me.’

It was the notebook belonging to my predecessor, Herrel, whose name was inscribed on it. I suddenly recalled her saying she wanted to check it once while at the Marquis Family’s place, so I tucked the notebook away and stepped outside.

The mansion of the Count was peaceful. Unlike the chaos with the Marquis Family after being attacked by demons, the Count had already completed the restoration of all major facilities. The people within the lord’s domain were more engaged in gossip than the restoration work, and naturally, their attention was fixed on me.

‘Word must have spread that my status has been lifted. Did Ainel leave a hint or something?’

Or perhaps the servant who brought my slave document couldn’t bear to keep it to themselves.

Of course, now it didn’t matter how they looked at me; I walked confidently. No longer was I a pathetic slave, and I had no need for embarrassment.

Who am I? The key archer from the Shianella Count’s House. As I grew closer to the nobility, I made my way to Shione’s room with light steps.

“I’m coming in.”

We no longer required permission to enter.

As I hurriedly tidied up the room without hesitation, Shione finally peeked out from under her blanket, rubbing her eyes.

“Yawn… Is Ray here?”

“I brought some snacks. Would you like to have some?”

“Sandwiches?”

“I made sure they were stuffed with lots of cheese and bacon.”

“I’ll eat those.”

“The sandwiches are on the table, so please help yourself.”

I had cleaned the bed last night, and while I could have just called a servant to deal with any crumbs that might fall, my heart ached remembering the struggle I’d endured through the night.

Upon hearing my words, Shione got out of bed, moving slowly to grab the sandwich. She seemed to enjoy the taste, chewing slowly and savoring it. After finishing the sandwich, she propped her chin up and looked at me.

“Ray, you don’t look well. Are you very tired?”

“How could I possibly outdo you, Princess Shione, who read ‘Five Ways to Captivate a Man?’”

“W-What! How did you know about that book…!”

“It was lying on the floor, so I took a look. All those provocative phrases from yesterday—”

“Shut up…!”

Shione’s face turned pale.

Aside from that, I noticed several more books with explicit titles that she had sneakily acquired. But I figured that mentioning them would be too much for her to handle, so I decided to let it go.

To divert her attention from the embarrassing situation of getting caught with those books, I pulled out the notebook I had brought along.

“What’s this?”

“It’s the item we promised to exchange. Have a look.”

“Ah—”

Shione took the notebook. As she played with the leather cover and began flipping through the pages, the sound of the crisp pages rustling filled the room. When she reached the final page, her eyes widened.

“Was it what you wanted?”

“…Considering you know my tastes from the handwriting, this must be Herrel’s notebook.”

I knew she had been my former attendant, but I hadn’t realized she had also played the role of a wet nurse. Through her long-term care, perhaps Herrel had left detailed notes for her successor.

However, seeing Shione search for traces of her now-departed companion suggested there was another story intertwined with her departure.

“Moreover, the date written next to this name. It’s definitely the date right before Herrel left the Count’s House.”

“Can I hear what happened?”

“Well, how should I explain this? It’s a bit complicated as it involves both my faults and the isolation within the Count’s House…”

It seemed a simple explanation would not suffice; her downcast expression revealed uncertainties about what she knew. I sensed she didn’t want to voice the secrets shrouded in doubt.

I quietly waited for her to finish her thoughts.

“Anyway, even if it’s late, I want to properly wrap things up with Herrel.”

“That makes sense.”

“There are still too many uncertainties… Once I sort my thoughts, I’ll let you know, Ray.”

“Sounds good. I’ll look forward to that day.”

From the way she clutched the notebook tightly, it seemed like she was nearly done sorting out her thoughts. I had a feeling I would soon hear the complete story.

It may be a late endeavor, but her efforts to mend the past could be perceived as foolish by some. Yet through this, I could confirm her determination to establish her foundation and climb higher. I figured if I stayed by her side, she would handle things well while managing her tasks.

Be that as it may, to lighten the mood, I proposed to her.

“Since the weather is nice, how about taking a stroll in the garden? You haven’t really seen the bright garden of the Count’s House since you arrived.”

“While the garden seems nice… let’s head to the shooting range first.”

Shione’s gaze was fixed on the bow in her room.

The bow gifted to her by Ainel Shianella. Crafted from the exceptional craftsmanship of small dwarves, it hadn’t yet been tamed by Shione’s hands. It was no wonder her interest was captivated by the bow.

“I can’t just leave the bow my mother gave me untouched.”

Now, Shione casually slung the bow over her shoulder and tied her long hair back.

She was a splendid archer.

*

The soldiers of the Count’s House were on edge, sharpened by the immense war.

Some trained through sparring, while others practiced alone to adapt to their weapons. Their gazes were fierce, hinting at the immense potential they possessed, capable of facing vast armies.

Our destination was none other than the shooting range. Upon our arrival, now recognized as the popular pair at the Count’s shooting range, all the soldiers’ attention turned towards us.

‘It’s nice to see so many familiar faces again.’

