It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 34: Resolve

Episode 34: Resolve

“It seems like just a rumor.”

While we were eating dinner at the inn, Pamela started speaking. We had finished today’s planned questioning.

So far, there’s been no damage to the town. But she still seemed worried.

“That might be true.”

“For what reason would someone do such a thing, I wonder…”

Pamela lowered her eyes, looking deeply troubled. 

It’s probably some kind of harassment aimed at Count Reinach. But I decided not to say that now.

The suspicious person who had been following us was in the forest. I’ve already identified the location. 

I’ll go question them as early as tomorrow.

The monsters living in the nearby forest aren’t very strong. But they’re still dangerous. 

The fact that they built a hideout in such a place probably means it’s a fairly experienced group.

If possible, I’d like to go alone… but that might be difficult.

I looked at Pamela as she happily brought spoonfuls of the humble-tasting soup to her mouth. 

A sight you’d never see from a typical count’s daughter. 

But Pamela didn’t care about that at all. 

She’s a brave girl who takes on anything without prejudice. 

Honestly, she’s too good for someone like me.

“El-sama? Is something wrong?”

Pamela noticed me staring at her. Tilting her head, she asked me. 

Even that small gesture looked adorable to me—I might really be falling for Pamela’s charm.

“I was thinking about tomorrow. It looks like it’s going to be a dangerous task. If possible, I want you to stay here.”

I faced Pamela directly. 

If I faced her seriously, straight on, maybe she would understand. 

Pamela straightened her posture, placed her spoon on the table, and faced me.

“May I hear the details?”

I nodded lightly and began to speak. 

Of course, I made sure that the nearby escorts who were eating with us also heard it.

I explained: 

—That a suspicious person had been following us since we left the capital. 

—That this person is currently in the nearby forest. 

—And that I plan to go meet them tomorrow.

“So that’s why you want me to stay here. I understand the situation. But if possible, I would like to go with you. This matter also concerns our count’s territory. Certainly, El-sama may have accepted the request as an adventurer. But I believe I also have the right to know about it.”

The escorts neither agreed nor disagreed. 

They were probably showing that they’d follow whichever decision was made.

Now, what should I do? 

Maybe having her watch from somewhere within my sight, a safe spot, would be a possible compromise.

It’s not like this town is guaranteed to be safe either. 

In that case, having her nearby might make it easier to protect her. 

If I focus only on protecting Pamela, I might manage. Even if I have to let go of protecting the other guards and servants.

“If something goes wrong, I’ll protect you with everything I’ve got. But… I might not be able to care for anyone else. Will you still be okay with that?”

“Eh?”

Pamela’s blue eyes, clear like the sea, widened. 

Then she slightly turned her head toward the guards.

To a noble, guards and servants are replaceable—just disposable tools. 

Normally, they wouldn’t care about the guards at all.

But Pamela couldn’t act that way. 

Unconsciously, she showed concern in that direction. 

Honestly, that’s not a good sign.

If something happens, Pamela might not prioritize her own safety first. 

If that’s the case, I can’t take her with me. 

If she makes a move I didn’t expect, I won’t be able to protect her perfectly.

Just as I opened my mouth to command her to stay behind, 

One of the escorts bowed his head and spoke:

“Please forgive my interruption. Milady, if something happens, we all intend to become your shield. So please, don’t worry about us. If Ernest-sama orders you to run, leave us behind and escape with all your strength. Either way, if something were to happen to you, we’d be ready to take our lives in apology.”

He raised his eyes and looked straight at Pamela. 

He was probably trying to teach her, through his own actions, what kind of resolve a leader must have.

That’s how much he knows about Pamela’s “un-noble-like kindness,” 

And he must see it as something dangerous.

Pamela bit her lower lip. 

Then gave a small nod.

“I understand. I will follow El-sama’s orders. If you tell me to run, I will escape, even if it means abandoning everyone else.”

She said it clearly. 

All of her attendants lowered their heads. 

Some of them even showed a look of relief. 

It seems they were really worried.

“Alright. Then tomorrow, we’re going to meet that suspicious person. Without a doubt, their base must be there. There’s even a chance that the rumored Dragon might appear. Be prepared.”

Pamela quickly turned pale and nodded. 

Still, since she didn’t say “I changed my mind,” it looks like she’s determined to come along no matter what.