The Male Slave of House Sianella - Chapter 68

Chapter 68: The Male Knight of Sianella (5)

What was I supposed to do…?

Countless gazes were fixed on me.

Half of them were scrutinizing my face, while…

The other half alternated between staring at the bloodstained sword in my hand and the bodies of the demon worshippers I’d killed.

In this world, where weapons and warfare were the domain of women, not men…

It was only natural that a mere attendant, not even a noble-born warrior, wielding a sword would attract attention.

I understood. I understood, but…

‘…This is exhausting.’

I could already envision the troublesome situations this would lead to, and my head began to pound. My stomach churned uncomfortably as well.

For someone born a commoner, now a mere attendant, the attention of these nobles was an unbearable burden.

And to make matters worse,

‘Now the elves are getting involved.’

Those elves.

They were watching me from a distance, their eyes glinting with a predatory interest. I could guess what they were thinking.

That savage, short-lived creature…perhaps we should take him as a pet.

Elves were all the same. They were probably assessing my value in much the same way I’d assess a goblin.

Born with near-perfect abilities and an insufferable arrogance, these long-lived guardians of the forest were always seeking new stimulation to reawaken their gradually fading emotions.

To them, I was…

‘…like an exotic animal.’

I must have piqued their interest.

To think I'd end up entangled with elves…

They weren't making any aggressive moves yet, so they probably hadn't detected my spirit energy from this distance.

But the moment they sensed it, they would undoubtedly try to become involved with me.

As I observed the elves, one of them caught my eye.

Her blonde hair swayed as she smiled brightly and waved at me.

“Hmm…”

Knowing the true nature of elves…

I resisted the urge to smile back and simply bowed my head.

I couldn’t continue holding my sword drawn. It wouldn't do any good. I looked away from the elf and sheathed my blade, closing my eyes for a moment to collect my thoughts.

As I opened my eyes…

‘…This is insane.’

Now, not only the elves, but also Eunice Callia and Aria Alenar were watching me, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and intrigue.

‘Eunice Callia—’

The head of House Callia, responsible for defending the kingdom’s eastern border.

Known for her cold demeanor, sharp intellect, and mastery of sword and shield…

‘—has a fetish…’

…A warped obsession with powerful men.

A fantasy about male knights.

She was practically radiating excitement, her eyes fixed on me. She seemed even more enthusiastic than Sione had been last night when she was drunk.

This damned gender-reversed world…

Under normal circumstances, I would have welcomed the attention of such a beautiful woman. But during my travels with Sione, I’d observed the rough mercenaries of this world and come to a realization.

The women here were female in biology only. Their mentality and everything else were exactly the same as men on Earth.

What good was a beautiful exterior when their inner selves were all the same?

‘I could never…’

How could I possibly be attracted to men, even if they were biologically female?

Even if my closest male friend transformed into a beautiful woman, I would only feel disgust, not attraction.

It was the same principle.

I sighed inwardly and, avoiding Eunice’s ardent gaze, hid behind Sione.

“…Is your hand alright?”

I could see my master, trying to appear composed as always, subtly trembling.

***

The coming-of-age ceremony, which should have continued until sunset, ended early.

The royal family immediately began investigating the incident, and Ainel followed suit.

Those damned cultists had already caused significant trouble in the Beltrin Mountains.

Because of the demonic energy they’d spread…

My left arm had been pierced by that giant spider while exploring the mountains with Sione.

And Siabel Sianella had returned to the territory severely injured.

Ainel would surely take this opportunity to report everything the cultists had done near the Sianella territory to the royal family.

With Ainel handling that…

All of today's scheduled events were canceled, and knights were stationed throughout the palace to reinforce security.

Since there was nothing else for us to do…

Sione and I returned to our respective quarters.

I washed the blood from my skin and changed out of my bloodstained clothes. I put on a fresh Sianella uniform, the crest embroidered on the breast pocket.

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.

“…This is so annoying.”

Sione was probably back in her room, wallowing in guilt and looking like a pathetic, rain-soaked puppy.

I wanted to collapse onto my bed and rest, but…

I was worried about Sione.

Torn between resting and checking on Sione, I opened my door and…

Quietly entered her room. And as expected,

“…Two of them.”

Sione sat there, her bloodstained dress and tangled hair untouched, staring blankly at her hands.

Her hands weren't trembling like before.

But her expression, unlike in the gardens, was clouded with confusion.

To think the daughter of House Sianella, inheritor of the Demon Slaying Authority, would be so affected by killing a demon worshipper…

“They were all consumed by demonic energy. You did what was right, Lady Sione.”

Sione, finally noticing my presence, widened her eyes, then quietly nodded.

