After saying goodbye to Instructor Aid, I stood in front of the entrance to the General Guild, shaking my head to shift gears.

"All right... If what Instructor Aid said is correct, then if I continue straight ahead to the left, I should reach Duke Valdeck's mansion, right?"

As I walked, enjoying the scenery of the town on my way to Duke Valdeck's mansion, the residence Instructor Aid mentioned came into view.

"There it is."

After saying so, I hurriedly approached the front of the mansion.

It's been a while since I last met Duke Valdeck...

"Excuse me, mister guards."

As I addressed the two individuals standing equipped with weapons in front of the mansion, they both turned to face me simultaneously.

They're probably guards hired by Duke Valdeck to protect the mansion, right? It would be embarrassing if I got the wrong mansion...

"Hmm? Do you have business with Duke Valdeck?"

"Yes, I would like to meet with Duke Valdeck. Is it possible to do so now?"

The two of them exchanged glances for some reason before turning back to me.

"Forgive us, but are you Lady Elaina?"

"Y-Yes, that's correct."

Upon hearing my response, the two of them inexplicably simultaneously began to sparkle with excitement.

"Just as I thought! We'll inform Duke Valdeck right away! Let's go, partner!"

"Yeah!"

With that, the guards opened the gate and both rushed off to the mansion together.

"Huh? W-Wait a minute!? What about the security here... They're gone, and the gate is wide open..."

Just as I was saying that, they came back! That was fast!? 

"Lady Elaina, please come in!"

"Lord Nelson is waiting for you in the guest room, so we'll guide you there!"

Wait, did this person just say "we"? 

"Um, excuse me, but what about the security here?"

Once again, the two exchanged glances before facing me. Are these two really close?

"It's okay! Lady Elaina! We have a plan!"

"Just like earlier, we'll just quickly go to the guest room, and quickly return to the gate!"

"Are you telling me to run to the guest room!?"

It would be rude to suddenly appear in front of Duke Valdeck, wouldn't it!? 

Once again, the two exchanged glances before facing me. I wish they'd stop with this synchronized behavior.

""Ah!? We can't do that. That would be rude, wouldn't it? What should we do, brother?""

"Are you two stupid!? One of you can just take me to the guest room normally, can't you!?"

""Which one of us should stay behind?""

Are you seriously asking me!? I'm so done with these two... I'm starting to get tired...

"What are you two talking about? It's decided that handling guests is my responsibility."

Huh? I heard a voice from the mansion.

I shifted my gaze from the guards to the door of the mansion, where a dashing gentleman in a black suit stood. After stepping forward ahead of the guards, he smiled and nodded at me.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Meldin Gurdon, the butler serving Duke Nelson Dia Valdeck. I shall be at your service, Lady Elaina."

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Meldin. My name is Elaina."

I may be known by name, but I must still greet properly. It's essential to start with a bow and end with a bow. Well, not to that extent, but it's important to leave a good first impression to avoid any future difficulties.

"Then, Lady Elaina, please follow me to the guest room."

"Yes, understood."

Wow... The garden is beautifully maintained. I really have stepped into a noble's house. Oh, lying on that grass over there seems so comfortable. Although, I think I'd get scolded if I actually did lie down.

As I was thinking about that, I arrived at the door of the mansion.

"Please, come inside."

After opening the door, Meldin stood next to the entrance and beckoned me with a gesture.

He-he's a pro! Not a seasoned soldier, but a skilled butler stands before me! Oh no, I'm getting impressed!?

"I-I'm coming in..."

After saying so, I entered the mansion.

"Woah... It's a beautiful mansion."

"Yes, the servants clean it every day."

"I see..."

Not a speck of dust, not even a stain on the floor of the corridor. The servants hired by Duke Valdeck may be of high caliber!

Ignoring me, who was bewildered, Meldin stood by the door two steps ahead of where I was standing.

Knock, knock!

'What is it?'

"Lord Nelson, Lady Elaina has arrived."

'Let her in.'

After opening the door, Meldin turned towards me.

"Lady Elaina, if you would."

"Ah, yes."

After I replied, I entered the guest room.

"Wow~! This is amazing~!"

In front of me, there was a simple desk and chair, and beyond them, there was a wide window overlooking the garden, allowing one to enjoy the scenery while sipping tea.

