An Uncomfortable Companion
Today's morning felt refreshingly crisp. Birds chirped in a beautiful harmony, and sunlight filtered through the tall tree branches by the window, undulating like a curtain of light. Borrowing a line from the bards, yes—the world shimmered in vibrant splendor.
The god of light must be blessing me. The courtyard visible through the room's window had never looked so beautiful. The human-made garden bloomed in every color imaginable, filling the heart with peace. There were still remnants of the explosion, sure, but whatever.
"Coughing, Father?" As I changed clothes, I gave a nod to my father standing tall and dignified in the center of the courtyard. Ever since I'd seen through the elf's true intentions, I hadn't been able to face the statue properly—but now was completely different.
"Please wait just a moment. The Balance Church will dispatch knights soon."
Hamtarshin must have realized the elf's true nature and gone straight to the bishop, explaining her danger. The bishop, sensing my peril, would request aid from the church headquarters, and they'd deliberate sending knights. And if, by some miracle, His Holiness the Pope or Saintess Rastein took note of my plight? Perfect! With the church's power, I could finally evict that wicked elf from my mansion…!
Truly, there's always a way out even if the sky falls. This opportunity must be a gift from the god of light. It felt like a reward for living faithfully without breaking the tenets.
Knock knock—Lost in pleasant thoughts, I heard a knock. Tilting my head toward the sound, I rolled up my coat sleeve.
"Speak."
"Breakfast is ready, my lord."
"I'll be there shortly. Tell the head chef."
"Yes, understood."
The servant's footsteps faded. I finished grooming as usual, pinned my brooch to my collar, and headed to the dining hall.
The first thing I saw upon entering was the elf, bowed low with her back to me. Right in front of her sat a dog bowl piled high with unidentifiable food scraps.
…I just don't get it. Why insist on eating garbage? Even if it's part of the humiliation, this was too much. She was the one eating it, but it soured my appetite anyway.
As I approached with a grimace, she heard my footsteps and trembled, her voice leaking out.
"G-Good morning, M-Master…."
"Yes. It was a good morning—until I saw your pathetic state. Ruins the mood entirely. Know your limits with the unpleasantness."
"Y-You're too mean…."
Ignoring her faint sob, I sat at the table. As I picked up my utensils, she naturally began lapping at the scraps in the dog bowl.
"Devouring it like a glutton."
Forcing a smirk, I turned and sliced into the perfectly grilled steak. Spearing a bite, the juices burst with savory butter flavor, filling my mouth. The texture was tender yet chewy—not too tough. The head chef must have gone all out, misinterpreting my words. I felt a twinge of guilt, but hey, I got to enjoy this meal out of it.
After devouring about half, I heard retching nearby.
"Heok… heuugh…."
Choking on the scraps, perhaps? The elf's eyes were half-lidded, drool streaming, tears welling, her frail body quivering pitifully. Anyone would see she was struggling with the garbage.
Should I tell her to stop? Even for humiliation's sake, messing with food felt wrong. Maybe even she hated it.
Decision made, I picked up my leftover steak, approached, and knelt. Her weary gaze met mine.
"Your punishment for breaking that priceless vase is over…."
As I offered the steak, her face paled chillingly. Gulping, I quickly adjusted.
"As a reward, a special treat."
I tilted the plate, dropping the steak atop the scraps. Her expression brightened at last. Good. I tossed the plate aside haughtily.
"A special chance to dispose of my leftovers. Far more than a lowly bitch like you deserves. Isn't it?"
"B-But… I'm full… can't eat more…!"
"Should I care about your whining? Or do you want a beating like old times?"
"Hieeek! S-Sorry…!"
She plunged her face into the bowl in panic.
"Heuk… huuk…."
The noble elf of the Great Forest, burying her face in a dog bowl to eat garbage—and by her own choice. Staring at the bizarre sight, I sighed and stood.
If she wants it, fine. Interfering might upset her and get me in trouble. To avoid suspicion, I clicked my tongue loudly and left the dining hall.
