[Elmer]

Even if I had little recollection on the way, it seems I walked on the straight path. Before I notice it, the gates became distant behind us, and I arrived in front of the mansion’s door.

Ahead the double door, a man wearing a very stylish suit stood in the way with his back straight. Wasn’t he not there just a while ago?

“Welcome, El-sama. Welcome home, Young Master Matthias.”

“Fa…father!”

Leont shrieked and let out a ‘hiii!’ sound.

Father? When I heard that, I discovered this person is Leont’s father.

“I am pleased to meet you.” I greeted and looked at the man once again.

Certainly, his face resembles Leont. In particular, the shape of their eyes are exactly the same. But their atmosphere are entirely different. Even though Leont is wearing a suit, it’s a little sloppy somehow and gives off an impression of a flashy big brother.

His father… no matter how you look at him, he’s a butler. Yes. It’s only possible to express it that way.

“Such words are more than enough for me, El-sama. I am serving as the West Vern House’s House Steward. I am called Richard. Well then, please come inside. Madam is antic.i.p.ating you. Oh, and Leont, why don’t we talk for a while?”

After speaking to me politely, Richard-san called out to Leont. When I looked back, Leont had shrunk back and shakily trembled.

I wonder what’s wrong?

“Leont.”

After calling for his name once again, that man caught Leont’s arm firmly.

“Please do excuse me for awhile. You, come with me.”

Though it was said with a wide smile, Leont was moving his mouth saying ‘Help! Help!’ from behind, he was asking me to help him. But since I can’t do anything, I decided to abandon Leont.

Richard-san dragged him to the forest, shortly I had a feeling that I heard a scream, but I’m probably just imagining it.

The two people at the door seemed to take those words as a sign and then they proceeded to open it.

“El-sama, I’m so sorry.”

I heard Matthias standing alone next to me muttered that in a low voice. But I don’t know what he was apologizing for.

“What do…”

“Oh, oh, oh, oh!”

Those words were interrupted by the woman’s voice.

It’s not Edna, it’s a voice I don’t know. When I looked ahead, I caught sight of fluffy lace. Black cloth that was placed into folds several times, it was a dress. When I looked upward, my eyes met with a woman looking behind a fan.

She’s tall! Even if Matthias is taller, considering she was a woman, I thought she had a large build. Though she was slender, she was a beautiful lady equipped with strength. Because I’m small, it’s even more obvious.

“Oh, oh!”

While I feel like I was being examined from top to bottom, I stood stock still without being able to do anything.

“Richard~!”

I was surprised that I almost jumped up. this is because the beautiful ‘lady’ suddenly shouted. The dress was gorgeous, and the face was also amazingly beautiful. But holding that fan while laughing with a ‘fufufu’, my image was ruined.

However, it’s still too early to be surprised.

“What is it, Madam? Though I say this every time, I can hear you even if you do not shout.”

“Ah, sorry~”

Teleportation!??

Richard-san surely went into the forest and disappeared, but he was talking with that woman without sweating. Even though he appeared in an instant when his name was called, that just isn’t possible. Is it magic!? It’s magic isn’t it!?

“Is there something wrong?”

Abruptly, he smiled while saying that, and I shook my head in fl.u.s.ter.

“Richard, is it possible for you?”

While I was left alone shaking, she slowly looked up from the folding fan and then the two of them continued their conversation.

“Let’s see…”

I didn’t understand what they meant but this time it was Richard-san who looked at me.

“Black, otherwise navy blue as the basic tone for the coat and rather short trousers. Right now, the popular type of collar that is a bit larger will be good. The design should be a little soft. For the footwear, it should be black enamel boots. Right now, Western-style clothes will really match his size.”

“That’s right. My creative urge is thrilled! Of course…”

“Yes. Everyone’s preparations are finished, they are waiting in the usual room. They had sufficient naps. The complete set of highest-grade fabrics from the North had also been prepared.”

The conversation of those two continued to flow.

“As one would expect. Richard. Well then, let’s go~”

My arm was pulled by the woman and dragged inside rapidly. It felt like it’s similar to Leont’s situation just now. I didn’t really understand it, but I know they referred to my clothes as lame. I only wore what Matthias gave, y’know? Is it that weird…? This is just normal. But I don’t have any confidence in anything related to fas.h.i.+on…

For the time being, my arm that is being gripped hurts. I can’t match the pace so I already gave up moving my feet. I gazed at the beautiful ceiling while being dragged along.

