Elis Nella Elianos
One week later…
"Sandwiches again? Don't you ever get sick of them?"
"Not really. Nothing beats them for filling up quickly and simply."
Dane narrowed his eyes as he asked, but Schwarz only shook his head and took a bite of the sandwich he had pulled from the paper bag.
"Even so, eating nothing but that for three whole months seems a bit much…"
"I can't afford to waste time on meals."
They were easy to make, didn't take long to eat, and still managed a decent nutritional balance. What better food could there be? Ever since his previous life, sandwiches had been something of a staple for him.
"No… normal servants actually get proper break times, you know!?"
Dane shouted in disbelief at Schwarz's matter-of-fact tone.
Strictly speaking, he wasn't wrong. A servant's duty was to attend their master, but they were still human. Rest was a necessity. Most servants took their breaks during the same hours their masters ate. Schwarz, however, spent nearly every moment at Milia's side—aside from the ten-odd minutes he allowed himself for meals and the hours she slept.
"You're going to collapse at this rate, man."
"That won't happen, so don't worry. I may not look it, but I manage my condition properly."
At his core he was a dragon; his physical capabilities were nothing like a human's. Situations that would have left an ordinary person exhausted still left him with room to spare. More importantly, now that he knew people carrying the same aura as the assassins who had targeted Milia a year ago were present in Barenberg, he could not leave her side for even a moment.
"Hmm… is that so?"
"Ghk!?"
At that very moment, Milia's voice came from behind him. Schwarz froze in shock. The sandwich he had been swallowing lodged firmly in his throat.
"Urgh! Ugh!!"
"You startled me. When did you get here? I didn't even hear the door."
Leaving Schwarz pounding his chest in agony, Dane uncorked the milk bottle beside him and held it out.
"I finished my business early and came back, only to overhear something like this. I thought you were sticking to my side more than usual—so that was the reason?"
"Pwah…!! My Lady, that's not—"
Schwarz downed the milk in one go, gasping for air as he waved his hands.
"From now on, you're banned from approaching me during lunch. Understood?"
"Ah, My Lady…!!"
At her declaration, Schwarz's face crumpled into a pout.
"What I need is a servant, not a slave. Are you trying to make people say your master keeps a slave around?"
"That's not it, but…"
In truth, he stayed close to guard against a possible assassin attack. Yet he could not bring himself to tell her—he did not want to worry her.
"Don't take it too hard. I'm sixteen now. I can look after myself well enough."
"Understood…"
Schwarz nodded, but he could not shake the unease. Her martial skill was impressive, yet the world had a way of springing the unexpected.
"So, what brings you here? I already submitted all the documents that needed your approval, didn't I?"
"Ah. Right, I almost forgot."
Dane tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere by changing the subject. At his question, Milia let out a soft hum and looked at Schwarz.
"Come with me. There's someone who wants to meet you."
"Pardon? Me?"
Schwarz tilted his head. No matter how hard he thought, he could not recall anyone who would have business with him.
"I'll explain on the way."
"Yes, My Lady."
He rose and followed Milia out into the corridor.
A short while later…
Milia's steps came to a halt before none other than the office of Student Council President Arge.
"You're here?"
"President Arge?"
Arge fen Rumenia raised a hand in greeting as the two stopped. Schwarz tilted his head again. Why was she waiting outside?
He bowed to her.
"How is the situation?"
"I managed to stop her from going to find you herself… but it would be best if you went in soon."
Arge answered in a lowered voice, shaking her head at Milia's quiet question.
What on earth is going on?
Who could be inside to make even these two react like this? The daughter of Duke Rumenia—one of the kingdom's five great houses—and the young lady of Count Valentine, one of the three lesser great houses. Anyone who could fluster both of them was no ordinary person.
"Just in case, I'll say this beforehand: do not do anything that could be taken as rude. Understood?"
Milia's voice carried a faint tremor from the tension.
"Yes, My Lady."
"Haa… All right. Let's go in."
