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Finally, the trial is over, and I find myself back in the ordinary routine of life.

Piana Trilla turned out to indeed be the terrible opportunist that was uncovered, and Kelsy Arnin, the chief maid, is now branded as a money-hungry servant. Not even the retainers who were involved in conspiring against Shione could escape punishment.

They’ll deal with those who are most serious first, and as for the rest, they plan to keep a closer watch on them for future repercussions. After all, once the outpost stabilizes, they might do a proper shake-up.

“Especially for Piana and Kelsy— it seems they won’t have a future worth living after all.”

I’ve already sent letters to both their families applying pressure.

How am I supposed to deal with a furious Count’s House in a situation like this? Those two are not from some country bumpkin family. They’re from a noble line famous within the Kingdom for their overwhelming power and legitimacy.

Even if they miraculously manage to avoid immediate execution, they’ll surely end up resenting the very fact that they survived.

“As for the servants—”

Taking Bronte as an example, I suppose the chief maid might receive some leniency due to the included maids and retainers who pressured Shione.

However, Aheira has previous records of assisting the chief maid. Although she managed to inform on the internal matters and would be worse off without Shione’s kind of representation, it seems that rather than getting outright fired and marked as a criminal, she has transitioned into a punishment of pay cut and reeducation.

There seems to be more to this situation, but that’s something Aheira will handle. Especially with news that her father’s treatment is showing progress, perhaps her newfound integrity has made her willing to accept the Count’s House’s decisions.

“Of course, the one associated with Sion got what was coming to him.”

Kennen Pallet was caught red-handed helping the chief maid and subsequently went silent. Amidst everyone’s ire, he vanished.

I’ve heard that the Count’s House forwarded a letter to his family, and it seems they abandoned him thereafter. Rumor has it that he’s ended up as monster fodder. Well, regardless of what methods he used to disappear like a ghost, he probably suffered some punishment around that area.

In this world, a criminal can only possess a slave certificate or a swift blade to the gut; those are the only choices, they say.

“Well, whatever happens over there will be revealed in due time. I should focus on my current tasks.”

This post-trial period is the most entertaining time, so missing out on stories now feels regrettable. But I know I can always hear the vivid accounts from Shione later.

Before stepping out of my room, I checked a letter that had arrived for me.

“I’m glad the letter arrived.”

The sender was Herrel.

I wondered if she properly received the letter I had sent on behalf of Shione.

Ever since we established this connection, it became effortless for us to communicate.

“I mean, if the quest doesn’t conclude after the trial is over, that itself would be a problem.”

The name of this quest is ‘Complete Settlement.’

It’s not just about those sent to trial; reuniting with Herrel is also part of the requirements.

I can’t afford to forget about her.

“Well, I’ve prepared enough, so I hope it goes well.”

With that thought, I quietly slipped the letter into my pocket and headed out.

Today, I have a schedule set with my spirits and Shione. I can’t afford to waste any more time in a place like this.

As I arrived in front of Shione’s room and knocked lightly to announce my arrival, her lively voice soon followed.

“Ah, Ray! You can come in!”

Drawn in by her clearer and more vibrant tone than usual, I opened the door to find Shione checking herself in the full-length mirror.

A gentle breeze wafted through the open window, creating a beautiful dance of her attire and the flow of fabric. When she completed her twirl, the scattered shadows gathered back towards me.

“What do you think? Does this outfit suit me?”

Her movements caught my attention as I slowly took in her attire.

‘Looks like she put in effort for our date today.’

Shione wore a long, flowy skirt over a dress, topped off with a cardigan. She exuded a beauty that was more formidable than her usual cute image.

With her hair neatly half-up and light makeup done, Shione seemed to rival the forest fairies.

Realizing that I was staring, Shione fidgeted with her bangs and gave me an awkward smile.

“It looks great! The makeup suits you well. Did you do it yourself?”

“No, Aheira did it for me. I think this kind of look is nice, but… is it a bit odd?”

“If that’s strange, then nine-tenths of the people on the continent wouldn’t even be able to show their faces in public.”

It seemed my answer pleased her, as Shione’s cherry-colored lips curved into a smile.

“Ray, are you all set too?”

“Of course. I’ve already arranged the theater seats and the play for today; we just need to go now.”

Today is the day to unwind with the hardworking spirits while also going on a date with Shione.

That’s why Shione went to bed early yesterday, claiming she wouldn’t get any time to spare. Now filled with energy and excitement, Shione was even humming a tune as she made her final preparations.