With minimal decorations in the room, it felt refreshingly clean, and the furniture was well-maintained, perhaps due to daily cleaning. I couldn't help but feel attached to this room.

"Fufufu, it's been a while, Elaina. How do you like this guest room?"

"Ah, it's been a while indeed! Duke Valdeck, it's a lovely room!"

Duke Valdeck smiled happily and nodded.

"That's right. This room is the most carefully designed place in the mansion, our pride and joy. I'm glad you like it."

As I observed Duke Valdeck's delighted expression, I suddenly noticed the woman sitting next to him.

"Um, Duke Valdeck?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"Is the lady next to you your wife?"

I asked while staring at the busty beauty with red hair.

Wow, her chest is bigger than mine! How many cup sizes does she have?

"Oh, I forgot to introduce her. The lady sitting next to me is my wife, Ainya."

The woman named Ainya began to greet me while looking at me.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Ainya Dia Valdeck. I look forward to getting to know you."

"Pleased to meet you, Lady Ainya. I'm Elaina."

"Well, now that we've exchanged greetings, Elaina, please take a seat."

"Yes."

After I replied, I sat in the chair opposite Duke Valdeck.

"Now, Elaina, there are many things I want to discuss, but first, let me express my gratitude once again for your help. Thank you for saving me, Elaina."

I-I'm being thanked!!?

"N-Nyo, it wash nyothing!!"

My face, my face feels so hooooot!!

"Thank you for saving my husband. I don't know what would have happened by now if you hadn't been there."

"Mu-mu...mhinyuuu..."

Stop it already!! I'm going to lose it!!

"Ainya, your true colors are showing!"

"Oh, it's fine. It's not like she's a noble, so it's okay to talk normally. But, she's just as shy as I've heard. It's quite entertaining to watch."

Am I being toyed with?

"I apologize, Elaina. Ainya is usually like this."

"I-It'sh fine...mu-mumu..."

It should be easier to talk to her, but my tongue won't cooperate. 

"See! Elaina agrees too, so it's fine, right?"

Duke Valdeck looked at Ainya with a bewildered expression.

"Sigh... Well, whatever. Let's get to the point. First, I want to give you a token of appreciation for saving me. Meldin, hand it over."

"Yes, my lord."

Meldin produced a bag from somewhere and handed it to me. Meldin probably has a skill like an item box.

"Lady Elaina, here is the token of appreciation."

"Thank you very much. !!?"

After thanking Duke Valdeck and Meldin, I accepted the bag, but for some reason, it was so heavy that it made my hand tremble.

"There are 100 gold coins in there."

"A hundred gold coins!?"

Umm, in this world, the currency rate goes from iron, copper, silver, gold, white gold, to black gold coins.

Ten copper coins are worth one silver coin. In other words, in everyday transactions, there is more circulation of silver coins or below among citizens, but on the contrary, merchants and high-ranking adventurers at the General Guild often deal with gold coins.

"What!? Is it okay for me to receive such a large sum of money?"

"It's fine. What you did is worth that much."

Duke Valdeck said firmly.

"If you care about Nelson, don't hesitate to accept that large sum of money."

Accepting this large sum of money is for Duke Valdeck's sake? What does that mean?

"Why is that, Lady Ainya?"

"Well, you know, nobility is all about appearances."

"Appearances?"

"Yes, appearances. We nobles are considered ungrateful if we don't do anything for our benefactors. If you didn't accept that gratitude, Nelson would be criticized by those who think he's not repaying the favor to you! You'd bring shame to the nobility! Is that what you want for Nelson?"

I vigorously shook my head.

"Then, accept that large sum of money."

Yeah... The world of nobility is complicated.

"Yes, I understand."

I put the received gold coins along with the bag into my storage.

"Now, Elaina, there's something else I want to ask you, but are you okay now?"

I wonder what it is? Duke Valdeck seems more serious than ever before. Is it something important?

"Yes, I'm fine."

I straightened my posture and looked at Duke Valdeck.

What kind of conversation does Duke Valdeck want to have with me? I can tell from the atmosphere that it's going to be an important conversation.

I had some expectations, but I never thought that Duke Valdeck would tell me something so shocking that would exceed my expectations at that moment.