Arrival at Roswaal's Manor

Two days later.

Hane, Subaru Natsuki, and Emilia arrived at the gates of a sprawling manor.

Three figures stood waiting outside.

They were Roswaal, dressed like a clown, and a pair of pretty twin maids behind him, one with red hair and the other with blue.

"Heh heh heh. Welcome back, Lady Emilia!"

"Earl Roswaal, sorry for the trouble of coming out to greet us!"

Emilia stepped forward and dipped into a slight curtsy.

"Your journey to the Royal Capital must have been tiring, Your Highness. Did everything go smoothly?"

"Thank you for asking, Earl. Aside from a few minor incidents, the trip went smoothly!"

"Oh! Then you must have had some interesting experiences, Lady Emilia. And who might these two behind you be?"

After exchanging pleasantries with Emilia, Roswaal turned his gaze to Hane and Subaru Natsuki.

The two maids behind him also looked at them with curiosity.

Seeing this, Emilia hurried to introduce them.

"You may not know this, Earl, but these two saved my life. I have Ang to thank for dealing with the trouble we encountered on the road!"

Something flickered across Roswaal's face.

"Is that so? Then I must treat these two benefactors of Lady Emilia's as honored guests!"

"Ram, prepare a banquet at once. Today is a day worth celebrating!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The pink-haired maid behind Roswaal stepped forward and bowed.

The group then entered the vast manor.

"Master, that clown—oh, no, that man is actually an earl of this country!"

Subaru Natsuki leaned close to Hane's ear and muttered.

Hane rolled his eyes. Was this guy trying to make sure Roswaal heard him?

"Ang, use your head next time, or you won't last long in this world!"

Subaru Natsuki froze.

"Did I say something wrong, Master? I mean, who'd expect an earl