Chapter 15

　The maid walked down the corridor of Desmond's mansion, without a sound, as if she was floating.

　Her steps were like walking through a haunted house.

　She has reddish hair in an upswept bun, a white brim that resembles a crown, narrow eyes, and a beautiful face with a sharp nose. She is Katherine, Charlotte's personal maid.

From the other side of the corridor, another person was walking at a similar or faster pace. She narrowed her eyes slightly at the other.

"Ah, Miss Katherine. Isn't your mistress with you earlier?"

　He has a stern, calm voice that sounds like aged scotch, bushy eyebrows, and a mustache with a stroked of gray hair. In Desmond's original world standard, he would pass as a warm, kind, and gentleman with a wrinkled face in a butler's uniform that looked like a tailcoat. There must have been a number of young ladies and former young ladies who would spend any amount of money to hire him and wanted to be called "Ojou-sama" or "Oku-sama" by him.

"Randolph-sama"

Randolph Steiner. He is the head butler from the Viscount Damwead family, who came with Desmond when he was locked in this Aldora territory. He was also his bodyguard and supervisor.

　He was born in the same house as him.

'I hope he isn't doing something weird again' He was treating him like a troublemaker.

　However, despite his position as a head butler under Desmond, Randolph himself is a nobleman with a knighthood. Even though she is Charlotte's personal maid from the house of Terrace, she has to call him by his name. Randolph would never force me to do so, though.

"Madam is with the Master and probably busy right now, so unless it is urgent, I think it might be better to give them some time."

"Hmm."

　The old man raised his bushy eyebrows. What peeped out from underneath were gray eyes like lead that had been carefully polished over many years. They were filled with a kind of mysterious light and also absorbed some of it.

　Katherine remained calm, inwardly ready to take up her dagger if she detects something. However, there is a good chance that this experienced knight, who was once feared as the <gray hound> will be able to see through me, which is like a baby compared to him.

He said "I wonder what the Master is planning something strange again?. Or is he not the one planning?"

"I can't possibly know the Master's thoughts. and that also applies to Madam as well."

"Hmm, I see. Then Master must have come up with something strange again. He's been doing strange things since he was a kid. That's how I have ended up following him here. Well, for an old man like me, there is no better place to spend the rest of his life than in a peaceful countryside town."

　He smiles softly, like a grandfather who's taking care of his grandchild, However.

　Katherine thinks.

　What are you talking about? Old bones, spending the rest of your life?　You are still working, aren't you?

　Even though he appeared to be a gentle old man, there was no sign of footsteps coming from him, and now that we were facing each other, there was no opening. Even if I had found an opening, I doubt it would be a real one. I can only assume that it was a trap

In addition... the conversation we just had. Although we worked in the same house, we were servants with different masters, and what seemed to be a trivial conversation about our masters actually has many layers to it.

***

There was no way the old man didn't know that Desmond had started crawling into Charlotte's bedroom two days ago. Even though this is a world where there is no such thing as romantic relationships between men and women, it is only natural to assume that the purpose is to breed.

　But then, why?

　Randolph thought to himself.

　Why did he start breeding Charlotte now, after eight years, when she was unable to bear children? And if it's a normal mating, they use lube, insert it, ejaculate, and that's it. It was weird to even stay the night, but they even slept through this morning.

The maid said that the Master and the Madam were too absorbed in their conversation for them to be awake. Randolph wondered if Charlotte, the second daughter of Earl of Terrace had done something to Desmond.

However, the old soldier's keen observation could see that Katherine is not lying, and Desmond is not harmed at the least. He can sense it, It's something that only someone on the same level as him would be able to understand at a glance.

　If Desmond was not harmed, and he stepped in without permission, even though it was the Desmond residence, it is still the bedroom of the second daughter of the Earl of Terrace. If things went badly, it could develop into a problem between the houses.

　It was a good decision to take a wait-and-see approach. Afterward, the Master and Madam showed up for a breakfast late, and even though they didn't look different, to Randolph's observant eye, they seemed to be very close with each other.

　Randolph, unaware of the naughty activities between the two, scans Desmond to see if he was brainwashed or perhaps under some kind of spell.

　He could feel Charlotte's magic mixing with Desmond's. However, there are no magic effects or abnormalities in the body. In fact, he even seems to be in better condition.

　What in the world .... although hesitant, he also uses <scan> on Charlotte. Even though Charlotte was the daughter of an old noble family and excelled in magical skills, she had been living in a peaceful cage and had no way of recognizing the skill of the old soldier, even Katherine can't detect it.

　Randolph was able to get all the information with only a small drop of sweat.

　There's a lot of Desmond's magic mixed in here, and the way it looks, the magic is being transferred between the two of them?

　What in the world could cause such a phenomenon? even Randolph, the master of this craft, is not aware of what it is.

　The old knight thought about it. What is this? And if he didn't know, why was he doing it? Is it Desmond's idea, or-?

