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Butler's summer Synopsis (by me since there's not really an official one):

Aruji and the butlers enjoy a resort together.

Blessing of the Stars/星々の加護 Synopsis:

Berrien dreamt of memories of a Devil Butler who passed away long ago. "Someday, I want to show you a beautiful sight." Recalling the conversation they once had, Berrien...

Butlers' Dinner Show -The First Act- Synopsis:

Aside from Lono… I had a feeling that Lucas, Boschi, and Hanamaru weren’t morning people.

We’re supposed to leave for Tobilis this morning but… I wonder if everyone’s awake yet?

Muu: Hm~m… I’m a bit worried.

Muu: For now, should we just go to the entrance hall?

> Yeah.

Muu and I got dressed and decided to go down to the entrance.

Lono: Ah! Good morning, Aruji-sama!

> Morning, Lono.

Muu: Lono-san! You’re already up.

Lono: Of course I am. There’s no way I’d oversleep on the day of our important trip with Aruji-sama.

Lono: Sorry, Aruji-sama. I thought I’d come get you from your room but…

Lono: Between preparing breakfast and the carriage, I had my hands full.

Lono: Geez… Those three are really bad with mornings~

Muu: Ah, that reminds me… Where are they?

Muu: Don’t tell me… Are they still asleep in their rooms?

Lono: Nope. Of course, they’re already awake.

Lono: It’s just… In the mornings, they’re a bit out of it.

Lono: Looks like it’s taking awhile for them to get ready.

Step… step…

Lono: Oh. Speak of the devil…

Lamli: Look, look, Lucas-sama! We’ve made it to the entrance hall.

Lamli: Ah, Aruji-sama’s here too! Good morning, Aruji-sama! ♪

Lucas: Nn~...? Aruji-sama…?

Lucas: Ah, you’re right… Fufu, I’m so happy…

Lucas: This morning’s dream is a very happy one…

Lamli: Lucas-sama! It’s not a dream! It’s the real Aruji-sama!

Lono: Lucas-san… Are you still half-asleep?

Lamli: Yeah… I somehow managed to get him changed and do his hair but…

Lamli: Looks like he was drinking until late last night… He’ll probably be like this for another 10 minutes?

Lono: I-I see… Seems rough.

Lamli: Fufu ♪ Well, actually, even if he’s half-asleep, he can get ready on his own, but…

Lamli: Today you’re going on an important trip after all~ Just to be safe, I was asked to look after him.

Lamli: If only I didn’t have to deep clean the wine cellar… I could have gone with you guys~

Lamli: If I skip out on it, Nac will nag me all year long… I’ll tough it out this time.

Lono: Ah~... Now that you mention it, I did hear about that.

> (He’s speaking from experience…)

Muu: Huh? That reminds me, where are the other two?

Step… step…

Ammon: Good morning! I just woke up Boschi-san.

Ammon: I think he’ll be down soon… Could you wait just a little longer?

Opens

Teddy: Good morning! Is everyone already here?

Teddy: Hanamaru-san’s coming over right now, so please wait just a little more!

Muu: Ah! Ammon-san and even Teddy-san…

Muu: By any chance… Were you also asked to wake them up?

Ammon: Yup. Just in case, so they don’t oversleep.

Teddy: I’m always up early, so it’s not a big deal.

Teddy: Hanamaru-san’s done getting ready. He won’t be oversleeping!

Ammon: Yeah. All that’s left is to wait for them to come…

Lono: …………

Muu: ………………..

Muu: ……T-They haven’t come yet…

Teddy: T-That’s weird… I’ll go check on him.

Opens

Ammon: Me too… I’m going back to the second floor.

Step… step…

Teddy: Uwaah! Hanamaru-san, that’s not a tatami mat!

Teddy: Well, it’s paved with stone, so I guess it's kind of like tatami, but… Anyways, you can’t sleep on the ground!

Ammon: Boschi-san…! Don’t sleep while leaning against the wall.

Ammon: Geez~, your forehead’s all red now~

Lono: Seems everyone’s having a hard time…

Teddy: Wake up! There’s yummy wine waiting for you~!

Lucas: Huh? Yummy wine?

Muu: Ah. Looks like that woke him up.

Lamli: Good morning, Lucas-sama ♪

Lono: ……So I’m the one who has to wake up those three during our trip……

-XXXX Years Ago-

Berrien: Lucas-san, this money… Did you win it through gambling again…

Lucas: This should last us for a while.

