Chapter 95
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: I Won't Yield This Time. (2)
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After the guards arrived, things unfolded pretty much as expected. We were taken to their garrison for questioning, and once we explained everything, we were released without much hassle.
That was undoubtedly thanks in part to Elena being a duke's daughter. For a guard unit mostly made up of commoners, holding a high noble in custody would have been a real headache.
"Thank you so much for your cooperation with the investigation. We'll deliver the heretic bug to the Imperial Mage Corps as you described."
We stepped away, leaving the guard captain bowing in gratitude behind us.
'Has it gotten this late already...?'
The world outside had already been swallowed by darkness. It had been dusk when we first encountered the heretics, so it was only natural.
As I stared blankly at the sky, Elena suddenly spoke up.
"Luke, did I do something unnecessary...?"
"I can't understand why you'd think that..."
"We came all the way to the capital, and it feels like I wasted your time. And more than that, I put you in danger..."
Elena fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, twisting it innocently in her hands.
She had a point. Instead of enjoying ourselves, we'd fought those monsters, and because of that choice, I'd had to draw my sword and join the fray.
But when had it ever been different? I'd been swept up in her sense of justice more times than I could count.
"If I'd had a choice, I might have picked differently—to keep you out of danger, milady."
"I thought as much..."
"Still, I think what you did was right. Though it's presumptuous for a mere servant to judge his master's actions. Please, keep being yourself. That's all I could ever want."
Of course, I hated getting dragged into trouble. Taking care of just myself was hard enough. But beneath that, there was a desire to be righteous.
Doesn't everyone feel that way? We've all imagined ourselves stepping up to help others, saving them from peril. Life's just too harsh and unforgiving to act on it most of the time.
So in the end, I had no complaints about Elena's actions. It was a good deed, a just one, no matter how you sliced it.
"You really are..."
"You picked a fine servant, didn't you?"
"That last bit ruined what was otherwise perfect."
Elena shook her head side to side with a sigh. But her face wore a clear smile, so she didn't seem too upset.
What could I do? Once the words were out, I couldn't just stand there awkwardly. Teasing her like this kept things from getting weird.
"Shall we head out, then?"
"Yes, I'll escort you to a nice restaurant nearby."
"I'm not really hungry."
"Straight to the inn, then?"
"...Let's go to the restaurant."
Elena jabbed my side with her elbow and strode ahead.
She could just say she's hungry...
Anyway, she was a mistress who demanded a lot of attention.
Time passed, and before I knew it, the next day had arrived. I woke at my usual early hour.
Despite the fierce battle the day before, my body felt fine. A bit stiff, but nothing serious.
'The banquet starts at lunch today, right...?'
In that case, a quick breakfast and then preparations. People of all genders took forever to get ready for these events.
And since I was Elena's only servant, it fell even more on me.
But that plan shattered in less than an hour.
"Luke, just sit there and rest."
"Are you sure you don't need help?"
"I can handle it myself."
Elena flicked her fingers in the air, and the tools on her vanity began to float.
What followed was nothing short of miraculous.
The makeup tools moved as if alive, adorning her face. Of course, they weren't sentient—it was all Elena's control.
Watching it unfold in real time, I could only marvel.
I wasn't versed in magic, but I'd heard the rumors. Controlling five objects at once marked you as a genius.
'She's the protagonist through and through...'
I'd barely had that thought when I felt eyes on me. Turning, I saw Elena watching me through the mirror.
"Luke, help me with one thing."
"What is it?"
"I'm about to put on my dress."
It didn't make sense. I'd seen her makeup tools dance like fish in water. Lacing up a dress from behind should be trivial for her.
But refusing or questioning her wasn't an option. If she wanted it, I had to oblige.
What happened next was identical to the festival incident. Elena had the dress mostly on and just needed help with the laces.
"Then, if I may."
Approaching her, I was met with her smooth, pale back.
How did I end up doing this again...?
As I thought that and tried to avert my eyes, I spotted a stray thread clinging to her back.
I stared at it blankly, then reached out slowly. No real intent—just instinct.
The moment my hand touched her skin...
"Eek?!"
Elena jumped, eyes wide, and her hand slipped from holding the dress's bodice. A small gap opened between fabric and skin.
"W-W-What was that?!"
She grabbed at her clothes frantically, face flushed and words stumbling in panic.
Glancing at her expression in the mirror, I bowed my head immediately.
"Sorry. There was a thread on your back..."
"O-Oh, that's fine. But... did you see anything...?"
I was taller than her, standing right behind. If I'd looked down when the dress slipped, I might have glimpsed inside.
But thankfully, I hadn't. I'd checked her face in the mirror first.
From the front, it showed a bit more cleavage, but nothing major. Well, that might be the issue.
"I didn't see a thing. If I'm lying, you can have my eyes."
"I wouldn't go that far...? I was just going to scold you a little..."
It was surreal hearing Elena say something Erze would.
Separate from that, it meant I was special to her, which felt nice.
As if I'd complain about job security. This was it.
"Anyway, help me now...!"
"Pulling tight."
I yanked the two protruding laces hard. Elena inhaled sharply—hup!
These era's dresses were ridiculously uncomfortable. Sure, aesthetics differed from modern times, but a little comfort wouldn't hurt.
"Done."
"After fixing it up a bit, it fits perfectly. Excellent."
"Glad you like it. I'll check if the carriage is here."
"Yes, go ahead."
I bowed and left her room.
Outside the inn, the coachman and carriage waited. His smooth-shaven face suggested he'd enjoyed his break. The silver coin tip had helped.
As he polished the carriage and met my eyes, he bowed deeply. The power of money never ceased to amaze.
I returned a light nod and headed back to Elena's room.
"Milady, the carriage is ready. Time's approaching—shall we depart?"
"Sounds good. Let's go."
"Yes, if I may esc—"
"One moment. Luke, come here."
Puzzled, I turned to her. She reached out and straightened my necktie.
"You're my servant now, but the moment we enter the palace, you're an invited guest of His Majesty. Don't forget that."
"Understood."
"Perfect. Now, let's head out."
I opened the door ahead of her, and she brushed past me out of the room.
We boarded the waiting carriage outside the inn. Soon, the coachman's voice rang out.
"We're off."
With a faint jolt, the wheels began to turn.
Our destination: the imperial palace, a place no baron's son dared tread.