The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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“Marrying into the Count’s House is an excellent choice. The power of the Count’s House is unmatched among any other noble family in the current kingdom. Especially since Princess Shione has reached the level of a master, she would be the best match for such a partnership.”

“I haven’t said to whom I would send a marriage proposal yet.”

“Wasn’t it Princess Shione?”

“That’s true, but… I was just wondering how you knew.”

“Haha.”

Banner chuckled as if he expected my response.

This guy has been working in the Count’s House until coming to the barony. Though I had never crossed paths with him until now, it seems he had a hint about the relationship between me and Shione.

“I thought I was hiding things quite well.”

Even if he worked next to Ainel, I didn’t expect someone I hadn’t even exchanged a word with would react this way.

No wonder no one had brought it up yet. Almost everyone in the Count’s House already knew about the vibes between Shione and me.

“Still, if he’s been serving Ainel, Banner must be one of the key retainers of the Count’s House.”

Given that he’s spent a lot of time working there, the Count’s House must be like his second family.

For someone like him, a former slave like me mentioning a marriage proposal to Shione would typically be a bit unsettling, but he seemed rather pleased instead.

Perhaps the reaction to my engagement with her would be less of a backlash than I worried about.

“Then until a clear response comes from the Count’s House, I will hold off on any proposals from other families. I’ll go get the contract proposal documents from another family for now.”

“I would appreciate that. Oh, and could you have a servant prepare some stationery for me?”

“Certainly. I’ll send someone to your office shortly.”

Thanks to his consideration, stiff letter paper was soon placed in front of me.

A marriage proposal to the Count’s House. I wasn’t quite sure how to phrase it, but since not everyone would get to open this letter, it didn’t have to be too extravagant.

Writing as neatly as possible, I carefully laid out my intentions and slowly looked over what I’d written.

“This seems alright.”

Though I’m not much of a writer, I did my best to include some flowery language. I made sure to pack in my genuine feelings too.

Thus, I proudly showed the content of the letter to our dependable spirits, and eventually—

“…A marriage proposal?”

“Exactly?”

“You weren’t actually planning to send just this, were you?”

“…Is it a bit odd?”

“Dad, even I think this is… It feels like a threat to just hand it over.”

“……”

I only ended up getting scolded heavily.

“It’s so unfair.”

I suppose I would have to later catch someone and write it properly according to the format.

Can I really live with such a feeling?

*

The first impression of the Baron’s territory was that it was an incredibly busy and vibrant land. Moreover, the city, which had been planned meticulously, exuded elegance while functioning efficiently. It truly made me realize how great a gift Adelhaite had prepared for me.

After feeling overwhelmed by the initial impression, I soon understood that to improve this vitality further, considerable hard work was required. Relaxing comfortably was, in fact, much harder than I thought.

“Baron, you haven’t been back for long after your victory… perhaps it would be best to rest for a moment—”

“I haven’t finished the funeral service that I am supposed to lead myself. I promised the soldiers on the battlefield, so I’ll finish this before resting.”

“…With that attitude, even if Old Shin tries to stop you, it won’t reach you.”

“Of course. But don’t worry, I won’t overwork myself.”

Once the memorial service and the proper funeral were all prepared, the soldiers, retainers of the family, as well as the families of the deceased gathered together.

“I swear that we, along with the Baron, will forever remember and never forget the heroic tales demonstrated by our departed heroes.”

I managed to send them off without issue.

And finally, I had a bit of leisure time to spend with my comrades from the battlefield.

“You seem very busy recently. Unlike our easy-going knights, dealing with stiff bureaucrats must be quite the headache, huh?”

“Well, it’s not like they’re all unreasonable. It seems I’m managing to get by thanks to their consideration.”

“That’s a relief. However, just as Theia mentioned… they do like to be stubborn sometimes. In those moments, don’t hesitate to act on your own will.”

“Just like Captain Dorothy said, all the soldiers who have experienced you, including our knights, trust you, Lord. Your authority comes from your strong might, so we are more than willing to support you.”

Dorothy and Hanelrn nearly ate up the heartfelt atmosphere.

But in such a warm atmosphere—

“So, about the Special Assault Brigade’s equipment… Looks a little worn, don’t you think? How about we change it up?”

“I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible.”

“Really? The armor and saddles seem rather aged, and there are quite a few shortcomings…”

“With all the expenses I’ve incurred, I can’t afford it. If you really want to change things, we could reduce Captain Theia’s salary and invest the remaining funds—”

“I’m sorry, my lord.”

