Ch.7373. Eunice Kallia (1)

“What did you just say?”

Sione’s demeanor changed completely.

Gone was that small animal-like appearance enjoying her master’s touch.

In its place was only a woman harboring the bitter cold of a blizzard-swept winter.

“I was discovered using spirit magic by an elf, so I discussed it with Lady Ainel.”

“No, not that. Didn’t you say the elf told you something?”

“You mean… when the elf asked me to become his?”

“…Yes.”

From her displeased expression to her jealousy toward the elf—a clear rival—

Sione began to openly express her displeasure.

“You see, I don’t like it when someone carelessly touches what’s mine.”

Like a predator whose territory had been invaded, she seemed to feel a certain hostility toward that elf, albeit mild.

Of course. Sione’s voice now contained the most viscous displeasure I’d ever heard from her.

Back when she was not yet human but a fat pig,

The growling she made when speaking with her younger brother, Sion Sianella, while viewing flowers in the garden wasn’t even comparable.

“You’re not in a good mood.”

Sione’s words rang out evenly and deliberately.

She already had my slave certificate and ownership papers, and she kept me firmly in place as her exclusive attendant.

I wondered why she liked me so much that just hearing those words made her this upset, as if I’d actually been taken from her.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her needless jealousy.

I couldn’t just leave her in that state.

It would be best to soothe her with some sweet words.

I gently stroked her hair, twirling and untwirling it playfully as I began to speak.

“Please don’t be upset. I would never become the elf’s, not even if I died and came back to life. I’m your slave, am I not?”

“But…”

“Moreover, our agreements still stand, and since you hold me in your heart… why would I want to become the elf’s?”

“Ah.”

Sione buried her face.

Apparently, the mention of “our agreements” was quite embarrassing to her.

Though I couldn’t see her face, her snow-white hair revealed her bright red ears.

“I’ve also informed the head of the family about what the elf said to me, so you needn’t worry about it.”

Nod, nod.

Sione acknowledged my words with actions rather than words.

Then, for some reason, she began to fidget again.

She hesitantly looked at me, then looked away, repeating this several times before finally clasping her hands together and looking up at me.

“…Ray.”

“What is it?”

“May I know what your ideal type is?”

“Pardon…? My ideal type?”

I had no idea why she was suddenly asking about my ideal type in this situation.

When I looked at her with a puzzled expression, she fidgeted anxiously as if urging me to answer quickly.

“Yes, your ideal type. I realized I’ve never heard about it before. I’d like to know… if that’s alright?”

Well, as for my ideal type.

I suppose I should just give her a suitable answer.

I briefly stopped stroking her hair and replied casually.

“My ideal type would be… someone cute and affectionate.”

“By cute and affectionate, do you mean you prefer women with masculine personalities?”

…While describing it as masculine feels a bit off-putting.

Well, in this world, what’s masculine to them corresponds to what I would consider feminine.

“Yes, I suppose you could say that.”

After I affirmed Sione’s words, she fell into deep thought for a moment.

Then she carefully asked for my opinion.

“You don’t… like men too, do you?”

What the hell kind of nonsense is this bastard spouting?

I couldn’t help but scowl.

“Are you seriously asking me that?”

“Well, you said you like masculine personalities… and there are cases where homosexuality between men is accepted.”

“Ah…”

For me, a thoroughly heterosexual man, this gender-reversed world was far more harsh than I’d expected.

Bronte’s face and nasal voice flashed through my mind at Sione’s words,

And I struggled to maintain my composure as my expression began to crumble.

To make sure she didn’t harbor any unnecessary misunderstandings,

I embraced her tightly from behind and said:

“I swear to the gods, I have never once in my life considered homosexuality.”

“Really?”

Why was she asking this again?

“Really. Would I lie about that?”

If she weren’t my master, I would have put her in a chokehold right then and there.

* * *

The morning passed quickly, and noon had already arrived.

Currently, I was on my way back to my quarters.

