Chapter 61

It has become long, so I will split it.

Before I knew it, the sun had set.

By the time we arrived in the town of Peho, it was pitch dark, and I was so exhausted that I entered a random inn, ate a meal, took a bath, and went to bed right away.

And the next morning, or rather, around 9:30 by my body clock, I was woken up by a knock on the door.

“Tch... What is it?”

I clicked my tongue, dragged myself out of bed, and opened the door to respond.

There stood a well-dressed, average-built handsome man in a butler's uniform.

“Second-sama, it is an honor to meet you. I am Cubero, the butler of the Firstest family. Please remember me.”

He bowed gracefully. His short, neatly set blonde hair swayed slightly, and a faint, pleasant scent of perfume wafted over. When Cubero raised his face, his blue eyes pierced through me. They had the intensity of a martial artist. I somehow felt that he was not just an ordinary person.

...Well, I got it. He's my butler, that's good. But there was one word I couldn't miss.

“Hold on, when did we become the Firstest family?”

“I received instructions from Yurika-sama to use that name.”

“Really?”

It sounded familiar, yet unfamiliar... After all, we had been busy for four months, so my memory was a bit hazy.

Hmm? That means... “Second Firstest” will be my public name. I see. I see. Hmm, not bad, right?

“By the way, why are you here?”

“Yes, I have come to pick you up.”

“A butler?”

“I will go anywhere for Second-sama. Incidentally, I am also a personal attendant to Second-sama.”

“Hmm.”

It seemed like he was going to be busy... That was my elementary school-level impression.

Ah, no, I can't think straight because I'm so sleepy. I want to sleep a little more. But there's a check-out time, so what should I do—

“I apologize for waking you up when you are tired. I have already spoken with the inn, so you can rest for a while longer. Here, this is a cold drink. I will prepare breakfast when you wake up. Would you like to have it in your room?”

“Huh? Ah, yeah.”

“Is that so? Then I will bring it when the time is right. Please take your time. I will take my leave now.”

“Ah, okay.”

...He's really considerate, Cubero. He looks to be in his early twenties. But this level of attention to detail, it's like a seasoned skill. What kind of training did he go through to become this way in just four months?

Oh, the iced tea is also delicious. I don't really understand, but it must be made with good leaves. It has a vague, high-class aroma.

“Good morning.”

I greeted Cubero, who was probably outside the door, and went back to bed for a second sleep in a very good mood.

Around noon. Just as I was thinking about getting up, a knock echoed. Seriously? Is he a psychic or something?

When I opened the door, it was indeed Cubero. The breakfast-cum-lunch he brought was quite substantial and delicious. I invited him to eat with me, but he had already eaten and politely declined.

“Alright, let's check out then.”

“I have already taken care of it.”

“I see. Then let's go to Seven Stay Oh.”

“I have brought subordinates, so please don't worry.”

“That's a relief. Then, let's get some snacks on the way back.”

“I have prepared chocolate cake and hot coffee for today.”

“I see... Ah, I suddenly feel like playing cards with you on the way back.”

“It would be an honor. I have prepared a new deck.”

“...”

He's amazing. He's completely flawless. A psychic and a perfect superman, all in one.

“You're good, Cubero.”

“That is a great compliment.”

When I praised him, he bowed with a refined gesture. As I left the room, he followed me quietly from behind. When we got into the carriage waiting in front of the inn, he gave some instructions to two men who were probably his subordinates, and then sat across from me.

The carriage started moving quietly. Surprisingly, it was only about half as bumpy and noisy as I expected. It must be a very high-end carriage.

Cubero sat with his back straight, looking somewhat pretentious as he looked at me. When he noticed my gaze, he smiled and asked, “Is there something wrong?” When I replied, “No, not really,” he bowed and said, “Please let me know if you need anything.”

Hmm, he's flawless. He's flawless, but... something feels off. Ever since I saw him this morning, it's been like this.

I don't know what's off, but there's a strange, indescribable feeling of discomfort.

What is this? Unbalanced, uneasy, hmm...?

No, I can't figure it out. Since it's a four-hour ride to the capital, I'll spend the time staring at him to figure out what's wrong.

“...???”

I ignored the confused Cubero and observed him thoroughly. If this were a different era, it would be harassment, sexual harassment, and power harassment, but since he's technically my slave, he can't sue me. Still, I'll stop before he gets too stressed out.

...Hmm? Wait. Stress?

I suddenly thought and observed Cubero's mouth and hands closely.

