Shivers at the Ball
Someone's gaze could feel this piercing, this shiver-inducing. I wasn't sure exactly when the Elf had stepped down from the carriage, but the prickling sensation on my back was intense enough to notice.
Still, there was no need to react. If I caused another scene in front of Esilly, my position would plummet irreparably. Besides, I genuinely liked Esilly. Whether it was love or not, I wasn't sure, but seeing her always filled me with a deep satisfaction that made my days happy. I didn't want to lose that. In other words, I wouldn't let the Elf ruin my human relationships any further.
I forced my mind to calm and looked up at Esilly.
"It's been a while, Lady Esilly."
"Yes. But..."
Esilly responded half-heartedly, her eyes fixed on the Elf behind me. I sidestepped slightly to glare at the Elf, but she didn't avoid Esilly's gaze.
"Hiiing..."
She huddled her body and drooped her lips in a feigned show of fear, but her eyes stared straight at Esilly.
"..."
An icy silence stretched on. Esilly gazed down at the Elf with a thoroughly emotionless expression, giving no hint of her thoughts.
"Lord Theorad."
After scrutinizing the Elf for a while, her blue eyes turned to me. I flinched and met her gaze as she spoke in a subdued tone.
"You've brought that Elf slave I saw before."
I wanted to shout that I hadn't brought her, Esilly! But I couldn't, so I swallowed it down.
"Y-yes. Have I done something rude, by chance?"
"No. I'm fine with it. I have no right to meddle in Lord Theorad bringing his slave along. We're not even married yet—I don't want to overstep."
Her flat tone stung my heart. If only I could pour out the truth.
As I suppressed my frustration and barely maintained a smile through the winter chill, Fred burst into cheerful laughter and clapped his hands, trying to lighten the awkward atmosphere.
"Haha! No matter how pretty that slave is, enough with the jealousy, Esilly. It's embarrassing for your fiancé, and it doesn't suit your dignity."
"It's not jealousy. Why do you always have such a narrow view, brother?"
"It is. If you're going to lie, at least check your face in a mirror first. The venom on it is something fierce."
"No, that's..."
Esilly's cheeks flushed faintly. She glanced at me, then covered her mouth and let out a low, fake cough.
"Anyway, Lord Theorad. There's a ball at the annex this evening. If it's alright, I'd like to invite you."
"Ah, Fred mentioned it. Unless something urgent comes up, I'll definitely attend."
"Good. Brother?"
Subtly, Esilly nudged Fred's arm with her elbow. He caught the signal and flashed a sly grin.
"Looks like Esilly's shy with you here. We'll continue our walk, so head into the castle first and get the basics on administrative duties from Marhan."
"Pardon? Weren't you going to handle the duties with me, young master Fred?"
"Sorry. I've got no talent for governing. Hunting's more my speed—I want nothing to do with the family's headaches. But don't worry. Marhan, who guarded you as your brother-in-law's escort, will faithfully relay Father's instructions."
"If that's how it is, then I understand."
I placed a hand on my chest and bowed politely. Fred nodded.
"See you later."
Fred spurred his horse's flank. It neighed lightly and trotted past the carriage, crossing the drawbridge. Esilly followed, her riding calm and elegant in stark contrast to Fred's rough, bold style.
"Brother—! Stop fooling around and slow down, I said!"
...Though it seemed Fred had the edge in skill.
"Regent, Your Excellency."
As I stared wistfully at the departing Esilly, Marhan approached and bowed.
"I'll escort you to the castle now."
"Yes."
I glanced at the Elf and climbed back into the carriage. She followed, taking the seat beside me. Staring at her silent, forward gaze sent chills down my spine for no reason.
"..."
I was curious what Esilly was thinking. With the Elf, not knowing made me afraid...
*
The Count's office.
"You'll handle duties here during your stay."
Guided by Marhan, I arrived at the office and looked around.
Impressive.
As the office used by the head of the Pelgaroin Count family, who ruled the county, it was vast and antique. What stood out most were the massive campaign desks flanking the office table. The left one was awarded directly by His Majesty the Emperor to the Count for participating in the Orc Subjugation War eight years ago—a white lion, symbol of the imperial family, embroidered on it. The right bore the Pelgaroin family crest. Tradition and luxury oozed from every corner.
A space that naturally elevated the family's prestige. Working here made my heart swell with grandeur.
"Is it really alright for me to use this place?"
Overwhelmed, I spoke, and Marhan humbly nodded.
"You're acting as the Count's proxy. It's a right you should enjoy."
"No, it's not quite right. Normally, Fred should handle the main duties with me assisting. Even as regent, this is my first time."
"Well..."
I turned to Marhan, who hesitated.
