Inside Xenophanes' room, the white-haired butler was sitting in a chair at his desk. From said desk, he opened a drawer, pulling out a book.
The book in question was black alongside a golden outline, with the word "Journal"
written front and center, the "O" being an eye radiating purple flames with a reddish-blue pupil.
The "I" was a skull with a bloody bone piercing through it in the middle.
Xeno opened the book and decided to write in Japanese. He would often write his journal either in Japanese, this world's language, or sometimes in English.
It depended on his mood for the day.
[Dear diary! It's officially been two whole months since I came to this place. I know I haven't written anything in a while, but what can I say? I'm a busy guy nowadays. Now, where do I begin? I know! I'll begin with what I've been up to this past month.
Ever since the "Grand Snow Festival", things have quieted down. Is what I would have said if it weren't for those damn merchants! Ugh, I really underestimated how good ketchup and mayo were. Fortunately, I thought of a master plan! I set out with the original plan to give 'Ainavol' a face and personality.
Despite some... Hiccups, I successfully managed to conquer the businessmen of the town I sent my products to. And all it took was mutual cooperation, benefits, and blackmail. Lots and lots of blackmail. I accidentally created a town-wide alliance of merchants and successfully created 'the Legend of Ainavol.']
Xeno flipped to the next page.
[Now next on the agenda is what I did to everyone here! I really wanted comfort, to feel at home. I did all I could to bring that feeling of home here. The others don't seem to mind.
Speaking of the others, I'm sure I already wrote this like... Eight times already, but I like bragging. I, Xenophanes, have done it! I officially got every female here (including Beatrice and excluding Meili) to spoil me in some way! Muhahahahahah!
Emilia is super sweet, giving me a lap pillow whenever I ask. All it took was using my disability to my advantage. Rem, I didn't need to trick. She'd jump off a cliff if I told her to, and the fact I'm partly scared she actually would goes to show how devoted she is. Ram was tricky. I had to take advantage of her stripping me half-naked just to make her agree to spoil me. I don't regret it one bit. As for Beatrice, heh, sweets really do wonders to that librarian. ]
[Now what else to write? I k—]
Knock. Knock.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, are you there?"
Xeno sighed, putting away his journal before replying.
He got up and opened the door. And their stood The blue oni, with a pleasant smile.
Xeno: "Yeah, Rem what is it?"
Rem: "Xeno-kun, Rem is here to remind you that your break is over."
This actually surprised Xeno. His breaks usually lasted half an hour. It took him ten minutes to get to his room.
That meant he had spent twenty minutes just writing in his diary.
Xeno: 'Do I really write that slowly?' He ignored it for now.
Xeno: "Thanks, Rem. Let's go."
...
Out in the wide expanse of Roswaal's garden, on one of the gazebos, Xeno and Rem were spending quality time together, conversing.
Xeno: "—I hate it when the scene cuts to two people in the middle of a conversation. It's so awkward. How is the reader supposed to know what led to the conversation? It's an awful trope, in my opinion."
He crossed his arms, annoyed. Currently laying on Rem's lap. He sure does like these doesn't he?
Meanwhile, Rem nodded seriously. While she wasn't a fan of novels, the points Xeno made, while biased, did make sense.
Rem: "Is that so? Then Rem will be sure to stay away from those types of stories as well."
Xeno: "And while I would love to continue ranting, I think we need to talk about something more important."
Rem: "And what would that be, Xeno-kun?"
She gently stroked his hair.
Xeno: "You." He said, looking up into her eyes.
Rem: "M-Me, Xeno-kun?" She blushed instantly, steaming from happiness.
Xeno: "Yes, you. Rem, you're an amazing person. I'm glad you unconditionally love me the way you do, even though we're not dating. I basically won the lottery having you—"
Rem: "X-Xeno-kun." She was flustered beyond compare, her brain going haywire.
Xeno: "It's because of that unconditional love you're unintentionally creating a problem for yourself."
Rem temporarily snapped out of her bliss. Her eyes widened in surprise.
Rem: "Xeno-kun?"
Xeno: "You're... how do I say this... You too nice! You give, give, and give. It's too much. It makes me feel inadequate. I want to return your affection, but i don't know how. Then there's your excessive praise of me as well. At first, it was awesome being praised for existing. But now it feels... Off."
"Do you know how, if you hear the same joke over and over again, it stops being funny? It's because we mentally get used to it. I feel like your compliments are going to end up the same way. You just say them so often."
Xeno expression turned pleading.
"Rem... I don't want that! So please dial it down! I want you to praise me when I do something that justifies it, and more importantly, I want it to feel special."
