Tap tap~
Ram hurried a few steps forward, her face filled with shock at the sight before her. The monsters that had once surrounded the area had completely vanished—not even ashes remained. As for the leader that had taken the direct strike of the blade, there was not a single trace left.
"Incredible... Shogun-sama, this is the first time Ram has witnessed such an exaggerated slash!"
She turned back excitedly toward the woman walking toward her with Musou Isshin in hand. She was certain that no matter who—or what kind of creature—it was, none would dare receive that strike head-on. Having witnessed the entire process, even recalling it sent a chill down her spine. No wonder the Shogun had appeared so relaxed earlier, completely unconcerned with those beasts.
"Haa... there is no need to be astonished. I merely did so to save time. Rem's condition cannot be delayed."
The Shogun walked to Ram's side and casually flicked Musou Isshin from her palm toward the empty air.
Hum~
The exquisite tachi floated upside down in midair, tip pointing downward. With a smooth motion of her arm, it dissolved into a starlit shimmer and vanished without a trace. The entire action flowed as naturally as breathing, without the slightest awkwardness, as though she had long since grown accustomed to it.
Whoosh whoosh!
From the spot where the leader beast had disappeared, a thread of black aura surfaced. Like a fine strand, it stretched toward some distant place before snapping with a crisp crack, dispersing into the sky.
"It seems there should be no further issue. I wonder how Beatrice's side fares."
The Shogun folded her arms and murmured.
"Haa... shall we return, Shogun-sama?"
Ram looked up at the gradually clearing sky and let out a breath of relief.
"Mm..."
It was indeed time to head back. Though the beast had been slain in a single strike, some time had still been spent on the way here.
"Take my hand."
"Yes."
She grasped Ram's slender hand. Lightning enveloped them both, centered upon her body.
Crack!
In an instant, they transformed into a bolt of thunder and vanished, kicking up a great spray of dust and water in their wake.
Though carrying another while traveling in such a manner posed certain risks, fortunately the distance was not far. By the time the two reappeared in the front courtyard of Roswaal's mansion, it was already around nine in the morning. The sky above the estate remained as clear and blue as ever. The neatly trimmed green lawns stretched beautifully, birds sang among fragrant blossoms, and peace filled the air—so serene that what had happened earlier felt almost like a distant dream.
"Shogun-sama..."
However, just as they reached the main gate of the courtyard—before stepping inside—Ram softly called out to her.
"?"
The Shogun turned her head.
"Look over there..."
Ram gestured subtly toward the interior of the courtyard. Following her gaze, the Shogun saw that a previously empty space now held an unfamiliar carriage. Its design carried a faint golden opulence, clearly the vehicle of someone wealthy. Beside it stood a white-haired elderly man dressed in black butler attire. Though aged, his complexion was vigorous and his eyes sharp and resolute—like that of a seasoned warrior.
"...Who is that?"
She asked quietly.
"Likely someone from the Royal Capital..."
The two approached, the Shogun leading while Ram followed at her side.
Tap tap~ ×2
"...?"
Perhaps hearing their footsteps—or perhaps noticing their reflection in the polished surface of the carriage—the elderly butler narrowed his eyes slightly. Lowering the handkerchief he had been using to polish the carriage, he turned slowly to face them.
"May I ask who you two are...?"
He inquired.
"Hello. We serve Lady Emilia. My name is Ram, and this is Lady Raiden Shogun."
Ram stepped forward respectfully, though without surpassing the Shogun, and gave a polite bow in introduction.
"I see... so you must be the one who shares a close relationship with Lady Emilia."
The old man nodded in understanding, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Shogun from head to toe.
Close relationship? True enough—but how did he know that?
The Shogun felt puzzled, though she paid no mind to his appraisal. Crossing her arms casually, she spoke in her cool, clear tone.
"And who are you? For what purpose have you come?"
Her eyes briefly assessed the man before her. Despite his age, he possessed a physique several times sturdier than hers. Though she herself held immense strength, her body remained that of a shapely young woman—perhaps due to being a puppet. There were no bulky muscles to distort her form, only perfectly flowing lines along her curves. The man before her, however, stood perhaps half a head taller—around one hundred eighty to one hundred ninety centimeters—and though elderly, he radiated formidable vitality.
Surely he had once walked a complicated path.
"My apologies. My name is Wilhelm van Astrea, butler of the Karsten household. I have come today to invite Lady Emilia to the Royal Capital to participate in the royal succession selection."
The tall white-haired elder bowed politely toward the seemingly delicate purple-haired woman and answered honestly.
"...Karsten?"
The Shogun narrowed her eyes slightly, pronouncing the name with faint unfamiliarity.
