Naturally, as a full-time servant, my job is to work as the hands and feet of the Ojou-sama and let her live her life without inconvenience.
Therefore, I am basically on the side of the Ojou-sama.
But even I can't stay with her all day.
I don't really want to leave her side, but unfortunately I'm a normal person.
It's not sturdy enough to work all day without a break.
It seems that nobles with magical powers can move without a break for three days and three nights, but it would be terrible to ask me to do that as a mere commoner.
"What's wrong..."
So, I wandered around the garden of the school alone.
At this time, the Ojou-sama is in the middle of a lecture on magic.
Aside from practical lectures, classroom lectures, and even magic-related lectures, I am completely useless.
To be honest, I don't have any knowledge of magic construction, so I don't know at all, and the Ojou-sama is taking lectures, so I don't have anything to take care of.
Therefore, he leaves the Ojou-sama to his subordinate Eins and comes to lunch a little late.
"Nua
"What?"
As I was looking for a place to eat, I suddenly heard a man's scream.
When I turned to the direction where the voice had come, I saw a male student running into the garden at full speed.
On the contrary, when the man made eye contact with me, he came towards me at once.
"I'm sorry, hide me!"
"Huh!?"
"Tou
The man said unilaterally and walked past me, plunging his head into the bushes behind me and hiding himself.
I was so shocked that I could only watch in amazement.
"What was it, Aitsu?"
"Wait, Dee-sama!"
"Wow..."
As I was keeping my eyes blank at the incomprehensible situation, I heard a familiar voice this time and somehow understood the situation.
Looking at the entrance of the garden, I could say that Miss Maria was coming towards us with a cloud of smoke and explosions.
"Wow..., Crow-kun!? Well, it's a coincidence that we meet in such a place~"
"Uh, yes..., that's right."
Noticing my presence, Miss Maria suddenly stops while scraping the ground, and runs up to me, fixing her disheveled hair with her hands.
Perhaps he had been following the young man earlier.
I only saw him for a moment, but he had the same well-formed face as the other men in Miss Maria's harem, and there was no doubt about it.
As I watched him follow the young man to the fullest use of his body-enhancing magic, I did my best to smile twitchingly.
Anyway, I didn't think I would try to dabble in a new man again.
I can't help but be stunned by the lack of sobriety as usual.
"So, what was Crow doing here?"
"It's a little late, but I was looking for a good place to eat."
"It looks as hard as ever, Isabella should let Crow eat with her. It's terrible to eat alone first!"
"Haha..."
They say things without permission.
Most servants would not be able to sit at the table with the Lord and eat.
At Miss Maria's accusation of Miss Isabella, I managed to hide my clenched fist behind my back and smile.
"Well, then, I'll be with you——"
"Are you sure you are in a hurry?"
I forcibly change the subject by covering Miss Maria's words.
I'm not kidding, can I deal with this woman any longer?
If this continues, I may end up killing you.
Hey, Mr. Crow. Didn't the boys come here? He's a silver-haired kid."
Silver hair.... Come to think of it, the young man from earlier certainly had a hair color that was not often seen in the kingdom.
Then I remembered that the person had asked me to hide it earlier.
I can tell you honestly, but right now I'm in a bad mood because I'm criticized by the Ojou-sama.
"Well, a man with that characteristic certainly came here earlier."
So do you know where he went?"
"He just headed towards the school building."
Then I'll go."
Pointing to the exit opposite from where Miss Maria and the others had entered, Miss Maria strengthened herself again and ran away.
I mean, it just went away like a storm.
「... It's okay to come out now."
No, it helped. Thank you. It was hard to be chased around all of a sudden."
After confirming that Miss Maria was no longer visible, I called out to the bushes behind me, and the man appeared with a rustling sound.
The man crawled out of the bushes with his silver hair and leaves attached to it, and thanked me with a troubled smile.
"Then I'm with this..."
"Well, at least let me thank you for one of the thanks, is that a meal from now on? I was just going to make it a meal. Let's eat together."
