---

The return to the Count’s House proceeded smoothly without any combat.

As we needed to heal the wounded and restore the priests’ Divine Power, time was consumed. Thanks to the thorough investigation of the terrain during this potential downtime, we didn’t waste any worthless time.

Having traveled a considerable distance from the Count’s House, after chugging down Mana Potions and safely camping under Shione’s completed magic, we resumed our journey to the Count’s House as soon as we regained our condition.

Upon reaching the Count’s House, we found ourselves under Ainel’s significant attention.

‘Well, it’s understandable that she’d be curious.’

There were so many books about the Demonic Realm piled in her library.

Once she became the Head of the Family, it was natural for her to be curious about things beyond the unknown boundaries.

Even if she learned something inaccurate, the moment she grasped anything that stimulated her imagination, her thoughts would expand uncontrollably.

Unpacking her things, she quickly gathered the main items collected from the Demonic Realm and commanded Shione to report the findings in her office.

As expected, Shione followed the order.

“There are wounded soldiers. It seems there was some combat. Is there anyone hurt?”

“Yes, thankfully, there were no serious injuries or fatalities among our members. My magic worked well, fortunately.”

“Good. It’s reassuring that there are no casualties after returning from the Demonic Realm.”

Ainel’s lips curled into a smile.

Moreover, she couldn’t take her eyes off several books that Shione had brought. Though it wasn’t a long exploration period, I heard she had successfully gathered crucial bits of information that might be decisive. And to have physical evidence, especially with books, was significant.

Noticing Ainel’s anticipation, Shione quietly handed her one of the books she held.

“First… could you take a look at this?”

“Is this a book found in the Demonic Realm? It’s certainly an old item, but the preservation state is excellent.”

As she opened the book, she calmly read the passages.

“…This seems to be in Ancient Kingdom language.”

“I don’t have much knowledge about Ancient Kingdom language, so I couldn’t grasp the content, but I did confirm that a term for the Count’s House is present.”

“Indeed, this should be best left to the scholars.”

Ainel’s discerning gaze couldn’t pierce through the almost extinct language barrier.

Carefully closing the book, she touched its cover for a moment, then returned to a tranquil expression. After pondering over the book for a while, she asked.

“Where did you find this book? It seems there must have been quite a special place for it to be in such good condition.”

At Ainel’s sharp question, Shione recalled what she had seen in the Demonic Realm and answered.

“I found a ruin deep within the forest of the Demonic Realm.”

“…You said you found a ruin?”

“Yes, it was a crumbling stone structure, but it clearly indicates that people lived there once. I obtained the book while investigating that ruin.”

“How intriguing. So, the saying that there’s a holy site within the Demonic Realm wasn’t false.”

However, contrary to Ainel’s expectations, not all the peculiarities learned from the Demonic Realm were positive.

After Shione’s following words, Ainel could only revert to her usual cold expression.

“However, the monsters inside the Demonic Realm are the problem. Though we didn’t go deep, we encountered a group of enormous Ogres and Arachne, which is larger than the standard species.”

“Were the injuries from battles with those monsters?”

“Yes, we heard a roar from deep within the forest, and there was combat with the group of Ogres that appeared afterward.”

Strange entities. No, we might have to call them robust monsters, a variant with enhanced base abilities.

Even if they managed to endure the magic of the Demonic Realm without Shione, dealing with the monsters guarding the territory would be too challenging. The Western Expedition was no easy feat.

Thus, after hearing Shione’s explanation, Ainel, deep in thought, commended her efforts.

“Well done, Shione. I’ll have to discuss the things you mentioned with others. I’ll arrange for separate rewards for the Knights’ Order and you.”

“Thank you…!”

Saying this, Ainel resumed her habit of tapping the desk before suddenly pausing.

Exhibiting a slight hesitation, Ainel’s reaction, along with Shione’s excruciatingly terrible response, contrasted sharply, making Shione unable to help but look at her with some concern.

Steeling herself, Ainel carefully asked.

“…Shione, I heard from your sister.”

“Are you talking about Siabel? I haven’t been able to talk much with her lately…”

“I heard that you borrowed your sister’s academy uniform.”

