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The Count’s House declares the princess’s intrusion!

So far, the most notable guests to visit the Count’s House have been Aria Alenarr and that Friel Arielte from the Great Forest. Even then, Friel snuck in without a prior notice, so it doesn’t count too much. The Count’s House had been preparing diligently for guests, yet now, with a direct line from the Marquis Family visiting, it seems like there’s an unexpected turn.

‘That purple-haired princess is coming here? Of all times, right now?!’

When it comes to Princess Adelhaite, we can’t possibly prepare for a guest of that caliber with just this much effort.

On top of already dealing with the situation where Diolia and Siabel were pulling each other’s hair out in sweat over the expedition, thinking about an official welcoming for the princess makes me wonder just how much money the Count’s House will burn through.

Honestly, it’s terrifying to think that I’ll bear the brunt of the impending chaos about to engulf the Count’s House.

“…I’m really curious how the head of the family and Siabel will react.”

“I received a letter before dinner and, upon reading it to them, Mother sighed until the meal was over… And Siabel was just blankly gulping down food.”

“Wasn’t Sion absent from the gathering?”

“…Sion is a traitor. He had to negotiate with the church as our family representative on the expedition. So, he said he wouldn’t be involved in welcoming the princess.”

“Oh.”

Under normal circumstances, the tasks Sion had would definitely be exceptionally tough, but seeing how Ainel and Siabel are going to be the ones truly suffering, my own workload seems relatively light.

“And of course, while I should help when things get busy, I also slipped away from my duties due to events at the Academy, plus overseeing the special mission team.”

“By that reasoning, wouldn’t Shione also be called a traitor like Sion?”

“…I still feel like I need to help a bit. Not to the extent of being a traitor.”

It seemed that Shione had managed to navigate through her responsibilities fairly well, having found a way out.

“And, Ray, you need to prepare too. The princess is coming to the Count’s House mainly because of you and me.”

Shione spoke in a mock serious tone.

The issue is that she’s coming to see us directly, but I think as long as we mind our manners, we should be fine.

Yet Shione seemed to exude an odd sense of excitement.

“First, we need to get proper outfits instead of those usual servant uniforms… I’ll be there to back you up, so you’ll have to use the utmost formal language and whatnot….”

“……”

“We’ll need to put on makeup since we’ll be meeting the princess. Perhaps we should call Bronte, just like last time?”

“…I’m good without Bronte.”

“Why not? Other than me, you don’t have anyone else close, right?”

Even if my social circle is narrow, I still have people other than Bronte.

Shione was being unreasonable.

“Diolia and Evan Kalia’s son are also close to me.”

“Evan Kalia’s son…? When did you get close to him?”

“More like I feel like I’m his mentor.”

“…Not sure I follow.”

By the way, I also need to check the thank-you gifts sent from the Marquis House.

I’ll have to ask about that when a moment arises.

“He said he’d arrive at the Count’s House in about two weeks, as he’s currently up north—”

Shione’s mood gradually turned chilly.

In her expression was a faint reflection of the anger she had towards events in the past that had shaped her.

“… What Diolia has prepared could certainly be improved upon.”

Saying she would postpone it was not an indication she would forgive them. It seemed like she was sharpening the blade of her emotions within.

“If you’re going to blow up, it’s better to find out who’s behind manipulating the Maid first.”

“That’s a valid point.”

This is not just about blowing off steam; it’s an opportunity.

Even if the Maid acted alone, if there’s someone who attacked our Shione through her, then that means there’s a family power player who could offer worthwhile conditions and rewards to influence her, wouldn’t it?

It’s been a while since that event happened, but if the pieces fell into place and I could hunt down some useful information, we could take them down nicely and significantly increase Shione’s influence.

“I hate to say it, but I think the person who has won the Maid over is likely one of your retainers who supported you back then, Sister Siabel.”

The Count’s House is typically inherited by a female rather than a male relative.

Unless one shows remarkable ability in managing the territory, a son born into the family would find it hard to vie for the head’s position. Naturally, Sion has been delving into that area since awakening his Divine Power.

If that’s the case, the person competing against Siabel to rise above her will unmistakably be Shione herself. I know she’s endured intense comparisons and criticisms since she began her studies.

If what she’s saying is correct, then this person probably acted to prevent Shione from becoming more proficient in academics and management. If Shione falters, Siabel will undoubtedly ascend to the head position without any rivals, that much is certain.

That was a convincingly solid argument.

“So how do you plan to deal with it if someone from Siabel’s side emerges as the mastermind?”

However, there is a problem.

If I attack that retainer to draw them out, Siabel’s support base will weaken, and Shione will start to rise in prominence.

“While what Shione says makes absolute sense and it would be entirely reasonable for her to punish that person… it could create a rift between her and Siabel.”

