Mir's Perspective
"Hehe, did you see that, Mir? The gallant figure of my Elysion."
A week after the defeat of Yeti on Wort Island, after the acquisition of Midnight Aegis as Lord Elysion's companion and shield, me and lady were on the night of our journey back to the capital.
At an inn along the way, the young lady sips her tea with a slightly excited expression, talking endlessly about Lord Elysion's exploits.
Frankly, I've grown tired of this topic despite her continuous narration. While I understand her joy in the feats of her beloved fiancé, perhaps she should take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge her loyal subordinate—me.
"More importantly, I was concerned about when milady would undergo... a transformation."
"Absurd. Unless harm befell Lord Elysion, I would never expose such an unsightly appearance before him."
Lady Serena narrows her eyes, clearly displeased. However, I've been on edge this entire week, knowing that if things had taken a different turn, there would be no stopping her.
"Rather than that, didn't you feel a bit moved when Lord Elysion bravely stepped forward to fend off the magical beast's attack?"
"Sigh..."
I intentionally give a vague response. If I were to agree with her words now, it would undoubtedly trigger that transformation I'm dreading.
Well, speaking honestly, witnessing Lord Elysion's performance in the recent battle made me reassess him.
Setting aside the adorable little cat, Yeti, that thing he called a raid boss magical beast... it was not something three people could easily handle. Normally, it should have been dealt with by mobilizing the kingdom's army.
Of course, I don't believe milady would lose, and I was prepared to stake my life protecting both her and Lord Elysion.
However, the fact that Lord Elysion chose to fight Yeti to save the kitten was a headache in itself. So, I immediately advised him to abandon the situation.
Nevertheless, Lord Elysion obtained the coveted "Shield of Midnight Aegis," confronted Yeti, and showcased his prowess.
'Milady, who had her eyes on Lord Elysion, truly has a discerning eye.'
One month after milady and Lord Elysion became engaged, I suddenly received the order to become "Lord Elysion's attendant."
I couldn't help but become angry at that time, thinking of serving another person instead of milady was something I had never imagined.
Before the engagement was formalized, for seven years—since the time when milady,was saved by Lord Elysion at the royal palace—he had been the object of her affections.
'According to what I've heard, she received a handkerchief with a dragon embroidery from him at that time.'
Silvercrest Kingdom, coexisting with dragons, was founded and prospered under the favor of dragons. The family that received the dragon's favor became the current royal family, the Silvercrest. The dragon that favoured the Silvercrest became the Ravenhurst family.
About three hundred years have passed since the founding of the Silvercrest Kingdom, and besides the royal family and the Ravenhurst family, who have been serving faithfully for generations to each other, only a few others know this fact.
Oh, and when I say dragon, I don't mean that milady and the Ravenhurst family members are dragons.
They're perfectly human. To be precise, the ancestors of the Ravenhurst family received the "dragon's blessing," inheriting its strength and wisdom.
Therefore, dragons are the pride and symbol of the Ravenhurst family.
As you may already understand, when milady, inheriting the name of Ravenhurst, received a handkerchief with a dragon embroidery, it meant that Lord Elysion sought the dragon's favor. Moreover, milady accepted it.
At that moment, their engagement was established—albeit only in milady's heart.
Of course, Lord Elysion was not aware of this fact, and I don't believe there was any intention behind giving the handkerchief. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember the handkerchief at all.
...Well, milady seems content with that.
In any case, a private engagement between the two wouldn't have meant anything, so from the day milady received the handkerchief, she put in tireless efforts.
Not only in etiquette and education expected of a duchess's daughter but also in seeking the strength of the Ravenhurst family.
As a result, she now surpasses even His Excellency Duke Ravenhurst, the current head of the Ravenhurst family, and "Cedric," who will be the next head.
Hence, the treasured sword passed down through the generations of the Ravenhurst family, "Balmung," is in milady's hands. Only the strongest of the Ravenhurst family is allowed to wield that sword.
Why did milady seek such strength? Of course, it was to protect her beloved Lord Elysion.
But to fulfill that wish, she needed strength at any cost.
Let me be clear; the Ravenhurst family is based on meritocracy, where the strongest is considered just. Milady, with her own hands, secured the engagement with Lord Elysion.
Therefore, even His Excellency, who dotes on milady, and Cedric, cannot oppose her in this matter.
However, it took her six long years to secure that position.
"...But I can't help but worry about those insolent individuals who might try to exploit Lord Elysion's true abilities." Milay said with disappointing tone.
"Is that why milady made me Lord Elysion's attendant?" as in turn I posed the question.
Lord Elysion, once known as the "incompetent dumb prince," had been scorned and ridiculed by those around him.
However, after the engagement with milady he drastically changed and in addition, the transformation brought about by the "Shield of Midnight Aegis," not to mention he courageously faced the magical beast Yeti, turning the opinions of those around him 180 degrees.
'It's only a matter of time.'
Just as milady fears, it wouldn't be surprising if there were individuals trying to use Lord Elysion for their own gains. There might even be those who fear Lord Elysion and attempt to harm him.
"Mir... please. Take care of him."
For milady and for someone who had risked their life to protect what was "precious" for him.
I will serve and protect him.
"Leave it to me."
I place my hand over my chest and bow respectfully.
'Anything for you milady.'