Chapter 4 - Story 2 The Sisters of Behemoth (1/2)

Story 2   The Sisters of Behemoth

As Kynemeia kept Eian by her side, the first thing she noticed was that she got looks of envy whenever she was with him.

“Oh my God, the Rikasha became Young Lady’s bodyguard?”

“Yeah! So what happened was…”

According to the rumours circulating around the Grand Duke castle, the heroic tale of Kynemeia, who picked up a Rikasha, was as follows⁠—

Kynemeia Lyonne⁠—the Grand Duke’s daughter, aged 11 years—who possessed a halo effect behind her, found out one day that the monstrous culprit who trespassed on her territory was a boy her age.

‘He might be an atrocious offender, but we need to show mercy to a child!’

In the story, just like a saint, the big-hearted Kynemeia headed to the underground prison in person to release the prisoner. Following a fierce admonishing and gentle consolation, the boy’s heart melted… And so, Eian released himself from the shackles, stood up, and said, ‘O Maiden, I am touched by your generosity. To show my respect for your benevolence, I shall help you out of danger.’

‘Very well, O Rikasha. I shall welcome your aid.’

Ultimately, accompanied by the fact that Kynemeia had accepted a Rikasha as her bodyguard… a heavily exaggerated rumour also started to make rounds.

“I knew she was meant for great things. When she was born, her cries sounded so rich!”

“Me too! I knew our Young Lady was like that since she was in her mother’s womb.”

“Right! Just look at how firm and imposing she is even with the malicious rumours going around. Her willpower is something else.”

Nobody knew who blew up those rumours in the first place, but… Kynemeia felt her cheeks burn as the looks of reverence towards her started stinging.

‘… Though, it’s not that terrible.’

And the second thing she realized after keeping him by her side was that no matter how much he craftily acted like a big dog, Eian Krosch owned a very bad personality. Like now. Kynemeia stared at Eian who was dumping some cookies into the trash bin.

“What are those?”

“The maids gave them to me.”

Eian answered dispassionately. The reason was his face… No, it was difficult to accept the fact but since he also held the title of Rikasha, Eian had been rising steadily as the most popular person among the young maids; that was why. The maids went as far as to prepare cookies for him.

“But why did you throw them away? Aren’t you going to eat them?”

As Kynemeia looked at the discarded cookies with pity, Eian inclined his head.

“Why do I have to eat them?”

“…?!”

It was an answer that caught her off guard.

“That’s… Because they made it while thinking of you…”

However, Eian asked with a face that intimated he had never tried to be considerate of other people’s sincerity nor feelings.

“So what?”

When someone said something was a sincere present for them, what are the chances the words ‘So what?’ would be the reply? As Kynemeia recalled the fact that he had the characteristics of a sociopath and antisocial personality disorder, she dictated that everyone in the Grand Duke castle should not give the boy anything ever again.

Consequently, she added a note under Eian’s name in the Munchkin Notes.

[Eian]

Resentment level: ?/10☆

Danger level: 10/10☆

Note: Antisocial personality disorder

‘As expected, it’s so dangerous.’

* * *

In the conference room in the Grand Duke’s castle⁠—

The person who first broke the silence of the retainers gathered in that room was Count Brinne.

“Isn’t it high time for us to prepare?”

“What do you mean?”

Count Dennis, who always clashed with Count Brinne, retorted sharply. The latter scowled at that.

“Agh, I’m talking about the title! Even though the seat of the Grand Duke has been empty so far, just how much longer must the Young Lady stay as a mere Lady of the Grand Duke? The Emperor is just…!”

“Hey, be mindful of your words. Don’t prattle away and get the Lady in trouble.”

“But His Majesty the Emperor has been delaying the approval for the succession of the title, so I was considering that we should seize this chance to go forward and do something about it.”

“… All of a sudden?”

Baron Romeo, who was just listening in silence, cut in.

“It’s not all of a sudden. Didn’t you hear about it too, Baron Romeo? About how big-hearted our Lady is.”

“Ah…”

Baron Romeo remembered the rumours and gave a nod. Seeing that, Count Brinne brandished a proud smile.

“That small child has grown into such an outstanding adult, so shouldn’t we as the real adults be of help to her?”