By the Grace of the Gods

Enjoy your Christmas!

～Side Ryoma～

By the time everyone had finished their skill tests, the decision on whom to choose had already been made.

“From now on, I look forward to working with you, Lord.”

“I will work with all my heart and soul. Also, my lord, please call me Ox.”

The one chosen was Mr. Ox Lord.

His combat ability was incomparable to the other candidates.

He seemed a bit stubborn at times, but he appeared serious and reliable.

I also listened to Mr. Reinhardt and the others’ opinions, and it was a unanimous decision to choose him.

Because he was a debt slave, his personal belongings were limited to two swords hanging at his waist and a few pieces of clothing.

After receiving treatment (mana recovery) following the matches, he returned already having finished packing.

He said it was fine to take him along once the payment was made, so we immediately settled the payment with something like a check.

Actually, there was no urgent need to take him right away, and since I was staying at the Duke’s household, I had planned to add a few days’ lodging fees and have him come along when I returned to Gimul...

But with just one word from Mr. Reinhardt — “He can stay with us as a servant. More importantly, let’s head back quickly” — it was decided to take him along immediately.

When we all returned to the carriage stop, everyone except me hurried into the carriage.

Today, Mr. Fay and Mr. Ox were also going to ride inside.

“I was thinking, since we’ve finished one job, how about relaxing with some tea?”

“Why don’t you just drink alone?”

“Oh dear, that’s a bit harsh. I suppose I have no choice… Lord Takebayashi, if you ever need another slave, please feel free to come to my Moulton Trading Company. You’re also welcome to come by just to kill time and chat.”

“Hahaha… If there’s an opportunity, I’ll be counting on you again, Mr. Moulton.”

“Oh! That’s right. Please feel free to call me Orest. From now on, I also want to call you Lord Ryoma by name. Don’t you think just the way we address each other changes the sense of closeness?”

This guy really pushes forward now that he’s stopped hiding his true nature. Well, it’s fine though.

“Understood, Orest-san. I’ll come by if I feel like it.”

“Yes. When that time comes, I’ll be happy to serve you again. I’d like to explain things in detail, but the folks behind you look scary, so please take this.”

Saying that, Orest handed me something like a brochure.

It was so natural that I accepted it without thinking, but was this prepared from the start...?

I thanked him with a word and got into the carriage, seating myself between the empty spots of Mr. Fay and Mr. Ox.

Once the seats were completely filled, the coachman seemed prepared and promptly started the carriage.

I saw Orest waving goodbye with a smile through the passing window.

“Phew…”

Once the carriage fully left the grounds, the three of us sitting opposite each other simultaneously sighed.

“Thank you for coming along today.”

“I was bored anyway.”

“Besides, I couldn’t just leave him alone.”

“Lord Ryoma, I think you realized as well…”

Yeah. I was really saved by everyone coming along.

If I had faced that person alone, knowing nothing, I would have been twisted around even more in his hands.

“As Mr. Serge said, he’s not a bad person, but he’s definitely a tricky one.”

Mr. Reinhardt also said that his sense of distance was exquisite.

While talking, sometimes he would disrupt your pace, and occasionally it was a bit unpleasant.

But for me, it was nothing worth yelling about—just trivial matters.

As the conversation continued, he would sometimes cover for you or leave you confused. Eventually, you just stop caring.

I’m sure he does the same with everyone, tailoring it to their personalities.

It’s tiring, and I understand how everyone feels, but personally, I found him impossible to hate.

He might even enjoy being hated by others.

“If it’s him, that’s probably true. You got it right after just one time?”