Crossing the corridor to the front yard, a clear blue sky greeted me. A cool breeze brought happiness to the world, but my mood was complicated.
No, why this…? Tears pricked at the sight of the cedar scroll, butchered by the elf. A precious gift from a merchant friend on my inauguration as Deharm head—a rare southern shrub of great value….
Damn elf…. Now just a pathetic bush. I'd even named it Theorad II and cherished it, but one prank ruined its beauty. Gazing at the ravaged canopy, my heart ached. Like kindred spirits, it mirrored my plight, stirring unexpected emotion.
Sorry I couldn't protect you. Hang in there. Once the church knights arrive, that wicked elf will get her due. Unsure if I spoke to the tree or myself, a carriage wheel rumbled from afar.
Turning, I saw a four-wheeled carriage approaching the mansion gate. At first, I thought it passing by—but no.
—Whoa! Whoa!
The driver's command halted it neatly at the gate. Staring blankly at the side, I was shocked.
Pelgaroin County. The embossed white swan confirmed it was from Count Leoberg.
Swallowing hard, I straightened my attire and approached. The knight from the driver's seat leaped down and saluted.
"Lord Theorad Deharm, an honor to meet you."
Her broad shoulders and muscular build screamed warrior. Manly to a fault—yet ironically, a woman. Her breastplate bulged accordingly, and the blue flag emblem marked her as a Blue Flag Knight.
A woman who rose through the knights to knighthood. Must be from high nobility or exceptional skill. Makes sense—sent by the count for my protection. No mediocrity here.
"Pleased to meet you. What should I call you?"
"Marhan, if you please."
"Very well, Marhan. Why has the count dispatched you?"
"To escort Lord Theorad Deharm to the castle as regent."
Regent. A title that warmed the heart.
"The count has gone to the capital?"
"Yes. It happened sooner than expected, so apologies for no prior letter."
"Of course. Duty as a vassal comes first. I'll fetch my things—wait here."
Marhan looked surprised.
"Regent, no need to rush."
"I'm eager. Won't take over an hour—stand by."
"…Understood."
"Be right back."
Smiling at her, I turned away, lips twitching mischievously, steps light.
Means I can escape the elf for a while! Reason enough to rejoice.
*
Less than an hour later, I returned with my luggage—nervously avoiding the elf during her morning cleaning chore.
"Give me that."
"Here."
Marhan took it, secured it swiftly atop the carriage, and readied the door. I strolled leisurely, savoring the moment. My mind was a flower field.
At the castle, no elf watching. I can confess everything to Esilly, clear misunderstandings, return to how things were. Sweet times with a forgiving Esilly… Plus, church deliberations during my stay. Best of both worlds. Was everything aligning too perfectly?
Can I really be this happy? Life's twists and turns—bliss after hardship. After all I'd endured from the elf's antics, a vacation was due.
Good job, me. Wiping a tear, I approached as Marhan opened the door.
"Thanks."
Smiling my thanks, I looked up to board—and froze.
"M-Masterrr…."
The elf was there. Seated in the carriage.
Why…? Why was the elf aboard before me? My mind blanked. The flower field avatar in my head devoured by a dragon-shaped elf. Total disaster.
Cold sweat beaded, pupils quivering, as Marhan sidled up with a grin.
"Heard she's your favorite slave, so I brought her along. I'm a woman, but I know men's needs inside out. You'll stay at the castle at least a week—gotta relieve some urges now and then, right?"
Hahaha! Her hearty laugh made my neck stiffen.
What the hell are you grinning about, you idiot…! Why do something I didn't ask for?! Why?!
I wanted to yell, but dignity forbade it. Suppressing rage all winter, I fiddled with my brooch.
"Marhan. Am I performing the count's proxy duties correctly?"
"Yes? Of course."
"Then, as his proxy, my first order."
Raising my trembling hand, I glared, grinding my teeth.
"You—are sentenced to death."