　The first thing that is certain is that Charlotte and Katherine both seem to be on board with this.

　He knows Desmond's level of magic, it is impossible to brainwash the two of them or to do anything without being detected, he could use a potion or a magic tool but there's no way he can outwit his own eyes, which are also his guardians, and Desmond trust him.

In addition, no matter how much of a coward he is, the kind who runs away as soon as he sees a corpse on the battlefield, He was proud and pleased to be just a baron, he had no intention of climbing any further, even if he is the third son and regardless of the fact that he was weak, he is still a nobleman and a man.

I know that he is not the kind of man who would use such despicable tactics in the first place, as I have been watching over him since he was born.

　If that is the case, then this situation must be the result of some kind of scheme by Charlotte or the Earl of Terrace. However, as I said earlier The scan showed nothing strange except that Charlotte's magic was mixed with him. There was no brainwashing, no poisons, no magic tools used.

[Anticurse], [Antidote], [Purification], [Cure]. ...

　I tried them on Desmond, but he didn't seem to notice any change or response. I was tempted to just deal with her and ask but I held back.

Even though she is weaker than Randolph, she is incomparably stronger than Desmond, and it is unlikely that Katherine would leave any trace that would be discovered when using [scan].

　If that's the case

'What have you done, my lord?'

As a loyal knight and butler, Randolph watched him as he ate his late breakfast, his expression stifling as if he had just been caught in an act.

　Still, there were two things that needed to be confirmed.

Is this something that Desmond started? And whether or not Charlotte or, for that matter, is the Earl of Terrace involved.

'I wonder what the Master is planning something strange again?. Or is he not the one planning?'

　That was the question.

'I can't possibly know the Master's thoughts. and that also applies to Madam as well.'

　and that was Katherine's response. The old butler question was just a simple chit-chat between servants.

'I don't know, sir. I have no idea.'

But if she just answers like that some people may think of her and her like this.

　So if even her servant is useless like this. her master would only be a fool.

　As a maid who was chosen to accompany her, she should never let her master be underestimated by her response, in fact, it would be better if it were only to end at that.

Charlotte and the Earl of Terrace are up to no good. I'll have to look into this. I may need to ask Charlotte and Katherine directly, depending on the situation. ...

If the old butler Randolph, the "Grey Hound" was to make them an enemy, it would be impossible for the Earl of Terrace to sit still.

It can be said that Katherine's response was just barely enough to avoid the conflict.

　It's implied that this was Desmond's doing, and neither Charlotte nor the Earl of Terrace was involved. And Randolph said...

'Hmm, I see. Then Master must have come up with something strange again. He's been doing strange things since he was a kid. That's how I have ended up following him here. Well, for an old man like me, there is no better place to spend the rest of his life than in a peaceful countryside town.'

　As it sounds like the old man who was happy to see his grandson grow up, he understood the meaning behind Katherine's response.

In Desmond's mansion, where he doesn't exchange letters like a real nobleman, there would be an exchange of words that would make even a great nobleman pale in comparison.

　And, most importantly, what's so scary is the meaning behind his sentences.

　I am his personal guardian. And this is just the countryside, the help from Earl of Terrace will not be here anytime soon. Moreover, I am prepared to make this my final resting place.

　Now, is there anything else that he needs to know?

"Whatever it is, it's called sexual art," Katherine interjected.

That was unavoidable. If Randolph were to do his own research and found his master and Charlotte are in the middle of an act, They wouldn't be able to talk to him directly again. Even though Katherine was not sexually aroused, she somehow knew that it would be embarrassing to be seen.

"He said he might be able to impregnate madam with it. He said he was not sure, but he was willing to give it a try."

"Ho. Sexual Arts..."

　There was a look of pure curiosity in the old man's gray eyes. The look in his eyes was so friendly that an innocent child would have been tempted to tell him all about it.

　I had a feeling that he was really interested in this, but it would be foolish to trust him.

"That could take all night, maybe more."

"Yes, that seems to be the case."

Hmm, Katherine doesn't seem to be lying.

　The gray eyes thought.

　Sexual Arts ...Indeed, Desmond was concerned about Lady Charlotte .... If the infertile were to conceive, the Earl of Terrace would not be able to keep quiet, and the Damwead family would not be able to keep their peace... I'm not sure how credible that is, but I'm sure that Desmond...

"Randolph-sama"

"What is it, Miss?"

The old man replied nonchalantly. Contemplate, but didn't let it distract. it was a momentary thought, the thought process that had been trained in the extreme conditions of the battlefield which did not allow for any rest.

　Katherine gave a slight look of hesitation.

　Is it an act, or is it real? His gray eyes tried to see through it.

"I know that it is essential for you, the head butler Randolph to know what the master is doing. But as Charlotte's servant - no, as a woman, I would like you to stop asking me how or what they're doing"

　There was no response from Randolph. his brain cells spinning fast.