The laughter of the two captains filled the space left empty by Theia.

Thus, as everyone in the Baron’s household commemorated the war and focused on hopeful futures.

In the west, the shield, the bloodline of Count Shianella, were gathered in Ainel’s office, revealing serious expressions.

“I’m sorry for calling everyone during a busy time, but we received a letter from the Karpel Barony. It’s a personal letter from the Baron, containing quite important matters.”

At Ainel’s words, Siabel and Sion tilted their heads inquisitively.

Shione couldn’t take her eyes off the letter lying on the table, her head bowed deep.

“If it were a simple greeting or contract matters, Siabel and I could handle that on our own, but this situation is a bit different.”

“I’m looking forward to what Ray wrote directly. What did it say?”

“The Baron proposed marriage to our Shione.”

“…Marriage?”

Sion was busy blinking alternately between the letter and Shione.

Siabel nodded as if she expected this, acknowledging it in her own way.

“Everyone here knows of Ray Karpel. No need to explain his abilities, but he comes from common origins. Because of this, we need to have a discussion on whether we’d accept him as part of our Count’s family.”

Hearing Ainel, Siabel responded first.

“I think it’s a good idea. No matter his past, he’s now a significant figure in the kingdom with direct royal jurisdiction. If Shione and he were to be related by blood… after obtaining a title, that would surely solidify his position with the Count’s House. We could leverage the Karpel Barony for an even greater leap for our family.”

“What you say makes sense.”

“Also, he must have received many marriage proposals. Before other powerful noble families take away someone capable, our Count’s House should act. If Shione is fond of him as a marriage partner, he would undoubtedly make an excellent match, considering both his personal abilities and family situation.”

Receiving royal jurisdiction is no small matter.

Even as a mere baron, anyone receiving favorable attention from the royal family is surely destined for even greater things.

Considering both his past achievements and present evaluations, as long as the kingdom doesn’t fall apart overnight or make some grave foolishness, he is a blank check for a secured future. Ainel called it an opportunity not to be missed.

“…I agree. Our second sister is of marrying age, so it’s about time she finds a husband. Additionally, for a man of Baron status, it’s rather difficult to find one among the elite social circles. Even though he may be a bit gruff, that might actually make him a better match for my sister.”

Sion shared positive sentiments, recalling the changed dynamic with his second sister and how well they matched in their academy days.

Ainel slowly nodding along as she gazed at Shione.

Was she feeling shy? Bowing her head deeply, she couldn’t utter a word. The tips of her ears peeked red through her silky silver hair, and her multiple expressions allowed her family to infer what she was feeling.

“Then it seems our discussion has roughly come to a conclusion. Shione, what do you think?”

In a slightly playful tone, Shione murmured.

“I can’t hear you well.”

“……!”

“If you mean you dislike it to the point you can’t even speak… I’ll tell Karpel Baron not to consider it anymore—”

“…I think it’s good after all!”

Ultimately, Shione’s true feelings burst forth.

As she raised her head, the three of us nearby exchanged glances with the same expression.

“Wow? Look at you, we can hardly stand your excitement.”

“Turns out, there was a reason you warned me not to harbor any feelings for him.”

“No way! Did our second sister really threaten elder sister?”

“Oh, that’s news to me.”

The flood of past stories began.

As Shione’s face turned bright red, clearly flustered, she could only squirm.

In the end, she had to endure a fair amount of teasing before being freed.

“The story has ended. We are all positively considering the marriage proposal, so we should respond accordingly. No matter how influential we are from the Count’s House, calling the lord here while he’s busy with construction wouldn’t be polite.”

At Ainel’s continuation, Shione, who had been sulking, slowly peeked up at her.

“Shione, we need to prepare to visit the Baron’s house.”

“When you say to go to the Baron’s house…”

“We need to officially declare the engagement and let the entire world know. Beyond the relationship built in the battlefield and as your archery mentor, it should be made known that you hold deep feelings for him.”

A relationship that needed no introduction.

“Even if there are dissenting opinions from the retainers, Siabel and I will handle it—”

Under the strong words from my mother, Shione was naturally drawn into the ongoing sentence.

“Shione, if your feelings are truly sincere, make sure to show him that no other foxes can interfere with him.”

Under that suggestion, Shione humbly bowed her head and replied.

“As you say, Mother—”

With the corner of her mouth concealed by her hair at a delicate angle.

Thus, her family remained unaware.

“I will surely make it so.”

For Shione was indeed a cunning fox, waiting for this very opportunity.