The sun went down in no time.

　By the time I arrived at Pae Ho, it was already dark. Being dead tired, I went to a suitable inn, ate a meal, took a bath and quickly went to bed.

　Then, the next sunrise, well it was actually already about nine-thirty. I woke up to the sound of someone knocking in the room.

“Tch…… what now? “

　Clicking my tongue, I dragged my body out of the bed and went to answer the door.

　There stood a handsome man dressed in butler's clothes.

“Second-sama, this is the first time we meet. I've been a.s.signed the position of butler for the Firstest family, my name is Cubero. A pleasure meeting you.”

　A splendid bow. His short blonde hair swayed along with that movement. I could also perceive a slight smell of a nice perfume. When Cubero raised his face, his blue eyes rested on me. Strong eyes, like those of a warrior. I somehow get the vibe “I'm not an ordinary person” from him.

　……Well, for now, I get it. He's my butler, that's fine. However, there was this one word I couldn't help but to notice.

“Wait a moment, since when did my family become the Firstest family? “

“Yukari-sama has instructed me to introduce myself as such.”

“For real?”

　I'm not sure if I heard about that or not…… I've been sort of enjoying myself these past four months, my memories are a bit fuzzy.

　Eh?　That's not bad. That means my public name has become “Second Firstest”. Hoo-hoo. I see. Fumu, not bad at all, right?

“By the way, why did you come here? “

“Yes. I'm here to pick up Second-sama.”

“Even though you're a butler? “

“If it's for Second-sama, I'll go anywhere no matter the place. Incidentally, I'm not only a butler, but also Second-sama's attendant (valet).”

“Ohh.”

　Ahh, not good, I'm so sleepy I can't even turn my head. I want to sleep for a bit more. However, there's the checkout time to worry about, what to do――?

“I'm very sorry to have woken you up when you were so tired. I'll go speak with the innkeeper and let him know, so it's okay to get some more rest. Ah, here, have a cold drink. I'll have breakfast ready for when you wake up. Is it okay to bring it here to the room? “

“Eh?　Ah, yeah.”

“Very well. Please relax for now then, I'll handle the timings. Well then, please excuse me.”

“Ah, yeah.”

　……Nicely done, Cubero-kun. He looks like he's in his early twenties. However, his extremely meticulous care was like a honed technique. Just what kind of training did he go through in these past four months?

　Ohh, this cold tea is really delicious. I can't say for sure, but I'm certain he used some good leaves. It gives out a vague luxurious scent.

“Good nightー“

　Speaking towards Cubero, who surely was outside the door, I went back to bed in a very good mood.

——

　Just before noon. Just as I was thinking it was about time to get up, there was a knock on the door. Are you serious? Is that guy an esper?

　When I opened the door, as expected, it was Cubero. The breakfast c.u.m lunch he brought was well-served and delicious. I invited him to eat together with me, but Cubero politely refused, saying he had already eaten.

“Alright, now to check out.”

“I finished that earlier.”

“Is that so? Then, Seventh Teiō.”

“My subordinates are in charge of that, don't worry.”

“That's helpful. Then, I think I'll eat some snacks for the way home.”

“For today, I've prepared chocolate cake and hot coffee.”

“I see…… Ahh, somehow I kind of feel like playing cards with you.”

“I'm honored. I have an unopened deck here.”

“…………”

　This guy's amazing. He doesn't make any oversight in his work. So, he's a superhuman on top of being an esper, huh?

“You're pretty good, Cubero.”

“Your praise is wasted in me.”

　Even while being praised, he bows his head with refined movements. As I left the room, he quietly followed me from behind. After I got into the carriage that was parked in front of the inn, he gave some instructions to the two men who seemed to be his subordinates, and then sat across from me.

　The carriage quickly departed. Surprisingly, the shaking and noise from it were about half of what I expected. I'm sure this is a pretty luxurious carriage.

　While trying to somehow put on airs, I looked at Cubero as he sat with his back straight. After noticing my gaze, he said “Is there something you need? ” while smiling. After answering him with a “No, it's nothing”, Cubero then said, “Please tell me if there's anything you need.”

