NOVEL NEXT About a year into Kyle’s dance and etiquette lessons, I had a revelation.
Kyle was indeed smart.
Contrary to the stereotype that good physical health means a lack of brains, he was truly sharp.
Of course, being smart was probably why he was also learning magic.
When reviewing something learned years ago, most would have forgotten, but Kyle was different.
He still remembered enough from years back.
Thanks to that, we wrapped up our lessons quickly and had more time to practice dancing.
Since dancing is the highlight of the social scene, we focused hard on it.
Each day, Kyle got better at leading, making our dance sessions even more enjoyable.
His partner was likely having just as much fun.
After all, a dance without a good leader is really boring.
“Young Master, grip your hands.”
But for some reason, he always gripped too tightly, which worried me.
If he held like that in real life, his partner would definitely struggle.
Right now, it was practice, and since he was just holding my wrist, it wasn’t that big of a deal, but if he squeezed just a bit harder, it would certainly leave a mark.
“Sigh… Young Master, if you do that with other ladies, it will certainly be a problem.”
“Then I just won’t do it with other women…”
“Young Master!”
Kyle’s nonsensical remark suddenly made me raise my voice.
The eldest son of the Eristirol territory and heir didn’t realize how wrong that was.
It was inappropriate.
Saying such things when he didn’t even have a girlfriend like some noble kids was baffling.
Was he looking for a scolding?
In the past, I had foolishly entertained the idea that Kyle was interested in boys rather than girls, but now I knew better.
Proof of that was found while cleaning Kyle’s room; there were certain tissues dedicated to… a specific purpose.
And the clothes of someone nearby.
Considering he was on the brink of adulthood and in his teenage years, it was only natural for him to be curious.
I wasn’t crazy; I wouldn’t criticize him for something like that.
It was simply part of growing up, and I had even included sex education in our lessons.
“You are the heir, Young Master. You must never say things like you’ll live alone forever. Your sister hasn’t even returned yet, and even if she does, she won’t become the heir…”
“…I’m sorry.”
Finally, he seemed to understand after this lecture.
Though his body was clearly growing up, he was still a kid at heart.
“That’s enough dancing for today.”
The mood had shifted away from being educational.
After all that sweat, a wash was in order.
“Young Master, next class is magic, right? I’ll escort you.”
He should have known this by now after several years, but it was just part of my daily routine.
After sending Kyle off to class, I’d take a quick wash and spend some time with Elin.
*
“Young Master, have you chosen your outfit for the debutante?”
“No, I haven’t decided. Can you help me choose one?”
“Of course.”
The debutante ball was just around the corner.
On the very first day of April next month, Kyle would finally step into the social scene.
Is this what it’s like to watch your child prepare to leave home?
I believe Kyle will do just fine.
He has danced well and learned etiquette impressively.
I may accompany him, but there won’t be much for me to do once we get there.
Most I would do is follow behind him and give a few tips.
“Let’s head out right away.”
Louise had taken the day off for work, which was a rarity but understandable coming from her.
It was surprising that she had been diligent in her lessons for this long.
Wait, now that I think about it, wasn’t she still into gambling…?
“….”
Regardless, the priority was to pick out Kyle’s clothes.
While they would all be formal attire, the details would differ, so it was important for him to try each one on.
I hadn’t had him try on many yet, but I had prepared all kinds of outfits that he would eventually wear.
“Whoa.”
And there were a lot!
Kyle had plenty of clothes prepared, even though he hadn’t worn them before.
They came in various styles, including many of today’s trending fashions.
Thanks to that, I didn’t have to worry too much about style.
“Um…”
Perhaps due to the sheer number of clothes, Kyle seemed taken aback.
Since the maids and I usually brought him outfits, he probably had no clue there would be this many.
I was surprised myself since I hadn’t ventured into this area before.
“Young Master, which outfit would you like to try first?”
I personally recommended the black one most.
White would look good too, but black is always the safe bet and can look impressive when styled right.
Of course… with Kyle’s physique, anything he wore would look good.
“Please choose one for me. There are too many options.”
“Ah, then let me pick for you. Something fabulous for our young master.”
I smiled at him and began to browse through the selection.
With so many choices, it indeed took quite a bit of time.
Meanwhile, Kyle quietly waited for me while sitting down.
Usually, he’d stand silently, but maybe he was a bit bored this time.
Well, just like some people enjoy shopping and others don’t.
I personally liked shopping.
There wasn’t much to buy here, but I anticipated it would be nice to check out Oldenburg later.
As Catherine said, that place was better than Eristirol.
By the way, would Catherine be coming to the debutante?
In some ways, she could be considered my friend.
We got really close in a short time despite the age difference.
Elin, Louise, and Catherine were pretty much my social circle now.
And Kyle was like a little brother.
“Hmm… Shall we try this one on first? If you’re unsure how to wear it, I can help you.”
“….Hmm…”
Suddenly, Kyle seemed deep in thought.