Familiar archers who had fought alongside me during the monster invasions in the past; training instructors who had once led the way when Shione proved her prowess before her brother, Sion.

All those who recognized the time Shione had diligently spent were warmly welcoming her presence.

“Lady Shione, it hasn’t been long since you arrived at the Count’s House, and you’re already back at the shooting range? I heard you took down two demons; maybe you should rest a bit more?”

“I’m fine. I want to shoot with my new bow, so don’t worry about me. Keep training.”

“Don’t you need assistance? I could—”

“Don’t worry, I have someone here.”

“Oh, Ray will be assisting you then. Welcome back to the Count’s House, Ray! Let’s make some room right away.”

This place, filled with the sweat and camaraderie of friendship.

The soldiers knew my archery skills all too well, so they jovially tossed aside one archer who had been hesitating.

Someone guiding me to the spot where the soldier was just tossed aside. I thought they didn’t need to go that far, but it did mean I could shoot quicker, so I decided to let it slide.

While Shione found her spot, I grabbed an appropriate quiver and approached her.

‘Last time, there weren’t any percussion arrows at the Count’s shooting range. Looks like they’ve introduced them this time?’

Maybe inspired by Shione’s performances, they had made requests.

The shooting range now featured percussion and new attempts at arrows, which I viewed as a good development, handing a few arrows to Shione.

“Go ahead and try shooting without reservations. Since dwarves made the bow, it should be different from before.”

“Jealous, huh?”

“…It wouldn’t be a lie if I said I was a bit jealous.”

To be honest, I was quite envious.

Dwarves made bows sturdy enough to withstand smashing an orc’s skull, proving unmatched durability.

Seeing her playful smile, Shione shot back.

“Well, you received something great back in the Great Forest. You shouldn’t be too greedy.”

As she said that, she quickly fired an arrow.

It seemed she was momentarily startled, perhaps due to the increased tension, but her arrow flew straight and hit the target in the head at 100 meters.

Then, beginning to handle mana, she hit even more distant targets, drawing everyone’s attention.

“How about trying the percussion arrow next?”

“They’ve introduced percussion arrows at the shooting range?”

“Yes, they’re scattered throughout the quiver. The balance differs from regular arrows, so it should be entertaining to shoot.”

“Alright, my condition feels good! It’s perfect for a final shot.”

Shione readied a percussion arrow.

The target was the furthest one at 300 meters.

She focused her gaze on the tiny target, calming her breath. It seemed like she wanted to precisely hit the scarecrow’s head.

Anticipation built among the soldiers who had the opportunity to witness her skill, and Shione was confident she would meet those expectations.

As she took aim, focusing on her target with her dead release, a sudden intrusion was heard from the entrance of the shooting range.

“Lady Shione, there you are! I came looking for you to discuss something briefly!”

The ruckus abruptly shattered Shione’s concentration.

She glanced sidelong, while I turned to face the newcomer.

A woman, appearing to be around fifty, was one of the influential retainers within the Count House. Supporting Sion Shianella, she was known for her strong influence, sometimes being referenced by the servants.

Generally, she was famous for being subservient in front of Sion, while notorious for being rude in other situations.

‘I didn’t expect someone would come to approach Shione so soon as Ainel predicted.’

However, with Shione not willing to release her bow, it clearly showed her determination to shoot before dealing with the visitor. If Shione misfired due to the disruption, it was obvious she would sulk for the rest of the day.

I stepped in front of her as the woman walked towards Shione.

“Lady Shione is preparing her final shot. Please wait a moment.”

“Hm? You are… Ah, you’re the Ray who was recognized and became a commoner. Congratulations! But… could you step aside? I have something urgent to discuss with Lady Shione.”

I would typically gauge the look in the air and find a moment to dodge, but not now. I was far too established for her to simply push me aside with only her status and the soldiers were already eyeing her with discontent.

This shooting range was practically our territory, Shione’s and mine.

“I’m sorry. Please wait a moment.”

With my head held high, clearly signaling there would be no further hints, the woman’s face fell in irritation.

As she opened her mouth, ready to let out her gruff voice—

Whoosh—!

The sound of the flying percussion arrow pierced the air of the shooting range, filling the training ground beyond.

Even amidst the chaos of war, the sound of the percussion arrow stood out and resonated within the training ground, sharper than any shout.

The knights and soldiers who had heard Shione’s precise shot in the heat of battle remembered her prowess, and many who donned the ranks moved towards the shooting range.

Soon, the shooting range was filled with supportive soldiers who rallied around Shione, focusing on the same woman who had inadvertently interrupted their moment.

‘…Shione seems a bit annoyed.’

What had happened, considering she had missed the target she was aiming for?

Shione’s arrow had gone completely awry, not even hitting the target.

As her expression turned cold, she greeted the unfamiliar retainer at a distance. With that chilly demeanor, the attention of the powerful knights also shifted towards the retainer.

“You’re one of the Count’s retainers. What brings you to find me, getting so busy you’ve come to seek me out?”

 

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