Chapter 38

"Please! Could you please come work for me and support me from now on!?"

As I pleaded for Shuna to become my servant so I could attend the Royal Academy, her face gradually turned red.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened and closed repeatedly.

(Huh, is it really that surprising?)

While a bit taken aback by Shuna's overreaction, I lightly cleared my throat.

"Sorry, I didn't think it would surprise you this much."

"Of course it's surprising! Because, this is just too sudden..."

Indeed, it was sudden.

But with Duke's deadline, I had no choice but to rush things.

Feeling a bit guilty, I added an explanation.

"Maybe it was sudden. Actually, I need to find someone within a week..."

"A week!? Are you serious!?"

"Yeah."

While it was a tough condition, it was better than some of the tasks given to noble children.

Thinking this, I nodded, but Shuna still seemed shaken.

"But, if I refuse, you'll look for someone else, right?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

(I have to find a servant within a week, that's a given.)

I thought to myself.

But the idea of it did make me feel a bit heavy-hearted.

Given that we would be spending a lot of time together, I wanted someone I could trust.

And I was confident that no one was more suitable than Shuna.

"Ugh, I don't think badly of you, Zeros, but this is just too sudden... If I refuse, someone else... Ugh."

Shuna's face remained red, and she still looked troubled.

It was understandable. It's not easy to agree to become a servant for someone you just met.

However, if she accepted, Shuna would not only receive an education at the Royal Academy but also a salary from the Sylphied family.

For her, who had become an adventurer to earn money, it wasn't a bad deal.

So, I told her with confidence.

"Don't worry, Shuna. I'll make sure you're happy."

"Huh!? Z-Zeros!?"

My sincere words seemed to reach her.

After a moment of surprise, she placed her index fingers together and slowly spoke.

"Um, well, if Zeros says so, I—"

"So please, come to the Royal Academy with me as my servant!"

"---Huh?"

Shuna's eyes widened, and her mouth opened in shock.

A silence, as if time had stopped, filled the air between us.

After a moment of silence, she slowly said,

"S-Servant...?"

"Yeah, that's right. Oh, I haven't explained why I need a servant yet."

Here, I explained in detail to Shuna that Duke had given me a week to find a servant.

After hearing everything, Shuna looked down and her shoulders trembled.

Then, suddenly,

"Zeros, you idiot!"

"Huh?"

For some reason, she was furious.

I didn't understand why and could only stand there in confusion.

A few minutes later, Shuna finally calmed down.

However, she wouldn't tell me why she was angry, only saying, "Shut up, Zeros, you idiot," whenever I asked.

Despite this, she wanted to know more about being a servant.

It was a strange situation, I thought.

"So, why did you ask me to be your servant?"

To Shuna's question, I decided to answer carefully.

"One of the conditions set by my father is that the servant must have a minimum level of skill and proper noble manners. I thought you would meet those requirements."

I paused and continued,

"Also, I thought this would be beneficial for you. At the Royal Academy, servants can attend classes with some restrictions, and as my servant, you would receive a salary from the Sylphied family. The amount isn't low, and it could help with your brother's education."

Shuna whispered, looking down.

"From my perspective, it's a dream come true, and I'm really happy. But is it okay? For me to have such good fortune?"

To Shuna, who still seemed unsure, I gave the final reason.

"Well, I explained all the logical benefits, but ultimately, the main reason is that I thought it would be fun to go to the Academy with you."

"---!"

Shuna's eyes widened in surprise.

Then, she blushed slightly and looked away from me.

"T-That's a bit unfair, Zeros..."

"?"

She mumbled something, but it was too quiet for me to hear completely.

Regardless, I had said everything I needed to. Now, it was up to Shuna to decide.

After waiting for a few seconds, Shuna looked at me with a determined expression.

"...Okay, I understand. I, I think it would be fun to be with Zeros... I can be your servant and stay by your side, right?"

"Ah! Thank you, Shuna."

I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to Shuna for agreeing.

And so, Shuna and I would attend the Academy together.

However, we had no idea that this decision would bring new turmoil a few hours later.

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