Under my employment contract, there isn’t a clear distinction between the duties of an apprentice and a servant, but even so, I wished to be spared being dragged around night and day.
“Hmm, this will do.”
I straightened the collar of my attire in front of the mirror and checked for any wrinkles on the hem.
Today’s outfit is a black poupointe. Without adding the fashionable pleated collar, I opted for a plain ascot tie to cover my neckline, deliberately adopting an out-of-fashion look to assert “I am a servant” without needing to say it aloud. Among the nobility, there is a culture of dressing servants in extravagant attire, but when this happens, it’s customary to deviate from the trend slightly to make it evident at a glance that they are not of noble birth.
Now, the reason I’m donning this garb, gifted by a life-affirming necromancer, is simply because it’s work.
“Ma-ther?”
From outside the shed where I was changing, Lady Agrippina called out lazily. I replied that she should wait a moment as I slipped into the meticulously oiled and polished boots that gleamed like a mirror, fastening them with the help of an “invisible hand.”
Honestly, I can’t finish everything like you can with magic, so I wish you’d wait just a bit longer. Though men’s grooming takes less time compared to women’s, everything can’t be done perfectly in just five minutes.
I combed my hair, which had grown past my waist, applied a light amount of hair oil, and tied it up at the nape of my neck. Since my bangs were neatly trimmed, I swept them to the sides and tucked the extra strands behind my ears to keep them in place. For now, I’ve chosen a simple style where the hair doesn’t get in the way even during lively movements, avoiding complex knots. Though braiding a few strands and tying the others, as Northern people do, would be nice, it’s rather time-consuming, so I skipped it this time.
I had thought to cut it a little shorter since it was getting in the way, but I was opposed by the fairies—including ones I hadn’t even seen before—so for now, I’m putting up with it. If I started growing it out to please them, I need to see it through until the end.
Hmm, it’s nice like this because I can wrap my gathered hair around my neck like a scarf, and it keeps me warm. Also, hair is tougher than you might think; when bundled like this, it’s resilient enough that a blade can’t easily cut through it. I’ve even heard that in ancient times, nobles grew their hair long to protect their necks.
I checked my appearance again in the mirror and verified the back view using a hand mirror. There were no bedhead issues, no stray hairs, and everything was in place. I confirmed that I looked presentable enough as a servant to not draw ridicule from behind when following my mistress, and I relaxed a bit.
Alright, time for work.
“That was slow.”
“I apologize.”
In the workshop, Lady Agrippina stood there, her beauty seemingly flawless on the surface, except for what was known beneath. Her nightgown, a subdued white that contrasted with her porcelain complexion, elegantly exposed her neckline yet maintained a refined aura. Her long hair, tastefully tied and draped, added an extra layer of allure. This stylish appearance was something I rarely saw from her, as if she were exploring new optimal styles.
Indeed, she was. Today, she was participating in an exchange meeting and dinner, not as the Baroness du Stal but in the capacity of Count Ubiorum.
The day after I acknowledged Eliza’s growth, Lady Agrippina dropped a major bombshell.
She announced that she had been promoted to professor, earned a landed title rather than an honorary one, and acquired the position of “Palace Count,” a role akin to an imperial counselor.
At first, I thought, “What on earth is she talking about?” But witnessing the reports on estate management and public duties arriving at the workshop and her summonses to the capital, I couldn’t help but understand.
Apparently, she was conversing with the steward via a telepathic system while saying, “Since it looks like they’ve been managing the imperial lands rather loosely, I’ll have a free rein and do as I please.” With the advantage of being a long-lived species that could operate without sleep, she was now venturing into the field of domestic affairs.
The location wasn’t excellent for trade or industry, so her current aim was to invigorate the local industries and create a brand image with local specialty products. Though her expression during the discussion betrayed a full effort to express how bothersome it all was, she seemed determined to utilize everything to the fullest since it had been thrust upon her.
Yeah, no matter how much money you have, it’s never enough for a mage…
“That, don’t forget it now.”
“Understood.”
I pushed the troubling imaginings about a magic-user landowner, who could potentially turn all the tenants into some sort of material with their dark magic, to the back of my mind and hung the necessary items for a servant and bodyguard at my waist.
So, bodyguard. Even with an arch-enemy that you’d question how they’re alive, the formalities require a bodyguard. And Lady Agrippina, not wanting to change her environment despite her elevated status, opted for me with a lazy “You’re available, right?” as her bodyguard.
Odd, a countess should technically have an entourage-sized guard detail.
Nonetheless, tying the “Sending Wolf” with the unnecessarily stylish and impractical belt given by Lord Raizenitz was a hassle. And incidentally, Lord Raizenitz, who looked unusually weary, was planning to prepare swords matching the attire, which I politely declined.
