The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

---

“Certainly, the condition of the Ashen Wolf is peculiar.”

“That is…”

Shione nodded at my words.

Her narrowed eyes fixed intently on the Ashen Wolf.

Then, her narrowed gaze widened in realization, her once suspicious expression transforming as if she had suddenly understood something.

“Could it be… Magic?”

I couldn’t help but be shocked by Shione’s mumbling.

Of all people, I never expected someone like her, who had lived a sheltered life, to recognize Magic.

It was something I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams.

I thought she only had a keen eye for sweets and flowers.

Now, I was curious about just how much she understood about Magic.

Plus, it would seem strange for me, a simple slave, to know anything about it at all.

Feigning ignorance, I asked.

“What’s this Magic?”

“…It’s the sinister energy that demons wield. It’s famous for turning humans into demons and making monsters go berserk.”

“So you’re saying that Ashen Wolf has been tainted by Magic?”

“Exactly.”

Shione’s blue eyes had never been colder as they observed the Ashen Wolves.

I could feel the seriousness etched on her rigid face.

I never expected Shione to wear such an expression, following Ainel and Siabel.

I had a thought that I was indeed getting to see a new side of Shione today.

I listened quietly to Shione’s steady words.

“Bloodshot eyes and charred fur. And the sinister energy emanating from it. It all points to the influence of Magic.”

“Can you sense the energy of Magic?”

“Who do you think I am?”

“Princess Shione Shianella.”

“Then it seems the answer is already clear.”

“Quit stalling and just tell me quickly.”

Shione hesitated, glancing at my face as if gauging my reaction.

When I leaned in, urging her to speak, Shione finally opened her mouth again.

“The bloodline of Shianella carries the powers of Demon Slaying, bestowed upon our ancestors who vanquished demons, known as the Power of Extermination.”

“The Power of Extermination… you mean?”

“Yes, its strength has been quite diluted by now, but… it doesn’t seem to have completely weakened.”

Having said that, Shione walked toward Siabel, who was wearing a similar serious expression.

I followed behind her, finally remembering the Status Window that had appeared again after a day.

[You have noticed the power of Extermination held by Countess Shianella!]
[You can now create quests related to the Power of Extermination!]
[Through quests regarding the Power of Extermination, you can awaken the powers of Extermination held by Princess Shione Shianella and Siabel Shianella!]

I quietly nodded.

I was familiar with the Power of Extermination.

I knew it belonged to a hunter ranked among the top 50 in the world rankings…

That hunter was especially active in dungeons filled with demons, utilizing the Power of Extermination to quickly clear them.

A power that lets one be stronger than anyone when facing demons.

A desperately needed power in a world plagued by demons.

For Shione Shianella, it was indeed a power beyond her standing.

But thinking of Siabel and Ainel, hope finally began to emerge.

Ah, but why didn’t she sense those Demon Worshippers before, even with the Power of Extermination at her disposal?

Those who worshipped demons often carried traces of Magic, not quite as clearly marked as the Ashen Wolf, but notable nonetheless.

Lost in thought, I suddenly found Shione standing before Siabel, about to speak.

“Sis, I think that is…”

“By your face, it looks like you’ve noticed too.”

Siabel unsheathed the sword at her waist.

The sharp blade shimmered beautifully in the sunlight, reflecting her silver-white hair.

“I didn’t expect there would be monsters tainted with Magic in the Beltlin Mountains. Let’s behead it and search the area thoroughly.”

“…Understood.”

The soldiers and Siabel rushed forward, weapons ready against the Ashen Wolves.

The Ashen Wolves, drooling and with wild eyes, charged at the soldiers.

“What the…!”

“Groowwl… Argh!!!”

The soldiers were taken aback as the Ashen Wolf, despite having a sword embedded in it, kept attacking furiously.

The reason monsters tainted by Magic are tricky to handle.

No matter how battered they become, they won’t back down until they are dead.

With Ashen Wolves recklessly charging, it was a difficult opponent to face;

the soldiers gritted their teeth and swung their weapons, aiming for their throats or piercing their hearts.

The problem was, there were more than ten of those monsters.

As expected, perhaps due to their sheer number, the ones not involved in the attack began to eye me and Shione hungrily.