While it’s expected for Shione to clear away past foes, I was worried.

Even if my master and Siabel are fine with each other, those who gather around the round table to discuss work might think negativistically, and we all know how such opinions shape public perception.

Just because the two sisters are okay with it, doesn’t mean the bystanders won’t stir things up, trying to exploit any issues that arise.

I simply do not want to see Shione end up in another uncomfortable home environment after all she has endured, and I’m hoping to avoid being dragged into this bothersome mess as well. Thus, I cautiously inquired about her stance.

Shione, with a slightly amused look, seemed to find it absurd that this could be an issue.

“Why would there be any awkwardness between me and sister?”

“Excuse me?”

“Instead of me being the one to blow things up, isn’t it better if sister keeps her cool, casts someone off as the culprit, and I handle the aftermath?”

Using Siabel to spread the word about the incident and insisting that she had no ties to the offender while declaring her innocence. Although it could have its drawbacks in weakening her power base, if it’s going to explode anyway, then setting things right while preserving her detachment seems like the better and less risky option.

“It’s not like I’m always messing up my hair… I like to tease, but I know my sister will definitely listen to me.”

Shione had unwavering faith in her sister.

“Siabel only looked at me in pity and didn’t intervene at all… she’s only asked how I’ve been occasionally.”

There seemed to be hidden stories from her past interactions with Siabel.

Thanks to that, she got close enough to borrow Siabel’s Academy uniform even now.

“And we haven’t fully confirmed that Siabel is on that side either, have we?”

After changing the topic a little, since we had discussed somewhat heavy topics for a time, it would be good to lighten the atmosphere.

We transitioned from a frustrating discussion to one filled with laughter and happy topics instead.

“Tomorrow, let’s go collect the thank-you gift from the Marquis House. I’ve heard it’s quite a splendid item, and Mother said we could look forward to it.”

“Can you tell me what kind it is in advance?”

“I already have a good bow, so it’s something that can be useful as a secondary weapon…. The other item, I’m told to see for myself tomorrow. While I might not need the secondary weapon, the other is supposed to fit our needs perfectly.”

“Oh.”

Of course, if it’s a secondary weapon, getting a new one naturally feels good.

And something that fits our needs should definitely be bow-related.

The Marquis House is famous for high-quality minerals from the elevated mountains and their territories, so high-quality items shouldn’t be an unrealistic expectation.

While wearing a satisfied expression, I found myself looking forward to the sun rising tomorrow.

For some reason, Shione was looking a bit hesitant but also seemed somewhat brazen as she quietly spoke up.

“Is there something you wish to say?”

“So, the thing is… Ray, I have a task for you.”

What on earth is she planning to make me do?

“Gathering information and getting on good terms with the Maid is important. You think so too, right, Ray?”

“That’s true.”

“But coincidentally, my personal maid’s position is vacant, and guess who the previous one was? You need to have at least one dedicated personal maid by your side, right?—”

Shione clapped her hands with a playful motion.

The sound resonated throughout the room, silencing our previous chatter.

With an expression as if there was no way out, she bestowed a soft smile.

“It’d be best to work together with the Maid once more in your previous capacity.”

“And, of course, in the process, we can subtly inquire about the Maid too.”

“Exactly. And wouldn’t it be nice to boast a little to a fellow former coworker? You’ve been promoted to Deputy Commander of the Knights’ Order, after all.”

[Quest Initiated.]

“Complete Liquidation”

There’s really no need to read the details.

After all, it’s bound to be a clichéd story filled with the usual occurrences.

The important part is the reward.

“Shione’s Enlightenment”

The epiphany gained through being a martial artist using her Mana will ultimately lead to one conclusion.

An ascension in rank.

Currently, she shoots sharp arrows, but if she really manages to grow to the next stage, her attack potential will be further specialized and enhanced.

No one can be stingy about the growth of Shione, other than me.

“All right! But are you sure you can boast about it convincingly?”

While I’ve somewhat managed to smooth things over with Bronte, the leftover knights from Sion’s faction were really annoying when they first arrived. It’s not like I could just shed the noble title and engage in a brawl. Additionally, since the Maid crossed paths with Shione, it means she should endure her fair share of difficulty.

My accomplishments in reviving Shione and bringing her to this position must have spread among them.

As long as I do my job efficiently, they’ll have to accept me as a former senior, being older than them.

However, after seeing my expression, Shione suddenly looked concerned.

“W-Well, don’t get too carried away. While being enthusiastic is great, it could become a bit troublesome if it escalates too far…”

“Didn’t Shione say it herself? The knight must draw their sword and face challenges, or something to that effect—it’s ingrained as if it’s a rule. Just trust me and wait.”

“…Just try not to get noticed by Mother.”

For some reason… it felt unsettling that she didn’t trust me completely.

 

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