Royal Capital, House Poztut.
Shien quietly went out, dealt with the attacking Demonoid Larva, then quietly returned without anyone noticing.
At the very least, none of the knights, servants, or maids patrolling the mansion and gardens had noticed that Shien had just gone out.
Shien returned to his room and prepared to leave as though nothing had happened.
However, just as Shien was about to leave, someone spoke up without making a sound.
"Welcome back, Master."
That calm, utterly unruffled voice made Shien's steps freeze.
Shien slowly turned around and looked toward the corner of the room, where he immediately saw an incredibly familiar figure.
Waist-length black hair.
A slender, graceful figure.
Crimson, gemstone-like eyes.
A neat and tidy maid uniform.
It was none other than Lasha.
Lasha, who had once left House Poztut and been taken away by Laisha, had somehow returned here once more.
And, as always, she had appeared and vanished like a ghost, without the slightest warning or presence.
"When did you get here?"
Though he had grown somewhat used to it already, Shien could not help asking.
And Big Sister's answer was formidable as ever.
"Whenever Master needs me, I will be there."
Lasha replied blandly.
The corner of Shien's mouth twitched.
He had not known Lasha for just a day or two. He knew perfectly well what she meant.
According to her logic, any qualified maid would always remain by her master's side, waiting for her master's call.
In other words—
"You mean you've been here from the very beginning?"
"Yes."
"But when exactly does this 'very beginning' start?"
"From when Master was still asleep."
"I didn't need you then, did I?"
"No, you did."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because the moment I was about to help you change, wash up, and get