The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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The commercial district outside the Academy was quite extraordinary in scale. From shops for commoners to those targeting the upper class, each area was distinctly divided, and the stores all adorned themselves extravagantly to catch the attention of passersby.

Starting from simple snacks to clothing stores so extravagant their prices were hard to gauge. In between the rows of stores stretched a wide avenue, beautifully landscaped, creating a harmonious scene. Indeed, just watching was enough to keep one entertained.

When I passed through here, there were definitely so many people it was dizzying. Well, with all the attractions available, people were bound to flock here, whether or not they had money to spend.

‘Still, I’m glad there are fewer people today.’

However, thanks to the fast-paced news outlets quickly spreading the recent commotion at the Academy, the streets were more deserted than before. After all, the Academy building had even collapsed due to an attack. The unease of cultists potentially hiding within this city was enough to drive people indoors.

Thanks to that, Shione and I could explore the streets relatively comfortably.

“Ray, hey.”

Shione, who had been walking ahead of me, quietly called out.

She was wearing a refreshing sky-blue dress that suited her fair skin, along with a thin white sheer cardigan. Her hair was styled with the sides pulled back, adding a cute touch. Bathed in the bright sunlight, she was flaunting her beauty.

She looked just like a refined noble lady. But contrary to her exterior, she was whipping her head back and forth, inspecting the shops.

“Seems like there are more workshops than restaurants or inns on the street… Shall we stop by one?”

The shops reflected in Shione’s sky-blue eyes all shared a common trait.

They were places showcasing and selling works created by muscle-bound women forging iron. It was a romantic street where blacksmiths wanting recognition for their creations and knights seeking hidden treasures would frequent.

Our destination was none other than the workshop district.

“My bowstring broke, and you’ve never visited a workshop to check out bows. Sure, let’s go.”

My subtle attempt at persuading Shione succeeded.

The slave document was torn, and along with the money I received as the Deputy Commander of the Knights’ Order, the Count’s house had also given me quite a bit, so shopping would be quite satisfying.

Although most shops dealt with swords, spears, and blunt weapons. It took some time, but after perusing the area, we finally found a store specializing in bows.

“Ray, look at that.”

Once inside the shop, Shione’s gaze was captivated by one bow among the many hanging on the wall.

“Ah, that’s a general’s bow, frequently used by the Count’s castle defense squad…. I could tell just by pulling it back that it seems to be quite a high-end product.”

“Right? The ones we used in the defense squad were plain, but this one looks pretty fancy.”

The bow that had completely captured her attention was none other than a longbow.

If an arrow were fired up close, it could pierce through a sturdy iron breastplate straight into an enemy’s heart. It would take a long time to master due to its powerful draw weight, but that bow had a unique charm that made a bowman’s heart race, especially amid warfare.

It seemed that Shione was also getting swept up in the romantic aura emanating from the war bow.

“I once overheard a conversation between the rangers of the defense squad and the scout team. The defense squad’s archers were mocking the scouts for using weak recurve bows and being cowards.”

“The scout team wouldn’t stay quiet, though. What did those rangers say?”

“They said they lacked experience in the Beltlin Mountain subjugation operation… and that the defense squad just fumbles around on the castle wall.”

“Ah.”

Of course, the scout team would respond, right?

While the castle defense squad wielded longbows and grew stronger through battles, the Count’s scout team was definitely on a different level.

They often went out with Siabel to hunt the monsters of the Beltlin Mountains. Their main job was to monitor movements near the Demonic Realm, meaning they would naturally have plenty of real combat experience. Even on a kingdom-wide scale, the Count’s scout team would belong to the stronger side.

“By the way, I wonder just how strong that longbow’s draw weight really is?”

“It’s probably comparable to yours, Shione.”

“Really?”

“Yes, your bow is a recurve bow, made by the dwarves, right? You’ve told me it feels heavier and faster when you practice, haven’t you?”

The dwarven bow could just as well be considered a compact longbow.

For monsters who had awakened their mana and undergone proper training, overcoming a higher draw weight wouldn’t be an issue. Moreover, the dwarves would never part with their precious weapons to someone unworthy. The average draw weight was generally significantly enhanced due to their craftsmanship.

Especially when it reacts with mana, relieving the burdensome pressure while shooting.

But—

‘There’s definitely a different allure to a fine craftsman creating a recurve bow from the original, compared to making a longbow from scratch.’

If the materials and techniques constituting her bow were used for the longbow, then a bow with entirely different characteristics would likely emerge.

‘It wouldn’t hurt to ask an excellent craftsman to create a longbow for me later.’

