The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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“Before we dive into the story, let me share what I’ve discovered since that day of the ambush.”

“I’ll listen closely.”

Adelhaite began to recount how events had unfolded since the day of her coming of age ceremony.

She mentioned that not only the royal castle but the entire capital had been scoured to successfully track down the culprits.

They found a wooden box on the bodies of the slain demons, claiming it played a crucial role in the cultists’ attack.

A flurry of stories circulated as I listened intently to her while also pondering the newly manifested Status Window.

‘…This is…’

As Adelhaite said, I had merely sipped tea, yet the Status Window had appeared unexpectedly.

The quests it presented were nothing short of ridiculous.

‘Well, I suppose it’s only natural that I feel intrigued.’

For some reason, her dragon eyes did not seem to affect me.

Moreover, just days ago, I had showcased not only my swordsmanship but also my mana to fend off the demon that attacked her.

I was fully aware that her curiosity about me stemmed from her inability to fathom my abilities.

‘…It’s a reasonable interest, I suppose.’

Men in this world, unless they engaged in perilous work like mercenaries, typically had no knowledge of not only swords but even the martial arts.

Instead, they merely followed in their fathers’ footsteps, mastering household management.

Seeing my swordsmanship before her, coupled with the archery skills Ainel had subtly taught me, would certainly pique her interest.

‘Besides, back then, Adelhaite clearly noticed my use of mana.’

I had boldly used mana to block the demon’s attack aimed at Princess Shione, and I had done so right in front of her, leaving nothing concealed.

It would certainly seem amusing to her, seeing me wield a power not typically afforded to men.

Having revealed that level of mana, it was only natural for her to be curious about what else I could do.

However.

‘Even so….’

I calmly read the phrase etched into the Status Window once more.

It included things about Spirit Magic that Adelhaite had yet to realize. All methods and means to win her favor—those words seemed nonsensical.

‘Why push me to this extent?’

I couldn’t comprehend why the quest demanded such things.

‘…Even if it involves raving about Spirit Magic, to win the favor of our princess?’

Quests never spouted unnecessary phrases.

If the quest insisted on using Spirit Magic to gain her favor, it meant that, even if she remained oblivious to the intent, it was indeed the right path to take.

‘This is insane.’

…As if I were just some lucky guy who awakened a minuscule amount of mana, now pretending to be capable of wielding it with finesse after showcasing my swordplay.

Did they expect me to admit I knew how to use Spirit Magic too?

“Hmm….”

I lifted the teacup I had set down before, taking another sip.

The initial sweetness gave way to a bitter aftertaste.

I savored the lingering bitterness in my mouth, reflecting.

‘Is it truly right to reveal anything about Spirit Magic to Adelhaite?’

In the depths of my mind, I grappled with the question and lowered my cup.

Adelhaite silently observed me, before remarking,

“I see you enjoyed the tea’s aroma.”

With that, Adelhaite uncrossed her legs, only to cross the other leg soon after.

“So… along with Young Lady Shianella, who guards me more closely than anyone else—”

The smile that had rested lightly on Adelhaite’s lips grew deeper.

“Having elegantly blocked the enemy’s blade aimed at me and having bravely slain other demons that dared to attack, I wish to acknowledge your merit with a small reward from the royal family.”

She leaned forward slightly, gazing into my eyes from a closer distance.

“Ray, is there anything specific you would like as a reward?”

I pondered her words for a moment, contemplating the quest’s content.

Eventually, I solidified my thoughts and replied to the princess’s inquiry.

“Then… could I possibly receive an Elven bow?”

“An Elven bow?”

Adelhaite’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback by my unexpected response. But that was only for a moment. She composed herself and offered me a piece of cookie.

Munch, munch.

A dense silence enveloped us until Adelhaite had finished chewing. The princess was lost in thought over the sweet taste of the cookie, and I simply waited for her contemplation to conclude.

“I’ve heard you’re proficient with a bow, and I know many archers dream of wielding an Elven bow. But sadly—”

As her deep, resonant voice articulated, her dragon eyes began to radiate with fervor.

“The true potential of the Elven bow cannot be replicated by anyone but Elves. The bow responds solely to the power of the spirits that Elves possess.”

She lifted her teacup, bringing it to her lips as she continued.

“Therefore, if you only desire a new bow as an archer, I would prefer to give you a Dwarven bow instead…”

After draining her teacup, she reached out to me.

Adelhaite gently cupped my chin between her slender fingers.

I was drawn closer, her face mere inches from mine, her amethyst eyes gazing deeply into my own.

“Would you like to accept the Dwarven bow, or would you prefer the Elven bow?”

“I—”

Dwarven bow or Elven bow.

Both were undoubtedly exceptional, but honestly, the Elven bow would provide superior performance in my case.

And the quest.

Ultimately, it would be beneficial to me after conquering hundreds, thousands of dungeons.

There had been no paths where I would lose out.

The quest sought to enhance the value of my abilities, all in an effort to win her favor.

Thus, I finally reached my decision.

“I would like to receive the Elven bow.”

Deciding to trust the quest for once.

In the depths of my reply, it seemed Adelhaite read my intent.

A mesmerizing smile graced her face, more enchanting than ever.

“An Elven bow… then let it be known.”

As she released her grip on my chin, she moved back to her original distance, closing her eyes in deep contemplation.

As time passed, whether out of intrigue or amusement, the smile on her lips only deepened.

When Adelhaite finally opened her eyes and looked at me again, her gaze had transformed from reptilian to human.

Exchanging glances with her calm lavender eyes was far more comfortable than those burdening lizard eyes.

I felt my tension ease ever so slightly.

And then at last.

“Well then, let’s wrap up this topic here, and move on to the conversation about you, Ray, the commoner who has become Lady Shianella’s personal attendant.”

I anticipated a near-interrogation from Adelhaite regarding my background.

“Where did you learn swordsmanship? And how did you master archery?” she inquired.

I deliberately inflated my responses, as instructed by the quest to elevate my worth, and found that Adelhaite didn’t seem displeased by my answers.

As I spun the tale, suddenly, Adelhaite’s expression cooled, and she fixed her gaze on me.

Why did the person who had been enjoying a cheerful conversation suddenly change?

I focused intently, studying her demeanor.

Adelhaite slowly began to speak.

“I’ve been meaning to ask something. Will you be able to answer my question?”

“What question do you mean…?”

“It’s about fate. A question concerning fate.”

“…I will do my utmost to provide as satisfactory an answer as I can.”

At my reply, Adelhaite’s eyes sparkled, and she slowly began to caress her lips.

“Almost everyone in this world forms connections and lives according to the destinies they are given. There are no exceptions to the predetermined script.”

Her deeply-set violet eyes held an intense curiosity.

“Indeed, there should be no exceptions…”

Adelhaite’s delicate eyebrows furrowed.

“After the ambush a few days ago, I have certainly confirmed that Lady Shianella, the head of the family, and I—all of us intertwined with you—seem to be finding our destinies twisted and rewritten. Isn’t that amusing?”

She then relaxed her knitted brow and flashed a smile.

Yet this smile held more than mere goodwill.

“Ray, what do you think about this?”