This silenced Rem completely.
Looking back, she did compliment him over every basic action due to his disability. She treated everything he did like an achievement.
She thought she was helping him feel better and appreciated. She didn't think it could lead to this.
This realization filled Rem with self blame. How could she be so blind? She was hurting her hero in such a way?
She shakes off the thought, her hero wouldn't her to wallow in self destruction, instead her love burns to new heights.
Rem: "Rem... understands, Xeno-kun. From now on, Rem will do as Xeno-kun says." She declared with a fire in her eyes.
Xeno: "That's the spirit." He playfully encouraged.
Even though he said that, he was relieved that Rem listened, meaning he didn't have to deal with this anymore.
That is, unless she found some other way to bombard him with tremendous affection.
Xeno: 'Heh, here I am, complaining about having to deal with too much affection. If any guy from my high school heard this, they would probably kick my ass.'
He closed his eyes while Rem continued to brush his hair, both at peace with the situation.
They were a little too much at peace, which could only mean one thing.
"Xenophanes, Rem, what do the two of you think you're doing?" said a very familiar and VERY spine chilling voice.
Rem instantly stiffened, while Xeno looked displeased. Rem slowly turned her head toward the direction of the voice.
What do you know.
Standing there with her arms crossed stood Ram.
A Ram who was glaring so hard it could kill, with an aura so cold, so murderous, it could make even Roswaal scared shitless.
Rem: "S-Sister? This i-isn't what it looks like." She squeaked nervously.
Ram: "Really? Because to me, it looks like someone is not only slacking off, but dragging my sister with him and having the audacity to flirt with her."
Her glare turned to Xenophanes, who just signed.
Xeno: "I'm not flirting with her, I'm relaxing with her. Massive difference, Ram." He corrected her, not concerned.
He slowly got up and looked her dead in the eyes. Any lesser man would have been paralyzed in fear, but Xeno? He umm—
Xeno: 'This reminds me of another trope. Character A glares so hard, Character B sweats buckets. It's so exaggerated. I never like it.'
—Yeah, that.
Ram: "Tell me, Xenophanes, what do you think you're doing, lazing around instead of working? And how dare you drag Ram's little sister to it as well."
Xeno: "I'm not lazy. I am working... In fact, I'm working hard as we speak." It's like he's trying to dig his grave.
A tick bulged on her head at the statement.
She really wanted to hit him.
Ram: "Xenophanes, how does laying on my sister's lap count as working?" She called out, freezing cold.
Rem: "S-Sister, wait! Xeno-kun didn't m-mean it like that. He really is w-working. L-Look!" She frantically pointed towards the garden.
Ram turned to where Rem pointed, and her vicious glare morphed into disbelief and a huge amount of disappointment.
Because there in the garden were not two, but seven of Xeno's skeletal hands trimming the garden with scissors on their own.
Rem: "S-See that, Sister? X-Xeno-kun isn't lazy. He's t-testing the control of his powers." Sweat dripped down her head nervously, hoping she'd accept the explanation.
Ram: "..."
Turning to her sister's pleading look, she let out a heavy sigh, resisting the urge to facepalm.
Ram: "Ram will forgive you this once. She better not see a next time."
Rem's stress melted away, and she let out a reassuring smile.
Rem: "Worry not, Sister. Xeno-kun thought ahead. He explicitly asked Rem to make sure 'this doesn't become a habit.'"
Xeno: "Yeah, I may be lazy, but I don't want my skills becoming bad as yours."
Ram: "That was a low blow. Ram isn't surprised you couldn't think of anything better." She countered, deadpan.
Suddenly, Ram's attention was taken by something, which the other two also noticed.
Rem: "Is something the matter, Sister?"
Ram: "Rem, Xeno, it seems we're about to have guests." She stated, shifting back into her maid posture.
Xeno straightened up, controlling his constructs to hide themselves. Rem and Xeno got up, looking in the same direction as Ram.
It was a dragon carriage rapidly approaching the mansion.
With visitors on the horizon, their fun and game came to a halt. Going full servant mode.
Rem and Ram went to greet the visitor when they parked by the main gate.
While Xeno went to actually trim the garden himself, making sure to keep an eye out.
From the carriage came out a petite figure, a cat demi-human with flax-colored hair, alongside a tall old man.
The lady? was wearing a blue collar with a ribbon, a primarily white dress with a light blue chest featuring thin white stripes, as well as a light blue hem. Light blue ribbons with thin white stripes were attached to the waist of the dress.
A large white ribbon was tied to the back of the dress, along with black tights, blue leggings with thin white stripes, dark blue shoes, white arm covers detached from the dress that left her? Shoulders exposed, and a dark blue scarf tied around her? Right arm.
