Chapter 35

Vinsburoct's plot was reported directly to the king by Kirch August, with the support of the other two ducal families. Initially, it was supposed to be reported to the prime minister, but the prime minister himself recognized the merit of preemptively preventing a matter that could shake the nation and arranged for an audience with the king.

The other ducal families were not unaware that one of the long-standing ducal families had been corrupt since Zevious' time. The Orland and Stollen families, who were considered the leading ducal families, viewed the current head of the Vinsburoct family, a noble, trying to force a betrothal with the princess as a serious issue. With Jean's notorious womanizing, there was a growing call for an internal investigation.

The Stollen family, upon learning that their former mansion was being safely managed by my guild, sent a friendly letter. The trust between the Orland and Stollen families was strong, and through this connection, they agreed to become Kirch's guardians.

I think it's good to take on any job. Yuma, who purified the spirits gathered in that mansion, indirectly helped with this matter. If I tell her this, she won't feel sad about not being able to participate.

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The Vinsburoct family was spared the loss of their title and was demoted to a viscount. Not all members of the family were involved in Zevious' and Jean's actions, and some were unaware of what was happening.

One ducal seat became vacant and was to be re-elected from among the marquises. A sufficient period was set to determine which marquis family was most suitable for the ducal position, and until then, the two remaining ducal families would stand at the top of the nobility.

Kirch was fortunate to be hired by the Orland family. They valued her abilities and her loyalty in trying to advise her lord for the sake of the country. Her subordinates, except for those who committed treason, were to remain under her command—her current status and rewards were to be discussed on another day. She said she wouldn't be satisfied with just that.

Then, a week after the king's ruling,

I, as the masked butler, invited the four 'Rescuers' to a dinner at Beatrice's mansion.

Before sitting down for dinner, I talked to Yuma about not involving her in this mission, but she didn't seem to mind.

"If my power can be of use in human conflicts... it would be to pacify the spirits of those who died with regrets. That is one of our priests' duties, but if I were to be happy about it, Dick would worry."

"Yuma... you've grown up. You used to say you wanted to pacify all souls."

"No, I really do want to pacify them... but I endure, endure, and when it builds up, I ask Dick to set up a place for pacification."

She has a smile that could be called saintly, but her words have a hint of something sinful.

"...Can the masked priest only relieve stress a little?"

"Yes... it's very satisfying, and since I'm known to be a priest of the Albein Church even with a mask, the amount of donations keeps increasing. But I can't forget the feeling when I purified the spirits all at once when Beatrice gathered them... I want to touch Dick's soul like that..."

"R-right... if touching is enough, I don't mind anytime."

Yuma looks at me with her big, innocent eyes. I don't immediately understand the meaning of her reaction.

"No. I'll keep it until Dick becomes an old man and passes away with his family, going to the presence of the gods."

"...Family. To have a family, I need to get a wife first."

"Oh... yes. Regarding that, my father and mother also think that if Dick is willing... ah, that..."

"Butler, Yuma. We've been waiting for a while. Are you still busy?"

"Sorry... Butler, let's talk about this another time..."

Yuma runs over and sits next to Miralca. I thought Miralca would try to intimidate me, but she just smiled and talked to Yuma.

"Would you like a pre-dinner drink, guests?"

"I'll take your recommendation."

"Me too! Yuma, milk? Breaking a rule today... is not allowed, right?"

"Yes, milk or a non-alcoholic drink, please."

"Then, I'll have... my usual."

The last to order is Cody. Today, he's in casual clothes, sitting next to Eileen.

Cody, who asked me what kind of clothes I usually wear, doesn't care much about fashion. I even introduced him to the tailor I always use.

I thought such days would continue.

Do I have to deny what I've seen for the rest of my life, just because I don't want to lose a close friend?

If Cody finds out I spied on him, will he forgive me?

Cordelia Brannage. Her birth record was found in her hometown village under that name.

I could have found this out without moving, with my information network. I never thought to investigate my companions' backgrounds, and this was the first time I considered Cody's birth.

Even though she always kept her brown hair short, I sometimes wondered if it was growing longer. I wondered if the person drinking next to me, traveling with me, was really a man.

Each time, I dismissed the thought, thinking it was impossible. I feared asking if she was actually a woman, as it might damage our trust.

So, if I anger Cody and he breaks off our friendship, it can't be helped.

But I want her to be a little more comfortable, even if she has to continue pretending to be a man. I want her to be able to relax somewhere.

"Today is a special dinner to honor all of you. If you would like, I can choose Cody's drink for you."

"...? Sure, I'll leave it to you."

My heart raced. I could have pretended to be drunk and say it was a dream, and continue the same relationship.

That was the peace I wanted. It wasn't wrong.

I know what I'm about to do is wrong. I've never been this scared before.

I was happy that Cody regularly visited the shop.

It didn't matter if he was a man or a woman; it was a feeling that never changed.