The reason was simple.

Ainel had come and taken Sione away.

She said Sione had matters to attend to regarding yesterday’s disturbance and the cultists.

After that, starting with the Velleia family to which Noah belonged, she would separately discuss matters with various noble houses in the western part of the kingdom, strictly under her own guidance.

She said that just for today, she would personally take care of her daughter instead of me.

Moreover, since I didn’t know when Sione would return to her room after spending the whole day touring the royal palace with Ainel,

There was no point in waiting alone in her empty room, so I was given permission to rest freely for the day.

Perhaps that’s why.

My steps were lighter than ever at the thought of having the chance to rest properly for more than half a day.

“This is life, this is happiness.”

I had long since put aside any worries about Sione, who would be working hard today.

I didn’t have time to worry about others when I barely had enough time to enjoy myself.

As I was excited about enjoying the day…

“Oh… you’re…”

What sin have I committed to deserve this?

An ominous voice came from beside me.

My light footsteps began to grow heavy with fatigue and annoyance.

I turned my creaking neck to identify the owner of the voice.

‘That person is—’

Warm brown hair that reached her shoulders, black eyes containing deep abysses,

A fox-like beauty with a certain coldness about her.

‘Eunice Kallia.’

She was the eldest daughter of the Marquisate of Kallia in the eastern part of the kingdom.

“…The male knight from yesterday.”

Eunice’s eyes began to sparkle as soon as she confirmed my face.

When I stopped walking at her words, Eunice immediately walked over to me.

Eunice Kallia, who was famous for always appearing cold and composed, smiled at me gently and spoke.

“Do you… remember me?”

If she’s asking if I remember her, of course I do.

A woman who covered her face with her sword while whispering “male knight,” with a shield dripping blood.

With such a distinct character, it would be much harder to forget than to remember.

I nodded reluctantly at Eunice’s words.

“…Of course. You’re Lady Eunice Kallia, eldest daughter of the Kallia Marquisate. I was impressed by your performance yesterday.”

In the chaos of yesterday, I had no opportunity to observe anyone else’s actions, so I naturally couldn’t have seen Eunice’s performance.

But judging by her sword soaked in blood and the battle marks on her shield from striking down those demon worshippers,

She must have made significant achievements and contributions, so I made up appropriate praise.

How did Eunice take my flattery?

‘…Why is she suddenly acting like this?’

She brightened even more, her eyes shining.

Twinkle, twinkle.

I was overwhelmed by her excessive goodwill and interest.

“You know my name and family.”

“Of course. How could I not know the lady of the Kallia Marquisate, which guards the border adjacent to both the Empire and the Great Forest? Moreover… though you haven’t been promoted, your family’s power rivals that of a duchy.”

Eunice nodded with satisfaction at my words.

“That’s right. You know our Kallia family well. Since you seem to know quite a bit about me—”

Eunice gently raised the corner of her mouth.

“Your name. May I hear it?”

“I’m Ray.”

“Good, Ray. Then… could we have a private conversation from now on?”

“What kind of conversation…”

Eunice circled around me, taking in my appearance, then stood before me with her hands behind her back and smiled brightly.

“I, Eunice Kallia, would like to discuss yesterday’s events with you.”

She tilted her head slightly to the right and narrowed her eyes.

Her pitch-black eyes directed an intense gaze not at anything else but at my heart, where my mana lay dormant.

Heart is just a figure of speech. She was staring right at my chest.

Even though I’m a man, being stared at like this is embarrassing.

I looked at her with disapproval.

“Well, stories about Sianella’s male knight are trending in the royal palace right now.”

Step.

She took one step closer to me.

“Besides, I’ve always wanted to see a male knight since I was young. I can’t miss this opportunity.”

Eunice smiled seductively as she said this.

“Because you, Ray—”

Cupping her hands around her mouth to prevent her voice from spreading, Eunice whispered in my ear.

“Unlike all the other imitations, you’re the real thing.”