Well, it doesn't matter..."
I didn't have to be here, and when I made sure he was safe, I tried to leave, but he grabbed me by the shoulder and stopped me.
On the contrary, I was invited to eat with them.
As a commoner, I have no right to refuse an offer from a nobleman.
Feeling a sense of trouble, I had no choice but to accept the offer.
"You saved me earlier, let me thank you again."
"No, it's not a big deal."
As soon as I sat down at a table in the garden, the man bowed his head and I accepted.
My honest impression is that he is a strange nobleman, such as bowing to a servant.
"Yes, by the way, I haven't introduced myself yet, my name is Dixen. Feel free to call me Dee."
"Dixen? I'm sure one of the students from the Empire had such a name, is it you?"
"Oh yes, you're right, but I'm just your husband's attendant. Just like you, I'm just a servant in the service of the Lord. Oh, you can eat too. I don't feel comfortable eating alone."
Saying this, the man who gave his name as Dixen took out a piece of bread from the lunch box spread out in front of him and snuggled up.
I also pick up a sandwich prepared by the chef at the mansion.
In general, empire refers to the Grunz Empire, a major power that controls the northern part of the continent.
Across the rugged mountain ranges, the kingdom and neighbouring the country are covered in snow for most of the year and are constantly exposed to harsh conditions.
Therefore, it is a country that lacks resources such as food, and has a history of expanding by invading neighboring countries in search of insufficient resources.
There is no reason why such a country does not want the land of our kingdom with fertile land, and it is a country that can be called a nemesis who has been at war with the kingdom for land and resources for many years.
However, it was more than ten years ago that such a war ended and peace was concluded between the two countries.
Since then, the kingdom and empire have actively begun to interact with each other, and international students like Dixen have been part of that exchange.
"I see, I——"
"Crow, right? I know you. He's a celebrity at this school. I wanted to talk to you once."
Now that you have been named, you will have to come forward.
I thought so and tried to introduce myself, but apparently the other person knew me.
I don't know much about celebrities, but since I'm Miss Isabella's butler, it's natural that she knows her face to a certain extent.
"So? Dixen, what do you do me for?"
Near the end of the meal, he decided to ask me what to do.
I guess he didn't invite me just because he wanted to eat with me.
"Haha..., you don't call me by my nickname, did you hate me?"
"No, not really, but you and I are in different positions."
"Are they supposed to be the same servants?"
Am I being teased? Or are you serious?
Differences in positions can be inconvenient if they are not made clear.
That should be no exception for the man in front of him.
"I am a commoner and you are a nobleman."
"Well, there was a big difference in status in the kingdom, excuse me. In the Empire, nobility is just a title, and sometimes I'm surprised by the difference in values."
"If you understand, that's fine."
I look at Dixen with a little force in my voice, and he smiles with a slightly sad expression on his face and apologizes.
I see, it is true that the difference in status was relatively thin in the empire.
I hear that in an empire that advocates meritocracy, you can move up as long as you have ability, regardless of status.
Therefore, if they produce results, commoners can even obtain the title.
Pedigree is an idea that cannot be held in the first kingdom.
"Well, let's get straight to the point, Crow, why don't you come to the Empire?"
"What!?"
Dixen wiped his mouth with a napkin and scouted me in a light tone.
I thought it was a story related to the Ojou-sama, but I couldn't hide my surprise.
"My Lord is looking for good people, and one of the reasons we came to the Kingdom is to recruit them to the Empire."
"Why..., me?"
I don't know.
Although I serve the Duke's family, I myself am just a powerless commoner with no magical powers.
I couldn't read the intentions of the other party who would bother to scout such a person.
"Excuse me, but I have been looking into you, and although you have the handicap of not having any magical powers, you have served for many years as the personal servant of that grumpy duke's lady, and you work more than ten times as much as a normal servant."
That being said, the current situation where the Ojou-sama's exclusive servant has quit except me, it is inevitable that the workload will be reasonable.