Because what’s the point if you send me fragile-looking thrusting swords when a familiar weapon is far preferable in case an actual bodyguard situation arises? Plus, the add-ons for enhancing thrusting swords are incompatible with one-handed sword add-ons, leading to a drop in final output, making no sense at all for a data-man like me to equip them.
“Shall we go, then?”
She spoke it more as a casual statement than a command, casually raising her hair off her shoulder. In acknowledgment, I draped her with a pure white fur overcoat. This time of year, it gets cold even in a nightgown, after all. Even barriers can’t entirely shield magicians from the visible chill, making an overcoat essential.
So, I too donned another of Lord Raizenitz’s overcoats. The half-coat, covering only the left side, both concealed the sword hanging at my side, reducing intimidation, and served as an armor protecting the left chest where the heart is located.
By the way, the lining was intricately embroidered with magic, making it top-tier for personal protection, impact resistance, and heat resistance. Judging by the peculiar style of the magical array, it unmistakably bore the touch of Lord Raizenitz, who occasionally tutored me during training sessions.
It’s funny how a design that seems overly flashy and brimming with teenage fantasy aesthetics becomes hard to dismiss when it’s surprisingly practical…
“Goodbye, Master,”
“Hm. I’ll be back today. Don’t forget your homework.”
We left the workshop after seeing off Eliza. Oddly enough, I felt a bit lonely because she didn’t emit an atmosphere of reluctance for us to leave. Apparently, I’m an incorrigible “sis-con” (sister complex).
Ugh, still, wielding a sword in the imperial capital feels strange. As the driver of Castor and Polydeuces’ carriage, I crossed the bridge leading to the imperial city. While the “Crow’s Nest,” the outposts guarding the imperial city from all sides, is easily accessible by circling around, walking the streets with a sword slung at my side still feels bizarre.
Perhaps because my status hasn’t changed, but the rapid changes around me felt a bit dizzying…
At any rate, the imperial city towered majestically that evening, its many spires piercing the heavens and its luminous terraces blindingly bright. It was a display of skill meticulously refined to appear splendid from every angle, overwhelming my trained “aesthetic eye” until my response was simply “Wow, it’s incredible.”
Come to think of it, just being able to enter here is a remarkable testament to our status as citizens of the Threefold Empire.
Among the grand carriages lined up at the imperial city’s main entrance, we stopped. Assisting Lady Agrippina in alighting, we entered the castle. The guards, recognizing the coat of arms—a two-headed eagle holding a sword and a staff—engraved on the side of the carriage and the banner of the Count Ubiorum, allowed us through without delay.
This banner was not just an ordinary flag but integrated magical identification systems to expedite the passage of aristocrats and prevent unnecessary stops.
The grand hall, where trophies of war such as thrones, banners, crowns, and scepters were displayed, conveyed the dignity and history of the Threefold Empire with an impressive visual impact. This magnificence never ceased to awe me, no matter how many times I saw it.
The astonishingly high ceilings were achieved through spatial expansion magic, while every pillar, furnishing, and ceiling was adorned with the most extravagant decorations yet managed to avoid appearing garishly ostentatious, a testament to the designer’s refined taste.
My responsibilities ended when I accompanied Lady Agrippina to the waiting room inside the castle. From here onward, aristocrats accompany other aristocrats to meeting rooms and banquet halls.
In the Threefold Empire, it’s preferable to have an escort when nobles enter. Married individuals are often accompanied by their spouses, while unmarried ones are paired with close peers or escorted by someone of higher rank. In this society, not entirely male-dominated, this tradition arose as a way to introduce newcomers and demonstrate they were not entirely from an outsider household.
This nation was born from the union of small states. Initially, it must have been confusing, with unfamiliar faces attending gatherings. To avoid being suspected as spies, this tradition developed to indicate “I am here on the recommendation of this person” while avoiding the perception of being an alien presence.
Still, this tradition persists. It’s not uncommon for nobles to meet at the waiting room and proceed together to their destinations. Of course, some prefer not to be met at their homes, while others, like Agrippina, live a more casual life at the Magic Academy and don’t see the need for such formalities.
As I was about to head to the servants’ waiting room, Lady Agrippina emerged from the waiting room with a male companion. He appeared to be about twenty, a Minotaur with a robust build. His confident bearing suggested he was a warrior rather than a bureaucrat.
Judging from his attire—again, I’ve grown accustomed to this—the man hailed from a high-ranking noble family. While his appearance wasn’t overly ostentatious, his careful attention to not outshine his superiors signified that he was likely the eldest son of a wealthy baron, exuding a high degree of self-confidence in his demeanor.
This companion seemed quite serious about Lady Agrippina, not realizing that those selected as companions usually aren’t chosen again.
