The morning's commotion brought life to the quiet mansion.
Breaking his routine, Adam skipped his morning exercises — disciplining Natsuki had served as enough of a warm-up.
One punch had left him feeling refreshed!
"I can see you're recovering well, Adam." Emilia had come early to check on him.
She had been worried after seeing him unwell the previous night.
"Thank you for your concern. I'm perfectly healthy now." Adam looked at the half-elf beauty beside him and flexed his right arm to demonstrate.
"That's wonderful!" She patted her chest in relief.
Her sincere concern and pure nature were touching.
No wonder Natsuki had fallen completely under her spell — or rather, had allowed himself to fall.
Her silver hair was braided in a "dangerous hairstyle" that cascaded over her right side. She wore thick pink pajamas, white stockings, and cute cotton slippers.
This simple attire only emphasized her innate purity, making her even more charming.
After chatting with Emilia further, he asked her opinion of Natsuki.
Her response — "Though he is strange, I can tell he's a good kid" — showed she viewed him as merely a child.
You've got a long way to go, Japanese boy.
However, Adam wasn't one to meddle. He would merely observe Natsuki's first encounter in this other world without interfering.
At most, he'd offer some small advice.
"Lady Emilia, guest." Ram appeared at the doorway and announced softly, "Master Roswaal has returned."
"Roswaal is back? Oh no, I need to change clothes!" Startled, Emilia glanced at her sleepwear and hurried off to change into proper attire, "See you soon, Adam."
She called as she left.
"Alright." He nodded.
After she departed, Ram addressed him respectfully, "Guest, your clothes have been washed."
She returned the garments she had taken the night before.
"Thank you, Ram." Adam said softly.
She gave a slight bow, "It's my duty."
Her respectful manner held a hint of distance and wariness.
This made sense — it was during the crucial Royal Selection period. At such a sensitive time, two sudden outsiders like Adam and Natsuki naturally warranted caution and monitoring.
He understood this was simply human nature and took no offense. Time would prove him a harmless visitor.
Ram waited outside while he changed.
The clean clothes carried a fresh scent and felt wonderfully soft. The tears from his sword fight with Elsa had been so carefully mended they were nearly invisible.
Donning the pristine robe and adjusting his appearance showed respect not only for others but for himself.
Once ready, he turned to her, "Let's go."
"This way please, guest." Ram led him to the dining room.
She had been waiting specifically for this purpose.
Following Ram's guidance down the long corridor, they arrived at the dining room where familiar faces had already gathered.
Emilia, Subaru, Puck, the twin maids, and Beatrice — a young girl with golden drill-style twin-tails — were all present.
Beatrice's cream-colored hair was styled in vertical curls, secured with pink butterfly ribbons. Her round face and broad forehead were complemented by large blue eyes bearing pink butterfly patterns.
Her elaborate pink frilled dress, black and white striped stockings, and small decorative top hat created an enchanting appearance.
Despite being a 400-year-old Artificial Spirit, she maintained the appearance of a young girl.
At the moment, she was happily playing with Puck.
Noticing Beatrice's indifference toward Adam, Emilia sought to ease the tension with introductions.
"Beatrice, let me introduce you. This is one of my benefactors, Adam."
"Hmph." Hearing her words, perhaps because she was Puck's contractor, Beatrice gave a light snort, which counted as a greeting to Take.
Emilia continued with the introductions, "Adam, this is Beatrice, who manages the library. Please get along well."
"Hello, Beatrice." He stepped forward and bowed, "I sincerely apologize for Subaru's rudeness, and hope you can forgive that abrupt and discourteous child."
Then turning to Natsuki, he called out, "Subaru, come apologize too."
"I... oh!" Though initially reluctant, Natsuki fell silent upon seeing his threatening gaze.
He marched over stiffly and bowed at a perfect 90-degree angle.
"I'm sorry, I was wrong!"
"Hmph." Beatrice responded with another snort, turning her head away.
Was that... forgiveness?
Despite her youthful appearance, being 400 years old, surely she wouldn't dwell on such a minor incident — especially since Natsuki had already received his punishment...
Everyone watched Beatrice expectantly, but she offered no further response.
With that tsundere attitude of not knowing what to say, she must have forgiven him, right? Ah, being tsundere really ruins one's life!
"Oh my~? What are you all~ doing here~?" A peculiar voice with an affected intonation interrupted from behind.
Beatrice, trying to mask her tsundere moment, replied testily, "It's because you asked for it, isn't it? Betty wouldn't be here if it weren't for brother being here."
"Is~ that so? If that's the case~, I'm very~ hurt."
"Hmph, one person with problems is enough, you should try to be a bit more normal." Beatrice retorted.
The newcomer, unfazed, strode into the dining room.
Clown — this single word captured his essence perfectly.
Though tall and well-built, he wore a clown's costume; his handsome features were hidden beneath clown makeup. His affected speech and mannerisms suggested he was fully embracing the role of a jester.
This was Roswaal L. Mathers, master of the border count's mansion!
Natsuki started to reach for Roswaal's shoulder to lighten the mood, but Adam's death glare made him quickly withdraw his hand and stand at attention.
It seemed he had taken the lessons about politeness to heart.
Roswaal offered his introduction to the group.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Roswaal L. Mathers, master of this mansion! I look forward to~ our acquaintance~, Mr. Subaru and Mr. Carter!"
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