And finally, a dark blue ribbon was tied around her left ankle. She? Also wore white-and-blue ribbon hair accessories on either side of her? Head.
While the old man was, fortunately, wearing a butler uniform similar to his.
After greeting them, the maids brought the catgirl? inside the mansion, leaving the old man outside to take care of his carriage.
Xeno, after finishing his task, which was already mostly done, put his hands on his hips, looking proud of his work.
Xeno turned to see the old man still there, sitting on the driver's platform, patiently waiting.
Xeno: 'He must be bored. I know I would be.'
Perhaps the fact Xeno was staring at the old man too long, sensed his gaze, turned to look back at him.
The two just continued to stare at each other.
It was very awkward for Xeno.
Xeno: 'You know what? I got an idea.'
With that, he broke eye contact and went inside.
...
'What a strange young man.'
The old man analyzed the young man as he watched him step inside the mansion.
While he couldn't fully distinguish his features from this distance, what he could make out was his build, his hair, and the object around his left arm, which definitely caught his interest.
And from the look of things, his curiosity about him would only grow, when the same boy slowly inched toward him.
Now that he was closer, the old butler could fully make him out.
He was a young man with neatly kept snow-white hair, an athletic build, and a strange object strapped to his left arm, helping him keep his balance.
What interested the old butler the most were the young man's eyes.
There was a faded claw scar running across his right eye, while both eyes themselves were completely black. The right lacked a pupil entirely, giving the impression he was blind on that side.
Whilst the left one was purely red. Lacking any depth or complexity that regular pupils possessed.
In the young man's free hand was a tray carrying steaming hot tea and some pastries to accompany it. By the time the boy had reached him, the tea had cooled down significantly.
"Greetings, sir. I hope your journey here went smoothly." The boy politely greeted.
He offered the tray of pleasantries. The old man could tell he was keeping a distance from the massive earth dragon, being tense around it.
"I Suppose I shall take you up on that offer–" after a moment of slience he spoke up, with an imperceptible motion the old butler demounted from high seat.
The drop was at least eye level, something that should sent a normal man stumbling, instead the old butler landed without a sound.
"I was, in fact feeling a little perched." His speech was refined, and smooth surely a testament of how long he been doing this line of work.
Even the way he reaching for the tea cup, had a composure you wouldn't think could be possible.
"Before you drink it, i have to warn you, I'm still new to this butler sthick, so keep your expectations of my tea and eilliquance low." He halfed joked.
The old men let out an amused half–smile, type you blink, you miss it. Testing the tea,
It was a bit too sweet, it could benefit from some extra flavour, also it's a bit cold. But he didn't mind it too much.
Overall it was a good attempt.
"While, I'm at it, might as well introduce myself my name is Xenophanes, what might yo–"
Xeno tried to introduce himself but was rudely interrupted by the earth dragon licking the side of his face.
Sticky, thick saliva stained Xeno's face much to his irritation, he used his crutch to roughly push the ground dragon's face away from his.
The old man's eyes flicked in surprise. This Earth Dragon was one of Diana's lineage, a breed notorious for being proud, feisty, and highly selective.
Yet here it was, openly offering affection to this young man, not even minding his abrasive treatment.
Xeno: "Like I was saying, my name's Xenophanes. What would yours be?" He introduced himself again with apparent annoyance and far less eloquence, still keeping the Earth Dragon at bay.
Wilhelm: "My apologies. I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Wilhelm van Astrea."
Xeno: "Van Astrea? You're related to Reinhard!?" He abruptly stopped, looking at Wilhelm in wonder.
The same couldn't be said about the old butler. His body tensed, and advert surprise crossed his face.
Wilhelm: "You know of my... grandson?"
Xeno: 'Did I imagine that? Or did the way he said "grandson" sound weird?'
Xeno: "Yeah, I know about him. He's the greatest person I've ever met—"
Wilhelm observed that the young man's left pupil turned into a four-pointed star, sparkling with excitement.
Xeno: "He helped me during a low point in my life. Reinhard made me realize I was more courageous than I thought and that it isn't cowardly to be afraid. He's the best (and only) knight I've ever met."
He said it with far more emotion than Wilhelm had seen him express before, and all of it stemmed from awe and admiration.
Wilhelm: "Is that so?"
Xeno: 'That's it? That's all he has to say? Isn't he proud?' He was very confused by the simple response.
Xeno: "On the topic of Reiny, how is he doing nowadays? I hope he's well." He questioned, expectantly waiting for a response.
Wilhelm: 'Reiny?'