Each time Lady Agrippina entered the palace, she brought a different companion. Initially, it was a charming Human, then a stunningly handsome Long-lived Species. There was also a Child Demon with a stark size difference and an indeterminate Winged Being.
Probably a strategy to build moderate connections while avoiding deeper “intimate” relationships. She’s a sly one, like a skilled cabaret hostess.
As she glanced at me mischievously upon departure, I headed to the servants’ waiting room. Before entering, I whispered a wish to the everblooming rose I concealed in my hand.
What transpired there was magnificent, but this was no less impressive.
It felt like a beauty pageant. The waiting room, spacious like a hall, was jam-packed with gorgeous figures from various races, and the density of beauty made it difficult to even step into the room.
Among the nobility, there is a culture of walking with handsome servants. Though the origins of this practice are unclear, it seems intuitive enough. There are even families that have bred handsome servants for generations through selective processes.
In the corner of the salon-like servant’s lounge, using Ursula’s blessing to minimize my presence, I waited on the edge of a couch. Observing the gathered servants waiting for their masters, each group seemed to occupy their own circle, hinting at connections and factions among the servants.
Building relationships with fellow servants here was important too. Information received from below often pertained to political matters.
However, I had no intention of mixing into those circles, nor did I wish to be mixed in.
This was primarily because it seemed I might be relieved of my duties around this time next year.
Upon learning that she would serve as Palace Count, Lady Agrippina also began formal magic education for Eliza. Judging by her recent conduct, she deemed Eliza’s foundational education had reached an adequate level.
Until now, I had occasionally let her use simple magic to consume accumulated mana. However, the academic magic and sorcery that Eliza would now begin learning were far beyond my comprehension. While the magic I learned through blessings seemed somewhat intuitive, the lessons Eliza would receive are pure science and logic. Though I could theoretically delve into these advanced concepts by investing skill levels, I consciously chose not to enter that depth.
A rough analogy would be that while I obtained a manual license through driving school, Eliza is being rigorously trained in everything from car mechanics to advanced driving techniques through ancient manuals.
Once Eliza gains auditor status, my role will come to an end, and it won’t be necessary to deeply involve myself in noble politics. In fact, it might be prudent to avoid doing so, according to Lady Agrippina’s casual advice.
Looking back, having my ears pulled by magic at the time now seems like a pleasant memory thanks to her considerate foresight.
That said…if interest were to arise from the other side, it might be difficult to avoid entanglement.
This winter, there was a reaction to the “<Spirit Barrier>” I gained through “<Mastery>.” It seemed that someone, with the assistance of a fairy’s divine protection, had identified me and attempted to provoke me in some way.
Ursula, who had been lounging idly in my cloak, pouted, displeased that her night fairy charm that obscured my presence had been unraveled, though it was not applied in full strength.
It’s understandable why they targeted me. With Lady Agrippina, newly appointed Palace Count, a foreign noble’s progeny who had ascended to the rank of professor through cutting-edge research, it’s only natural that others would try to acquire information somehow.
A servant who looks inexperienced like me is probably the best target they could find.
It’s a troubling situation. While I anticipated some involvement, the overt manner in which I’m being used as bait makes me feel rather lonely as a hired help.
On the other hand, compared to attempts in dark alleys, these invitations were rather gentlemanly. Perhaps I should exercise restraint in such cases.
Just recently, I received one such ardent invitation. While casually walking home after shopping, I was suddenly pulled into an alley.
The person didn’t come off too well, considering I’m still managing to lean against the wall cheerfully.
No, I didn’t kill them. Though they might face some issues with work or personal life going forward, I saw them off intact. As a tip for my troubles, I let their proficiency levels be a bit higher and spared them.
Don’t send six grown-ups after a pre-adult. I may be a servant, but I know nothing of Lady Agrippina’s secrets.
At most, I know she’s an embarrassingly lazy beauty who wanders around the workshop half-naked and sometimes reads lying on her back with one breast exposed…
Hmm, that would definitely be a scandal if exposed, which interestingly enough, was a popular genre in my previous life but would likely earn a shocked “Eh…” in this life, leading to an immediate retreat.
…Having braced myself a bit more, I no longer sense any further interference. Neither my “<Presence Detection>” senses anyone approaching nor do I feel intrusive gazes; it seems they’ve no intention to be rude any further.
I requested Ursula to reinforce the obscuring magic a bit stronger, puffed up her cheeks while doing so, and leaned back with a cushion propped on the couch, crossing my legs.
If there’s going to be no more interference, then I might as well pass the time enjoyably. Having unexpectedly gained a little income, I’m planning to dive into the ocean of possibilities to discover a cost-effective advantageous skill while my “<Prodigy>” attribute is still effective.
The truth is, I’m faced with an urgent issue. The expiration of my “<Prodigy>” attribute is approaching…
