It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 31: Like Water in the Ear

Episode 31: Like Water in the Ear 

The bath I was shown to was bigger than the one in the house I live in. As expected of a count’s estate. I bathed alone in the large tub for the first time in a while. Of course, Shiro was right nearby. 

“Hey, Master, you’re planning to search for the culprit, right?” 

“Well, yeah. I’ve already used magic for that purpose.” 

There’s likely more than one spy who’s infiltrated the Count’s house. With that in mind, I expanded and refined the detection magic more than usual. 

As a result, I found one person sneaking out of the mansion. Of course, I placed a marker on them too. Now all that’s left is to pursue that suspicious person. 

No point in running. I’ll chase them to the ends of the earth. 

“As expected. So, what are you going to do now? Chase the culprit? Or take care of the monsters?” 

“I’ll deal with the monsters first. Ensuring the safety of the people comes first. Oh, but before that, I need to contact Mother.” 

I explained the situation to my mother, Her Majesty the First Queen. 

Apparently, it was a surprise to her. And I could hear her shouting out orders. With that, things should be clarified quickly. 

The punishment for traitors in our country is severe. I don’t know who they are, but they’ll regret betraying the country. 

“By the way, Ernest. How far have things gone with Pamela? Will I be able to see my grandchild’s face next year?” 

I unintentionally spat out. Thank goodness I wasn’t eating or drinking. What’s my parents suddenly saying? There’s no way I’d carelessly lay a hand on precious Pamela. 

“Mother, I would never do such a thing. Do you think I’m some kind of beast?” 

“Sigh. No matter how I look at you, you’re a harmless herbivore. That’s why I’m worried. When will you grant Pamela’s wish? I’ve heard she’s ready to go anytime, you know.” 

“…..…From who? 

.

.

Ah.” 

I looked at Shiro, who should’ve been nearby. But he had already escaped, and I couldn’t see him anymore. That one—I’ll wring his neck later. 

“Listen, Ernest. You mustn’t embarrass a lady. Well then.” 

*Click.* The communication was cut one-sidedly from her end. 

I really don’t understand women. Why are they so forward? Is it because they love someone? On the male side, it’s because they love someone that they want to treasure them… 

With a strange feeling bubbling up in my stomach, like stomach acid rising, I returned to the room to find Pamela already waiting. Wearing a negligee, Pamela was sitting on the sofa. And on her lap, Shiro was curling up and meowing. You little— 

“Welcome back, El-sama. Shiro-chan seems to be in a good mood today. Did something good happen?” 

“…Maybe.” 

I glared at Shiro. But he pretended not to notice and clung tightly to Pamela. He definitely knew I was mad. If he was going to snitch, he should’ve at least consulted me first. I would’ve shut that down hard. 

As I sighed and sat next to her, Pamela immediately leaned her body against me. The negligee she wore today was a type I hadn’t seen before. The light cream-colored fabric had layered frills and looked very fancy. It didn’t have any particularly intricate embroidery, and was made simply. But that only made Pamela’s bodyline clearer. 

I couldn’t tell how thick the fabric was, but it didn’t seem very thick. Even now, there was a faint pink hue visible at her chest—wait a second. Is this outfit *see-through*?! Or rather, is Pamela not wearing any underwear?! 

“Pamela, are you… wearing underwear?” 

With a motion that almost made a sound, she covered her chest and lower half. Apparently, she wasn’t wearing anything on the bottom either. Her face turned red and her eyes drooped bashfully. 

“Y-you noticed? Well, you see, it’s a little hot today… so um…” 

I don’t get Pamela’s standards for embarrassment. Is this the difference in resolve? So she’s just weak to surprises? That I can understand. Maybe I’ll test that out. 

I wrapped my arm around Pamela’s waist and pulled her close. 

“Hii!” 

Looks like I was right. Shiro quickly jumped off Pamela’s lap in a panic. But in his place, Orto came rushing in. Taking a stance to protect Pamela. His eyes were terrifyingly sharp. And he was growling.

If I kept messing around, I’d get bitten. That’s what my instincts told me, so I didn’t go any further. 

“Pamela, don’t tell me you’re planning to sleep in this room with me?” 

“…Yes. Is that… not okay?” 

Pamela looked up at me from below. She probably already knew I was weak to that gesture. And with the earlier talk with Mother, there was no way I could say no. 

“Do as you like, Pamela.” 

Like a beast, huh. I don’t think I can do something like that anytime soon. 

While thinking such things, I talked with Pamela about tomorrow. But Pamela got furious. 

“Why not!? I will come with you!” 

“No. It’s too dangerous. The Count will surely object too.” 

“I won’t let him!” 

Pamela took a stance of absolute refusal to back down. It seemed she was determined to accompany me on the expedition starting tomorrow. 

Unlike the relatively safe forest training we’ve done so far, the place we’re heading to starting tomorrow is a dangerous zone where anything could happen. 

Also, we still didn’t know the identity of the noble who’s targeting Pamela. 

If I go to the location, that person will surely make a move. 

I don’t know whether it will be to kill me or to frame me for something. But it’s certain I’ll be stepping into a dangerous situation. 

I’m confident I can protect Pamela. But depending on the situation, it could result in devastating damage to the surroundings. 

That would mean damage to the Count’s territory. 

If that happens, the House of Count Reinach might suffer a stain on its name. 

In that case, it would be better for her to stay safe at her family home. That would also give me more room and flexibility in my options. 

“Pamela, I’m not saying this to be mean. I’m saying this because I care about you.” 

“I understand that. Even so, I firmly believe that being at El-sama’s side is safer than staying here.” 

Ah, Pamela’s on the verge of tears. 

She must have remembered the time three years ago when she was attacked by a monster. 

That incident seems to have left a deep scar in her heart. 

Even being inside the Count’s house doesn’t feel safe anymore. I must’ve planted that idea in her mind. 

“Master, just take her with you. I’ll protect Pamela properly.”

“I am also always at my Lord’s side. When it comes to running away, I’m confident no one can match me. I keep these claws sharpened at all times,” 

Orto said in a pleading tone. He kept showing and hiding his claws. 

In that case, wouldn’t it be fine if they just protected her here at the Count’s house? 

There’s no need to go all the way to such an inconvenient and dangerous place… 

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Pamela’s expression changed. She probably thought: “At this rate, I’ll be left behind.” 

Suddenly, Pamela began taking off her negligee. 

She grabbed the one-piece dress and hiked it up all at once. 

“Wait, Pamela, what are you doing!?” 

Pamela, who wasn’t wearing underwear, suddenly exposed her lower half. 

She continued to lift her clothes, exposing even her chest, until I panicked and held her down. 

Still, Pamela wiggled around inside my arms as if resisting. 

“If El-sama won’t take me with you, then I’ll live naked from now on!”