Was he pondering something?
“I don’t know. I think I’d appreciate your help.”
“Yes.”
If Kyle asked for help, it was my duty to assist him.
I helped him out of his cotton outfit.
He must have worked up a bit of sweat while going about his day since it didn’t come off easily.
Then I had him put on the pants.
“Umm.. let’s start with this shirt.”
I dressed him in a shirt that was a bit more stylish than the usual plain one, with certain frills to it.
It was an outfit fit for a noble.
Formal pants teamed with a frilly shirt.
Finally, I held up the coat.
My personal favorite: a sleek black tailcoat.
Because obviously, men should wear black.
I slipped it over Kyle from behind.
“Oh wow…”
Black truly suited him.
It looked fantastic on him.
And even though there were plenty more outfits to try, he already looked fabulous.
His appearance and physique were incredibly attractive.
If he went out like this, I had no doubt he could charm all the maids in our castle!
That seemed very possible.
Kyle looked that amazing right now.
“You look absolutely stunning!”
I let out a little louder than intended, but I didn’t mind.
It was a heartfelt compliment!
“Really? That good?”
“Yes, it’s the best I’ve seen you look so far.”
“…I see…”
I immediately stood on my toes to reach for a shirt above my height.
Had it been any other day, I wouldn’t have grabbed that, but after seeing him in the first outfit, I wanted to see how the others looked too.
“Young Master! Time for the next outfit!”
“..What?”
“Since we need several more choices anyway, it would be best for you to try a few more.”
After all, once the debutante ball was done, Kyle would have many social functions to attend.
It would be wise to choose a couple of outfits for him to have on hand.
Of course, we’d have to try each one first, but that was a given.
So we kept switching outfits for Kyle.
Every time he changed pants, he appeared a bit shy and tried to hide, but I just helped by turning him around.
He really didn’t need to feel embarrassed.
After all, we were practically brother and sister.
At most, he’d just be showing off his underwear… so what was there to be embarrassed about?
It made me worry how he’d handle the first night of his marriage.
What if his wife needed to see him and he couldn’t show his body and ended up getting divorced?
“….”
What an overly dramatic thought.
Even if Kyle seemed a bit awkward right now, he wouldn’t be that bad.
I raised him right!
Well, even if he had trouble showing his body, he could still perform the act… so maybe it would be fine?
Of course, I had no personal experience either, but I was sure it would turn out okay.
“Young Master, between these clothes, which one do you prefer?”
Honestly, this was much more fun than picking out Kyle’s outfits to mix and match.
I smiled and continued to help him change clothes.
“So… the reason you couldn’t attend class today…”
“…..”
“Is it because you were gambling again?”
“…..”
Well, I already knew she’d be at it.
Of course, the stakes would be high, and it was only natural she’d get in trouble this time too.
It was something I had expected for a while.
If she could quit gambling so easily, she wouldn’t have blown her whole fortune before coming here.
“Hey.”
I decided to put this to use and handle the situation properly.
I would find the most effective way to make use of Louise while still ensuring she would be comfortable.
“Sign this.”
“…What is this…?”
“A contract.”
It was just a normal contract.
It was basically an employment contract with a slight adjustment.
She had already signed one before, but this was a bit different.
“You’re just going to keep losing money, right? So let’s make a new contract.”
The mages took contracts way more seriously than you’d think.
Even for someone I often called crazy, like Louise, there was no exception.
“…Is this alright?”
“Yep.”
There were unlikely to be any incorrect clauses.
I had double-checked several times.
“…Seven-year extension? Is this really right?”
“Yes.”
Previously, Louise’s contract had been up for renewal every year.
But this time, I just changed it up.
What I suggested was a “no-fee” contract in exchange for seven years of wages all at once.
Certainly, seven years’ worth of wages was a substantial sum.
It was enough to hire a seasoned magic instructor long-term.
However… this money wasn’t for hiring a magic instructor.
Soon enough, at one of the Eristirol territory’s gambling halls, it would become the money that would be foolishly spent.
Louise always frequented the same gambling place.
Thus, I was scheming.
While gambling wasn’t illegal, it certainly bore a less-than-positive image within the territory.
So, I secretly wrapped up a deal with them.
I’d offer up seven years’ worth of foolishness; in return, I required half the money up front.
Confidentiality was an added bonus.
Clearly… Louise would lose that entire seven years’ worth of salary.
And once she burned through that money?
A mage would be created who would have to teach magic for seven years, no matter where within the Eristirol territory she was.
“What? It’s just an ordinary contract, isn’t it? It’s merely a seven-year long-term contract providing necessities, with an added clause that requires you to come to work upon request, right?”
“Of course it’s an ordinary contract. What unusual stuff could a mere servant like me even write?”
I beamed at Louise and responded.
Completely oblivious to all the details, she just smiled and signed.
“Thanks, Louise.”
Thanks to her, I managed to recover half the money that would’ve been wasted and secured a magical servant!