The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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Siabel was severely injured…?

The news about Siabel’s grave injuries that came from a servant was hard to believe.

No way, she’s not some lowly child known for street brawls with a sword!

We’re talking about someone who can unleash sword auras and fights bravely; she’s recognized as a symbol of knights—a true Sword Expert.

Moreover, her skill is equivalent to a mid-level B-class or even A-class Hunter back on Earth.

I’ve seen Siabel effortlessly slice through the absurdly thick arm of an orc myself.

‘At the very least, she shouldn’t be the kind of fighter who gets beaten up easily.’

For her to suffer heavy wounds just from facing a cultist is absurd.

Clearly, there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

As I thought about this, I glanced over at Shione, who seemed to care for her family.

I stole a sideways glance at her.

‘…Tsk.’

Shione’s expression had long since turned icy.

Given the quest regarding the relationship between Shione and Siabel had previously been unresolved, it seems they’ve finally started to mend their long silence and reconnect.

It hadn’t been long since they resumed their conversations, and now I was hearing such unfortunate news.

It felt heartbreaking to see her struggle to keep her mouth from frowning.

Shivering.

Her expression had frozen into an unyielding mask, yet her hand trembled slightly at the shocking news.

…She tried to hide it, but it was painfully obvious.

Seeing her struggle, I held her trembling hand gently.

“Ray?”

“Did I perhaps overstep?”

Shione glanced down at our clasped hands before holding my hand firmly but gently.

It seemed the servant noticed Shione’s trembling hand as well.

With a nod, almost as if to commend me, the servant bowed slightly.

Seizing the moment, Shione intertwined her fingers with mine and said.

“…Thank you.”

“Not at all.”

After saying this, Shione steadied her emotions and faced the servant once more.

“Do you know how my sister got injured?”

“I don’t know the details, but… it’s said that several demons appeared.”

“Demon, huh—”

Shione’s expression grew serious.

And rightly so.

These weren’t mere shabby demon-worshippers; if it’s demons, then—

Entities who have sold their souls to the devils and accepted magical powers in exchange for human sacrifices. Demons.

These beings are ruthless and unyielding in battle, having no regard for their lives if they aim to fulfill their goals.

Not only that, they can harness magical energy greater than mana itself, mimicking the demons’ abilities.

Even if their hearts are wounded, as long as they remain conscious, they’ll keep their sharp fangs buried in the enemy’s neck till the end.

As for dealing with demons… I usually try to avoid them whenever possible.

If those fanatic beings were actively targeting Siabel, it made perfect sense why she got badly hurt.

After a brief moment of deep thought, Shione spoke up again.

“When did my sister say she would arrive here?”

“I was told she was nearly at the castle wall. Currently, the High Priest and several workers are hurriedly preparing to treat her along with the soldiers.”

Shione nodded at this.

“I understand. Sorry for keeping you so long. I must go now.”

“…Until next time.”

The servant bowed his head once before hurriedly walking away.

As soon as he left, Shione turned her gaze back to me.

“I think we should head to the garden next. I want to see for myself that my sister is returning safely….”

I was just as curious about Siabel’s condition, so I nodded in agreement with Shione’s words.

With that, she tightly gripped my hand and began walking briskly, just like the servants we had seen before.

It felt like she had calmed down somewhat, but how long would she hold onto my hand?

I tried to subtly pull away from her grip.

Nope, no chance.

She immediately noticed my attempt and tightened her hold.

Does she think the people around us see only a mere backdrop?

What would she benefit from walking around while holding hands with a servant like me?

“It’s probably best to let go of my hand now.”

“…Can’t I hold on just a little longer?”

“More people are gathering around us. There are too many eyes on us.”

“Hmm… Okay.”

At last, Shione released my hand.

She looked back at me with a reluctant expression, as if she hated to let go, but ignored her and we arrived at the entrance of the mansion.

The entrance was packed, not with ordinary servants, but with workers ready to transport and treat the injured.

Among them stood Bronte, waiting for the carriage, looking dazed.

It seemed he’d also heard about Siabel.

“We should get a little closer.”

