After notifying those inside the mansion, the guard led the way while enthusiastically introducing the surroundings to the Hero.
The people at the Count Mansion were as talkative as the little girl once she got familiar with them.
The servants at the Viscount Mansion were usually quite silent.
On the way, the Hero also asked the guard if he knew where the little girl went, whether she returned to the Capital for school, only to get an unexpected answer.
Though it was expected that she wouldn't be at the border, hearing that she chose to go on vacation in the city where she grew up out of curiosity, instead of returning to the Capital, made the Hero unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Regarding her own family affairs, the Hero didn't elaborate much, but considering how clever the little girl was, she likely had already figured out many things.
She just hoped that her noble identity wouldn't lead to any interactions between the girl and her father.
Even the Hero knew that her parents and brother weren't exactly paragons of virtue.
But her father wasn't an evil Depraved Mage, her mother was just somewhat aloof on normal days, and her brother had never bullied anyone...
It should be fine, right?
While slightly worried about the little girl, the Hero was nonetheless captivated by the sights in the Count Mansion's courtyard, listening to the guard's introduction, marveling inwardly.
As the Viscount's daughter, she had grown up in a large mansion in the city and was no stranger to the Noble District's environment.
Yet the luxury of this Count Mansion far exceeded her imagination.
In the evergreens of the courtyard in the heart of winter, busy servants could be seen everywhere. The main building was exquisite and grand, unabashedly displaying its splendor.
Moreover, this apparent extravagance was just the surface. With keen observation, one could sense faint Magic Power fluctuations everywhere.
In the Viscount Mansion, the Hero had a similar feeling, knowing it was the pulsations emanating from operating Magic Arrays.
This vast Count Mansion was outfitted with copious Magic Arrays everywhere, all in continuous operation.
Seemingly ordinary places held defenses rivaling solid fortresses.
Given how many fluctuations she could sense, the actual extent was likely even more exaggerated.
No wonder the little girl thought of buying scrolls as a way to solve problems at the Thief Guild.
Even the Hero, who had little concept of economics, could see that maintaining the status quo of this Count Mansion required enormous expenditure of money and manpower.
It's unimaginable that a girl raised in such an environment would have the courage to embark on a long journey with just four guards in tow.
After all, no matter how thorough the preparations, travel is invariably arduous.
"The Count Mansion is the crown of this city."
The guard, noticing the Hero's astonishment, said with a proud air.
"Though the Count's family does not indulge in excessive luxury, they have established this mansion and courtyard in the demanding environment of the Border City, rivaling the Capital's most splendid places.
"The Count aimed to prove that even placing the most delicate beauty in the most dangerous spot, the border and the Kingdom's army could protect it perfectly.
"As long as the defenses hold and the fortress remains, the city's prosperity can continue indefinitely."
Seeing the prideful expression on the guard's face, the Hero couldn't help but nod along.
Well, even if she wasn't certain about the guard's reasoning, establishing such a luxurious abode in this place was a feat in itself.
Even her father spent great effort to set up their home's Array, so could it be that the Border Count was also a Mage?
She knew the Count was a father much adored by the little girl, and they shared a strong bond.
Beyond that, however, the Hero hadn't heard much about the Count from her.
Finally, after quite some time, she followed the guard to the front of the main mansion.
Such a vast place required a long time just to cover the distance.
If the Count was also a Mage, how did he travel—did he take a carriage, fly directly, or use Teleportation Technique?
The Hero was filled with curiosity.
"Next, a maid from the mansion will lead you inside. I shall return to my post now."
After bowing to the Hero, the guard turned and left.
Just as the guard had said, a pretty maid in a long dress awaited her at the entrance.
"This way, please, Miss Hero. Lord Count is already waiting in the reception room."
Having witnessed the opulence of the Count Mansion and realizing she was about to meet the border's ruler, the highest-ranking Great Noble, the Hero finally felt a tinge of nervousness.
She nodded, signaled the Gleaming Scale Serpent at her feet to follow, and walked with the maid into the luxurious building.
As the maid led her through the ornate corridors and opened the door to the reception room, a black-haired man inside turned around as if he'd anticipated her arrival.
His ruby-red eyes, identical to the little girl's, reflected the Hero's slightly tense face.
[Attitude of the Border Count (Little Girl +50, Hero +30)]
D100+50+30=d100(35)+50+30=115
The Border Count stood up, revealing a calm smile.
