The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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“The head of the family is waiting. I will guide you to the reception room.”

We followed the servant’s lead toward the reception room.

Though it was quite a distance, moving around the mansion made it feel not so long.

There were several paintings hanging in the hallway, providing some entertainment as we admired them.

“This is the place.”

“Thank you for your effort.”

“The head of the family has left word that they wish to meet alone with Princess Shione.”

“I will enter the reception room by myself.”

After finishing their guidance, the servant bowed their head slightly.

They stood by the door, seemingly waiting for any command from the head of the family.

“Off you go now.”

“…Yes.”

Princess Shione’s expression grew somber at the thought of meeting her father-in-law, who she had little connection with, and the head of the Marquis Family.

It was understandable that she would feel burdened in this situation.

Creeeak…

Shione slowly opened the door to the reception room and stepped inside.

The door soon closed behind her, and all I could do was wait for her to come out.

“Um…”

On the left was a servant I had never seen before.

And on the right, Diolia, with whom I had barely conversed outside of work.

It was extremely awkward.

Though oddly enough, neither seemed to pay me any mind.

I wished Ian could have been here with me.

Ian went straight to the church as soon as we arrived at the Marquis House.

Since he wasn’t around, Shione was the only one I could talk to.

I considered speaking to Diolia, but I lost the courage to break the silence and gave up.

As I quietly waited for Shione, she emerged from the reception room after a while.

I was eager to speak with her, but upon seeing the head of the family trailing behind her, I fell silent.

“Guide them to the reception room in the annex. After your guidance, return to my office.”

The head of the Feiosha Marquis Family, Yulia Feiosha, had an incredibly calm demeanor.

Her hair possessed a deep blackness unlike anything else.

With a cold appearance and seemingly indifferent black eyes directed at the other person, she held a striking presence.

Upon her instruction, the servant immediately responded.

“Understood.”

After confirming the servant’s reaction, Yulia spoke to Shione.

“Make sure to have a good discussion about this engagement with Evan.”

“…Understood.”

Seeing Shione’s voice lose strength compared to before she entered the reception room, it appeared she must have had quite a taxing conversation inside.

I was curious about what Yulia and Shione had discussed, but judging by the atmosphere, it seemed that Shione felt like a newlywed who had just received a thorough reprimanding from her father-in-law.

“I will guide you now. This way…”

Once again, I began to walk according to the servant’s guidance.

As I exited the main building and headed towards the annex, the gardens of the Marquis Family came into view.

It was evident just at a glance that this garden was larger and better maintained than that of the Count’s House.

“This garden is well-maintained. How about asking Young Master Evan to introduce you to the garden?”

As Evan’s name left my lips, Shione flinched slightly.

Why did she react like that just from a name?

Though she seemed displeased, perhaps because the servant from the Feiosha Marquis Family was present, Shione held back from speaking ill, unlike in the carriage.

“…Yes. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to mention the garden.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“But it doesn’t seem fitting for a frail woman such as myself to speak of gardens and flowers.”

I shook my head.

Well, there’s no rule saying that only frail men should love flowers.

Her concerns seemed quite unnecessary.

“What’s wrong with a woman loving gardens and flowers? If Young Master Evan also enjoys flowers like you do, you might have a delightful conversation.”

“I share the same sentiment, Princess Shione.”

“Okay, I understand.”

With Diolia joining in on the conversation, we made our way into the annex.

Once again, after the servant finished guiding us, they offered a brief greeting before heading toward Yulia’s office.

The reception room in the annex was still empty.

It seemed Young Master Evan hadn’t arrived yet.

“Princess Shione, relax.”

“…Am I that obvious?”

“It was clear to anyone looking that you were tense. It might be good to take a few deep breaths.”

Nodding, Shione followed my advice and took several deep breaths.

I pulled out a handkerchief from my pocket and handed it to Shione.

“Here you go.”

“A handkerchief? Why suddenly this?”

“Did I not teach you some actions that might please the men before?”

