The Male Slave of House Sianella - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Evan Feiosha (2)

"The Marquis is waiting. I'll guide you to the reception room."

We followed the servant's guidance to the reception room.

Though the distance was considerable, observing the mansion as we walked made it feel less lengthy.

Various paintings hung along the corridors, making the walk quite interesting.

"This is the place."

"Thank you for your effort."

"The Marquis requested to meet with Lady Sione Sianella privately."

"I'll enter the reception room alone."

Having finished his guidance, the servant bowed briefly.

Then he took position by the door, apparently waiting for any possible orders from the Marquis.

"Good luck."

"...Yes."

Sione's expression darkened, clearly displeased about having a private audience with the Marquis.

Well, meeting her future mother-in-law and the Marquis of Feiosha without any prior relationship—

It was understandable that she found the situation burdensome.

Creeak...

Sione slowly opened the reception room door and stepped in.

The door closed soon after, leaving us to wait for Sione's return.

"Hmm..."

On the left was a servant I'd never seen before.

And on the right was Diolia, with whom I'd barely exchanged any words beyond work matters.

It was incredibly awkward.

Though the two of them didn't seem bothered at all.

It would have been nice if Ian were here at times like this.

But Ian had gone straight to the church upon arriving at the marquisate.

He hadn't come here, so I had no one to talk to except Sione.

I considered striking up a conversation with Diolia but gave up, lacking the confidence to break this silence.

As we quietly waited for Sione, before long she emerged from the reception room.

Though I wanted to speak to her out of relief,

I closed my mouth upon seeing the Marquis following behind her.

"Guide them to the reception room in the annex. After finishing the guidance, return to my office."

The head of the Feiosha Marquisate.

Julia Feiosha had an incredibly composed impression.

Her hair held the deepest black imaginable.

Her cold impression and dark eyes that regarded others indifferently were striking.

The servant immediately responded to Julia's words.

"Understood."

After confirming the servant's response, Julia spoke to Sione.

"Have a good discussion with Evan about this engagement."

"...Yes."

Seeing how Sione's voice had lost strength compared to before entering the reception room,

It seemed she must have had quite a draining conversation inside.

Though I was curious what Julia and Sione had discussed,

From the current atmosphere, she seemed like a new bride who'd just been scolded by her mother-in-law.

"I'll guide you. This way..."

Once again we moved according to his guidance.

Leaving the main building toward the annex, we could see the marquisate's garden.

Even at a glance, it appeared larger and better maintained than Sianella County's garden.

"The garden is well-maintained. Why not ask Young Master Evan to tell you about it?"

When his fiancé's name left my mouth, Sione flinched briefly.

I couldn't understand why she'd react that way just from hearing a name.

Though she seemed quite displeased, perhaps because of the Feiosha servant's presence,

Sione couldn't voice her displeasure like she had in the carriage.

"...Yes, bringing up the garden wouldn't be a bad idea."

"That's a good thought."

"But wouldn't talking about gardens and flowers seem ill-fitting for a woman like me, rather than a delicate man?"

I shook my head.

Well, there's no law saying only delicate men can like flowers.

Her worry was pointless.

"What's wrong with a woman liking gardens and flowers? If Young Master Evan likes flowers like you do, you should be able to have an interesting conversation."

"I share the same opinion, Lady Sione."

"Alright, I understand."

With even Diolia joining in the conversation, we entered the annex.

Once again, after finishing his guidance, the servant gave a brief greeting before heading to Julia's office.

The reception room in the annex was still completely empty.

It seemed Evan Feiosha hadn't arrived yet.

"Lady Sione, please relax."

"...Is it that obvious?"

"Anyone could see you're nervous. Taking some deep breaths might help."

Nod nod.

Sione took several deep breaths following my words.

I took out a handkerchief from my pocket and handed it to Sione.

"Please take this."

"A handkerchief? Why suddenly?"

"Didn't I teach you before about actions that men would like?"

"Ah."

At my words, Sione reacted as if finally remembering what had happened in her room.