As if similar to a luggage.

“No…more…”

I advance unsteadily while falling over many times. After I struggled to arrive at the bed, I made a loud sound and fell down. It’s so high. It’s a soft bed that can sink.

Even so, I’m really worn out. That’s because I was taken along to a room with a lot of women and was measured from head to foot, fabrics were placed against me, and I was changed into different clothes several times.

Everyone was excited and no one listened to my words. Designs that were drawn in papers were thrown out and fluttered in midair.

Though I expected it, that lady was really Matthias’ mother Lucsher-san, but I just understood it now.

Since then, Edna also became excited, Matthias didn’t come to rescue me, too… how heartless. Leont is err. I’m sorry I abandoned you.

My eyelids were heavy. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to get up anymore even for a second. So tired. Can I sleep here?

For tomorrow… I wonder what things I… should… do…

[Matthias]

“El-sama, the preparations for the evening meal are done.”

I heard no sounds from within the room.

“El-sama…?”

Inside the room that is nearest to the hallway, I saw the figure of the fallen El-sama. I felt all my blood drained. Was he attacked!?

Rus.h.i.+ng over in panic, I somehow realized that it wasn’t the case.

He’s sleeping.

Why is he resting in a couch like this for visitors? There should be a proper bed inside. Besides, this seemed to be a result of the burden from fitting on clothes.

Anyhow, I stroked my chest out of relief that El-sama is safe. I was worried after that incident in the royal palace. My Master seems to be a person who does reckless things, I understood that very well.

It would be better to not wake him up forcibly. Without making a sound, I retrieved a blanket from inside the room and covered his small body.

I adjusted the temperature of the room, then went back to the dinner gathering.

In the dining room that was transformed into a dancing hall, a party is being held where both domestic and foreign aristocrats enjoyed dancing, Mother was waiting for us in a table.

“Oh, what happened to El-chan?”

“He seemed tired, and took a rest.”

“I see, if that’s the same then it can’t be helped. I wanted to talk to El-chan, I was looking forward to it but…”

W‎hile looking at Mother cast down her eyes in sadness, I also sat down on my seat. She really seemed to be looking forward to it. I’m so sorry Mother, but I’ve never seen any man become safe when you bring them to that room so I think it can’t be help. I, Leo, and Elder Brother have seen h.e.l.l in that place a lot of times. Oh, even if Mother looks at Father, her creative urge never really springs out so only Father is safe.

“From tomorrow on, you can talk as much as you like.”

I comforted Mother as I sent a look to the maid to start serving the food.

Nevertheless, this is unexpected. Mother is always overflowing with confidence, she’s someone who doesn’t really reveal this kind of expression. It’s seems she was very pleased with El-sama.

“…li…or…”

“Is there something wrong?”

Even though one of the dishes have arrived, Mother haven’t lifted her face yet.

“…li…”

“Wha..?”

“Richard!! Bring the liquor!!”

The instant Mother shouted, before my eyes, Richard was already standing there holding liquor in his hands.

“Madam. It’s fine even if you do not shout.”

“Mother…?”

“Give me the liquor…! While you’re at it, summon Leont!”

While Mother said so, across her, the wine and gla.s.s were arranged one after another. Leont also arrived.

********

Midnight, the day had completely ended.

I, who had become confused, was informed by Richard.

“Madam gave up drinking alcohol after the Young Masters were born, however she had become interested in it again these days.”

Because I went to the Imperial Capital after graduating from the academy, I didn’t know.

But I can’t believe it.

She had… become interested in it? Certainly, Mother was always changing the winegla.s.s she was holding in her right hand and drinking it gracefully. That elegantly charming figure deserves to be called the Belle of high society.

In comparison, there were smashed maids and butlers that had fallen around us.

“Are you going to drink?”

“Eh, Madam.”

“Let’s drink together. I wonder why is everyone sleeping? It seems Leon’t can’t drink anymore.”

“However, Madam. You have not summoned Matthias-sama, yet.”

With Richard’s words, Mother floated a smile, beckoning me.

“Oh, that’s right. I’m glad. Come here for a moment. I want to talk about choosing clothes that will match well with your little Master.”

“Matthias-sama, please take your time.”

Richard poured the wine.

Yes, there’s no doubt about it. Those words right now. This facial expression.

As expected, this guy is really Leont’s father.