Just then, after applying her perfume one last time, she gazed at me with a playful expression.

“Then before we head out, I need to charge up!”

With arms wide open, Shione started running towards me excitedly.

It looked like she was going to give me one of her usual hugs, so I prepared myself. But for some reason, she didn’t leap into my arms today.

I stared blankly as she crossed her arms and let out a haughty snort.

“Why? Did you think I’d hug you?”

“If it were the usual Shione, you would have hugged me by now.”

“Heh, you look pretty disappointed. So, you like me that much, huh?”

Shione marched closer and poked my side with her index finger.

“Today, I can’t let my makeup get messed up by rubbing my face against you. Instead—”

Just as she suddenly grabbed me by the collar, as if challenging me to a duel.

Soft and squishy Shione’s lips met mine. They lingered there, as if they were reluctant to part, leaving a sweet imprint before pulling away.

With a devilish grin, Shione looked up at me.

“This will do.”

“…Isn’t it going to smudge your makeup? What about the lipstick?”

“If you rest your face against my chest, that would be a problem for your clothes. And don’t worry about the lipstick; it’s easy to fix—”

Shione stood on tiptoe and leaned in, letting something moist and soft brush against my lips.

Before I knew it, the grip she had around me loosened as she smiled with her tongue sticking out adorably.

“See, that’s easy. It’s all wiped clean, so there’s no problem at all!”

“Your ears are red.”

“N-no, they’re not! You must be seeing things…!”

Having pulled off such a cheeky act, Shione got flustered when I teased her, and she hurriedly urged me to leave.

Before we set off, Shione stopped for a moment, covering her flushed ears with both hands and looking up at me.

“…I’ll hug you when we get back. It’ll be so tight it might break your waist, just so you know.”

…Why are you trying to destroy my poor waist?

*

Living in the Count’s House and spending most of my time within the interior walls of the Knights’ Order and the mansion, walking around the territory is still a new and exciting experience.

In this bustling village, children frolic, busy housewives run around, and even special performances like a showdown between a chubby cat and a little dog can be seen. There’s no shortage of amusing happenings, making it a joyous day.

“Everyone’s eyes are on Shione, though.”

Since we haven’t really disguised ourselves, that’s unavoidable.

With a beautiful silver-haired beauty like her, it’s no wonder all the locals can’t take their eyes off. This means a member of the Count’s bloodline is casually strolling along the streets—it’s not often Shione shows her face unless it’s at local events, especially not when they’re engaged in demon realm ventures like now.

Fortunately, the townsfolk’s gazes are filled with admiration rather than jealousy, envy, or fear, making for a pleasant atmosphere. Shione seemed to be enjoying it too.

“Still, with this much attention, it’s not too shabby.”

I’ve brought my sword for minimal protection, but since the mercenaries here are being careful, and pickpockets seem to be completely absent, there’s no need for me to draw my weapon. We’re simply enjoying peaceful times.

Among us, there’s one person enjoying this situation the most.

“This place is so much better than the Great Forest or the Kalia Marquis House! It smells delicious everywhere!”

“Look! That really fat cat is having an intense match with that little dog…! Go, puppy! Oh… the chubby one is so strong…”

“Can you buy me one more chicken skewer…? I’ve eaten one already, but I want just a little more—Are you really going to get me another one? Thanks!!”

Today’s protagonist, Tania, is busily bustling around, experiencing this moment fully, even more than Elvis or Orna.

Normally, it would be Elvis embodying that lively spirit, but today, Elvis seems to be following Tania around, likely understanding her heightened excitement.

It seems Tania must have been sharing stories of today’s events, expressing her anticipation.

Seeing their antics, Shione asked quietly.

“They look like they’re having a lot of fun. By the way, does Tania know we’re going to watch a play?”

“Not yet. I planned to surprise her with the news in front of the theater.”

“That’s a great idea. It’ll definitely be fun to see her reaction.”

With that, Shione’s laughter filled the air.

In that moment, they seemed to cherish every second, gazing gently at the spirits before us.

I looked at Shione’s profile, silently matching her mood.

“That’s right.”

However, I hadn’t really meant for Tania to be the one whose reaction I was anticipating.

When it comes to creating an unforgettable date, gifts are a must.

“It will surely be fun.”

That’s why I was excitedly looking forward to Shione’s reaction.

Somewhere in the streets of the Count’s House today, an event prepared just for her awaits.

 

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