Ah... As I expected. His lips looked slightly dry, and his middle and index fingers were trembling slightly.

—He is extremely “nervous.” Since when? Since this morning. Why? It's the first day, of course.

However, he doesn't show it at all. He calmly does his best work and tries to swallow all the physiological reactions of nervousness so as not to worry his master.

It's stubbornness. Even though it's impossible to consciously stop being nervous, he's suppressing it to the limit with sheer willpower.

Haha! What a good spirit!

“Hahaha!”

Cubero, startled, asked, “What is it?”

“Cubero, you're good. You're my type.”

“My type...?”

Hmm? I think I chose the wrong words.

“Wait. I don't mean it that way. I just like you.”

“That is a great honor.”

“Well, don't be so stiff. Ah... How about a game of cards?”

“Yes, as you wish.”

Looking closely, his movements were a bit stiff. Still, he can do this much work, he's a good guy. He's still a bit awkward, but he'll get used to it gradually. I'm looking forward to when he completely relaxes.

A butler and attendant, Cubero. I have a feeling we'll be working together for a long time. If possible, I'd like to build a friendly relationship.

I took the cards from Cubero, cut the deck, and shuffled them while casually opening my mouth.

“You probably have a terrible past. If you ever have any doubts, make up your mind and consult me.”

“...!”

I added, “I'll do my best to help you.”

It was a rather irresponsible statement, a result of feeling overconfident after taming Anko. Still, I wanted to make a good impression in front of him, who showed such a good spirit.

Cubero's eyes widened in surprise, and then he bowed deeply, almost to his knees.

“I will never forget your words, Second-sama.”

Then, he raised his head slightly to meet my eyes. The intensity in his eyes was like that of a man who had made up his mind.

“I will come to consult you when the house is quiet tonight.”

“...Tonight, got it.”

For a moment, I wondered if he had misunderstood, but I changed my mind when I saw his eyes. He had a hint of tears in the corners of his eyes.

A man who suppresses his nervousness with sheer willpower. A man who would never cry, no matter what. There must be a reason why he can't help but cry. What it means, I will have to decide by the time tonight comes.

“Alright, let's play cards. How about Speed?”

I pretended not to notice his tears and dealt the cards for both of us.

“Sp... Sorry, what?”

“Haha, I'll teach you.”

“I am grateful.”

We played cards until we reached the capital. It was quite fun. That's all.

Finally, I returned home. I felt a slight sense of emotion at the sight of my long-absent home, but to my surprise, I was led not to the “East Mansion” but to the “Vanilla Lake Mansion” in the southwest. My slight sense of emotion faded a bit.

Ah, I remember. It seems they adopted my idea of moving to a different mansion depending on the season. Indeed, the contrast between the red and yellow leaves and the clear blue of Vanilla Lake is picturesque and beautiful. I can't help but say it's a good choice.

“Welcome back, Master.”

“Back, Yurika. We'll live here in the fall—oh!”

Yurika, who greeted me, hugged me, seemingly overwhelmed with emotion. I was a bit surprised.

After a while, Yurika spoke first.

“Please forgive my indiscretion. I... I was relieved. I have a lot to talk about, but please, just a little longer like this...”

Even though we had been in regular contact during my absence, I had left everything to Yurika for four months. She must have been relieved to see my face. I stroked the back of her head, which was buried in my chest, as gently as possible, expressing my gratitude and apology.

“...Phew. I apologize, Master.”

After about five minutes, Yurika, who had returned to her usual cold demeanor, pulled away. She seemed a bit embarrassed and wouldn't meet my eyes.

“Then, let's have a meeting about the accumulated issues—”

“Secondo!!”

“Zak!”

Eko, who had rushed over at full speed, tackled me in the side, making a strange sound. It wasn't a sound of something piercing, but it was quite a tackle. This kid has grown.

“Secondo! Welcome back! Secondo! Welcome back!”

Eko, repeating my name, rubbed her body against my waist, wagging her tail. When I reached out, she jumped up and down. When I petted her head and neck, she purred. She's a cat beast, but right now, she's completely a dog.

“Hey, good girl. I'm back. Hmm? Eko, have you grown a bit?”

“I don't know!”

“I see, you don't know. By the way, is that a copy of Sylvia's? You should stop that.”

“What do you mean!”

Oh, speak of the devil, and she appears.

Sylvia walked over with an angry face, but as she got closer, her expression gradually turned into a smile, as if she couldn't contain her joy.