"I accompanied her to her first treatment." There was no way she was going to say that she was in the closet to "chop" Desmond if they had to.

"I am astonished that such a technique exists. Madam was made to behave in such a way by the master's hands. It is a disgrace to be seen like that, as a noblewoman, as a woman, and as a human being."

"....that was surprising."

There was no indication that Katherine was lying. This made the old man realize that this was not a conspiracy or a scheme, but a matter of honor and pride.

And also..

　Despite this, she still wants to have a child with him and trusts him.

Randolph was skilled enough, he would be able to investigate without the girls finding out, but he is a knight, no matter how much he pretends to be a butler.

Even if they don't know it, my own pride as a knight will not allow me to violate my honor. I'm a supervisor and a guardian, but before that, I can't afford to misbehave as a knight.

On top of that, Katherine said that Charlotte would be on Desmond's side if things continued as they were, and I wondered how much of a disadvantage it would be for my side if I went back on my word.

Hmm, well done. I'd like to give Desmond-sama a taste of his own medicine once in a while.

　Perhaps - but definitely not, he would not hesitate to lick and swallow directly.

　But then, rather than taking such a detour I think I-

　The maid backed up the words of the old knight who thought so.

"I would be presumptuous to ask you to refrain from asking lady Charlotte, but if you ask Desmond-sama directly..... I believe that he can explain it to you more than we know."

　Randolph could see that this was her true intention, even if it did contain a hint of calculation. The old gray man's smile deepened into a softer tone.

"Yes, you're right. That's what I will do. But are they in the middle of something right now?"

"Yes, that's why I've been kicked out like this."

Randolph shook his shoulders lightly. "So that's how madly in love Desmond-sama is with Charlotte-sam"

"Does Randolph-sama think that Desmond-sama is a weak man?

"No, no, no, I can't say such a thing to my lord. Besides, there is nothing better than having a good marriage with a good wife. If it becomes too much, we can warn him. If you are in need of advice, you can ask me. I have enough experience for my age."

"Yes, thank you. I would very much like to ask for your help at that time."

They give each other a quick bow and leave. A young maid and an old gray butler. They turn their backs and start moving in two different directions down the corridor.

　Katherine ruminates on their words just now.

'We can warn him.'

　In other words, Randolph will not intervene in a situation where Charlotte's honor is at stake, and in that case, it is okay for Katherine, who is on Charlotte's side, to warn Desmond.

　This was a kind of authorization from Randolph, who knew from Katherine's words that Charlotte was going to side with Desmond.

　It was an unexpected gain.

and also this

'If you are in need of advice, you can ask me.'

This is a condition of information sharing, or at least an exchange of a piece of information when I warn Desmond, this was a condition that could be beneficial to Katherine, or even Charlotte. Besides...

'I have been watching over him since he was born.'

　Katherine was once again convinced of this. In the first place, it was unusual for Viscount Damwead's trusted man, such as the Grey Hounds, to come to act as a watchdog.

　That's how outstanding he is.

The Earl of Terrace had once tried to recruit him, but he refused.

It's interesting. Besides, wouldn't it be more interesting to have a <Platinum Breaker> and a <Gray Hound> in the same force?

　He's a scary guy. But the fact that he's the supervisor means that "Gray Hound" was interested in Desmond-sama. I'm sure he's an incredibly interesting man, but...

　A few minutes ago, He let madam and I pulled up the skirt.

　Why does he want to see my underwear?

In the morning, thanks to my interference, or the lack of, He should have been able to see Charlotte-sama's underwear to the fullest. In addition, while underwear is not something that should be shown on purpose, it's not like she's showing off her excrement. why was she so embarrassed?

　I don't understand.

　But even if I don't understand it, she was subjected to the sexual technique, exposed her lasciviousness, became intoxicated, and even seemed to desire Desmond more than having a child.

...She's going to end up being called crazy just like her sister.

　There was no brainwashing. And no drugs. I had seen it with my own eyes. And yet, Charlotte, who had been subjected to the sexual arts, followed him happily and wanted to receive them herself.

　What on earth is sexual art?

　And is it really that pleasurable? ...

She gently brushed her own glossy lips and stroked her own vagina over her maid's uniform. Earlier, when she had shown Desmond her underwear, she had felt a little peckish. That was why she kept showing them to him even when Charlotte hid them. She wondered what this sensation was since she hadn't felt anything when Charlotte had done it to her.

　Perhaps it would be better for me to ask Desmond-sama directly.

　The first-class maid walked noiselessly down the hallway of the mansion.

Desmond, who is currently in the middle of a lovemaking session with his wife, has no idea that he has been set up a flag by a maid. and even more so when that maid also shared that flag with the old butler.

　What is sexual art? Can you teach me as well?

When Grandpa Randolph, the <Gray Hound> asked him that, Desmond couldn't help but clench his ass, but that was a story for another time.