"One of the royal candidates, Shogun-sama," Ram explained softly at her side, perfectly fulfilling her role as assistant and maid.
"Understood."
She nodded.
"But why make a personal visit at this time?"
She continued.
"It is the will of certain nobles within the Royal Capital. Without prior invitation, absence would be deemed unfair. Moreover... Lady Crusch herself is particularly mindful of such matters."
Wilhelm replied matter-of-factly.
So your mistress is rather upright...
She remarked inwardly.
"Then why not depart immediately?"
She gestured toward the manor building.
"No. Someone has already gone inside. I merely remain here as butler to await their return."
Wilhelm shook his head.
"I have one question. Might you answer it?"
"Of course."
He inclined his head.
"Your swordsmanship... how is it?"
Her gaze flicked briefly to the knightly blade at his waist.
"I know a little, nothing more. Though I serve as Lady Crusch's sword instructor, these old bones can scarcely swing a blade as they once did."
The humility was obvious. As a warrior herself, she could tell at a glance that his powerful physique was not that of someone unable to wield a sword. On the contrary, he likely swung it with devastating precision. She had asked a redundant question.
"I'm back, Grandpa Wilhelm!"
At that moment, a lively, youthful voice sounded from her left. All three turned to look.
A short-haired girl dressed in a blue-and-white dress approached, her hair resembling a cat's ears in shape.
"Sorry to keep you waiting outside. It must have been boring, right?"
The girl's soft cat ears twitched as she walked up beside Wilhelm and spoke apologetically.
"Not at all. I was chatting with this young lady."
Wilhelm shook his head and introduced the Shogun to the cat-eared girl.
"..."
Meanwhile, the Shogun narrowed her eyes slightly as she examined the newcomer.
"Nyaa~!"
Upon hearing that, the girl immediately turned toward her. Her eyes lit up with interest. She stepped close—far too close—and began sniffing around her.
"Are you wearing perfume?"
She looked up at her, ears twitching, eyes sparkling.
"...No."
The Shogun replied flatly.
"Oh~? No perfume? Then is it your natural scent? It smells so good~!"
The girl leaned in again and sniffed enthusiastically.
"...You are being rather rude."
The Shogun shifted her shoulder away slightly, her eyes narrowing.
"Ah... sorry. I'm just sensitive to smells. Hehe..."
The cat girl laughed awkwardly.
"Even so, please refrain from getting so close to Shogun-sama."
Ram said coldly, clearly unimpressed.
"I know, I know~ Sorry, sorry... But wow, this is my first time seeing such a beautiful big sister by Lady Emilia's side~ What's your name?"
She lifted a finger playfully, her tone teasing and outgoing, radiating overwhelming social confidence.
"...My surname is Raiden."
The Shogun answered with a faint shake of her head.
"Miss Raiden, huh~? My name is Felix Argyle, First Knight of Lady Crusch, affiliated with the Royal Guard. Nice to meet you~!"
The slightly shorter girl extended her hand toward the Shogun. The Shogun responded in kind, shaking it politely.
"I am Emilia's friend, not a knight."
She corrected calmly.
"I could tell~! No knight would dress so beautifully. But you've got the presence and elegance of one. I like you already, Raiden-chan~?"
Felix winked playfully at her, even assigning her an unsolicited nickname.
Raiden...-chan?
"..."
The Shogun silently regarded her sweet smile and those soft cat ears, then exhaled quietly.
This world truly defied her understanding.
Felix then gestured toward Wilhelm.
"Grandpa Wilhelm, we should get going."
"As you wish."
Wilhelm smoothly boarded the carriage, preparing to urge the ground dragon onward.
"Oh right~ Will Raiden-chan be accompanying Lady Emilia to the Royal Capital later?"
Felix leaned out of the carriage window and called to her.
"...Most likely."
She gave a vague reply after a brief pause.
"Great~ Then we'll see each other again in the Royal Capital, Raiden-chan~ (^_-)~"
Clatter clatter!
The dragon-drawn carriage rolled out of Roswaal's estate, heading toward the distant Royal Capital.
...
Click~
When the Shogun entered the mansion's main hall with Ram, she immediately heard Natsuki Subaru's somewhat excited voice, apparently negotiating something with Emilia.
"Um... we're not going there to play. It's a very important summons."
Emilia looked slightly weary as she spoke to the black-haired boy dressed in male servant attire.
"I know that! I still want to go, Emilia-tan! Please take me with you!"
Subaru shook his head stubbornly, continuing to plead.
"Uh... that's a bit... difficult."
Emilia awkwardly brushed her hair.
"Why do you even want to go to the Royal Capital?"
She asked.
"Well... I just want to look around. Last time, because of your insignia, I didn't really get to—"
"Oh, that's easy. If you just want to sightsee, you can do that anytime. Why choose now of all times? Once things settle down, I'll take you around myself."