“Ah.”

“Shione, they say there’s no time too late for academic zeal. If you want to enter the Academy—”

“……”

As the story of the uniform unfolded, Shione ultimately couldn’t bear it, overwhelmed by her sister’s dreadful reaction and Ainel’s worried demeanor.

She could only feel the intensifying panic from Ainel.

—

After finishing the exploration of the Demonic Realm, the next thing is to head towards the Academy to further expand her current magic.

While Shione was busily moving around during her absence from the family, she sought someone to handle matters for her. What she needed was related to Herrel.

Since it was a rather delicate issue, she scurried here and there before finally finding the right person.

‘Diolia decided to stay at the Count’s House to manage the Knights’ Order instead of going to the Academy, right?’

That would be Diolia.

She knew something about Herrel and, despite being a knight, had significant influence within the family. It seemed reasonable to trust her with matters regarding Herrel.

Diolia became the target who would grant Shione’s request.

“Lady Diolia, could you do me a favor?”

“You mentioned going to the Academy with the Deputy Commander, right? Ha-ha, I’ll handle most trivial matters, so feel free to tell me.”

“I’m sorry, but it might not be simple.”

“Hmm… Even so, if it’s Lady Shione’s request, I’ll do my utmost to assist.”

“Lady Diolia, could you look into Herrel and the former Maid? You don’t have to dig too deep.”

“…Information regarding Herrel, you say?”

After a brief pause, Diolia replied after some thought.

“There are a few matters to clarify… I’ll prepare information while you’re at the Academy.”

She had observed the situation to some extent without revealing the inherent unfairness of those past events.

Diolia too decided to assist Shione.

—

The Count’s House was bustling with activity.

Shione and I briefly had the purpose of staying at the Academy, while the retainers had to adjust to the changes in the political structure of the revitalized Count’s House.

One fortunate aspect was that now, right before heading to the Academy, it was clear that the retainers were experiencing the most love calls during this moment, yet Shione and I brought an overflow of information about the Western Expedition from the Demonic Realm.

Trapped by Ainel, they could only devote their energy to pouring their capabilities into factional matters.

‘Moreover, they don’t seem to be too deep into it yet.’

Her power to build influence would start after her visit to the Academy and proceed little by little. The strength she mentioned to protect those close to her should suffice with the Special Mission Team, I thought.

After all, it was a group made up of the elite of the Count’s House, so they shouldn’t lack in skills. Who would dare touch someone wielding a sharp sword?

And finally, today, a carriage headed for the Academy entered the Count’s mansion.

“Still, I’m the Deputy Commander. Is it really okay for me to go to the Academy?”

Having barely been promoted to Deputy Commander, I wondered if it was right to leave all the duties of managing the Knights’ Order to the Commander and sneak away to the Academy.

Of course, it was all my privilege, riding the Shione line, but the slight feeling of guilt towards Diolia weighed down my steps.

“Of course. Just think of it more as you being my aide than a Deputy Commander.”

“…”

“In reality, Ray is also out on a temporary escort mission to the Academy. Besides, we can’t take the Commander along as a guard.”

“That’s certainly true.”

After all, I had never led the knights properly, and Shione was adamantly pushing me as her escort.

Given this situation, I had no choice but to revel in my fate.

Feeling like I was going on a month-long holiday while having fun with Shione would mean all the work would be done. It seemed best to think of it as a reward for all my past hardships.

As I was gazing at Shione, who was confirming some last pieces of luggage, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“By the way, Shione.”

“What is it, Ray? Did you remember something you forgot to pack?”

“When do you plan to return Siabel’s uniform that’s in the wardrobe? Siabel keeps bringing it up every time she visits the Knights’ Order.”

“Ah—”

“She mentioned she’d like it back before we head to the Academy—”

As I spoke, Shione finally jumped into my arms. Following that was her cute act. Shione rubbed her cheek against my chest as she pleaded.

“…Can’t you relay that to my sister instead of me?”

It was clear she didn’t want to get involved with Siabel and the uniform situation ever again.

She was desperate.

 

---