"Excuse me, I will prepare the pre-dinner drinks."

Beatrice enters the dining room, pushing a cart with four glasses of blended drinks. Miralca's is red, Eileen's is blue, Yuma's is white, and Cody's is yellow.

"An original blend from 'The Silver Water Jug,' called 'Drops of the Rainbow.'"

The drink changes to seven colors with the last drop added. The base, a mix of liqueur, brandy, and juice, is delicious on its own, but the last drop significantly changes the taste.

"...Dick... this is..."

I'm a masked butler, but Cody calls my name as if it doesn't matter.

Without a word, I have Beatrice push the cart and place the glasses in front of the four. The triangular glasses are filled with clear drinks of their respective colors.

I thought Cody would order ale. It was a habit he kept since the first time he came to the shop, after I told him that most male customers order ale.

Since then, Cody has subtly asked me about "drinks for men" and only ordered those.

I thought he was trying to act manly because he didn't like being called effeminate. That was half right and half wrong.

He was acting to avoid being seen as a woman by me.

So, I have to end this. Without saying it, I have to convey it.

"...This must be a mistake. I only order ale or rum, not other drinks unless it's a special occasion."

"No, it's not a mistake. It's not a whim."

Miralca, Yuma, and Eileen's expressions change. It's understandable that they look disbelieving.

It's been five years. Five years of not noticing, leading to this day.

Cody tries to say something to me. At first, it seemed like he was angry... but.

"...I have to question you later. This will be a big favor."

"Yes... I understand. But there is no mistake in what I'm serving now. If it offends you, please punish me as you see fit."

I bow deeply, prepared to be accused of mocking him.

But the scolding never comes. Cody sighs.

"...I'll ask what you meant later. But I guess I should have been prepared. It seems I should have been the one to decide."

I'm allowed to raise my head and face the four. No one looks at me with blame. Miralca and Eileen seem to be saying, "You finally noticed?"

"Why did you choose today? When did you start... I have many questions. But for Cody's sake, I'll let it go for today."

"I appreciate that, Miss Miralca."

"Hey, are you still going to be a butler? Dick, aren't you embarrassed to talk to Cody without your mask?"

"...I don't really mind. It's been like this, and it will continue to be..."

Cody says this, but his ears are red. I haven't seen that face since we were on the quest to defeat the demon king and I invited him to take a bath with me.

"Still, Dick, you've lost a male friend."

"No, it's fine. I can still be treated as a man. If not... I, I'll be in trouble..."

"Understood. So, let's drink!"

"Um, I'm happy, but I don't drink..."

"The same recipe, but Yuma's drink has the alcohol removed. Don't worry."

"Of course, Dick. You even prepared a blend that tastes similar without alcohol. I'll need to learn the recipe regularly..."

Beatrice is already well-suited as the mistress of the mansion, but if she says regular visits are necessary, they are.

But the four of them look terrifying—visiting Beatrice's mansion means supplying magic to maintain her physical form. It's not every time, but she seems to expect it.

Yuma is smiling, and Cody, though still red, has returned to his usual cheerful smile, but the meaning in his eyes has subtly changed.

"...If I get jealous in the future, it will be taken that way. Everyone has had a tough time."

"Jealousy is pointless. Dick has no self-awareness."

"True. He attracts people but doesn't give them any attention. What a fisherman."

"Ugh... I'm just a masked butler..."

"I'm a masked priest. Let me say this... pay more attention to me."

Yuma drops a bomb—yet it makes everyone smile. She's always been like that. She seems distant but isn't really.

"Dick, do you remember our promise? I won't forgive you if you forget."

"Ah, is that okay for this job? Then, come to my place and drink together next time? You can bring Verlene too."

"Then, I'll... Dick always puts things off, so I'll ask him to practice sword fighting with me."

Everyone starts making requests. I just want to keep drinking at the bar, but it seems I won't be allowed to do just that.

"Then, Dick... no, Mr. Masked Butler. Please make the toast."

"Why me... but I guess it's not the time to argue. Everyone, raise your glasses... Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The demon king slayers, now the masked rescuers, raise their voices in unison.

Tonight's dinner has no set end time. They drink, talk, and comfort each other.

Changes have occurred through this event, and some things remain the same.

From tomorrow, I'll return to my uneventful daily life. For now, I want to enjoy the company and get pleasantly drunk.

"Butler, would you like a drink?"

"Can you teach us how to make it? I thought you were being unfair by knowing everything."

"Dick says you should learn by watching, so just watch."

"Hmm... I'm curious about how you make it. Show us, Mr. Masked Butler."

"Then, to fulfill your request..."

Beatrice has a shaker for blending drinks, which is not common in the capital's bars. The culture of mixing drinks is something I learned from foreigners and is not widespread in Albein.

I put the ingredients in the shaker and start shaking. When I pour it into the glasses, my dear companions watch with the same excitement as if they were looking at a gem.