“...You seem to be doing well, Second-sama. I feel like I worried for nothing.”

“You look different. I'm looking forward to the next dungeon trip.”

“Fool, I'm the one who's looking forward to it.”

“Ah, you got me there.”

We laughed together, shook hands firmly, and then hugged. I don't usually do this kind of physical contact with Sylvia, but the atmosphere was so comfortable that I couldn't help it.

When we pulled apart, Sylvia said with a smile, “Shall we have the meeting before dinner?” “Yes, it will be busy,” Yurika added. Eko just kept smiling.

Then I remembered something.

“By the way, I should introduce everyone. We have a new companion.”

“...Hm.”

“Hmm...”

“?”

...Huh? The atmosphere, which had been so warm just a moment ago, suddenly became as tense as a press conference for an extramarital affair.

“Second-sama, you didn't seduce her, did you?”

“Master, please bring that woman here. We'll talk after that.”

I was questioned by the two of them with a fierce demeanor. I wonder what they're so angry about. If I told them I didn't seduce her but made her submit through physical language, how would Sylvia react? And how do they know it's a woman?

“Wait, wait, I get it. I'll call her now.”

I made the two of them step back and summoned only Anko with the Magic Summoning. Angolmoa is currently under house arrest.

“—Master, Anko is here.”

Anko appeared from the darkness, accompanied by a black shadow.

Sylvia and Yurika, who had been bristling, were now intimidated by Anko's dark aura, muttering, “Ku, she's huge!” and “I give up...!?” They were scared, but it seemed a bit off.

“Ara? These people... hehe.”

On the other hand, Anko muttered something and suddenly thrust her right hand forward.

...Hmm? What is she going to do—

“Stop it!!”

—It was too late.

A dark, boiling mist spewed out from Anko's right hand. It was Dark Magic... Sylvia, Yurika, and Eko had no way to dodge and were hit head-on.

The three of them were stunned. But they soon realized that their HP was down to 1.

I grabbed Anko's hair, who was about to deliver the final blow, and pulled her to my face.

“Anko, what are you doing without my permission?”

“Ah, oh... Master, I just wanted to...”

...I was surprised. Anko was trembling. Like a child who had been scolded by a parent. Her eyes, which were completely innocent, were moist with tears.

“What... What happened?”

Sylvia, who had just finished drinking a potion, spoke. Her face was a mix of shock, confusion, and fear. Yurika and Eko looked the same. Of course, anyone would be scared after being brought to the brink of death in an instant.

“I shouldn't have killed them. Oh, what have I done. Oh, I'm sorry, Master. Anko will reflect on this. I won't do it again without permission. I'll do anything you say. I'll be useful. Please forgive me. Please forgive me...”

Anko apologized, bowing and clinging to me. Probably because she didn't want to be disliked by me. She was determined to reform herself so that I wouldn't abandon her.

But that's not the issue. The problem is her value system, which leads her to try to kill people just because she wants to kill.

Born in the Isoroyi underground library and spending hundreds of years in solitude in the darkness, it must have been a normal thing for Anko. She has been breathing, eating, and living in the darkness, killing everything. It might have been her only form of play.

...What is this? How should I correct her? How should I teach her? I don't know.

“Anko... from now on, you are not allowed to take any action without my permission. If you want to do something, you must first get my approval. Absolutely, without fail. We'll talk after that.”

“...!”

I made a decision and gave Anko a harsh order.

Anko looked at me with a melted expression, sat down on the spot, and nodded. She looked clearly happy, though I don't know why. She just kept staring at me. Ah, she's following the order diligently.

“You can speak now.”

“Oh, Master. What a generous punishment for someone as dull as me. Please give me a harsher punishment until my foolish head understands. Please put a spiked collar on me and train me. If you say I'm no longer useful, please...”

I cut her off, “I'm a bit busy, so please wait for a while. That's all.”

I dismissed her with a one-sided decision and then sent her back. It hurt a little.

Ah... I've gained another headache. What should I do...

I can still “operate” her as she is. But I can't just leave it at that. There will surely be a flaw somewhere, and another dangerous incident like this will happen. Hmm, I want to avoid that...

“Master. What was that...?”

Yurika, as always, remained calm even in such a situation. She had regained her composure and was trying to analyze the situation.

“A dark wolf... a top-tier boss rank demon I tamed over four months. Her name is Anko.”

“...Isn't she too strong?”

“She's not even using half of her full strength.”