　No oversight at all, indeed. Nothing is overlooked…… but something feels odd. Ever since the moment we met face to face this morning.

　I don't know what's wrong, but I got this feeling of incongruity that I can't quite pinpoint.

　I wonder what it is? Am I just imagining things? Or maybe I just feel restless.  Hmmー……?

　Nope, I don't know. Well, for now, let's just stare at him for the four hours it takes to go to the capital to kill time and try to identify this feeling of incongruity.

“……? ? ? “

　Ignoring the puzzled Cubero, I intently watched him. If the concept of s.e.xual hara.s.sment were to exist in this world, this slave of mine could certainly sue me for doing this. However, since I'd feel bad for making him stress out, I'll just do it with moderation.

　…………Eh?　Wait. Stress?

　With that sudden thought, I watched Cubero's mouth and hands closely.

　Ahh…… As I thought. His lips appear to be slightly dry, and his middle and index fingers are trembling lightly.

　――It appears he's quite “nervous”. I wonder since when? From this morning? Why on earth would he? Well, probably because it was his first day.

　However, he hasn't said a word about it. He's doing his best to complete his job and trying hard to hold in all his mental stress, namely nervousness, so as to not displease his master.

　He's got great willpower. Not being able to stop being conscious, he's tense and he's trying to suppress it to the limit by only willpower.

　Hahaha!　He sure has determination!

“Hahahaha! “

“I-Is there something wrong?”

“Cubero, you're great. You're the kind of guy I like.”

“You like me……? “

　Huh?　I feel like I made a mistake in my choice of words.

“Wait. I didn't mean it in that way. I mean you have a good personality.”

“I am very grateful for that.”

“Relax, don't be so stiff. Ahー……that's right, wanna play cards?”

“Yes. As you wish.”

　Looking carefully, his movements were still a bit stiff. Still, he properly does his job, so there's no doubt he's a responsible guy. It feels kind of awkward still, but I'm sure he'll get used to it. I'm looking forward to when his tension is completely gone.

　Cubero, my butler c.u.m attendant, huh? Somehow, I feel like we'll have a long relations.h.i.+p. I'd like to build a friendly relations.h.i.+p if I can.

　After receiving the cards from Cubero, I opened my mouth as I shuffled them.

“I'm sure you too have a terrible past. If you ever feel lost, just make up your mind and talk to me.”

“……! “

“I'll do something about it.”

　――That is, if it's something I can do anything about. I said so while looking composed. It was a very irresponsible statement that inadvertently came out of my mind because I felt like I grew stronger after taming Anko.

　It's just, I wanted to look good here. In front of this guy who had shown me his determination.

　Opening his eyes wide and with a shocked face…… Cubero bowed his head immediately after. He bowed down below the knee. Almost to the limit.

“This Cubero will never forget those kind words, Second-sama.”

　He then raised his body a little, and I was able to see his eyes. A light had lit in those eyes, making them look like those powerful eyes of a man who has steeled his resolution.

“Tonight, before the time to sleep. I would like to ask for a little of your time for a consultation.”

“……Tonight, huh? Alright.”

　For a moment I thought he might have misunderstood something of what I said, but I changed my mind after looking at Cubero's eyes. In the corner of his eyes, a little tear was visible.

　He, a man who pushed down his nervousness with willpower alone. There must be a reason for those tears, seeing how he looks like the man who would never show his crying face. What could be the meaning of it? I too have to resolve myself before I meet with him tonight.

“Well then, let's play cards. How about we play ‘speed'? “

　Pretending to not have noticed those tears, I handed out two cards to him.

“Spe…… I'm sorry, what is that?”

“Haha, I'll teach you.”

“I'm very grateful.”

　Then, until we reached the capital, I continued to play cards with Cubero.

　I had a lot of fun.

——

＜Status Details＞

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Swordsmans.h.i.+p

s.h.i.+eldmans.h.i.+p

Archery

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.