Having a dedicated war bow wouldn’t be a bad choice after all.

Watching Shione’s expression, she seemed to know her bow was good quality, but perhaps hearing those words made her feel differently about it. It was as if she took a sense of pride in it.

‘In any case, it may be good to check my bowstring as well.’

Leaving Shione engrossed in the longbows, I began to browse the bowstrings.

The power of a bow comes from the elasticity of its bow stave. Normally, bowstrings wouldn’t be much to worry about aside from durability and adaptability to the environment, but if it had magic imbued, that changes everything.

It could serve not only to hold the arrow and provide momentum to it but also to grant additional effects to the arrows or the bow.

After carefully examining the bowstrings, I found one that caught my fancy.

‘It’s a bit pricey for a consumable, but because it’s imbued with magic.’

Nothing could be as reliable and easy to use as a bowstring that enhances durability and mana efficiency.

Having selected a decent bowstring, our shop exploration finally came to an end.

“How was the bow shopping?”

“It was great! There was so much variety to see. I’ve never seen so many crossbows before.”

Seeing the gentle smile on her face, I was relieved to see Shione seemed satisfied.

However, she soon set her jaw firmly and said.

“Well, from now on, I’ll take the lead.”

By the way, considering we had just been looking at weapons, which didn’t quite fit the category of a warm and cuddly date, we needed to follow a course more suited for a proper outing.

“I know a flower shop I want to show you.”

As expected, the flower-loving villainess seemed to have stored away numerous flower shops she passed.

“I saw a pretty uniquely named flower shop on the way… It looked large and had a lot to see, just like its name implies. It’ll be fun for the two of us to check it out.”

“Now that you mention a unique name, I’m quite curious. Can’t you tell me now?”

“You’ll find it more amusing if you see it for yourself, right?”

It’s just a flower shop, but how special could its name really be?

Suppressing my curiosity at Shione’s mischievous expression, I followed her lead and ended up bursting into laughter upon seeing the shop’s sign.

“…Earsqueak Great Forest Florist.”

“Isn’t the name quite unique?”

“It’s unique, sure. It definitely seems like it would attract more customers than usual.”

“Besides, elves typically don’t come this far into the Kingdom’s heart.”

Despite its name, the florist had much to offer.

Even for someone like me, who had no particular interest in flowers, the various flowers with unique characteristics provided quite the entertainment during our visit.

As I pondered about what this one was, an accompanying plant encyclopedia hovered beside me, always ready with straightforward explanations and related tales, making time fly by.

I found a flower among the vibrant blooms that looked a bit wilty.

“This shop’s name may hint at ears, but it seems there is a flaw. This flower has wilted.”

“Is there a wilted flower? Where?”

Shione, sticking closely to my side, raised her head inquisitively.

I gestured towards the bouquet with three wilting white roses nestled within.

“Oh, this flower… The florist seems remarkably knowledgeable about flowers.”

Upon seeing the wilted flower, Shione beamed a gentle smile.

“Ray, do you know the language of flowers for wilted white roses?”

I’ve never before realized that wilted flowers even had a language; how was I supposed to know that?

Shaking my head, Shione suddenly straightened up like a meerkat and started darting her gaze around.

Before I knew it, her mouth was tightly shut, her expression filled with resolve.

“The language of wilted white roses is… to promise you eternity.”

Her pale face flushed slightly red, and she hugged me, planting a kiss on my cheek.

“What do you think? Isn’t the flower language beautiful?”

Shione smiled brightly.

Since it was an event that occurred during our date, she seemed more bashful than usual, so I just ruffled her hair, wearing a satisfied smile.

Just as we wrapped up our visit to the florist—

“Ray, here’s a gift!”

Shione presented me with a small bouquet she had secretly purchased.

The name of the bouquet was ‘Eternity.’ Nestled among the purple small flowers were two wilting white roses.

To someone unfamiliar with flowers, it would just seem like receiving a wilted flower bouquet, wouldn’t it?

But—

“…You’re not going to accept it?”

With anxious eyes, Shione, the flower-language villainess, looked up at me.

She likely bought this bouquet with the pure intention of commemorating today.

In the end, I accepted the wilted flower from her.

*

The sun was still high, and our date was far from over.

While wandering the streets, we ran into some people we never expected to meet.

Sion and Evan Feiosha. Along with a noble I had never seen beside Evan.

Sion, spotting us first, strolled over, greeting us, but then, noticing the small bouquet in my hand, he asked.

“By the way, Sir Ray… why are you holding wilted flowers?”