It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 30: A Shadow Targeting Pamela

Episode 30: A Shadow Targeting Pamela

Once I confirmed the two had left, I immediately headed to my brother-in-law’s room. This wasn’t the time to be regretting not getting into the bath with Pamela. 

When I knocked on the room’s door, a reply came right away.

“It’s Ernest. Sorry to bother you at night. I came because I have something to talk about.”

“Oh, I was waiting for you. Is Pamela alright?”

“She should be taking a bath with the Countess right now.”

“I see, nicely done. I’ll go call Father.”

He told a waiting servant, who went immediately. 

In the meantime, I was shown into the room. 

The room was no different in quality from the one I had been given. 

It seems the room I’m staying in really was prepared just for me.

After a bit of small talk, the Count arrived soon after.

“Sorry I’m late. My wife is out too. It’s the perfect time to talk.”

“Mother is currently taking a bath with Pamela.”

“…I see.”

The Count looked a little disappointed. 

It’s okay—I’m already aware that the two of them taking baths together has become a daily routine.

After a small cough, he began speaking a bit quickly.

“Sorry, but time is precious. It seems there’s something behind this recent commotion.”

“So there’s a noble targeting Pamela, right?”

“How did you know?”

The Count was surprised at my comment. 

It seems he thought I hadn’t noticed.

“Father, Sir Ernest is a Platinum-rank adventurer. I think it’s best to consider him on a completely different level from ordinary adventurers. So, Sir Ernest, have you discovered anything?”

As expected of the next Count. Or maybe he’s just very sensitive about matters involving Pamela. 

For now, it seems he doesn’t dislike me. I was relieved.

“Yes. While walking in the garden with Pamela, I sensed the presence of a suspicious individual. So I checked it out just to be safe. 

Also, three years ago, on that day, there was another group nearby. When I headed toward them, suspecting something, they ran away immediately.”

“What!”

“Something like that happened……..”

At that time, I didn’t chase after them. 

I didn’t want to get involved in noble disputes. 

But now I regret not following them to find out who they were. 

Well, it’s all in the past now.

“A suspicious person inside the estate… Just how did they get in?”

The Count groaned, “Hmm.” While my brother-in-law looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

“It seems to be one of the Count household’s servants. When we returned to the mansion, that person also came in afterward.”

“What! Who is it?”

“I haven’t met them directly yet. That’s also why I came here to discuss this. It looked like you knew something…”

When I looked at my brother-in-law, he nodded. 

Then he met eyes with the Count.

“Sir Ernest, after this discussion, please guide me to that servant. Also, there is a noble who is aiming to take Pamela as a concubine. I can’t give a name, but…”

From that, I understood that this noble is someone of equal or higher rank and power than Count Reinach. 

Not naming them is likely because revealing it would be a disadvantage for the Count’s side.

I wouldn’t mind just getting rid of them. But as a Count, he probably doesn’t want to cause unnecessary conflict.

“So, there’s a high chance that noble is the one spreading rumors about something like a Dragon this time.”

“That may be true. But there are also villagers who claim to have heard loud roars like a Dragon. That’s why I suspect he might be controlling a monster. Well, I’ve never heard of monsters becoming attached to humans though.”

My brother-in-law added to my opinion. 

Controlling monsters.

Actually, there *is* a way to do that. 

My homeland possesses a rare legendary item that makes it possible. 

Maybe that’s what’s being used. 

If so, then we’re dealing with someone serious.

Legendary items are strictly managed by our country. 

They should never be out in the world. 

Which means, someone from my homeland is involved in this matter.

I should send a message later—have them immediately check all the legendary items.

“I understand. I’ll be extremely cautious during the investigation.”

“They might be targeting Sir Ernest’s life. I fully understand how strong Sir Ernest is. But… isn’t it still too dangerous?”

Count Reinach, after hearing the conversation between me and my brother-in-law, turned pale. 

Perhaps he originally accepted this request just to see Pamela’s face. 

Now that things are heading in an unexpected direction, he seems confused.

That kindness might be questionable for a Count. But I didn’t dislike it.

“You don’t have to worry. If it’s a Dragon, I just recently defeated an Earth Dragon. Though, if I defeat another Dragon, the market might be flooded with Dragon materials and prices could crash. If you want Dragon-made equipment, now might be your chance.”

I said jokingly, and the Count’s stern expression softened a little. 

If it were the old me, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make such a remark. 

Thanks to the days I’ve spent with Pamela, maybe I’ve gotten a bit better at dealing with people. 

I should thank Pamela for that.

Once the secret meeting ended, I immediately headed to interrogate the servant who had been acting suspiciously. 

I had already marked them. 

The person was found right away. 

It seemed she was a servant in charge of cleaning.

At first, she kept insisting she didn’t know anything. 

But when we searched her room, one suspicious letter after another was discovered. 

Seeing that, she seemed to give up. 

All emotion disappeared from her face, and she quietly began to follow our instructions. 

From here on, I’ll leave it to the Count.

The Count seems to be trying not to get me involved. 

He definitely doesn’t want Pamela to be dragged into it either. 

If that’s the case, I’ll pretend I don’t know anything—for Pamela’s sake too.

For now, I’ve done what I can. 

When I returned to my room, it was finally my turn to take a bath.