It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 29: A Tradition Passed Down

Episode 29: A Tradition Passed Down

*Knock knock*, a sound came from the door.

Had dinner already been prepared? Not much time had passed since returning to the room. But they were really efficient. Impressed, I opened the door—and there stood Pamela. I was so happy to see her that my hand naturally reached for her cheek.

“Eh, El-sama? Is something wrong?”

“…No, it’s nothing. Has dinner been prepared?”

“No, um… I was just feeling lonely, so I came to this room…”

Before Pamela could finish speaking, I took her hand. Then I invited her into the room. Behind her, Orto was closely following and entered while glaring at me.

It was a look that said, “I won’t allow you to lay a hand on your bride-to-be before marriage.” Like a father-in-law.

It’s fine. I won’t do anything. I want us to be officially engaged in peace, after all. I had Pamela sit on my lap while we waited for the dinner call. Pamela’s cheeks were slightly blushing. She looked so cute.

The servant who came to announce that dinner was ready widened their eyes for just a moment. But as expected of a servant from the Count’s house, they quickly returned to a neutral expression. They guided us to the dining room as if nothing happened. I continued holding hands with Pamela the whole way. Shiro let out a sigh, as if to say “Good grief.”

When we arrived at the dining room, a luxurious dinner was waiting for us.

From the tableware prepared, it looked like we would be dining together with the Count’s family. I wondered if it was okay for me, just a simple adventurer, to join them—but then figured it made sense if I was a potential suitor for their daughter.

I sat in the seat I was shown. Of course, Pamela sat beside me. Next to Pamela would likely be the Count and Countess.

Before long, the Count couple and Pamela’s older brother—the heir—also took their seats. As if perfectly timed, the food was brought in. The Count led a toast, and dinner began.

During the meal, I talked about the monsters I’d fought so far. While the Count spoke about recent news in noble society. Pamela’s brother was greatly surprised—and happy—to learn that she could now use new magic.

Since we couldn’t exactly demonstrate magic during dinner, we decided to show it another day.

My stories as an adventurer brought a lot of excitement to the table. It seemed they were quite interested in the kind of thrilling, raw experiences that nobles rarely get to have. Of course, I softened my words a lot. If I told it as it was, it would definitely ruin the meal.

I had thought Pamela wouldn’t be interested in such stories. So I’d never told them to her before—but she was listening with sparkling eyes, totally fascinated.

Dinner turned out to be more enjoyable than I expected. Eating while minding table manners can be mentally tiring—especially since I hadn’t had to care about them much lately—so I was a little worried.

But my body remembered them well. Maybe I was subconsciously sensing the mood of the place, because everything worked out fine.

After dinner, the only thing left to do was bathe and go to sleep. I wanted to talk to Pamela’s brother at some point during this time. I had to make sure tomorrow’s investigation could go as smoothly as possible.

Depending on how things went, I might be separated from Pamela for several days. Well, I was planning to return here each time using teleportation magic anyway.

While waiting for my turn in the bath in the room, I heard a knock on the door.

“That was faster than I expected,” I thought as I opened the door—and there stood Pamela. She had changed into loose-fitting clothes. It was the kind you could easily switch to sleepwear from.

Maybe she’d just come out of the bath? Though her hair didn’t seem wet…

“El-sama, the bath is ready. Come, let’s go.”

Saying that, she began tugging on my hand. Hey now, don’t tell me… I glanced toward the attendants behind Pamela. They immediately returned a subtle nod.

………..…So they tried to stop her, but it didn’t work. And now they were leaving it up to me. What should I do? Surely, it’s not okay to bathe together in Pamela’s family home.

As I resisted, trying to persuade Pamela to stop pulling me, the Countess appeared at the end of the hallway. A heavenly rescue—no, more like the servants had gone to get her. The expressions of Pamela’s attendants shifted to relief.

“What are you making a fuss about in the hallway? Pamela, are you making unreasonable requests of Ernest-san again?”

“Mother! That’s not true. I’m just doing what I always do—getting in the bath together and washing his back.”

“My, my!” 

The Countess widened her eyes, looking exactly like Pamela. She quickly opened the fan she was holding and covered her mouth. Her cheeks turned light pink. She must have imagined the scene in her head.

What is this? I suddenly feel extremely embarrassed. More than that, is this something I’m about to get scolded for?

“…Pamela, that’s not something you should do so lightly.”

The Countess spoke while looking down. She seemed to be holding back out of consideration for Pamela. It looked like she didn’t feel right about scolding her harshly.

As I was wondering why she didn’t firmly correct her, Pamela protested.

“Why not?! Mother, you always take baths with Father. It’s okay for you two, but not for us?!”

Ah—this isn’t good. The Countess took a half step back. She was overwhelmed by Pamela’s pressure. Though she was hiding her face with the fan, even her ears were bright red. It seemed that was information she didn’t want others to know.

But I get it now. The reason Pamela rushes in naked must be because of the Countess’ influence. She’s seen it since she was small. And now she assumes that’s what you’re supposed to do with your husband. If this keeps going, it’s bad. I need to do something.

“Pamela, it’s been a while since you’ve come back home. Why don’t you take a bath with the Countess? I’m sure there are things that only women can talk about during that time.”

“Eh?”

“That’s a great idea. Pamela, let’s take a bath together.”

Pamela sounded dissatisfied. But the Countess spoke up over her, almost as if to drown her out. Then she took Pamela’s hand and pulled her away.

Please, talk some sense into her while you’re in the bath. I mean, even I have my limits when it comes to enduring things in the bath.

Even with a towel on, when she gets out of the tub and her round butt pops into view—was that intentional? It’s only for a second, but the important part is completely exposed. Does she even realize it? I really hope the Countess gives her a firm talking-to.