…I doubt just a couple of arrows would make them retreat.

How are we going to get past this?

I put an arrow to the string and said,

“Princess Shione, you should fall back.”

“I’m going to help.”

“An arrow in the torso won’t be enough to stop them.”

“Then I can just use my sword. Although I haven’t swung it in a while… after all, I’m a Sword User, right?”

I shook my head at Shione’s words.

“…The sword you’re holding now is a single-edged sword, and its blade is shorter than the one you used before. I worry you’ll get hurt for no reason.”

“Don’t worry. I can definitely take down an Ashen Wolf.”

Seriously, even if I told her to watch from the back, she’d still want to join the fray.

“Just be careful.”

“Don’t worry too much.”

Despite not having mastered it yet, being a novice Sword User, I figured Shione would manage somehow.

Even if I’ve only seen her awkward side, I trusted she’d handle herself well.

I drew my sword, marking the position of the Ashen Wolf that Shione had indicated.

If things looked questionable, I’d retreat without a second thought.

It’s just that, considering her usual conduct, I didn’t feel very secure with Shione.

I shifted my gaze away from her.

“Groowwl!!”

Right now, the priority was to deal with the wolf lunging at me with its jaws wide open.

I released the arrow.

Swoosh!

“Ugh.”

“…Argh!!”

I aimed for its head, but the beast suddenly changed direction, and the arrow struck its leg instead.

That rabid dog didn’t seem to care about the pain in its leg as it charged directly at me.

With the distance being too close to nock another arrow, I drew my sword instead.

Feeling the cold grip of the leather-wrapped hilt, I raised my tension.

Even if I managed to make one good cut, it’s obvious it would come at me again.

If I were to fool around and get bitten by that Ashen Wolf, my reputation would go down the drain.

“Graowl!!”

There was distance from the others, and the soldiers were successfully drawing its attention, so I could focus solely on this Ashen Wolf.

It lunged at me until it was almost in my face.

As I aimed my blade at its ribs, trying to sidestep the attacking wolf, something suddenly wrapped around my waist.

Who was doing this in such a situation? I twisted my head to see who it was—

“What are you doing, putting yourself in danger?”

With a sly smile, I saw Siabel glaring at the Ashen Wolf I had been trying to take down.

I couldn’t believe she had moved from her position in the fight to reach me.

Without hesitation, she spun her body around.

Since I was tightly wrapped in her left arm, I couldn’t avoid being pulled along with her movement.

“You’re reckless.”

As she spun, Siabel decisively brought down her sword.

With the glimmering blue light of her blade, a long line appeared across the Ashen Wolf’s neck, and the fierce creature collapsed in an instant.

After cleanly taking down the wolf, Siabel’s gaze finally turned toward me.

“Do you know how to handle a sword?”

Her attention was on the sword in my hand.

I hadn’t expected her to casually ask for an answer at a time like this.

If I didn’t answer, I’d definitely find myself stuck in her grasp.

“…I can take down at least one wolf.”

Siabel’s smile deepened at my words.

“Archery and Magic, now a sword too.”

Seemingly entertained, Siabel released her arm from around my waist.

Finally free, I stepped back a bit and began looking for Shione.

“…….”

After quite an intense battle, the ground was stained red with the blood of the fallen Ashen Wolves, and I found Shione, her exhausted body still clinging to her sword.

Her chilly gaze fell on me.

Chills ran down my spine—

It seemed battling those wolves had taken its toll on her.

The difference in her usual demeanor felt unsettling.

I turned my gaze away from Shione and spoke to Siabel.

“…We should hurry to take down all the wolves. If possible, could you move with Princess Shione?”

“Sure, but.”

Siabel raised her sword.

“I think it would be nice to meet again separately to spar for a bit. Would you be fine with that?”

“If Princess Shione permits it, I will gladly oblige.”

At my words, Siabel’s expression lit up with excitement as she turned her body.

As I prepared to pull out another arrow to take down the remaining wolves, I turned my gaze towards Shione, whose cold eyes still lingered on me.

“……?”

What is with that strange look?

Shione’s gaze flickered between me and Siabel as they joined forces.