Emilia waved her hand casually. Catching sight of the Shogun entering, she promptly left the boy behind and walked over.
"Shogun... can you accompany me to the Royal Capital later?"
She asked naturally, without the slightest hint of shyness.
"I can. What is wrong with him?"
The Shogun nodded without much thought but glanced curiously at Subaru's earlier behavior.
Meanwhile, Ram quickly headed toward Rem's room. Seeing Beatrice standing guard, she made an inquiring gesture.
"(OK)."
Beatrice silently formed an OK sign with her fingers.
"!"
Ram smiled in relief, nodded, and gently closed the door again.
"Subaru... wants to go with us."
Emilia said awkwardly, glancing back at him.
"He wants to go? Haa... foolishness. What would he accomplish there?"
The Shogun cast a reprimanding look at Subaru, who immediately shrank under her gaze.
"Hmm~ Could it be he wishes to protect his belooooved with his pitifully fragile strength and a burst of hormones? Like a knight~?"
Sitting elegantly on the sofa with his chin propped on one hand, Roswaal teased in an exaggerated tone.
"Eh? Th-that's... maybe let's not."
Emilia instantly broke out in goosebumps and laughed awkwardly.
"Aaaah——!!!"
Subaru howled like a groundhog upon hearing that.
"How noisy."
Ram muttered in annoyance.
"Shut up! You brainless carbon-based lifeform! I can hear that disgusting voice of yours from the next room!"
Beatrice stormed out of Rem's bedroom wearing a pained expression and berated Subaru mercilessly.
"My apologies, Subaru. With three people going, we are already at capacity. Adding one more would be rather inconvenient~"
Roswaal shrugged lightly.
"What?!"
Subaru recoiled in shock.
"Three people? You're going too?"
The Shogun blinked, then looked at Roswaal with faint disdain.
"Hmm~ I am Lady Emilia's most loyal supporter, after all~ Raiden-san... such matters naturally require my personal involvement~"
He struck what he clearly believed to be a handsome pose, still using that irritating tone.
"Ahaha... th-that's right... Sorry, Shogun."
Emilia scratched her cheek awkwardly.
She herself felt rather embarrassed as well, so she gave the Shogun an apologetic smile.
"Haa... it is fine."
The Shogun sighed and accepted it reluctantly. Though truth be told, she had never found Roswaal particularly agreeable.
"Ram will remain at the mansion on standby for now and take care of Rem. Shogun-sama, Emilia-sama, Roswaal-sama—I wish the three of you a prosperous journey."
Ram tactfully bowed to the two beauties who were about to set off at the estate's expense, then turned her gaze toward the unfortunately sidelined Natsuki Subaru.
"Barusu!"
Her tone was entirely different from moments ago.
"Y-Yes!!"
Subaru jolted upright immediately, responding on reflex. After yesterday, he had clearly been trained into proper obedience.
"Have you completed today's mansion chores?"
She asked sternly, adopting the voice of a head maid.
"Ah... n-no, not yet..."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Haa... how slothful. Come. I will take you to finish the chores."
"Yes, ma'am!!!"
And just like that, Ram departed the hall with the male servant in tow, leaving behind the four still present—along with the sleeping Rem in the next room.
"Hehe... it seems he's gotten used to life here."
Emilia smiled helplessly and whispered to the Shogun.
"Haa... let us hope so."
It would be best if he refrains from dying again. If something happens, I am the one who suffers for it.
Then again... perhaps bringing him along would be safer? No. If he comes, trouble may be more likely. Better he remain obediently at the mansion. Surely no one would go out of their way to cause chaos here.
Though... that is merely speculation. If something truly does happen, that would be awkward.
"That cat-eared one earlier—did she speak with you?"
Recalling the overly familiar fellow from before, she narrowed her eyes slightly and asked.
"Eh? Cat-eared? Ah... you mean Felix? No, it was Roswaal who spoke with him."
Emilia shook her head.
"...Him?"
The Shogun paused, sensing something off about that pronoun.
"Yes. Felix is actually a boy."
Emilia stated it as though it were perfectly ordinary.
"..."
A boy?
It was her first time encountering such a so-called cat-eared boy. Truly astonishing.
[As expected. I knew something felt off.]
Ei, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke within her mind.
An image surfaced unbidden—of that troublesome pseudo-knight from the past, Astolfo, wearing that irritatingly smug grin.
...Forget it.
Though so, she knew Felix was different from that traitorous fool. She could tell from first impression alone. Most importantly—he was not irritating. On the contrary, she sensed that he was someone deeply loyal.
In any case, they would meet again in the Royal Capital. She could judge for herself then.