Chapter 74

Some time later, a maid arrived to replace Shelia, coming all the way from the capital to Zeato. Leoard was delighted, thinking that Beluga had thoughtfully sent the maid, but he was about to be troubled when he learned the truth.

"By the order of Lady Sylvia, I am to serve you from today onwards. My name is Isabelle. I look forward to working with you."

(Why... why...)

It was unexpected that the fourth princess, Sylvia, would send a maid. Leoard inwardly wept, realizing that as long as he stayed in this country, he could not escape the clutches of evil.

To understand how this situation came about, we need to go back a bit in time.

When Leoard was reporting the incident with Shelia to Beluga, in the royal castle, the king, Alberion, was negotiating with his fourth daughter, Sylvia.

"Father, you still refuse to acknowledge it?"

"I know you like Leoard, and I understand your desire to go to Zeato. I want to let you go, but I need you to stay in the capital."

"Is it because of my skill?"

"Yes, that's right. It pains me to keep you in the capital just because your skill is useful, but it's for the people."

"I understand. And I know that you support the researchers who are working on my behalf every day."

Sylvia's skill, the Holy Barrier, has an immense effect on demons, repelling them and reflecting magic. Given its range, which can encircle the capital, Sylvia is essential to the capital's defense. Thanks to Sylvia, the people of the capital do not have to fear the shadow of demons. However, only a few in the capital know this fact.

Moreover, Sylvia's skill does not activate during sleep. Even if it is activated before bedtime, it deactivates when she falls asleep. Therefore, night patrols are necessary.

To compensate for this weakness, the king has gathered researchers to try to reproduce Sylvia's skill. Despite many attempts, they have yet to succeed.

There are magical barriers, but they are inferior to Sylvia's Holy Barrier. While the Holy Barrier is indestructible, ordinary barriers can be broken depending on the skill and magic power of the caster.

Thus, the king's true intention is not to let Sylvia, who is crucial to the capital's defense, leave. In exchange for keeping her in the capital, he allows her a certain degree of freedom, letting her move around within the capital. However, without Leoard, Sylvia is dissatisfied.

"Why don't you stop being so fixated on Leoard?"

"I don't want to. You know, Father, that Leoard is the first to change so drastically."

"That's true, but my investigations have found no irregularities."

"That's exactly it! That's why I want to know! I want to understand the process that led to such a change in Leoard!"

"Then why don't you entrust it to one of your subordinates?"

"That wouldn't be fun. Hehe, Leoard is so afraid of every move I make. It's so cute... I can't help but tease him."

(I'm sorry, Leoard. I didn't know my daughter had this side to her.)

King Algarvein bowed his head in prayer for Leoard while turning a blind eye to his daughter's tendencies.

In the end, Sylvia could not go to Zeato, but she learned that Leoard was looking for a new servant. Determined not to let this opportunity pass, she wrote to Beluga, sending a person of her choice to Leoard. Although she could not be by Leoard's side, she successfully placed someone under her influence near him.

In truth, Sylvia wanted to send a civil servant to gather more information. However, she stopped short of doing so because she wanted to see how Leoard would manage Zeato.

Sylvia, who was loyal to her desires, was a mixed bag. Whether this would turn out well or badly was known only to the gods.

Currently, a beautiful maid is bowing politely before Leoard. Her name is Isabelle, and her cold eyes give an impression of unfathomable depth. Given that she was recommended by Sylvia, she is not someone to be taken lightly. However, since she was recommended by the princess, she is undoubtedly competent. Leoard is both pleased and wary.

"For now, let's go inside and get you settled. I don't think it will be too difficult, but I'll leave it to you."

"As you wish, Lord Leoard."

Despite his unease, Leoard needs to fill the gap left by Shelia. So, he takes Isabelle to the mansion.

(Well, I need to figure out how Lord Leoard has changed and how he manages Zeato. For the princess's sake.)

Of course, Isabelle is not just a servant. She is a spy sent by Sylvia. Whether Leoard is a poison or a medicine is still unknown, but he is about to be burdened with a troublesome person.

(Sigh. What is that princess thinking?)

Unaware of this, Leoard is casually on guard against the princess.