By now even Schwarz could feel the gravity of the situation. He nodded with a solemn face. Milia let out a short breath and composed her expression. After a moment she steeled herself, gave a small nod, and stepped up to the door. She knocked carefully.
Come in.
A voice answered from within at once.
"…?"
The moment he heard it, Schwarz tilted his head. He was certain he had heard that voice somewhere before…
As the thought crossed his mind, Milia turned the handle. The door opened with a creak. She stepped inside, and Schwarz followed.
"I have been wanting to meet you. Milia Valentine. And Schwarz."
Seated in the chair that normally belonged to Arge was a young girl, waiting to receive them.
Hair of a soft blue light, eyes the pale aquamarine of the gem itself. Her fair skin and graceful figure gave the illusion of a perfectly sculpted marble statue.
"I present myself before Her Highness, Princess Elis Nella Elianos."
The door clicked shut behind them. At the same moment, Milia dropped to one knee before the girl.
Whoa—the princess!?
Schwarz followed suit and knelt as well.
Why in the world was a princess here? Cold sweat traced his spine as he scrambled for answers. Then her voice came again, solemn and clear.
"Raise your heads."
Schwarz and Milia slowly looked up. Elis rose from her seat and approached Milia with soft, measured steps, extending the back of her hand. Milia lightly pressed her lips to it.
"I have heard much about you, Milia Valentine. Stories of your father, of course, and of you as well. I offer my deepest gratitude for the Valentine family's tireless efforts on behalf of the kingdom."
"We merely do what is expected of us."
"I thought you would say as much."
Elis nodded at the reply, then turned her gaze to Schwarz.
"And Schwarz."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Thank you for that day. I was so flustered I never properly expressed my gratitude, and it has weighed on me ever since. That is why I came to see you."
"…?"
What was she talking about? Confusion flickered across Schwarz's carefully controlled expression. Why would a princess be thanking him? No matter how far he searched his memories, her face was nowhere to be found.
"Ah. Do you not recognize me?"
"No… Forgive me, Your Highness."
He answered with a nod. It might have been presumptuous, but he truly could not remember.
"Heh. That is only natural. I was wearing a hooded robe at the time."
"A robe…?"
Far from taking offense, Elis only gave a soft laugh.
A robe… then…
"The tart you gave up for me that day. It was delicious."
"Ah…!!"
At her quiet words, the pieces finally fell into place. The girl standing before him was the one he had rescued from assassins only a few days earlier.
"I owe your servant a great debt, Milia Valentine."
"He only did what was right."
"Do not be so modest. An outstanding master produces an outstanding retainer. It is because you are exceptional that your servant is exceptional as well."
"You honor us with such praise."
Milia bowed her head. Elis smiled lightly and took a seat at the table in the center of the office.
"Please, sit."
"Yes, Your Highness. Schwarz."
"Yes, My Lady."
Schwarz rose and went to the small stove in the corner to prepare tea. A fragrant aroma soon filled the room. Moments later, steaming cups were set before Elis and Milia.
"A lovely fragrance. Leaves from the Harmont region?"
"Yes. I only hope it suits Your Highness's palate."
"Please, do not worry. I enjoy Harmont tea myself."
Elis's smile eased some of the tension from Milia's face. Still smiling, Elis lifted the cup of black tea to her lips. Milia and Schwarz watched anxiously. After a soft sip, Elis slowly set the cup down.
"Excellent tea. The leaves are fine, of course, but the skill with which they were steeped is no ordinary thing."
"You honor me, Your Highness."
Schwarz, who had been fretting over the possibility of displeasing her, bowed with visible relief.
For a time only the quiet sound of tea being sipped filled the office.
"I have come to see the two of you today for a special reason."
"A special reason, Your Highness…?"
Elis spoke after a short sigh. Milia and Schwarz tilted their heads, then fixed their eyes on her, sensing that the real matter had arrived. Under their gazes Elis fidgeted with her fingertips for a long moment, as though wrestling with herself. At last she pressed her lips firmly together and addressed Milia.
"Milia Valentine. Would you be willing to entrust your servant to me?"
In the next instant, a silence so heavy it raised the hair on the skin settled over the room.