"My apologies, Xeno-dono. This old man has not had much contact with him as of late. Even so, I can assure you that he is well."
Xeno: "Oh! Well... Sir Wilhelm, if you meet him, tell him I said hi and thanks."
Wilhelm: "If such and opportunity should arise, I shall remember your words. However, i suggest you thank my grandson yourself. I believe that would be for the best."
Xeno: "Suuuuuure?"
"I'm back, Old Man Wil!"
Their talk was interrupted by a cheery feminine voice. They both turned to see the catgirl? Walk towards them.
"Sorry you had to wait out here. You must've been bored."
Wilhelm: "Not at all. This young man here has been keeping me entertained with some conversation." He gestured toward Xeno.
"Oh!"
As soon as the individual heard this, they invaded his personal space and began examining him with a look of intrigue.
'So he's the one?'
Xeno backed away, not appreciating how close she? Got to him.
"Ah! Nyan, I see. You must be the boy Emilia-sama mentioned." Soon, a smile was plastered across her? Face.
Xeno: 'Boy?' His eye twitched in annoyance.
She? Began heading towards the carriage, gesturing at Wilhelm.
"Let's go, Old Man Wil."
Seeing them move out, Xeno finally used this chance to use Gluttony on them.
[Name: Wilhelm van Astrea (Nickname: Old Man Wil, Captain Killer)
Age: 61
Relation: Intrigued by you
Titles: Sword Demon, Butler of House Karsten, Captain of the Royal Guard (Former), Captain of the Zergev Squadron (Former), Head of the Astrea Family (Former)
Even in his old age, he still faithfully works as a butler. What excuse do you have?]
[Name: Felix Argyle (Nickname: Ferris)
Gender: Male
Race: Beast Human
Age: 19
Relation: Fascinated by you
Titles: Blue (Granted exclusively to those who are the greatest healer in the kingdom), Knight of Crusch Karsten, Knight of the Royal Guard, Head of House Argyle
I know he's a guy, but hear me out.]
Xeno was completely struck into silence by all this information, though the last comment was completely unnecessary.
Speaking of the now-known catboy, he turned to Xeno once he was on the carriage.
Felix: "See you in the capital." With those suspicious words, the carriage set out.
...
Xeno: "Heya, everyone."
After the guests had left, the white-haired butler made his way toward the parlor, where the two maids, the royal candidate, and the owner of the mansion resided.
Roswaal: "Ah! You're here, Xeno-kuuun."
Xeno: 'Blugh!' He was never getting used to Roswaal using "kun" like Rem.
Xeno: "Who were those guys? Where did they come from?" He asked, seating himself in front of Emilia.
Roswaal: "They were emissaries, here to discuss the royal sel—"
Xeno: "Never mind! I think I'm better off not hearing about it." He cut Roswaal off.
Emilia: "Xeno! That was really mean."
Ram: "Your disrespect truly knows no bounds. It's pitiful."
Roswaal: "You reeeally do wound me, Xeno-kun. Aren't you a bit interested in a matter concerning Emilia-sama's fuuuture?" He gave him a knowing smile.
Xeno: "...Fiiiine. Emilia, what are you dealing with now?" He rested his head on one arm.
Emilia: "Like Roswaal said, they were emissaries here to announce the beginning of the royal selection and formally summon me to the capital."
Xeno: "You're going to the capital then? Who else is coming? I doubt Ros will let you go all alone."
The magician dramatically gasped at that.
Roswaal: "Perish the thought. Alongside Emilia-sama, you and Rem will be accompanying us."
Xeno: "...As a friend or a butler?" He raised a brow.
Emilia: "W-What?" Her eyes widened in surprise.
Xeno: "You heard me. Am I going as your friend or as a butler? I doubt you need a crippled butler when you have Rem with you."
Rem: "Xeno-kun, don't sell yourself short. You're an amazing butler." She encouraged.
Xeno: "Meh, being better than Ram isn't much of an achievement. So, am I going as your friend then, Emilia?"
Ram: "Another low blow, how disappointing." She wasn't even suprised by the gab.
Roswaal: "Oooon the contrary, Xeno-kun. You're coming with us to the capital ooonly for your medical treatment. And so, the matter of the royal selection is a completely different matter."
Xeno: "Medical treatment?"
Roswaal: "Well, Xeno-kun, your damaged spine and eye wounds are quite a bit of corner, something as important as those require treatment, no?"
Roswaal: "Did you perhaps meet the envoy earlier?" He asked rhetorically.
Xeno: "You mean Felix Argyle... the greatest healer in... You don't mean!" It didn't take him long to put two and two together.
