“Did you see that, Shahar? I drove away the intruder.”

I muttered dejectedly as I watched the Slime King disappear with a splat.

“You are merciful, my mate, to always send the intruders away.”

“What’s the point of killing creatures like that? It would just leave a bad taste. Besides, it’s disappointing that all the transcendent beings are like this.”

Today it was a slime, yesterday an imp, and the day before that a lizardman. So far, it had been nothing but small fry.

The Emperor said he would guarantee more rights to the mountain based on my achievements, but I doubted I could earn any merit dealing with such weaklings.

“Do not let your guard down. The true strong ones are likely watching from the shadows.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

As he said, I couldn’t let my guard down completely. I still hadn’t forgotten the shocking encounter with the hydra. Since I couldn’t bring Iscallion to Mount Acheron, Shahar was my only reliable ally. I petted Shahar more affectionately than usual.

“I’ll rely on you, Shahar. You know that, right?”

I decided to tie an especially pretty ribbon on him when I returned to the mansion as a token of my appreciation.

***

A painful groan rose from deep within my throat. I was so out of breath that I could taste blood.

“You’re doing great, sister! You can do it!”

‘I can’t, I really can’t!’

But I didn’t even have the energy to say that. Sweat dripped into my eyes, making tears stream down my face. I couldn’t tell if the wetness on my face was sweat or tears. I just wanted to collapse right there.

Meanwhile, Iscallion looked as relaxed as if he were on a light stroll.

“Don’t give up, I’m here.”

As soon as he patted my shoulder, my legs gave out, and I collapsed.

Lately, I had been training my stamina under Iscallion’s special regimen. After the humiliating encounter with the Goblin Lord, I realized the importance of physical strength.

‘That bastard almost made me go bald at the prime age of twenty.’

Unfortunately, neither Shahar nor the knights under the Crown Prince were nearby to help me immediately. During that time, the Goblin Lord grabbed my hair. Even though he was only waist-high, he was so strong that I almost lost all my hair. If Pinion hadn’t rushed over, I might have ended up bald.

— You’re probably the only lady in the empire who has brawled with a goblin.

The Crown Prince’s mocking face as he looked at me, covered in dirt after my fistfight with the Goblin Lord, was still vivid in my memory.

But despite his fierce anger that day, he didn’t seem to hold much of a grudge. He even appointed me as the nominal master of Mount Acheron. I didn’t even get hit and managed to get proper compensation.

‘Yeah, he’s probably too proud to lose his temper over a mere nickname.’

Thinking such thoughts, I lay on the dirt floor, gasping for breath.

But Iscallion’s next words made me forget all about the Crown Prince.

“You’re improving, albeit slowly. Let’s run a bit more today.”

“No, I can’t. Just kill me…”

“Why would I kill you? This exercise is to ensure we live long and healthy lives together.”

At that moment, his innocent face looked exactly like a demon’s.

In the end, he dragged me around the training ground for two more laps.

When I finally dragged my dirt-covered body back to my bedroom, Seren widened her eyes and covered her mouth with both hands.

“My lady, how did you end up like this…?”

“Seren, put your hands down.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

Reluctantly, Seren lowered her hands, revealing a sly smile.

“Oh my, you’re so perceptive at times like this.”

I wanted to hit her for being so cheeky, but I was too exhausted to even get angry.

“…Fine, just prepare some water for me to wash.”

After washing off the dirt, Seren combed my hair.

“By the way, the Empress has sent another party invitation.”

I hadn’t seen the Empress since the summer solstice festival.

She had been very busy lately, frequently inviting noble ladies to the palace for tea and occasionally hosting banquets.

She claimed it was because she felt lonely as she aged, but everyone knew she was searching for a new fiancée for the Crown Prince.

Despite this, she consistently sent me invitations. Even though she wouldn’t be happy to have me at such events, she seemed to think it would be improper to exclude me.

So, I always declined, telling her I’m ill.

“What should I say this time? Headache? Stomach ache? Gastroenteritis?”

“But you’ve already declined ten times. If you refuse again, the Empress might be offended.”

Seren offered her opinion cautiously. She was right, and I sighed.

“Probably.”

That was the problem with the imperial family. They knew I would refuse, yet they felt insulted when I did. It was truly a nasty attitude.

“Fine, I’ll just make a brief appearance.”

Even that would be enough to provide people with plenty of gossip.

I already felt a headache coming on.

***

The party I was invited to this time was a small gathering hosted solely by the Empress. However, given the prominent families involved, the competition would be fierce.

I couldn’t afford to neglect my appearance, considering my family’s reputation.

I decided to leave Shahar, whom I had been carrying around like an extension of myself, at home for the day.

The problem arose from an unexpected place. I had no man to escort me.

The Crown Prince had always been my escort, so I had never thought about it.

Among noble ladies, who escorted you was as important as the dress you wore. It wouldn’t be a big issue if I had a brother, but unfortunately, I was an only child.

I was about to ask one of our family’s knights when my parents vehemently opposed it.

“But there’s no other choice. It’s not like I have any close male friends.”

“What do you mean you don’t? Come here, Leon.”

My father suddenly called for Iscallion.

Under my mother’s enthusiastic welcome, Iscallion had been staying at our mansion like a guest, even though he had his own townhouse.

“Leon.”

“Yes?”

“It’s time for you to earn your keep.”

“Earn my keep?”

“Yes, earn your keep! You didn’t think you could stay at the Dronay mansion like a street inn, did you? You should repay our kindness.”

“But the Duchess said I could stay here because it’s dangerous for a young, handsome man like me to live alone.”

Iscallion said this without a hint of shame. His boldness left my father flustered.

My father asked my mother with a look of betrayal.

“What…? Is that true? You’ve always thrown me out with nothing, but you let him stay?”

My mother ignored my father’s question.

“You heard that, Lou? We want you to take Leon with you.”

“What? But mother…”

“I’m fine going alone.”

“No, you’re not! I’m not fine with it! That party will be full of people trying to get close to the Crown Prince. I can’t stand the thought of my daughter entering alone.”

“Uh, well, how about asking Marquis Parady? He’s a bit timid, but he’s single, and his status and age are appropriate.”

“But he’s ugly. Even though Leon is foreign, he’s much better looking. Men are judged by their looks, not their status. Don’t take the escort lightly. It’s a matter of family honor.”

Iscallion grinned at my mother’s praise.

“Thank you, Duke, Duchess. You have good taste.”

My father made a strange face.

“Ahem. But when will you get used to the imperial language?”

“He hasn’t been here long. Don’t be so harsh, old man.”

My mother immediately defended Iscallion.

My father, feeling rebuked, pouted.

Iscallion said cheerfully,

“I’ll go. Trust me.”

***

Somehow, my parents managed to book the most famous tailor to make several outfits for Iscallion.

I didn’t need to ask how much they spent. Their determination to have a handsome man by my side, comparable to the Crown Prince, was clear.

I didn’t think much of it while waiting for Iscallion after getting dressed. I was just thinking about how to leave the party as quickly as possible.

Until I saw him dressed up.

“How do I look?”

When I couldn’t find my words, Iscallion asked again, looking puzzled.

“What’s wrong?”

His well-dressed appearance was nothing short of a visual shock.

I had thought his face was slightly less impressive than Gined or Pinion’s, but now I saw I was wrong.

“See? We were right. He won’t be outshone even by the Crown Prince.”

“Hmph, he doesn’t match my daughter’s beauty, but he’s not bad.”