When I think about it again, it's a terrible situation.
However, it is inevitable that you will be appreciated for doing so much work... I wonder if it is?
"And the manipulations on that little girl named Maria are superb, with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. It's not something you can do very often."
"Oh!"
The words of the man who threw me into the place where I was caught off guard immediately raised my alertness.
He knows the reality of the harassment I did to Miss Maria on her orders.
At least he won't be able to grab his tail easily, but his master certainly seems to have some good talent.
I envy the fact that it is popular.
"Isn't it strange that you really want someone with this much ability?"
In contrast to me, who is on high alert, Dixen never once breaks his smile.
To be honest, I don't want to deal with people like this because it's hard to do...
「... Thank you for recognizing me. However, I will decline that offer."
In the kingdom, there are few people who can properly evaluate you, a commoner. If that's the case, I think you can show off your abilities to the fullest if you come to the Empire."
"I'm not interested in such trivial matters, serving the Ojou-sama is the most important thing for me."
"Miss Isabella, the daughter of the prestigious Duke of Variers, but that's it. To be clear, she's not a vessel that can use your powers. I don't think he's that obsessed with it!"
Dixen suddenly shut his mouth.
No, to be precise, I forced them to shut up by releasing a killing spirit.
I don't care what you say about me.
But I can never allow myself to insult Miss Isabella.
Black emotions overflow from the depths of my chest without stopping.
Don't resist that emotion and surrender to it.
In contrast to the heart that burns with the flames of hatred, the mind cools down rapidly, and he accurately analyzes the difference in his strength.
One person in front of you and three people behind you?
It's a bit tough, but there's nothing you can't do.
You often insulted my Miss Isabella.
For the first time, I broke the smile I had been smiling and touched the knife hidden in my sleeve while directing my killing energy to the "enemy" in front of me who was wary of my movements.
Now, I'll kill all the guards hiding behind me.
「...」
「...」
In the midst of such an immediate, the bell rang to inform the school of the end time of the lecture.
"Phew..."
Exhaling lightly, I release the tension that was building up all over my body.
Unfortunately, time is up.
As long as the Ojou-sama is waiting, I can't play in a place like this forever.
「... Then I have to pick up the Ojou-sama, so excuse me for this."
Ignoring Dixen, who is still unguarded, he stands up from his seat and turns his back to them, and you can feel the confusion coming from behind.
My interest in them had already disappeared in me.
"Oh, wait!"
"What is it?"
He was about to leave, but was stopped and turned around, somewhat wary.
Are you going to continue what I said earlier?
I don't want to make her wait too long.
"Let me apologize for insulting your Lord, I'm sorry."
「... No, please forgive my rudeness."
Dixen stands up and bows deeply to face him.
The opponent is a nobleman. Normally, pride would not allow you to go this far against a commoner, but the man in front of you did it calmly.
When someone apologizes honestly like this, you get a little out of tune.
My anger had subsided, and I didn't think it was good to make the relationship weird, so I obediently accepted the apology.
"I understand your loyalty to Miss Isabella, and I can't help it, I'm going to give up recruiting you."
"I'm sorry."
"What, just being able to talk to you like this was enough to pay off."
Dixen is smiling as if nothing had happened, even though they almost killed each other earlier.
The size of the vessel is exactly the same as the ideal boss.
If it weren't for the Ojou-sama, would she have had the option of becoming his subordinate?
"We're staying here, and if you feel like coming to the Empire, you can visit us anytime."
"But I..."
"Just if you change your mind, you can throw that note away if you don't need it."
When we parted, Dixen unilaterally thrust a note with the address on it, and I decided to go back to the Ojou-sama.
The conversation dragged on longer than I expected.
I hope the Ojou-sama doesn't get angry...
"So what did my husband think of him?"
After Crow leaves, Dixen, who is left alone in the garden, speaks behind him, and a young man appears without a sound.
