The Male Slave of House Sianella - Chapter 76

Chapter 76: A Private Audience (2)

“Before we begin, I’ll share what we’ve learned since the attack.”

“I’m listening.”

Adelheit began explaining the progress of the investigation.

She described how they’d searched not only the palace but the entire capital, finally managing to track down the remaining cultists. She also mentioned the discovery of wooden boxes in the possession of the dead demon worshippers, and how these boxes seemed to have played a crucial role in the attack.

As I listened attentively, my mind wandered to the newly appeared quest.

‘…This is…’

The quest had appeared while I was simply sipping tea, as Adelheit had suggested. And its instructions were rather perplexing.

‘…I understand her being intrigued…’

For some reason, her dragon eyes were ineffective against me.

And I’d displayed both my swordsmanship and mana abilities while protecting her from the demon worshipper.

It was only natural for her to be curious about someone she couldn’t read.

‘…It’s a reasonable reaction, given the circumstances.’

Unless they were mercenaries or engaged in similar dangerous professions, the men of this world rarely learned swordsmanship or any form of martial arts. They were raised to manage their households and support their wives' careers.

So Adelheit was naturally intrigued by my swordsmanship, and the archery skills Ainel had apparently mentioned.

‘And she clearly saw me using mana.’

I’d channeled mana to its fullest extent to protect her from the demon worshipper, and…

Adelheit had witnessed it all.

It was probably quite amusing to her that a man, someone not supposed to possess such power, was wielding mana so effectively.

Having witnessed that level of mana control, she was naturally curious about what other abilities I might be hiding.

But…

‘…Even so…’

I reread the quest description.

‘Use every means at your disposal to increase your value and earn her favor, including your spirit magic, which she has yet to discover.’

I couldn’t comprehend its instructions.

‘…Flaunt my spirit magic? Use every means to earn the princess’s favor?’

Quests never provided unnecessary information. If the quest specifically mentioned using my spirit magic to gain Adelheit’s favor, then…

Even if I didn’t understand the reasoning, it must be the correct path to take.

‘This is insane.’

…Even if it was the right path…

I'd already revealed far more than I’d intended. They knew I was not only capable of channeling mana, but also using it to enhance my swordsmanship.

And now I was supposed to reveal my spirit magic as well?

“Hmm…”

I picked up my teacup and took another sip. An overwhelmingly sweet initial taste, followed by a lingering bitterness.

I savored the bitterness as I considered my options.

‘Should I really reveal my spirit magic to Adelheit?’

Lost in thought, I placed the teacup back on its saucer.

Adelheit, who’d been silently observing me, finally spoke.

“You seem to enjoy the tea.”

She uncrossed her legs and crossed them again, the other way around.

“So…along with your master, Lady Sianella, who protected me so bravely—”

Adelheit’s smile deepened.

“—you skillfully blocked the enemy’s attack, saving my life. And you bravely cut down the other demon worshipper who attacked me. I commend you for your valor, and the royal family wishes to reward you for your service.”

She leaned forward slightly, her face closer to mine.

“Ray, is there anything in particular you desire as a reward?”

I thought about the quest instructions, then replied,

“Then…may I request an elven bow?”

“An elven bow?”

Adelheit’s eyes widened in surprise. But only for a moment. She quickly regained her composure and popped another cookie into her mouth.

A heavy silence fell between us as she chewed thoughtfully. I waited patiently for her to finish.

“I’ve heard you are skilled with the bow, and I know many archers dream of owning an elven bow. But unfortunately—”

Adelheit’s voice deepened, and her dragon eyes activated, their power more intense than before.

“—the true power of an elven bow cannot be replicated by non-elves. Elf-made bows…respond only to the power of spirits wielded by elves.”

She lifted her teacup and brought it to her lips.

“Therefore, if you simply desire a new bow, I would suggest a dwarf-made bow instead…”

She emptied her cup, then reached out and gently cupped my chin with her thumb and forefinger.

I looked into her violet eyes, now so close to my own.

“So, which will it be? A dwarf-made bow, or…an elven bow?”

“I—”

A dwarf-made bow or an elven bow…

Both were excellent weapons, but for me, an elven bow was far superior. And…

The quest…

It had never led me astray. Following its instructions had always been beneficial in the long run.

And since the quest had specifically instructed me to flaunt my abilities to gain Adelheit's favor…

I made my decision.

“…I would like an elven bow.”

I would trust the quest.

Adelheit, as if sensing my intentions, smiled, her expression more seductive than before.

“An elven bow…Very well.”

She released my chin.

She sat back, closing her eyes in contemplation. As the moments passed, her smile deepened, whether from amusement or intrigue, I couldn't tell.

When she finally opened her eyes and looked at me,

Her pupils had returned to their normal human form.

It was far more comfortable to meet her calm, violet gaze than those unsettling reptilian eyes. I felt some of the tension drain from my shoulders.

And finally,

“Now, let’s set that matter aside for now and discuss something else. Ray, a commoner who has become the personal attendant of Lady Sianella…Let’s talk about you.”

Adelheit’s interrogation, thinly veiled as a conversation, began.

She asked where I'd learned swordsmanship, my level of skill with the bow, and other similar questions.

As instructed by the quest, I exaggerated my abilities slightly, and…

Adelheit seemed quite impressed.

As the conversation progressed,

Adelheit’s expression suddenly hardened, her gaze fixed intently on me. Why the sudden change in demeanor?

I watched her cautiously, my mind racing.

Adelheit finally spoke.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask. Will you answer this question truthfully?”

“What is it you wish to ask?”

“Fate. A question about fate.”

“…I will answer to the best of my ability, and hopefully to your satisfaction.”

At my reply, Adelheit’s eyes gleamed as she slowly traced her fingertips along her lips.

“Almost everyone in this world forms connections and lives their lives according to their predetermined fate. There are no exceptions to this grand narrative.”

A deep curiosity flickered in her violet eyes.

“Or rather…there shouldn’t be any exceptions…”

Adelheit frowned.

“Since the attack a few days ago, I’ve observed Lady Sianella, her mother, and even myself.”

“…”

“Everyone connected to you seems to be experiencing a shift in their fate, as if the narrative is being rewritten. It’s quite intriguing, isn’t it?”

Her frown disappeared, replaced by a smile. But this smile wasn't entirely friendly.

“Ray, what are your thoughts on this?”

Why?

Despite the faint suspicion in her eyes,

I sensed hints of opportunity and hope, in her voice.

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