Fiancée I Don't Want to Lose (2)
Bringing the Elf into the mansion was undoubtedly my karma. Whether that truly counted as evil or a sin deserving retribution, I wasn't sure, but I had no intention of blaming others for it. In any case, the decision to buy an elf slave had been driven by my bloated lust and a scrap of reason at the time.
Even so, I couldn't forgive unrelated people suffering harm because of the Elf. Taking responsibility for every problem arising from my actions—that was the duty and obligation of a noble.
“The head of the Deharm Viscount family, Lord Theorad, enters!”
The servant raised his voice to lend me some grandeur as he opened the drawing room door. I'd been staring straight ahead, tension coiled tight, but I let out a sigh of relief at the sight beyond.
No trouble after all.
For someone like me, who'd imagined the absolute worst—too embarrassing to even voice aloud—seeing Esilly chatting amiably with the Elf was the only thing that could ease my mind.
And you're beautiful as ever today.
Her long golden hair cascaded down, gleaming like gold dust in the sunlight, and her lapis-blue eyes held the beauty of a clear summer sea. If all other women were mere beach pebbles, you, Esilly, were a brilliantly shining gem. With a personality as gracious and vast as the ocean, how could anyone not love you and instead turn away?
I walked forward with a pleased smile, but raised a hand to stop Habid from following.
“I want to speak with her alone.”
“Understood. I'll restrict the servants' access, then.”
Habid, grasping my intent, backed away and closed the drawing room door. I desperately wished he'd shoo out the Elf too, but slaves were treated as property by default, not people, so I couldn't complain.
“Ah, Lord Theorad!”
As I approached, Esilly smiled brightly and raised her hand. It went against noble etiquette, but with no one watching, what did it matter? I waved back with a grin.
“It's been a while, Lady Esilly.”
Esilly blushed and beamed. We'd seen each other just a few weeks ago—did it make her that happy? Maintaining my poise, I pulled out a chair and sat across from her. The Elf standing beside Esilly—dressed in a maid outfit courtesy of the head maid—naturally turned her gaze my way.
If I had to sum up that ambiguous look in one word, it was displeased.
Damn it.
I get it, so just hold on a little longer, Elf. Once I send Esilly on her way, I'll give you all the masochistic play you crave.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Weren't you bored without me?”
As I opened, Esilly shot the Elf a glance before flashing a delighted smile.
“Not at all. I lost track of time seeing an elf straight out of a fairy tale.”
“Ah, is this your first time seeing an elf, my lady?”
“Of course. Elves are so rare they're countable across all races combined, and they're the ruling class of the Great Forest. They almost never step foot outside its depths, so you can't meet them even if you want to.”
True enough. Unless slave hunters stumbled on a lost elf and dragged her out, ordinary folk never saw one. The one in my mansion had come deliberately, though.
“But captured as a slave, she must be quite young, right? Elves over a hundred can toy with slave hunters like children.”
“Ah, um.”
Esilly knew it too, but assumed I didn't. Was she that well-read, or was I that narrow-minded? Probably both. I nodded, admitting my ignorance.
“Right. Her age is... about twenty-five.”
“Twenty-five? Oh my. I spoke casually thinking she was younger, but she's actually three years my senior. Ahh, to become a slave in the flower of youth—what a tragic life.”
Esilly looked at the Elf with pity. Veins bulged on the Elf's forehead like a grid. She kept a blank expression, but an unpleasant aura seeped from her.
If Esilly paid her any more attention, someone would die...! Sensing the danger, I swiftly changed the subject.
“A-anyway, what brings you to my mansion unannounced, my lady?”
“What? Are you unhappy I'm here?”
Esilly puffed her cheeks in a pout. It was so cute my lips twitched upward.
“Of course not. I just asked to check if you had some special business.”
“Business... well, yes. The biggest reason is wanting to see your face, Lord Theorad, but I also have a message.”
“A message?”
“Father's heading to the capital soon. The Emperor's summoning the warlords scattered across the provinces. It's exhausting. How many times have they brought up that pointless northern expedition or demon realm conquest? They never even follow through.”
“Lady Esilly, I understand your feelings, but mind your words...”
“If I were going to, I wouldn't have come here. Don't you think the Emperor's a bit off too, Lord Theorad? It's not like he's just putting on a show to discipline the lords.”
Her words were bold. If I weren't the listener, any other noble would explode in rage at the insult to His Majesty. On the flip side, it meant she trusted me that much. Not bad.