We squeezed ourselves through the crowd of workers and waited for the carriage to arrive.

After a while, the procession of carriages entered the mansion.

Soldiers began to disembark from the carriages filling the entrance.

“…Siabel!”

Siabel came out of the carriage, with Diolia assisting her.

She was said to be severely injured.

And Siabel certainly did not look well.

Her armor was smeared with dark red blood, perhaps hers or that of the enemy, spreading across like a sinister canvas. Even from afar, the scent of iron was overwhelming.

On top of that, she looked pale enough to collapse at any moment, despite being conscious.

As for her right arm… it hung limply, swaying as if it could give out at any second.

With Diolia’s support, she struggled to walk upright, and it looked like she might topple over any moment.

‘This looks worse than I imagined.’

The fact she was still conscious was a miracle in itself.

Had it not been for her immense willpower, she would have likely fainted by now.

‘And then there’s Diolia too.’

Diolia, aiding Siabel, looked no better.

Her usually tidy brown hair was disheveled, and exhaustion filled her face, mingled with worry for Siabel even amidst this turmoil.

As I watched them, over to my side, I noticed a figure walking closely, each person lowering their heads to give way.

“…Mother has arrived.”

The usual composure in Ainel’s expression had vanished, replaced with creeping worry and anger as she approached.

As soon as Ainel caught sight of her battered daughter, her calm demeanor shattered entirely, her smile twisting into a grimace.

A chilling, oppressive atmosphere began to surround Ainel as she zeroed in on Siabel.

Despite her current condition, Siabel managed to make it to Ainel with Diolia’s help.

“Siabel.”

“Mother.”

Silencing Ainel’s anxious voice, Siabel crumpled to one knee, barely able to lift her eyes to meet her mother’s gaze.

With no strength left, she could hardly look up but managed to speak.

“I, Siabel Shianella, have completed the cultist search and extermination mission on your orders… and have returned safely…”

Thud.

Siabel’s voice broke as she announced her return.

With those final words, she collapsed helplessly.

“…You foolish girl.”

A whirlwind of emotions loomed over Ainel as her voice wavered.

Turning her gaze from Siabel, she commanded,

“What’s taking so long? Don’t just stand there—hurry and get Siabel moved for treatment!”

At her command, workers and priests rushed in to carry her away for treatment.

As Siabel vanished from view, Ainel turned her attention to Diolia, who had been kneeling beside Siabel.

“Diolia.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“What happened to cause Siabel to end up like this?”

Taking a deep breath, Diolia began her explanation.

“While searching… we were ambushed by demons.”

“An ambush? With just one or two demons, you should have been able to protect Siabel well enough.”

“There were seven in total.”

“…Seven demons?”

“Yes. Despite the sudden attack, I managed to hold off four alongside the knights, but they relentlessly targeted Lady Siabel after the ambush…”

Under Ainel’s stern gaze, Diolia bowed even lower.

“I have no excuse. Please punish me.”

“We will discuss the details later in private; until then, keep this to yourself.”

“I understand.”

Ainel then whispered something to her attendant, a female retainer and secretary, and upon seeing her nod compliance, she lifted Diolia back onto her feet.

“Make sure you get sufficient rest before I call for you again.”

Having somewhat grasped the situation, Ainel turned her gaze silently towards me.

Why is she suddenly looking at me like that?

Is it because she sees Shione?

No, it seems like she’s focused directly on me.

As she approached, her intensity made me feel uneasy.

I’d done nothing wrong since entering the Shianella household.

Just as I began to feel anxious about Ainel’s unexpected interest, she was now standing right in front of me.

“I happened to want to call for you—good timing. I need to talk to you, so please come with me.”

“…Are you referring to me?”

Ainel nodded.

“What kind of discussion are we having?”

“I examined the Arachne you captured last time. Yet, I found something strange.”

Bringing her lips close to my ear, Ainel whispered.

“Contrary to Shione’s report that it just got stabbed, I found signs that something had burned inside its head and melted it.”

“So, it seems you were using some kind of sorcery, and whatever you’re hiding…”

Her cold gaze pierced into my soul.

“Perhaps we should discuss it.”