The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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In order for a monster to harness magic, a connection point with a demon is necessary.

It could be the work of a demon that has descended into the mortal realm.

Or perhaps it’s just the ridiculous antics of those demon worshippers who are gnawing away at the world.

Since such events happened on the western mountain of Shianella’s territory,

we gradually expanded our search around the area where we had hunted the ash-gray wolves that were corrupted by magic.

As this was related to magic,

we postponed the subjugation of monsters and formed separate teams just to look for anything related to magic.

As a result, Shione and I were free to wander separately, which allowed us to decide on rest breaks as we pleased.

If a battle was likely to arise, I could sneak away right away.

It was great that I didn’t have to worry about anyone but Shione at all!

I looked at Shione, who was pushing her bangs back while sweating profusely.

“Let’s see…”

Even though she had lived a rough life, Shione still bore the proud bloodline of Shianella.

She was scanning the mountainside, turning her head back and forth, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Still, it’s Shione we’re talking about.

I thought she would eventually get tired and take a break if she couldn’t find anything.

Seeing her sweat without rest, searching tirelessly for anything related to magic was quite astonishing.

She wasn’t usually such a spirited person…

I thought both of us deserved to take a break about now.

So, I immediately started the conversation.

“Isn’t it too much to push yourself on such a hot day? I think it would be better to rest a bit before continuing our search.”

“Sounds good. Let’s take a short break over there and then continue our search.”

Shione pointed at a spot.

It was shaded by trees, shielding us from the harsh sun, and the ground was relatively flat, making it perfect for a quick rest.

We quickly arranged our sitting spots and settled down on the ground.

Since I was trying to keep an eye out for any clues, I started to feel the fatigue creeping into my eyes.

My legs were also quite tired from a whole day of climbing, and this break felt wonderful.

“Ugh…”

When I turned my gaze, I realized Shione sounded just as exhausted, letting out a weary sigh.

With her eyes shut tight, she either massaged her shoulders or patted her legs to relieve her strained muscles.

I figured she was secretly waiting for me to suggest that we take a break.

I started to ask her the questions that had been on my mind for a while.

“May I ask a question?”

“Mm? Of course, go ahead.”

“Then… do you think there are demons here, Princess Shione?”

Those who wield the power to slay monsters were known for their uncanny ability to find even the faintest remnants left by demons, no matter how diluted the power of that ability became over generations.

“I don’t think there are any demons here. It feels more like…”

Shione’s azure eyes, which had once held a vibrant ocean hue, darkened like the depths of the abyss.

“I suspect it’s the handiwork of someone similar to those who targeted me last time.”

“You mean…?”

“It must be that they summoned magic through sacrifices to demons.”

Tsk.

Shione clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“I’ve heard that there are still some crazy folks worshipping demons in the Empire. I didn’t expect there to be such foolishness in our kingdom.”

With her arms crossed, she made a haughty remark.

“Yet, of all families, it’s us. The Shianella family, which established and spread the theory of spiritual body demons, will not be allowed to go unpunished.”

“Spiritual body demon theory…?”

“When the war with demons first began, our ancestors developed this theory with the Church… Would you like to hear about it?”

I nodded in response to Shione’s words.

Spiritual body demons sounded quite convincing…

At that moment, I realized I shouldn’t have nodded.

Shione went on to list the grand achievements of her ancestors.

How some head of the family became a Sword Master at a young age, and another extended the spiritual body demon theory into the theory of spiritual body knights, spreading it throughout the western kingdom.

Even after our break ended, she kept busy talking without pause.

I couldn’t help but wonder why someone so proud of her family was now cooped up at home, further diminishing their name.

By the time I was tired of listening and was only offering half-hearted responses,

“Ah, yes. That’s impressive.”

“…Ray. It seems you weren’t really listening, were you?”

“…What?”

I could see Shione’s expression had hardened as she glared at me.

…I think I might have messed up.

I quickly lowered my head.

“My apologies.”

“Well, it’s fine. I think I’ve rambled on for too long… You can raise your head now.”

I followed her instructions and looked up.

I found Shione silently gazing toward one side.

“I think I sense a presence similar to magic over there.”

“…Isn’t that too deep into the mountain range?”

“Still, I think we should check it out.”

“It could be dangerous, so I’ll lead the way.”