"T-there's no way I could possibly wipe someone's mouth with a handkerchief."

"Aren't you giving up too early?"

"...I think 'impossible' is more accurate than 'giving up.'"

"Then at least handle the refreshments as I taught you."

"That much I can..."

Though using the handkerchief might be difficult, it seemed she would at least eat refreshments properly as I'd taught her.

It would be problematic if she kept stuffing cookies in her mouth in front of her fiancé like usual.

I'm not hoping for much more—I just want her to eat refreshments properly.

I pushed Sione into the reception room while saying:

"I'll wait outside the reception room."

"Haah... very well."

After confirming that Sione, unceremoniously pushed into the reception room, had taken her seat,

Only then did I wait outside for Evan Feiosha's appearance, and soon footsteps could be heard in the distance.

Diolia's and my attention turned toward the sound of approaching steps.

Soon we could see who was making them.

Short black hair like Julia Feiosha's and a cold expression.

Also a handsome face resembling Julia's.

This man must be none other than Sione's fiancé, Evan Feiosha.

"..."

What sin could someone so presentable have committed to end up as Sione's arranged marriage partner?

I hadn't understood before, but seeing his face in person made it even more incomprehensible.

Moreover, I'd heard they'd become engaged after Sione had shut herself away in her room.

Though I'd returned her to being human now... when the engagement was arranged, Sione wouldn't have been a pleasant sight.

There must have been many other good matches—it seemed quite pitiful that he'd ended up engaged to none other than Sione.

The man who appeared to be his attendant spoke to him.

"I'll wait outside. Please call if you need anything."

"Thank you, Ron."

Contrary to his cold impression, he smiled slightly before finally entering the reception room where Sione waited.

***

Some time had passed since being pushed into the reception room by Ray's hands.

He should be arriving soon...

As his arrival was taking longer than expected, I began recalling my conversation with the Marquis.

'Welcome to the Feiosha Marquisate.'

It had started with simple formal welcoming words.

'I assume you've come all this way... regarding the matter of engagement to my son.'

And ended with a brief discussion about my engagement to her son.

Though the atmosphere hadn't been particularly warm,

I preferred this awkwardness to pointless pretense.

While lost in thought, it seemed my awaited person had finally arrived.

As sounds could be heard from outside the reception room, the door began to open.

I suppressed my nervousness and watched emotionlessly as the man entered the room.

Evan Feiosha. My forgotten fiancé.

He quietly entered the room and stood before me.

I rose from my seat and greeted him.

"A pleasure to meet you, Young Master Feiosha."

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Sianella."

An incredibly awkward atmosphere hung between Evan and me.

The one who broke the awkward silence was none other than Evan.

"Since we have quite a bit to discuss... let's have a seat."

"...Very well."

Evan and I took our seats.

Though the sofa was exceptionally soft, I didn't find it particularly comfortable.

"Though we're engaged, this is our first time meeting in person? I'm glad to finally meet you."

"The honor is mine, Young Master. If only our territories were closer—it's regrettable that the distance has prevented frequent meetings."

Seemingly pleased with my response, Evan showed a small smile.

At first we exchanged simple greetings and asked after each other's well-being.

As the atmosphere gradually relaxed, I could answer Evan's questions without much difficulty.

Ray had clearly suggested bringing up the garden...

But contrary to his hopes, I couldn't bring up that topic.

Soon after, the reception room door opened again.

"Young Master Evan, I've brought the refreshments and tea as requested."

The servant placed tea and refreshments on the table before us.

As the black tea and sweet refreshments were beautifully arranged, he left the reception room.

"Perhaps you don't care for sweet foods?"

"I quite enjoy sweet things, so please don't worry. I'm grateful for your consideration."

"I'm glad."

Evan took a sip of tea.

I put a cookie in my mouth.

Clink.

As Evan set down his teacup, he finally spoke the words I'd been waiting for.

"How do you feel about our engagement?"

Only then did I finally feel like talking with the previously awkward Young Master Evan.

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