NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43
That night, we ended up staying in a place so grand it would likely outclass even the most luxurious inns in the royal capital.
Misha and I were understood to be a married couple, so we were given the same room.
Thanks to clearly rejecting the marriage proposal earlier, Misha was in a good mood. As soon as we entered the room, she hugged me tightly.
“I’m so happy that you acknowledged me as your wife, Master.”
“Of course, you’re the only one for me, Misha.”
“Pat my head.”
Doing as she asked, she let out a “nya~n” even in her beastly form. So, she makes that sound in this form too.
“We have plenty of time before dinner, so let’s be affectionate.”
“It’s still early evening, you know.”
“I’ll be moderate, don’t worry.”
After that, Misha licked me all over. Well, if I think of it as being licked by a pet cat, it’s not so bad, right?
During this time, Lena should be spending some private time with her family. Though, for Lena, it might not be a relaxing time.
Still, there are conversations that can only happen between family, so it’s good they’re having this discussion.
“Do you think Lena will leave?” Misha asked while we lay side by side on the same bed.
“I don’t know,” I evaded the question. I really had no idea what would happen.
“I can’t imagine she’ll be allowed to continue as a servant.”
Misha’s voice was somber, probably at the thought of parting ways with Lena.
Nothing was decided yet, but as Misha said, it’s unlikely that the daughter of a great noble family could continue as a maid.
“We’ll respect Lena’s feelings. That’s all I can say.”
After all, the idea of her serving us long-term was unrealistic. If the arrangement ends, that’s inevitable.
Then it was time for dinner, but Lena didn’t mention her future plans.
They asked me about winning the adventurer’s tournament and such, and the dinner ended without discussing Lena’s situation.
The next day we were shown around the estate, but still, Lena’s situation wasn’t discussed.
Then, on the day after that, we rode into a very deep forest in a carriage, accompanied by several maids.
“Today, there’s something I’d like you both to see,” said the head of the household.
There’s no way we could refuse, so our group ventured deeper into the forest.
However, the forest wasn’t without its dangers.
A herd of monstrous, bovine-like creatures emerged.
“Ah, ghost cows. They’re quite ferocious,” said Misha, unfazed.
In fact, they wouldn’t be a problem for me either. Even if they’re a herd, at around Lv 20, it should be fine.
Just as I was about to draw my sword—
“No need. Our people will handle it,” said the head of the household.
But I didn’t see any soldiers—then the maids who had come with us attacked the cows one after another.
Within minutes, all enemies were annihilated.
“A pretty good party,” Misha commended.
“Excellent. They seem good enough for the selection exam,” said the head of the household, smirking.
Selection exam? What’s that?
He turned to me. “Cage, I’ve talked extensively with Mireille. She insists on living in your household and rejects the noble lifestyle. We’ve yielded to her wishes. Please take good care of our daughter.”
My face must have lit up. At least, Misha’s did, like sunlight breaking through clouds.
“Of course, only if you agree,” he added.
“I will take good care of your daughter.”
“Understood. Thank you,” he said, bowing his head. “However, Mireille is still a minor noble. Having her work as a servant would tarnish the Selwood family’s reputation. So—”
A grin spread across his face.
“—we thought of selecting a new servant to replace Mireille.”
Ah, so that’s what the selection exam was about.
“Since you’re adventurers, your household would need someone capable of defending it when you’re away. The one who performed best against the cows will be the chosen one.”
His gaze shifted outside the carriage.
There stood a fox-eared maid.