Chapter 17

"If it’s alright with you, Lady Yuka… would you stay by Lord Albert’s side and support him?"

"Despite appearances, Lord Albert deeply cares for us familiars. And though he may act cold, he’s truly kind at heart."

"Yes."

Anyone could see that just by observing the familiars. Lord Albert was genuinely adored, unlike my former boss—no comparison.

"This is the first time I’ve seen Lord Albert act so… dependent on someone. I think he must trust you, Lady Yuka."

"You think so?"

"Not that this is meant to pressure you. The decision is yours to make. This is simply a request from us, his familiars."

Mill-senpai paused briefly, then—

"Please… take good care of Lord Albert."

She bowed her head, her expression utterly sincere. If she was being this earnest, I had no intention of dodging the matter.

"Of course."

"I’ll do everything I can to support him."

"Lady Yuka…"

"I’ll stand by his side."

"That’s wonderful. Lord Albert will surely be happy."

"That said, I still have much to learn—I’d appreciate your help. May I rely on you all as well?"

"Absolutely. All of us familiars will support you, Lady Yuka."

"Thank you. I’ll count on you, Mill-senpai"

"Hehe, don’t hold back! After all, I am your Senpai!"

"Yes, Mill-senpai!"

"By the way, Lady Yuka…"

"Yes?"

"To be honest… I love romance gossip!"

"Huh?"

Well, that escalated quickly.

"I wanna hear all the juicy details about you and Lord Albert!"

"There aren’t any."

"Oh, come on! Don’t hide it! You two were obviously all lovey-dovey!"

"We just met. There’s nothing to tell."

"N-no way…!"

Mill-senpai looked utterly devastated. I’m the one who should be shocked here!

"W-well, when will there be something?!"

"Undecided."

"Then let’s make it happen! Start with baby-making!"

"You’re skipping about a hundred steps."

"Not at all! Lovey-dovey, cuddly-wuddly, kissy-kissy! A love story that begins with procreation!"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Grr… Fine. But you have to tell me when things get spicy!"

"…If I feel like it."

"That’s a promise!"

"…Speaking of which, what about you, Mill-senpai!? With El, was it? You two seemed awfully close."

Time for a counterattack. If she’s got a lover, I’ll tease her mercilessly!

"Hweh?! W-w-wait, El and I are just childhood friends! We’re not—it’s not like that…!"

"Ohhh? ‘Not like that’? So there’s a chance?"

"E-eh?! A-ah, uuuh…! Th-that’s just—words! I mean, um, gwaaah…!"

Heh heh heh. So this is what gossip feels like. Payback’s sweet!

"By the way, when Lord Albert was clinging to me earlier, I could totally hear you and El through the door. Something about wanting him to hug you?"

"Wha—h-how did you—?!"

"Loud and clear."

"A-aaaah!! O-oh look at the time! Gotta go!!"

Mill-senpai bolted away at lightning speed. Victory is mine!

…Needless to say, I did get an earful from Lord Albert afterward.