“Anyway, that's why Father plans to entrust the county to you soon.”
“Count Pelgaroin wants me as regent?”
“Yes. You're the head of the Deharm Viscount family and a vice-count, even if it's recent. Father might want to test your governing skills this time.”
That was unexpected. I'd assumed a day would come when I'd rule the county as deputy count in his stead. My father had done it whenever the count asked. But so soon? I was still getting used to running my own house— wasn't this too heavy a burden?
No. This could be a golden opportunity. Nail the regency perfectly, earn the count's support, and our family could shine even brighter...
“Master.”
A sharp voice snapped me from my thoughts. I turned to see the Elf staring with emotionless eyes.
“Do you need anything else?”
A sliver of hatred pierced that blankness, making my body tremble. I couldn't make a scene in front of my fiancée.
“No need for...”
I trailed off. The Elf's eyebrow twitched subtly. She tried hiding it, but I saw it clear as day.
Gulp. Fear slid down my throat.
That was the peak. Don't let the meek facade fool you. Like water on the verge of boiling, her rage had reached its limit.
I had to fulfill her masochistic quota right here, or the moment we left this room, Esilly's—and my—head would roll.
“...On second thought, there is something. Come here.”
I beckoned, and she rushed over. Now what? Slap her cheek? No. This masochist Elf wasn't satisfied with naked walks—some cheap stunt wouldn't cut it.
Only one way, then.
“I don't like a lowly slave standing tall on two legs.”
“Lord Theorad...?”
Esilly eyed me puzzled, but I couldn't stop. Swallowing tears inside, I grabbed my teacup and stood.
“And staring me in the eye? I scolded you yesterday, but you still haven't learned.”
I tilted the cup slowly. The black tea sloshed, then poured in a stream over the Elf's head.
“Hyaaak!?”
Hot steam rose as she flinched, hunching her shoulders.
“S-sorry... m-master...”
Her innocent red eyes welled with tears, a pitiful expression that might make strangers rush to comfort her. But knowing the truth, I saw it differently. That wasn't a plea to stop—it was anticipation for more abuse.
“Are my words not clear? You're still on two legs, you insolent bitch!”
I hurled the teacup to the floor. Crash! It shattered, shards flying everywhere.
“Lord Theorad!”
Esilly cried out near a scream, but I ignored her.
Damn it! I'm not doing this because I want to, Esilly! Please, just stay quiet!
“Crawl on all fours and pick up the pieces. Isn't that fitting for a wretch like you?”
“B-but, Master...”
“Don't talk back, you repulsive thing.”
I scowled, and she whimpered, collapsing. Looking down at her silver hair soaked in tea tugged at my heart. Even if she was deranged, it was my doing—my conscience wouldn't let me off easy.
“Picking up glass with bare hands will cut you, so...”
I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket. She looked up, and a shadow crossed her face—I flinched and stuffed it back.
“...Perfect for trash like you.”
I switched tack fast and sat. Esilly's piercing gaze kept me from meeting her eyes; I stared at the refreshments instead.
Cold silence blanketed the room, broken only by the Elf's rustling as she gathered shards.
Neither Esilly nor I knew what to do when the Elf started tearfully begging me, dropping tears onto the floor.
“Forgive me, Master. At this rate, the glass will cut my hands...”
You wanted no handkerchief, you lunatic!
“Aah! It's cut me. Blood... blood from my hand... Not even my period, but blood's coming out, Masteeeer...”
Don't say that crap in front of Esilly! How was I supposed to react?!
“Lord Theorad.”
Her icy tone stiffened my neck. Steeling myself, I looked up to her contemptuous glare.
“I must have misjudged you. I thought you were a man of benevolence and propriety, but you're no different from a tyrant.”
Terrifying. Her usual kindness made this twice as chilling...
But staying silent would cement me as scum. I had to explain, somehow!
“Esilly, you're misunderstanding. I'm not doing this without reason.”
“Ha? Then enlighten me with that 'noble' reason.”
“Well... I have a disease where being kind to slaves kills me.”
I blurted it out and immediately regretted it, sucking in a sharp breath.
You idiot! What disease is that?!
Esilly's contempt mixed with bafflement, mirroring my thoughts. She went silent a while, then spat with disgust.
“What nonsense is that?”
Her rebuke drained the strength from my body. Was this reality? Maybe I was trapped in a nightmare.
“M-Master... my fingeeer huuurts so muuuch...!”
A particularly vicious nightmare at that...