Chapter 39

Stepping into the grand mansion of the Sylphid family, Shuna looked around with a tense expression.

Her family, though noble, was not wealthy, so she was probably not used to such mansions.

I smiled reassuringly at her.

"It's okay, Shuna. You don't need to worry so much."

"U-um, thank you, Zelos... But I'm still a bit nervous."

Shuna's voice was slightly trembling, but she still moved forward.

Feeling a sense of reliability from her, I guided Shuna to the study.

After obtaining permission to enter, we stepped into the study where Duke was waiting with a solemn expression.

I could see Shuna shrink slightly under his intimidating presence.

"Father, I have brought the candidate for the attendant."

Duke raised an eyebrow, unable to hide his surprise.

"To bring her on the same day as the trial... That's quite prompt, Zelos."

"Yes. Fortunately, I met someone truly remarkable."

"Hmm..."

After a moment of contemplation, Duke turned a sharp gaze towards Shuna.

Shuna straightened her back and introduced herself.

"I am Shuna Trimmel. Nice to meet you today!"

Upon hearing Shuna's introduction, Duke raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Trimmel...? Ah, you're from the Trimmel baronial family, which governs a small territory south of the Sylphid domain. I'll ask later where you met Zelos... But is it acceptable for someone from the Trimmel family to serve another house as an attendant?"

Shuna showed a moment of surprise but quickly regained her composure and answered politely.

"Yes. While I haven't confirmed it yet, I'm almost certain my family will grant permission."

Her strong declaration was convincing. Being chosen as an attendant for a marquis family would be very attractive to a noble from a small territory, and her family would likely not oppose it.

Duke nodded in agreement.

"Understood. Then, let's proceed with a few tests."

With that, Duke rang a bell.

A female maid entered the room and led Shuna away to change into attendant attire for the tests.

After waiting in the study for about ten minutes, Shuna returned in her new attire.

"Here you are, Shu... Shuna..."

Seeing Shuna in the maid's uniform, I couldn't help but catch my breath.

"H-How do I look... I mean! How do I look, Master Zelos?"

"..."

To act as an attendant, she had addressed me with the honorific "Master." She asked shyly.

"A-ah, yes. It suits you, Shuna."

"R-Really? Hehe, thank you, Master Zelos."

Shuna's face lit up with a mix of happiness and shyness, and my heart skipped a beat.

After that, we began to test Shuna's suitability one by one, starting with household chores and manners. Duke had to attend to his duties, so the head butler, Edgar, would supervise.

Under Edgar's guidance, Shuna cleared each test one after another.

◇◆◇

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the mansion, Zelos's older brother, Dione, was also searching for an attendant.

(With the Crest of All, anyone would gladly follow me. Therefore, it must be someone worthy of me.)

Dione walked down the corridor with his head held high, thinking this way.

Initially, he considered looking among the attendants of the Sylphid family, but he couldn't find anyone he liked.

There must be someone more suitable for me.

Just as he was about to expand his search outside the mansion, he saw a red-haired girl cleaning the corridor.

The moment he saw her, Dione stopped in his tracks.

(Who is she? I've never seen her in the mansion before, but...)

Just as an answer was about to form in his mind, Shuna noticed Dione.

Realizing he was from the Sylphid family, she greeted him with a smile.

"Hello."

"!"

A soft, charming smile filled with gentleness and innocence.

The moment he saw it, Dione's heart leaped, and he was certain.

(This is it! This girl is the one worthy of being my attendant!)

Trying to suppress his racing heart, Dione put on a calm demeanor and spoke.

"Are you a new maid? My name is Dione Sylphid, the eldest son of the Sylphid family."

"The eldest son... So you're Master Zelos's older brother?"

"Y-Yes, that's right!"

Feeling a bit annoyed that Zelos had met this girl before him, Dione tried to maintain a pleasant smile.

"Ah, right. Though we just met, I have a very attractive proposal for you. Would you like to be my personal attendant?"

Dione said this with a confident smile.

However, Shuna's response was unexpected.

"I'm sorry, but I'm already serving Master Zelos and am currently in the middle of the trial."

"Wh-What...?"

Dione was speechless.

A few seconds later, the head butler, Edgar, arrived as if on cue.

"Miss Shuna, the preparations for the next test are ready. Please come this way."

"Yes, Mr. Edgar. Excuse me, Master Dione."

With a bow, the girl called Shuna left.

Dione, left alone, stood in a daze for a moment before his face twisted in anger.

"Not me, but Zelos's attendant... Impossible! This can't be happening! I won't allow it, Zelos!!!"

Dione's angry shout echoed through the corridor.

◇◆◇

About an hour later.

Shuna, who seemed to have finished the tests, returned with Edgar.

Seeing her tired expression, I couldn't help but worry.

"Are you okay, Shuna?"

"Thank you for your concern, Master Zelos. But I managed to complete the tasks."

Seeing our interaction, Edgar spoke up.

"Don't worry, Master Zelos. Miss Shuna has successfully passed the tests for manners and household chores. She did a splendid job."

Relieved, I sighed.

Shuna also smiled happily.

"The only thing left is the practical test. For this, you need to be present, so let's head to the study—"

"Hey, Zelos!"

Suddenly, a loud shout interrupted Edgar.

We turned to see Dione, his face contorted in anger.

Confused, Dione pointed at me and then turned his gaze to Shuna.

"She's not suited to serve someone like you! Talented people should serve a talented master!"

Confused, I tried to respond calmly.

"What are you—"

"Here's the thing, Zelos! I challenge you to a duel for Shuna!"

"......Huh?"

I was so confused that my mind froze.

It was as if I had been paralyzed by a Dark Sorcerer's Dark Locking Sphere—no, that's not the point.

As my mind finally started working, the first thing I thought was:

(What is he talking about?)

Yeah, I still don't get it.

Thank you for reading this far!

If you enjoyed it, I would be grateful if you could bookmark it or rate it with the stars below the ad. It would boost the author's motivation, so please consider it!