With his sword at his waist, the young man looked warily in the direction Crow had left, finally letting go of the guard he had been holding.
"I've paid the people around me, and you don't have to act anymore, Your Highness."
Luke, answer my question."
The kingdom claims that Luke is its master and Dixen is his retinue, but the relationship is false.
In fact, even his name Dixen is a pseudonym.
All to protect him in this enemy territory.
His original name was Dietrich von Grantz.
He is the first prince of the Grantz Empire, a longtime nemesis and now ally of the Kingdom of Farrant.
He seemed to be aware of our presence, and above all, the killing spirit."
"Oh, that was terrible, I was prepared to die for the first time in a long time."
Dietrich laughs pleasantly, but his guard knight, Luke, remains grim.
After all, the escort target was in danger.
Conversely, Dietrich, who can laugh even though he was about to be killed, is more abnormal.
"Uh... It was only for a moment, but without a doubt he was going to kill His Highness."
「... Can you beat him?"
Dietrich, who has erased his smile and peeked into his face as a ruler, visits.
"From what I can see, he's just a commoner with no magic powers. Normally, I should say that."
"Oh, so you're going to lose?"
Dietrich was slightly surprised by the remarks of his most trusted subordinate and childhood friend.
Luke is a knight who was selected as a royal bodyguard at a young age, and his ability is real.
He might not be able to win.
"I don't know. At that time, he was going to kill all of them by taking on His Highness, me, and my men at the same time."
"I see, if you're like that, you're probably right."
He was really just a human with no magical powers. It's impossible to beat a nobleman!"
Luke exclaims, clasping his still trembling hands.
In that moment, Luke felt a fear he hadn't felt in a long time against a mere commoner.
It was an unbearable humiliation for him, who was recognized for his merit in the Empire and took pride in his strength.
"Calm down, maybe he's some kind of madman. And it's impossible to think of a madman in a normal framework."
Dietrich, who saw through Luke's inner feelings, laughed slightly.
It is still an interesting talent to make such a rare expression on this solid subordinate.
"But yes, I was more and more interested after hearing your story. Let's keep observing him for a while."
Didn't you give up on him?"
"What can I say, such a brilliant material can be easily given up?"
Luke sighed that His Highness' bad habit had come out again.
Dietrich has perfect talent as a politician, but his downside is that he sometimes gets out of control when it comes to his only hobby: recruitment.
You just crossed a dangerous bridge, so why would you want to get involved with that butler again?
As an escort, it was a headache.
And I understood from a long relationship that I could not stop the Lord from becoming like this.
"Huh... Did His Highness have a bad habit again? I don't mind, but please don't step on the dragon's tail like before."
"I know, now let's go back."
"Hah."
Following Luke, Dietrich leaves the garden.
Along the way, I remember the exchange with the young butler I mentioned earlier.
"Fufufu... I can't believe there are people with such a wonderful brilliance. I'm glad I came to the kingdom after all."
This is why it was worth overcoming the opposition of those around us.
Unable to contain the excitement that was bubbling up, Dietrich returned to the school building with his lips in an arc.
Name: Dietrich von Grantz
Gender: Male
Age: 17 years old
Favorite things: All human beings who enjoy life
Dislikes: Boring things Not beautiful things
Hobbies: People observation, discovering and recruiting human resources
A silver-haired young man who came to the school as a squire to Luke, an exchange student from the Empire.
He likes to observe people and usually observes students in various places in the school.
It is a hidden strategy character, and if you raise all of Maria's parameters above a certain value, an event will occur and you will be able to capture it. (Since it is not achievable in the first week, it is practically limited to the second week and beyond)
He is the prince of the Empire and has studied abroad in hiding just to dispel his boredom.
He is an all-round genius who is born with all kinds of talents, and he is perfected as an emperor.
Therefore, he has an unusual hobby of liking to see the brilliance of imperfect human life.
Talent discovery is a hobby that I started because I didn't want to see people with such brilliance buried in the world.