Roswaal: "Yeees. Emilia went out of her way to put herself in his debt, all for the purpose of creating an opportunity for you to be healed."
Xeno: "Emilia?"
Emilia: "Hey! Roswaal, that's..."
She was displeased at Roswaal carelessly dropping such news on Xeno. Roswaal continued, ignoring Emilia and Xeno's stunned look.
Roswaal: "Those two don't get alooong the best. Hooowever, there was still the issue with Xeno-kun's body. Gallantly, she pleaded, and sooomehow or another was able to draw out an agreement for your treatment. Such a lovable person, right?"
"R O–S–W A–A L!"
Emilia emphasized each word, blood rushing to her cheeks in embarrassment and slight anger.
She looked really adorable, blushing.
Xeno: "Emilia... I don't know what to say." He was still processing how far she had gone for him.
Emilia looked at Xeno with a guilty expression.
Emilia: "Because... it's my fault your body can't recover. And the reason you came to this mansion in the first place was because I rewarded you for saving me. And with the mabeast incident, if I had acted, none of this would have happened to you. That is... this is a bit of repayment for all that you've done. It's proper compensation for what happened to you."
Xeno: "..."
Xeno: "... Sigh not you too. I'll tell you the same thing I told Rem. I made that choice, so don't blame yourself over it."
Emilia: "You—"
Xeno: "No ifs, ands, or buts about my condition. I let you take care of me, don't I? I don't mind. Heck, look on the bright side. You had an active reason to take care of me, didn't you? So no more 'I feel guilty' talk, got it?"
She remained silent for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
Roswaal: "Well then, let's wrap up this conversation shaaall we? Xeno will accompany us to the capital. Tomorrow we shall attend to the various preparations needed, and depart the morning after. Is thiiis fine?"
Rem: "I understand."
Emilia: "No objections."
Xeno: "Ditto."
Everyone in the room agreed to Roswaal's closing words. And just like that, the plan to head for the capital was set in stone.
...
Meanwhile, aboard the dragon carriage that had left the mansion...
Wilhelm, seated as the coachman, handled the dragon's reins with practiced ease, while Felix peeked his head out through the window of the carriage's private compartment.
Wilhelm: "Have you fulfilled your duty as an emissary?"
Felix: "But of course! There's no way Ferris-chan would fail at something entrusted to her by Crusch-sama. Geez, Old Man Wil, you worry too much!"
Despite them travelling at high speeds, they were conserving, all of it, thanks to the Divine Protection of Wind Evasion all Earth Dragons possessed, making wind resistance a nonfactor.
Wilhelm: "I suppose my worries were unnecessary."
Felix, however, replied with a teasing remark.
Felix: "More than that, I was surprised you were talking to someone while waiting. You hate talking to people, don't you, Old Man Wil?"
Wilhelm: "That is a misunderstanding."
He denied it immediately. However, Felix playfully waved his hand as if correcting himself.
Felix: "Ah, no, no, my bad. What I meant to say is that you just prefer cutting people down rather than talking to them, right?"
Wilhelm: "...That too is a terrible misunderstanding."
Seeing him not take the bait and remain composed made the catboy pout like a child robbed of entertainment.
Felix: "Boooring. So are you saying chatting with Ferris-chan isn't as fun as your chat with that boy? You liked him that much?" His voice carried the tone of a sulking child.
Felix: "Though I can't blame you. He really did stand out. But did you notice anything after talking to him? Like a hidden talent or something?"
Wilhelm thought about the question, then answered.
Wilhelm: "Xeno-dono... my evaluation of him is that he is inconsistent. He is a complete amateur. He has yet to grow any fangs. On top of that, he is entirely lazy, the type of man who would rather take the easy way than struggle. Aside from a Divine Protection related to Earth Dragons, he is, despite his unusual appearance, a completely ordinary existence."
Felix: "But you seemed to like him. Then why? Worthless people are the ones you despise most, aren't they, Old Man Wil?"
The catboy was insistent on making Wilhelm sound like a psychopath.
He, however, didn't smile. Instead, he slowly raised a hand and pointed to his own eyes.
Wilhelm: "His eyes."
Felix: "His eyes?"
Wilhelm: "That boy's eyes caught my interest. Gazing into them, I foresaw nothing but darkness. I could extract nothing from them. At the same time, I could not shake the feeling they could see straight through me if he so wished. It felt... inhuman."
Felix: "Nyow you've lost me—"
He said it with a momentary hint of confusion before shrugging.
Felix: "But if Wilhelm van Astrea, the Sword Demon, says it, then that boy has a bumpy road ahead of him."