"Nice to meet you, welcome to the border, and welcome to the Count Mansion, friend of my daughter.
"I am the master of this place and the Count entrusted by the Royal Family with managing this border."
[What is the Count's basic profession?]
5. Physical Professional
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Please, have a seat."
He gestured to the seat opposite himself and invited the Hero with a gentle demeanor.
The Hero nodded cautiously, walked past the Count, casting a furtive glance at him.
The impression he gave the Hero differed greatly from her expectations.
Originally, she'd thought that as a border lord, the Count would leave a more powerful impression.
Perhaps a stern warrior or perhaps a deep-eyed Mage.
Yet, this black-haired man before her exuded an entirely different aura from such powerful figures.
1-4. Scholarly Atmosphere
5-7. Craftsman's Spirit♛
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"What is it, quite curious? Do you think the impression I give doesn't fit my identity?"
Caught secretly examining the man, the Hero awkwardly froze in her tracks, causing the Count's smile to take on a hint of amusement.
"It's fine; that happens quite often."
Behind the Hero, the leading maid softly spoke.
"Regarding your conversation with Miss Hero, please be mindful of the time; after all, you have more important official duties than chatting with your daughter's friend."
With a [] voice, the maid gently admonished and then quietly closed the reception room door, standing silently by the side.
"It's rather impolite to say such things in front of a guest."
The Count shook his head with a wry smile.
"Anyway, please have a seat first, Miss Hero."
Relieved, the Hero quickly sat down but couldn't help glancing at the seated Count across from her.
He wore no splendid attire, nor did he adorn himself with dazzling decorations, dressing very plainly.
Were it not for his clean black hair and pure ruby eyes, along with the High-Ranking Individual aura conveyed in his speech, from attire alone, no one would consider him a Noble.
Indeed, he resembled more a craftsman, an artisan.
Amidst such opulence, he exuded a peculiar rationality, as if observing the essence of things with his gaze upon the Hero.
Gold and silver were not treasures but merely scarce metal; jade diamonds were not rare wonders but specific arrangements of elements.
So, how were people composed in his eyes?
Locking eyes with the Count for several seconds, the Hero swiftly averted her gaze, looking at the quiet maid nearby.
Usually, during receptions, wouldn't the servants wait outside?
"Sorry, as you can see, I am not a combat profession like you, and my identity is somewhat special, so someone must accompany me."
Sensing the Hero's thoughts, the Count spoke with an apologetic tone.
But his eyes showed little ripple, focusing instead on observing the Hero's reaction.
The Hero nodded, half-understanding.
She didn't realize she was now alone with the ruler of the borders, this ruler who wasn't a combat professional.
In other words, in this almost unguarded proximity, if the Hero launched a sacrificial strike, she could plunge the border into chaotic ruin.
D100+153=d100(97)+153=250
D100+41=d100(3)+41=44
Note: Certain failure, the disparity determines the effect
[Hero experienced Extreme Failure, and Maid achieved Critical Success! The disparity exceeded 200]
1. That maid lady, is the little girl's stepmother?
2. The Hero didn't notice the maid leaving at all (distracted by something)
3. Completely relaxed due to being treated by a friend's father
4. Suddenly remembered she forgot the gift
5. The Hero answers any questions honestly
6. Fully immersed in the delicious snacks♛
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
[Maid Supervisor (Legend of the Third Ascension)]
A special third ascension combining life and combat professions, yet no one has ascended the Hall to date.
However, it is a legendary profession coveted by even the Royal Family.
The pinnacle of maid perfection, the ultimate serviceman.
Household chores, assassination, cooking, social interaction, excelling in every field beneficial to the master, from everyday duties to battle slaughter.
All for the one to whom loyalty is sworn.
[Maid Supervisor LV55]
Skillful Service LV9: A maid must provide perfect service, gaining +90 for all related judgments.
Universal Skillful Hand LV7: A maid's hands can handle all matters. Gains +70 when using items.
Role Switching LV4: A maid cannot be satisfied with being merely a maid. Can switch to other non-legendary professions, retaining 40% of attributes.
Maid War: Household affairs are the battlefield; as the Maid Supervisor in charge of mansion affairs and all maids, she must possess strong authority. Gains D3+50 when in a battle state within the mansion.
Servant's Heart: All for the one to whom loyalty is pledged. When beside the master, gains a random enhancement each turn, lasting five turns. When the master is in crisis, can perform a full-value action every two turns.