A New Companion

Vim was in his study, thoroughly vetting a stack of documents.

“An alliance with the Empire, huh?”

The Griffinto Empire was a nation located directly adjacent to the Kingdom of Leoria. While they had maintained perfectly amicable relations over the years, they had never entered into a formal, binding alliance. Initiating a pact at this specific juncture might actually be an exceptionally calculated move.

“This might intersect with my other matters too. I suppose I should flag it just in case.”

Vim slid that particular file away, separating it from the rest of the paperwork, before spending the next chunk of time aggressively wrestling with the remaining mountain of documents. Reaching the status of an S-rank adventurer meant having to shoulder these kinds of thoroughly tedious administrative duties.

The exact fraction of a second he finally managed to clear the backlog, a crisp knock echoed against the study door.

“My Lord, dinner has been fully prepared.”

“Understood.”

Answering James’s voice, Vim ceased his operations and stepped out of the study.

As he made his way down the second-floor corridor, he crossed paths with Misa, who was clad in her signature knight’s uniform as usual.

“How do you find your quarters?”

“They are magnificent! The room is incredibly clean, spacious, and far more luxurious than I deserve, honestly.”

“I am glad to hear that.”

Vim descended into the living room alongside Misa. Since the entire household would be gathered for dinner, it would provide the absolute perfect opportunity to formally introduce her.

“Everyone will be assembled for the meal, so I’ll introduce you then,” he noted as they guided their steps toward the living room.

Upon entering, they found Hana already positioned at the table.

“Could I have everyone’s attention for a brief moment before we begin our meal?”

Vim addressed Hana, Aria, James, and the rest of the domestic staff.

“Starting today, Misa Flumen will be residing in this estate and operating alongside us.”

“I am Misa Flumen. It is an absolute honor to meet you all.” Delivering her greeting, Misa offered a polite, compliant bow.

“I am Hana Sharon. I have the privilege of venturing out on adventures alongside Lord Vim. I look forward to working with you.”

“The pleasure is entirely mine.”

Hana and Misa shared a firm handshake right then and there. Following her lead, the rest of the staff stepped forward to offer their greetings.

“I am Aria, the head maid. Should you encounter a single inconvenience during your stay, please do not hesitate to command me.” Aria rendered a perfectly crisp, solemn bow.

“Right then, let’s bring the introductions to a close and focus on the food.” Vim seated himself at the table.

Today’s spread featured a barrage of mouthwatering dishes as usual. The household proceeded to consume their meal in quiet satisfaction.

Once dinner concluded, Vim returned to the study to press forward with the remainder of his work. Maintaining a frantic lifestyle like this frequently led people to query whether he ever allowed himself a single shred of sleep.

As he was deep in his calculations, another knock rattled the door.

“My Lord, do you possess a brief moment right now?” James’s voice drifted through from the opposite side of the door.

“Enter.”

Vim paused his writing and lifted his gaze.

“An official missive has just arrived from the Royal Palace.” James stepped into the room, holding a sealed document in his hand.

“Thank you.”

Vim captured the dispatch, meticulously unsealing it to verify the contents. The text explicitly requested his presence at the Royal Palace in the immediate future.

“I shall make my way to the palace tomorrow morning.”

“Understood. I shall ensure the response is communicated precisely as you command.” Delivering his reply, James turned and left the study.

“Well then, I suppose it is high time I get some sleep myself.”

Leaving the study behind him, Vim turned his steps toward his private bedchamber to retire for the night.