“Oh.”

Realizing what I meant, Shione seemed to remember our previous conversation.

“Using this handkerchief to dab my mouth is something I cannot possibly do.”

“Are you giving up too soon?”

“…I think it’s more accurate to say it’s impossible.”

“Then at least when having snacks, try to do as I taught you.”

“I suppose I could manage that…”

It seemed that while using a handkerchief was tough, she could eat snacks decently, at least.

It would be awkward if she was stuffing her face with treats in front of her fiancé.

All I hoped for was that she would at least eat her snacks decorously.

I gently nudged Shione into the reception room and spoke.

“I will wait outside.”

“Ha… Then I will.”

I made sure to confirm that Shione had settled into her seat before I waited outside for Young Master Evan’s arrival, and soon enough, I began sensing a presence approaching from a distance.

Diolia and I turned our attention toward the source of the presence.

Soon, we could see the one who was coming.

With short, black hair like Yulia Feiosha’s and a cold expression to match.

Additionally, there was a man with a handsome face that resembled Yulia’s.

He was most likely no one else but Evan Feiosha, Shione’s fiancé.

“……”

What on earth could he have done to end up in such a predicament of a political marriage with someone as fine as Shione?

I was utterly baffled before, and seeing his face only deepened my confusion.

Even though Shione had locked herself away and ended up engaged to him, I had returned him to being a person… When that engagement was formed, Shione probably wasn’t looking her best.

There must have been plenty of other suitors, so to end up involved with none other than Shione seemed rather unfortunate for him.

A servant who seemed to be accompanying him spoke to him.

“I will wait outside. If you need anything, just call for me.”

“Thanks, Ron.”

With a cold demeanor yet a gentle smile, he finally entered the reception room where Shione was.

*

After being nudged into the reception room by Ray, some time passed.

It felt like he should be arriving soon…

With his delay exceeding my expectations, I started recalling the conversation I had with the head of the family.

“Welcome to the Feiosha Marquis Family.”

It had started with a simple, formal welcome.

“It seems you have come all this way due to matters regarding my son’s engagement…”

The talk had ended with a straightforward discussion about my engagement.

While the mood hadn’t been particularly jovial, I preferred this awkwardness over a blatant facade.

As I fell into thought, it seemed my anticipated arrival was finally here.

Voices began to echo outside the reception room as the door started to open.

I steeled my expression as I gazed at the man entering the room.

Evan Feiosha. My forgotten fiancé.

He quietly stepped into the room and stood before me.

I stood up and greeted him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Feiosha.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Princess Shianella.”

An incredibly awkward atmosphere enveloped us.

The one to break the silence first was none other than Evan.

“I have much to discuss with you, Princess Shianella… Shall we take a seat?”

“…Understood.”

Evan and I took our seats.

The sofa was incredibly plush, but I didn’t feel particularly comfortable.

“Even though we are engaged, this is our first time meeting, isn’t it? I’m glad to finally meet you, Princess.”

“It is an honor, Young Master. It would have been great if our estates were closer, but it’s quite regrettable that we can’t meet more often due to the distance.”

His reaction seemed favorable to my reply, and Evan smiled slightly.

Initially, we exchanged simple pleasantries, and as the atmosphere warmed little by little, I was able to respond more easily to Evan’s inquiries.

Ray had encouraged me to bring up the garden…

Sadly, I was unable to say anything about that as he hoped.

Before long, the door of the reception room opened once more.

“Young Master Evan, as you requested, I have brought the snacks and tea.”

The servant placed the tea and snacks on the table in front of us.

With a display of black tea and sweet treats, the servant exited the reception room.

“Do you have a preference for sweet foods, Princess?”

“I do enjoy sweets, so there’s no need for concern. I’m truly grateful for your consideration, Young Master.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Evan took a sip of his tea.

I brought a cookie to my mouth.

Clink.

As Evan set down his teacup, he finally asked the question I had been waiting for.

“How do you feel about our engagement, Princess?”