“Lead? You should just follow behind me.”

Just then, I quickly took off at a pace faster than Shione’s, as even the slightest possibility worried me.

If anything were to happen, it would be a mess if Shione felt compelled to protect her face and it resulted in her death.

I positioned myself in front of her.

“You mentioned sensing a presence similar to magic. If it’s dangerous, I’ll go ahead.”

“…If it’s dangerous, you might get hurt too.”

“To me, Princess Shione is more precious than I am.”

That was half the truth.

Since the main quest was centered on Shione,

it was essential for her to stay alive, no matter what changes might come about.

With those words mixed with a hint of sincerity, Shione finally conceded.

“It’s eerie.”

“…The magic is growing stronger. It feels like there’s been some sacrificial ritual to a demon nearby.”

Now, I could not only sense the magic but also feel it prickling against my skin.

The raw discomfort reminded me of that magic I had experienced repeatedly before.

At this degree of potency, it wouldn’t be surprising if the ashen wolves had taken it in.

The previous ashen wolf seemed to have become corrupted after being around here.

Moreover, the trees towering above us obscured even the sunlight, creating a dark atmosphere in the middle of the day.

It was a perfect setting for those who enjoyed worshipping demons.

As we walked a little further, we stumbled upon a completely decayed old tree, seeped in thick blood scent.

Though I didn’t know exactly what it was, there was a small altar with a black gemstone resting on it in front of the old tree.

“…That’s…”

Seeing the eerie glow of the gem, Shione immediately approached the altar.

She surveyed the old tree and gazed down at the gem that radiated the intense energy of a demon.

“…This isn’t good.”

My instincts screamed at me.

Warning me not to get any closer to that old tree.

We had wandered too deep into the mountain.

One’s instincts might not act up just once or twice.

It was remarkably precise, akin to the A-grade instinct skill I’d seen back when I had a proper status window instead of this half-baked version.

Seeing my heart pounding like this meant I really needed to leave soon.

I immediately turned to Shione.

“I’ve noted our location, so it’s best to return and come back with Siabel.”

“This gemstone…”

Shione pointed to the gem on the altar.

“It radiates a strong demonic energy… If we stay here any longer, who knows what might happen.”

Her face made it clear she felt an even greater aversion to the foul magic emanating from the gemstone than I did.

Yet she insisted on retrieving the stone.

Those who wield the power to slay monsters cannot stand to see a demon thrive.

As she said, this gemstone must be the culprit maintaining this intense magic, as well as the medium of it.

It would be wise to either destroy the altar or move the gemstone before this place becomes a demonic realm.

“It would be better to break the altar or take it with us.”

“Absolutely not.”

I immediately shook my head at Shione’s words.

My instincts were screaming out loud to avoid causing trouble and to escape quickly.

“Why not? Maintaining such potent magic here can only lead to disaster.”

“The vibes are off. The fact that such an important altar stands unguarded and this rotten tree leaks the scent of decay…”

“But still…!”

“It feels ominous. What Siabel mentioned is nothing more than a simple search, not a solution. We have ventured too deep into the mountain already.”

“….”

“Just once. Could you follow my lead just for this one instance?”

“Umm…”

After a small sigh, Shione reluctantly agreed.

“I will follow your words.”

“Thank you.”

Just as I was turning my back on the old tree to leave the forest quickly, something familiar appeared and blocked my view.

[An urgent quest has been formed.]

「One Body Sacrifice」

「You and Shione Shianella have ventured too deeply into the forest. The crazed creature of the woods has found you and Shione Shianella, threatening your lives with its venomous fangs. As your master’s servant, protect Shione Shianella.」

「Reward: A significant increase in Shione Shianella’s bond with you, an increase in Siabel Shianella’s affection for you.」

「Failure: Your death, Shione Shianella’s death.」

I quickly scanned through the status window.

“Venomous fangs…?”

The mere mention of fangs reminded me of what Bronte had told me days ago.

In these deep parts of the mountain, Arachne also reside.

A massive spider capable of killing an elephant with its venom.

I looked up immediately.

One gigantic spider was swiftly descending from above, fangs bared, suspended by its web.

It aimed straight for Shione.

My expression naturally twisted in horror.

“No, damn it.”

My instincts had never been wrong.