Volume 2, Chapter 5 – The Culprit

“Well, well, I was quite surprised when I heard you had suddenly left the manor, but to think slaves were being sold in my own town. As the one entrusted with Illumi City, I offer my deepest gratitude.”

After dealing with the various slave-related matters and returning to Count Maynard’s estate, the Count greeted us on one knee.

“By the will of God.”

“Thanks be to God!”

The Count executed a Jumping Dogeza from a Boon.

Hmm, the sharpness and form are somewhat lacking. 6 points.

“Desmond-dono, among the women rescued by Fiene-sama was an Elf girl. As she too will be heading for the Far North with Fiene-sama, I would ask that you prepare a room for her.”

“Is that so? I would be delighted to arrange it.”

“Much appreciated.”

“Now then, dinner is ready. Please come this way. And, you there, Elf, please use the room next to Saint-sama’s. The maid will show you the way. For meals or anything else you require, please inform her. Hey.”

“Understood, Master. Young lady, I will show you the way.”

Chris-san finished negotiating the room for Lu-chan as well.

Guided by the maid, Lu-chan headed deeper into the manor.

She looked back at us somewhat anxiously, but ultimately followed.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Saint-sama, Holy Knight-sama, this is my eldest son, Alfred.”

“My name is Alfred Maynard. Saint-sama, Holy Knight-sama, it is an honor to meet you.”

Alfred-san greets us with a smile, but his eyes are clearly not smiling at all.

“I am Fiene Argentata. This is Christina. Pleased to meet you.”

Hmm, he ignored the Count’s orders and didn’t come to greet us the first time either. Maybe he dislikes Saints or Holy Knights.

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Huh? This scent… I feel like I’ve smelled it somewhere before.

“Now, now, let’s leave the stiff formalities at that. Saint-sama, Holy Knight-sama, please do enjoy the fine cuisine of our Illumi City.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Urged by the Count, I cut off my train of thought there and took my seat.

“This dish uses ingredients cultivated in the vicinity of Illumi City—”

The Count eagerly promoted dishes that seemed to use local specialties.

Even if I am a Saint, why such excessive hospitality for just one young girl? It’s not like I’m going to bestow any blessings or anything?

After listening with appropriate nods to the Count’s boasting about his local specialties for a while, his buttering-up began.

“However, Saint-sama is truly impressive. The stories of your efforts to resolve the epidemic in the Royal Capital are—”

Ahh, this is taking forever. Spare a thought for the poor soul who has to sit here listening to this endless stream of pointless drivel. Honestly.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Sigh, dealing with that Count is exhausting.”

“Fiene-sama, you must be tired. He did talk incessantly.”

Saying that, Chris-san stifled a yawn.

“Huh? It’s unusual for Chris-san to get sleepy this early.”

“My apologies. The fatigue of the journey may be catching up with me.”

“That’s understandable. I’ll use Cleansing Magic to freshen you up, so please rest early today.”

“Thank you. I will do so.”

“Well then, good night.”

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I cast Cleansing Magic and secretly add a bit of Healing Magic to restore her stamina.

Chris-san slips into bed and soon begins breathing softly in sleep.

Now then, I’m not sleepy yet. Maybe I should go check on Lu-chan.

I leave my room and knock on the door next door.

“Lu-chan, good evening. It’s Fiene. May I come in?”

No answer. Huh? That’s strange.

I strain my ears and focus on the sounds coming from inside the room. If she’s sleeping, I should hear her breathing.

“Mmph—, ugh—”

I hear a muffled whimper.

Huh? Sounds like some kind of struggle?

And then, I hear a creaking sound too.

“Lu-chan? I’m coming in, okay?”

I try to open the door, but it’s locked and won’t open.

Well then!

Using Shadow Manipulation, I merge with the shadows and slip under the door into the room.

“Lu-chan!”

I can’t help but cry out.

The moment I enter the room, I see Lu-chan pinned down on the bed, with a man straddling her and covering her mouth.

The lights in the room are off, but I can see clearly.

It’s Alfred, the lord’s son.

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“Alfred Maynard. What is the meaning of this? Forcibly assaulting a woman is not something that can be permitted, you know?”

He looks at me in surprise, but soon puts on a composed expression.

“Why, Saint-sama, whatever do you mean? I fell in love with her at first sight, and she accepted me.”

Then he whispers this quietly into Lu-chan’s ear.

“This is a command. Tell her you’re in love with me and send the Saint away.”

Ah, I see. So that’s it. But you see, I’m a Vampire, so I can hear that.

Too bad. Your commands won’t work on her anymore.

And then, Alfred removes the hand covering Lu-chan’s mouth.

“Onee-sama! Help!”

“Wha—?”

“You will release her now, won’t you? Alfred Maynard.”

“Guh…”

As if resigning himself, Alfred gets off the bed and releases Lu-chan.

“Lu-chan, are you okay? Can you come over here?”

Lu-chan staggers out of bed and comes over to me. She’s still properly dressed. It seems the worst-case scenario was avoided.

“Lu-chan, I’m sorry. I never imagined something like this would happen.”

“I-I’m okay. Thank you for saving me again, Onee-sama.”

Now then, I’m not exactly sure I’d win if it came to a fight.

Chris-san is asleep, and it’s highly likely the manor’s people are in on it.

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If that’s the case, calling for help could be dangerous too. It’s better to retreat here.

“Well then, we will take our leave now, Alfred-sama.”

After saying that, I took Lu-chan and returned to my room.

“Chris-saaan, wake up.”

However, my reliable Chris-san wouldn’t wake up, no matter how much I shook her or patted her cheeks.

Having no choice, I locked the door and then moved furniture in front of it to create a makeshift barricade.

“Well, it’s better than nothing. We’ll escape when Chris-san wakes up. Lu-chan, please sleep in that bed over there. I’ll keep watch.”

“Eh? Onee-sama?”

“You’ve had a terrible time being trapped like that, so please sleep in a soft bed. I’ll wake you if enemies come.”

“B-but…”

“I’m still fine. Vampires are strong at night, you know?”

I gently but firmly push the hesitant Lu-chan onto the bed and make her lie down.

She still looks at me apologetically, so I place my hand on her forehead as she lies there and secretly cast a Holy Magic calming spell.

“See, now you’ll be fine. I’ll be right here, so please rest.”

And just like that, Lu-chan drifted off to sleep.

Translator Note

Loli! No touch!!!

Oh, and I think some people noticed the real identity of this “Alfred”~

Such a common flag~