Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 11

“Big brother! What happened to Lady Amy? I can’t wait to meet her! She’s so kind and has such a beautiful smile! I’m so excited! I’m so lucky to have another big sister!” Yumika, who had come into the room with Mary, rushed over to me, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and hugged me. What a spoiled little girl.

“Calm down, Yumika. It seems that Lady Amy is a bit exhausted from the long journey. She’s resting in her room right now. But she’ll be attending the banquet, so you’ll get to meet her soon.”

According to Mary, she’d been eating like she hadn’t seen food in days, and so far, there hasn’t been any word that she’ll skip the banquet.

“Oh, really? Maybe I should visit her. You know, we became really close when I visited Canilunya! She hugged me, patted my head, and we even ate sweets together and took a bath.”

The image of Lady Amy in my head kept shifting.

She had the strength to survive against Odolski, but she’s kind? She’s here for a marriage meeting but gorging herself on food without even meeting anyone? The more I thought about it, the less I understood. But if she could get along with someone as pure and angelic as Yumika, maybe she wasn’t a bad person after all.

“Is that so? Well then, I’ll need to thank her for being kind to my adorable little sister. But let’s hold off on visiting her for now. She needs some time to rest, or else she might not be able to enjoy Mahdavikia’s finest cuisine, right?”

“Oh! You’re right. I want her to try Uncle’s cooking. But I’m still worried…”

“Yumika, you’re so thoughtful. As a reward for being such a good girl, I have a present for you.”

I pulled out a bright red candy that I had Mahdavikia make for moments like this. It was made from the sweet and sour juice of a forest fruit. I’d gathered quite a lot of them, just for Yumika.

This will give me the upper hand over Odolski.

“Wow! It’s so pretty! Is this a candy? Amazing!”

“Shh, don’t tell Odolski, okay? If I spoil you too much, I’ll get scolded. Let’s keep it our little secret.”

“Okay!”

Hey, Mary. Don’t just stand there silently glaring at me like that. Your cold stare is freezing me. It’s not my fault she’s so adorable. Oh, would you like some candy? No? Well, that’s too bad.

“Lord Rex, it’s time.”

Jean-Jacques entered the room. It seemed time had flown by while I was playing with Yumika, basking in her infectious energy.

“Ah, understood. I was expecting some developments by now, but nothing out of the ordinary, right? How are the servants?”

“According to Mary’s regular checks, there hasn’t been any suspicious activity. In fact, the maids have mistaken her for a diligent caretaker who frequently checks in on them, and they’ve been expressing their gratitude.”

Damn, Mary. Turns out he had been busy with work while I hadn’t noticed. I’ll have to give him a little bonus for that.

“It almost feels silly to be on high alert. Lady Amy’s just a big eater, filling up to make sure she’s in top shape for the meeting, right?”

“That’s a hypothetical, so I can’t give a definitive answer. But if that’s the case, then we should be pleased. We’ll continue to stay on guard, just in case.”

Yeah, if she’s not plotting anything bad, that’s certainly for the best. Personally, I prefer someone who eats well. After all, I do like a person who enjoys their food.

As I entered the dining hall with Jean-Jacques and Yumika, we were greeted by several people already waiting, including Hameslot. There was also a woman present, so that must be Lady Amy.

Now then, it’s time for our first meeting.

Who knows what awaits? A snake? A demon?

“Count Rex Hesselink, I am truly grateful that you’ve prepared such a warm welcome for us today. Also, I sincerely apologize for not being able to attend the earlier meeting. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.” The tall, slender woman bowed deeply.

“It was we who summoned you all the way to such a remote place. It’s only natural that you’d be tired. I should have arranged a more relaxed schedule. I ask for your forgiveness as well.”

As I spoke, Lady Amy lifted her head.

Oh, she’s cute. Is this what they call a “tanuki” face? Her round, sparkling eyes give her a charming look.

“…You’re very kind, aren’t you?”

“Surprised? People say I’m eccentric or mad, but I pride myself on being reasonable during peaceful times. Right, Jean-Jacques?”

“Ah, that’s a tricky one to answer.”

Haha! Come on, agree with me here! If you avoid the answer, it’s basically a denial!

“My, you two seem to get along so well. I’m jealous. My head butler is always so stiff and lacking in kindness. Isn’t that right, Hameslot?”

“Such jokes only tarnish your image, my lady.”

“Oh, come on! See? Count, don’t you think he’s cold?”

“I’ll just say that it shows the trust between you two. Now, for tonight’s banquet, our household chef Mahdavikia has prepared a special meal. To properly welcome the Canilunya family, I myself went into the forest and hunted a dragon species. You’ll be able to taste the fruits of that labor as well, so I hope you’ll look forward to it.”

The mention of a “dragon species” caused Amy and Hameslot’s eyes to light up.

What’s this reaction?

“A dragon species, you say? And you hunted it yourself, Count? Oh my! Did you hear that, Hameslot? The Count really is incredible!”

Suddenly, Lady Amy closed the distance between us and tightly clasped both of my hands. Her face lit up with a full smile.

Whoa… she’s adorable. 

No, no! Hold on, Rex Hesselink, keep it together! There still could be more to this.

“My lady, please calm yourself! This behavior is unbecoming! Count, may I ask a question?”

Thank you, Hameslot! Good timing.

Stay composed. Don’t make a mistake and lose your chance.

“The type of dragon was a Maddest Salamand, and I hunted it using my two summoned beasts. Any more questions?” I answered without even hearing the question, showcasing confidence. If I hit the mark, I’d appear charismatic. If I missed, it would just be embarrassing. 

Luckily, this time, it seemed to go well.

“A Maddest Salamand!? You hunted a berserk flame dragon all by yourself? I can’t believe it… you’re truly remarkable.”

“You’re quick to believe that, huh?”

“Given your distinguished track record and all the stories circulating about you, it’s not surprising that you’d be capable of such a feat. I’m in awe.”

I don’t recall having any “distinguished track record” or hearing any of those stories, but if that’s what people think, I guess it’s believable that I could hunt a dragon.

So, I really am considered a madman. No wonder the nobles are so scared of me.

“Count!”

Just as I was about to reflect on the heavy question of “Who is Rex Hesselink?”—the theme of my life—Lady Amy gripped my hands even tighter.

Her grip is strong!

Ow, ow, ow! I may be a summoner, but my body is still frail!

“I’ve decided! I will marry into House Hesselink!!”