"I've heard Fred stepped back from family affairs eight years ago. Is it because of young master Beneller, who passed during the Orc Subjugation War?"
Marhan froze as if caught off guard. His hesitating lips suggested he was choosing words carefully. Not wanting to press further, I sighed softly.
"He must have gone to a good place. If young master Beneller doesn't enter heaven, then heaven might as well not exist."
"Yes. The God of Light will have prepared a place for him there."
A belated solemnity settled between Marhan and me. I hadn't meant to get so heavy. Awkwardly inhaling, I cleared my throat.
"Anyway, I'd like the handover. Anything special I need to watch?"
"Ah. The territory's administration is running as usual, so no major concerns. Nothing will arise in a week. However..."
"However?"
"For the past month or so, the Band of Ten Righteous Outlaws have been rampant, troubling the Count."
The Band of Ten Righteous Outlaws... I'd heard the name vaguely.
"The ones targeting county nobles for robberies, right?"
"Yes. But they distribute some of the stolen goods to the territory's people, making it quite the headache."
"I see. Hard to get public cooperation. Even finding their base is tough if the locals won't talk."
"Pardon? Ah, yes. Some locals who've received their 'favors' spread rumors calling them righteous outlaws, hindering investigations. They just say 'I don't know' to everything..."
Simple enough. A mysterious group robs nobles and shares spoils with commoners, stalling probes. The "righteous outlaw" title has made them folk heroes. Locals won't cooperate openly. But it's still crime—unforgivable evil, selfish scheming disguised as good. It needed uprooting before it grew.
"I'll look into it. Bring a map marking crime sites and compiled witness statements. And..."
"Regent, Your Excellency."
As I listed more documents, Marhan interrupted. Puzzled, I looked at him, and he wore a troubled expression.
"I understand your urgency, but today, it might be best to skip duties. To attend the evening welcome ball, you need time to change and prepare now."
"Ah, hmm."
He had a point. Esilly said she'd wait at the ball.
After a moment's thought, I nodded.
"Understood. But don't tell my slave—I'm not bringing her."
"As you command. I'll prepare the carriage."
Marhan saluted crisply and left the office. Alone, I scratched my cheek absentmindedly.
The welcome ball.
I didn't love noisy crowds, but used right, I could explain my innocence to Esilly. Steeling myself, I stood before the mirror, adjusting my attire.
I need to impress Esilly.
Nerves made my hands tremble.
*
As dusk began to fall, I exited the castle to find the coachman waiting with a four-wheeled carriage. Short trip, no escorts.
"I'll drive comfortably, Regent, sir."
"Thanks."
I nodded to the coachman and boarded. As I brushed my sleeves, he closed the door. I checked my outfit once more, leaned back confidently.
No Elf means I can tell Esilly the truth.
How much I'd suffered watching for the Elf's eyes. This time, I'd secretly arranged the carriage to leave her behind—everything would go smoothly.
...But why aren't we moving?
Puzzled, I tapped toward the driver's seat.
"Hey. Why are we just sitting here?"
"Pardon? Your slave's coming this way..."
"What?"
What nonsense? Stunned, I opened the window and peeked out. Sure enough, the Elf was running toward us, silver tray of tea and snacks in hand.
Damn it...!
Marhan? No, he wouldn't ignore me twice.
Then who?
Did the Elf wait until I left the castle? Chills erupted as I pounded the carriage.
"Go, go now!"
"But the slave hasn't arrived yet?"
"Doesn't matter—go!"
Startled by my bark, the baffled coachman whipped the reins hard.
"Hyah!"
The horses neighed roughly and bolted forward. Shocked, the Elf sped up, tripped on a stone, and tumbled.
"Eek!"
Crash! Teacups shattered on the ground, tea spilling. Fancy pastries dusted with dirt, the Elf's clothes instantly soiled.
"H-hic... sob..."
In a pitiful pose, she sobbed lowly, reaching toward me pleadingly.
"P-please wait, M-Master...!"
Wait my ass. I'd sooner wait for the Demon King in the seven hells. As I tsked inwardly in relief, the carriage slowed.
Puzzled, I glanced at the coachman, who gazed at the Elf with a distant, pitying look.
"Sir. Not my place, but she's so pitiful—shouldn't we pick her up?"
What madness!
"Nonsense! I'm the pitiful one!"
"Pardon? What do you..."
"Shut up and drive! Now!"
At my second shout, the coachman flinched and whipped the reins again. Only then did I relax, slipping back inside.
Close call.
I feared repercussions, but what choice? Better die than let the Elf steal Esilly. Today, no matter what, I wouldn't fall for her schemes. With resolve firm, I calmed my racing heart.