The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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What should I do with this…?

Everyone’s gaze is so fixated on me.

Starting with Eunice Kalia, about half are staring at my face as if to bore a hole through it.

The other half is alternating their looks between the bloodied sword in my hand and the demons I’ve slain.

Right, in this world, war and military endeavors aren’t the territory of men but of women.

It’s only natural that a mere servant swings a sword like this and draws attention.

Of course, I understand. I get it, but…

‘…I’m completely exhausted.’

I can see a future filled with complications looming ahead, giving me a headache. My stomach’s also feeling a bit queasy…

As someone born into a lowly position, merely a servant, the attention of those nobles is nothing but a heavy burden.

And on top of that…

‘It looks like those elf idiots have gotten tangled up in this too.’

Those elves over there.

Seeing them glare at me with sinister eyes from a distance gives me an idea of what they must think of me.

Those primitive short-lived creatures. Would it be wise to keep one as a pet?

Their way of thinking isn’t far off from mine. They must be judging me somewhere around my thoughts.

Born nearly perfect, the arrogant guardians of the forest, with their long lifespans, are always on the lookout for something stimulating to awaken their emotions, which fade and wear down over time.

In front of them, someone suddenly appears—me.

‘I must seem like a rare animal to them.’

I must’ve piqued their interest quite a bit.

Who would’ve guessed I’d get involved with elves?

Judging by their demeanor, they don’t seem eager to confront me right now, probably because they’re far enough away and can’t smell my spirit.

The moment they catch a whiff of my spirit, those elf idiots will definitely try to entangle themselves with me.

As I’m watching their expressions, the eyes of an elf locked onto mine.

Swaying gently.

With striking yellow hair, the elf greets me with a bright smile and waves her hand.

“Um…”

Knowing the essence of elves, instead of letting my jaw drop at her beauty, I merely nodded, ensuring my expression didn’t falter.

There’s no need to keep drawing my sword longer; after a glance at the elf, I slowly sheathed it with my eyes closed.

Swish…

After a brief moment to gather my thoughts, I opened my eyes again.

‘…This is driving me crazy.’

Now, beyond the elves, I was also keenly aware of Eunice Kalia and Aria Alenarr watching me with different expressions.

‘Eunice Kalia—’

In charge of the eastern borders of the kingdom, belonging to the Kalia Marquis Family.

With her cold demeanor like frost and her keen strategies, she’s renowned for wielding sword and shield with great finesse.

‘What a weirdo…’

Her distorted interest in strong men…

Seeing how she was burning with excitement over me left me wondering how much she fantasizes about knights.

In a way, she’s more enthusiastic than Shione, who was drunkenly sincere yesterday.

Damn this role-reversed world.

Naturally, in a different situation, I would’ve welcomed the attention of such a beauty.

However, after traveling in a carriage and staying at various inns, I realized the rough mercenaries of this world are just like men from Earth.

These women may be biologically female, but in mindset, they match the men back home.

What good is being beautiful on the outside if they’re filled with black-hearted men on the inside?

‘How could I feel attracted?’

How could I ever be attracted to a guy disguised as a girl?

Even if a male friend turned into a beauty, all I’d feel is disgust, not admiration.

It’s a similar principle.

Dodging the oppressive interest I intensely felt from Eunice, I sighed inwardly and hid behind Shione.

“…Are you okay?”

I noticed my master, pretending she was fine after the ordeal, trembling slightly.

*

The coming-of-age ceremony that was supposed to last until sunset ended prematurely as the sun dipped.

The royal family acted quickly to uncover the incident’s backdrop and its relations, as did Ainel.

These damned cultists had a reputation for causing trouble even in the Beltlin Mountains.

Because of those bastards scattering demons everywhere, in the course of exploring the mountains, Shione had her left arm punctured by one of those spider things.

Not to mention, Siabel Shianella was also heavily injured and had to return to her territory.

If anyone could leverage this situation, it would be Ainel Shianella; she’d surely leak everything the cultists did near the Shianella territory to the royal family.

With Ainel handling things…

All events scheduled for today were cancelled, and knights were deployed throughout the royal castle for security.

With nothing much to do or any way to help, Shione and I returned to our quarters.

After neatly wiping the remnants of battle from my body and changing my clothes, I changed into the Shianella uniform emblazoned with the family crest.

Overcome with annoyance, I tousled my hair.

“…I’m so damn tired.”

By now, Shione must also be wracked with guilt, looking like a lonely puppy caught in the rain.

If it were up to me, I’d just like to lie in bed and unwind right now.

On the other hand, I’m concerned about Shione.

Caught between taking a break and worrying about her, I finally opened the door and stepped out.

Creeeak…

Upon quietly entering Shione’s quarters, sure enough.

“…Two of them.”

With a blood-stained dress and her hair unkempt, Shione stared blankly at her trembling hands.

Her hands weren’t trembling like before.