“Yes…that’s true…”

She clasped her hands together tightly.

“But I can’t forget the feeling…in my hands.”

My master, finally dropping her mask of composure, looked at me.

I saw myself reflected in her wavering blue eyes. I was staring back at her with an impassive, almost cold expression.

“I’d resolved to never lose him again…or let him be taken away…but I’m trembling after just helping a little… I’m so pathetic, aren't I?”

She offered a hollow smile.

“…Ray, what should I do?”

I walked over and sat down across from her, silently observing her for a moment.

“You are weak, Lady Sione.”

Sione was weak.

Both physically and mentally.

At least to me, she was far too weak.

“Unlike other members of House Sianella, you are not particularly skilled with the sword or other martial arts. Nor do you possess exceptional talent with mana.”

“The same applies to archery. Though you have talent, you’ve barely practiced for a year.”

“Your body is not yet fully developed, and your gentle nature is more suited to a compassionate priest than a resolute knight.”

As I listed these undeniable facts, Sione's confidence seemed to crumble. I could see the self-doubt creeping into her eyes.

Before the last vestiges of light faded from her gaze, I spoke again.

“So please, leave the difficult tasks to me, or at least share the burden.”

A flicker of life returned to Sione’s dying eyes.

“…What do you mean?”

Before answering, I placed my hand over hers, which were still clasped tightly together.

Sione flinched at the sudden contact, a look of surprise mixing with the self-reproach in her eyes.

“You said you couldn’t forget the feeling in your hands.”

I gently unclasped her hands and held them in mine. Sione lowered her head.

I held her hands firmly, not letting go, and her toes began to fidget nervously.

Amused by her childish reaction, I softened my cold expression and smiled faintly.

“How do you feel now? Does the feeling still linger?”

“No, now…I'm alright…”

“That is good to hear.”

I stood up and gently pulled her to her feet.

“Ah…!”

Pulled off balance by the sudden movement, she stumbled towards me, almost falling into my arms.

The bold Sione from recent days was gone.

She was blushing furiously, fidgeting nervously, and avoiding my gaze, just like she had before confessing her feelings in the archery range.

I began to stroke her silvery-white hair. It felt like petting a well-groomed puppy, which was pleasant.

Though her bloodstained dress, pressed against my clean clothes, was less so…

But right now, Sione’s mental state was more important than my discomfort.

Sione, you lucky girl.

I continued to stroke her hair as I whispered into her ear,

“You don’t need to protect me.”

I was far stronger than her. Who was protecting whom?

I just hoped she wouldn’t make things more difficult by trying to protect me. Just quietly cheering me on from behind would be more than enough.

“If you truly wish to help…your archery skills are more than sufficient. With a bow, you won’t have to feel that unpleasant sensation in your hands.”

But if she insisted on helping…

She'd chosen to abandon the sword and take up the bow.

Then it would be best if she simply provided support with her arrows, like an archer should.

I’d feel far more reassured having her guarding our flanks from a distance than having her flailing about with a sword in close combat.

“After all, you’ve chosen the path of an archer, haven’t you, Lady Sione?”

A ruler should act like a ruler. A servant should act like a servant.

And an archer should act like an archer.

“…Very well.”

My sincere words seemed to have gotten through to her, and Sione nodded, quietly resting her head against my chest.

Damn. She was going to stain my clothes with blood.

I resisted the urge to sigh and, instead, ruffled her hair gently.

“Lady Sione, may I say one last thing?”

Sione looked up at me cautiously.

“…What is it?”

“I hope you will no longer be fixated on gender.”

“What do you—”

“I mean, I hope you won't allow yourself to be consumed by a sense of obligation simply because you are a woman.”

“…But aren't men weaker than women, both in mana and physically?”

I chuckled and replied,

“Do I seem like just any man to you?”

Sione pressed her lips together at my words.

I wasn’t like the other men of this world.

I could wield mana, and even spirit magic.

I was more skilled with the bow and sword than Sione herself.

And I’d even single-handedly killed an arachne.

I was far stronger than most female mercenaries.

Sione seemed to realize this as well, her expression troubled.

To ensure she wouldn't cause further trouble by being consumed by a misplaced sense of female bravado…

I drove the point home.

“Though I am a man, I possess sufficient strength to protect you, Lady Sione—”

I smiled at her.

“—so if you wish, I will continue to protect you as your knight.”

Sione’s cheeks, which had regained some of their color, flushed crimson again.

“I would appreciate it if you would consider my words…What are your thoughts, Lady Sione?”

Sione hugged me tightly and quietly replied,

“…I…will do as you say…”

Her voice was soft, and a gentle smile played on her lips, like a maiden in love.

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