The Holy Maiden And The Bottom-Lash Noble Son (1)

“Kana-chan, when should we hold the next healing gathering?”

With a tone that practically came with a kyarun sound effect, Hina clung to Cordelia’s arm.

“Well, we’ll have to consult Count Lavori first… but before that, may I ask why you are here, Hina?”

This was Cordelia’s private room. Inside were, as usual, Cordelia herself, Isaac, Jean, and Lily — plus, for some reason, Hina.

Moreover, everyone was seated around the large desk that had been brought in for Isaac, making the population density around Cordelia unusually high in such a spacious room.

“You said you’d help me, Kana-chan. With my situation.”

She smiled innocently, and Cordelia nearly covered her face.

(I did say I’d help, but I didn’t expect her to come the very next day…)

When Hina appeared that morning, the other three were stunned. Isaac barely maintained a neutral face, but Jean and Lily didn’t even try to hide their looks of astonishment.

“I will help, of course. But everything has an order. We haven’t even spoken with Count Lavori yet.”

“…Please, just let me stay here for now. If I’m in my room, that person will come… I really hate being alone with him.”

“That person?”

If someone visited Hina’s room, it would likely be Count Lavori or people from the Pernot Company regarding the announcement papers.

(Who else could it be…)

As Cordelia tilted her head, a booming voice echoed from the hallway — far too theatrical for daily life, like an opera singer’s voice.

“Ah, my beloved beautiful Holy Maiden Hina! I wondered where you were, and today you were hiding here? In that case, Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama! Might you grant me permission to enter!”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Cordelia. At the same time, Hina clung tightly to her.

“He found me already!? Kana-chan, it’s him!”

“…Count Lavori’s son.”

Isaac seemed to recognize the person. The moment he said the name, Jean grimaced.

“I-is he that terrible?”

She had heard rumors — handsome but excessively flamboyant, an incorrigible womanizer — yet had never met him directly. After briefly speaking to the guard outside, Lily whispered.

“He came specifically searching for Holy Maiden Hina, so the attendant had no choice but to guide him here… Shall we refuse?”

Cordelia thought for a moment, then raised her head.

“No, let’s meet him. Fortunately, we have many people here. Hina, hide behind the sofa. Your Highness, may we admit him?”

“That’s fine. I have something to say to him as well.”

Cordelia stood to receive the guest.

Lily opened the door, and a surprisingly large man for a noble slid inside.

“Ah, I am deeply honored by the invitation! On this fine day, I have long wished to meet the beautiful Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama—”

“Good day, Count Lavori’s son.”

I did not invite you, she retorted internally while cutting off his speech with her greeting.

“Hahaha, don’t call me ‘son’ as though we were strangers. Please call me Samuel.”

“…Then I shall call you Samuel-sama.”

We ARE strangers! she shouted inwardly again, forcing a polite smile.

(It’s only been seconds and I already feel heartburn…)

Samuel was tall and had a sharply defined handsome face. Yet his extremely thick lower eyelashes — or perhaps his rugby-player-like muscular build — created overwhelming pressure. He seemed moments away from flashing a sparkle sound effect with his teeth.

(…Wait. Muscular and imposing — that’s what Sphida once said about me too, wasn’t it…?)

She recalled the unpleasant fact and went expressionless. Did Sphida see her the same way as Samuel? That would be terrible.

(Also… was there a character like this in the game?)