However, as if the sensation of tearing through fabric lingered, her expression, unlike when we were in the garden, was steeped in profound confusion.

How could it be?
How could Shianella’s heir be like this after killing demons?

“Every one of them was a demon. Princess Shione, you merely acted rightly.”

Finally realizing I’d come in, Shione’s eyes widened, then she quietly nodded in acknowledgment.

“Yeah… that’s right.”

Then she clasped her hands tightly together.

“It was certainly the right thing, yet that feeling from my hands just won’t fade…”

Having discarded the mask she wore on her face, Shione gazed at me, her face finally revealing that empty smile.

“…Ray, what should I do?”

Thud, thud.

I sat across from her, staring in silence for a long while.

“Princess Shione, you are too fragile.”

Shione is weak.

Weak both physically and mentally.

To me, she’s weak to the point of inadequacy.

“Unlike other Shianellas, you don’t excel in swordsmanship or martial arts, nor do you have extraordinary talent in handling mana.”

“The same goes for archery. You may have some talent, but it hasn’t even been a year since you started.”

“Your physique is also still developing, and your heart is softer and more suited to a kind-hearted priest than a resolute knight.”

With each fact I laid out, Shione’s confidence began to shatter.

Just looking at her dimming eyes made it clear she was plunging into deeper self-reproach.

I needed to speak before all the light faded.

“So, you should trust me with the difficult tasks from now on, or at least share them with me.”

Upon hearing that, a glimmer of life returned to Shione’s dying eyes.

“That means…?”

Before answering her question, I placed my hand over the one Shione had clasped tightly.

She flinched.

At the sudden contact, shock mixed with her self-reproach reflected in her expression.

“You mentioned the sensation from your hands has yet to fade.”

Then, as I released her hold, pulling her hands into mine made Shione lower her head.

As I gripped tightly enough that she wouldn’t slip away, her toes began to fidget.

Noticing her tiny movements, I couldn’t help but smile, breaking my previously cold demeanor.

“Now, how do you feel? Does that sensation still linger?”

“No, right now it’s… fine…”

“Good to hear.”

With that said, I stood up and drew her closer.

“Ah…!”

With the sudden tug, she found herself pressed tightly against me.

The once-assertive Shione was nowhere to be found; she was shyly blushing and mumbling, stealing glances at me just like before her confession in the dawn shooting range.

I started to run my fingers through her silver-white hair.

It felt nice, like petting a well-groomed puppy.

If anything was bothering me…

It was Shione’s dress, stained with blood.

Having just changed clothes, it wasn’t really pleasant to be in contact with such dirty clothing.

But right now, it’s more important to stabilize this annoying princess’s mental state.

That blessed girl, Shione.

I continued to stroke her hair, whispering into her ear.

“There’s no need to feel you should protect me.”

After all, I’m much stronger. Who’s protecting whom here?

Please don’t create unnecessary troubles by trying to protect me in front of everyone.

Rather, at this level, I want her to quietly cheer for me from behind.

“If you still want to help, just using the bow you’re good at is enough. A bow won’t leave uncomfortable sensations like this when you’re using it.”

But if she still wishes to support me…

Regardless of the past, she now must put down the sword and pick up the bow.

I’d prefer it if she focused on being the archer she is instead of interfering with half-hearted swordsmanship.

“You’ve decided to walk the path of an archer now, haven’t you?”

“A true lord behaves like a lord, and a servant like a servant. Likewise, an archer behaves like an archer.”

“…Yes, indeed.”

As if my words reached her heart, Shione gently buried her head into my chest.

Oh man, if she’s that close, her dress will stain my clothes.

Instead of a sigh that was about to escape me, I continued to stroke Shione’s hair.

“Just one more thing, if it’s okay?”

Shione cautiously looked up at my call.

“What is it?”

“I hope you can stop obsessing over your gender so much.”

“What do you mean by that—”

“I mean, I don’t want you to drown yourself in obligatory responsibilities just because you consider yourself a woman.”

“…But aren’t men weaker than women in terms of mana and physique?”

I chuckled softly, responding.

“You think I’m weak compared to most men?”

With my words, Shione shut her mouth tight.

I’m not the men of this world.

I can manipulate mana, and even wield spirit magic, doing so with greater finesse than Shione herself.

In fact, I even took down an Arachne alone.

I’m stronger than most female mercenaries.

With that, her bewildered expression showed that Shione was at a loss for words.

I made sure Shione wouldn’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary feminine egos that would lead to annoying troubles in the future.

“Even though I’m a man, I possess enough strength to protect you—”

I flashed a wink at Shione, who was gazing at me intently.

“If you wish, I’ll continue to be your knight and protect you even more from now on.”

With those words, Shione’s cheeks flushed red once again.

“I do hope you understand my feelings, but… what do you think?”

With her answer, Shione embraced me tightly, quietly responding.

“Just as you say… I’ll do it…”

Saying so, Shione smiled gently, much like a girl in love, her smile serene yet confident.