While still lost in thought, he didn't know that the Countess had seen all the changes in his expression. At first, she saw the familiar look of surprise. One that men usually had when they saw her for the first time. It wasn't surprising, and she had grown accustomed to expecting it.
However, what she wasn't expecting was how quickly that look vanished from his eyes. She saw how his gaze drooped down, unwilling to meet hers. However, she also saw how that surprised look vanished, replaced with one of contemplation.
It was the first time for her that a man had been able to compose themselves so quickly after they met her for the first time. That was what caught her attention. She didn't know that Gareth hadn't, in fact, put her out of his mind. His mind had just wandered off to some unknown realm.
Still, the Countess wasn't someone who appreciated being ignored.
"So, your name is Gareth, huh?" She said in a questioning tone. It wasn't much of a question, honestly. She had brought him from the mines, fed him for a week, housed him, and clothed him.
She wouldn't do all that without at least learning his name. Still, the words were perfect for the job, serving to break the ice between the two of them.
Gareth, whose thoughts had drifted away, flinched slightly before he snapped back to reality. He lifted his gaze slightly and locked eyes with the sitting woman.
"Yes, my Lady," He said with a slight bow. His posture was a bit stiff, illuminating the fact that he wasn't used to such actions. It wasn't unexpected, seeing as he used to be a miner.
"And do you know why you are here?" Another question came again, this time leaving him baffled. Why was he here? Wasn't he here to 'service' her? Or had the maids been wrong?
"Um, I wasn't informed, my Lady. I only know that my Lady saved my life, for which I am truly grateful. Whatever you want from me, my Lady, you only need ask." He said while flashing a small smile, attempting to flatter her.
He couldn't outright mention that he knew he was brought here to be one of her toys.
"Oh, I only need to ask~?" She asks with a small smile playing on her lips. Gareth's attempt at flattery hadn't gone unnoticed. Watching this boy, who had only recently become a man recently attempt to win her favor made her amused her.
Still, she didn't refuse his offer. The perks of having a handsome face were showing right off the bat.
"Of course, my Lady," Gareth said, not backing down. This was their first meeting, and her impression of him now would shape any future interactions they would have. In order to live a good life here, he had to leave a good, lasting impression.
"All right then, my shoulders have been a bit stiff due to all the paperwork I've had to do lately." She said while gently rubbing her shoulders. Taking the hint, Gareth immediately went behind her and started giving her a massage.
As soon as his hands touched her skin, he was amazed by how smooth her skin felt. It felt soft, yet firm, hinting at the unknown power that existed beneath it. A weak man would have been in ecstasy at just feeling the touch of her skin.
However, Gareth was not ordinary. He didn't pay too much attention to it. It was not enough to arouse him. If it were her breasts, though...
As soon as he had that thought, his dick twitched slightly in his pants. Luckily, he was standing behind her, so she couldn't see him. Shaking off those impure thoughts, he decided to focus on the task at hand.
Unconsciously, he applied more pressure to his hands, which elicited a reaction from the countess.
"Mmmm..."
She let out a barely audible moan of pleasure, letting him know that his actions were working. Gareth, having found a clue, gave it his all. He increased the pressure even more and began focusing on areas around her shoulder blades.
He wasn't an expert masseuse, but he knew the places usually filled with tension in the human body. Back in the army, he and his teammates would sometimes have to carry some heavy-duty military equipment while in battle. Sometimes for hours on end.
While they didn't obviously give each other massages because...you know...gay, they had their ways. One of which was stepping on each other's backs. One of the places they usually focused on was the shoulder blade region.
From the reactions he was eliciting, it seemed he was doing a good job. He focused on that region for about five minutes, thoroughly releasing any tension in his shoulders.
While he was massaging her, he mustered up the courage to strike up a conversation.
"My Lady, pardon my ignorance, but if it is possible, I would like to learn your name."
The countess, who had her eyes closed in relaxed bliss, couldn't help but reply with an amused tone.
"Hmm? And why would you like to know my name?" She asked, conveniently skipping the fact that someone who lived in her territory didn't even know her family name.
"Well, if I am to be honest, I find it a bit embarrassing not to know the name of the one who saved my life. Plus, I can't just keep calling you my Lady, can I? Am-Am I not allowed to know, my Lady?" He asked, his tone hesitant, almost... embarrassed.
'He's cute.' The countess thought before giving him an answer. Even though she couldn't see his face, she had dealt with enough men to figure out their personalities with only a few clues.
From his words and the tone of his voice, his naive, smiling face might as well be plastered in front of her. Deciding to give him what he wants, she spoke.
"If that is all, then I can grant your wish. Listen well; my name is Alina Virelle. Make sure you don't forget it." She said, her tone clearly proud of her heritage.
"I would never, Lady Virelle." He said as his hands began shifting subtly. From her shoulders, he began moving towards her right arm.
It was time to move things further along. He was here to be a fuck boy, not a masseuse.