Berrien: Thank you for thinking of the mansion.

Berrien: But gambling is… I would like for you to stop earning money through it from now on.

Lucas: Hmm…… Could you explain why in a way that makes sense to me?

Lucas: It’s true that I got this money through gambling.

Lucas: But… What’s wrong with that?

Lucas: It was a fair match agreed to by both parties… The profits from it are also legitimate.

Lucas: There’s no need to feel guilty about accepting it.

Berrien: I don’t mean to criticize your actions.

Berrien: But I think that gaining funds through gambling goes against the way of the Devil Butlers.

Lucas: Hmm… The way of the Devil Butlers…

Lucas: Us Devil Butlers exist to protect humanity. I’m sure we both agree on that.

Lucas: However, even when I take that into account… I don’t understand why gambling is prohibited.

Lucas: I only target nobles who do unspeakable, underhanded things.

Lucas: Things like entrapping others, coveting exorbitant profits… What’s wrong with taking money from people like that?

Berrien: That’s……

Lucas: This money is necessary for Devil’s Palace…… And also for the survival of the Devil Butlers.

Lucas: It’s not to fill our own pockets.

Lucas: What’s wrong with getting funds to protect humanity by taking it from vicious nobles?

Berrien: ……I understand what you’re saying, Lucas-san.

Berrien: However… I can’t accept that way of doing things.

Berrien: If you keep earning money through gambling…

Berrien: That means that someone else is losing out.

Berrien: Anything built upon another’s misfortune… Will definitely incur someone’s hatred one day. 

Lucas: Then I just need to do it in a way that doesn’t. 

Lucas: Hiding my identity, adjusting my win rate… There are many ways to go about it.

Berrien: That’s not what I meant.

Berrien: …… “Bring a smile to everyone equally.”

Berrien: There was once someone who entrusted that ideal to me.

Berrien: Save everyone regardless of whether they’re a noble or commoner… And make a world where everyone can smile.

Lucas: …That’s a wonderful way of thinking, but it’s not realistic.

Berrien: Yes… That may be true.

Berrien: However, no matter how naive it may be… I want to uphold the ideals that were entrusted to me.

Berrien: Hurting someone to protect others… That…… is not what I envisioned the Devil Butlers to be.

Lucas: Hmm… At this rate, even if we keep talking, we won’t reach an agreement.

Berrien: It appears so……

Berrien: …I’m very thankful that you joined me…

Berrien: And that’s why… I want to respect your opinion.

Berrien: I’m aware that right now I’m just one-sidedly pushing my ideals onto you.

Berrien: That’s why… I have no intention of banning you from gambling.

Berrien: Let’s decide whose opinion to follow through a method that you can accept. 

Lucas: A method that I can accept……

Lucas: Then…… Shall we bet on it?

Berrien: A bet you say…?

Lucas: Since we were just talking about gambling, isn’t this the most fitting way?

Lucas: We’ll follow the winner’s opinion… How’s that?

Berrien: …I see. I understand.

Berrien: I accept this match.

Berrien: If I win… As a friend, please promise that you’ll listen to my advice.

Berrien: In exchange, if I lose…

Berrien: …I will become your subordinate. I will never interfere with anything you do again.

Lucas: ………! Subordinate……

Lucas: ………Okay. I accept those conditions.

……………

Lucas: After that, I completely lost to Berrien… I promised to not gamble anymore.

Muu: You won against Lucas-san… Berrien-san, you’re amazing!

Berrien: Not at all… I did not win against him through my skills.

Berrien: I won because… Lucas-san let me win.

Lucas: After saying that we would use a method I can accept… You went and put conditions like that on it.

Lucas: You were being really unfair then.

Lucas: It was the first time I seriously thought about how to lose.

Berrien: I’m sorry for troubling you.

Berrien: But… I’m happy that you took my feelings into consideration.

Lucas: Geez… You’re one to talk.

Lucas: Saying that if you lose you’ll become my subordinate… What a cruel threat.

Lucas: No one would want their first true friend to become their subordinate.

Lucas: The price to pay was too big to just give it up for money.

Lucas: That’s why I had no choice but to lose.

> To stay friends, huh… > So that’s why.

Lucas: Yes, Berrien has always been better than me when it comes to hitting someone’s sore spot.

Berrien: Hm~m… I wasn’t really trying to hit your sore spot though…

Berrien: You’re also an important friend to me…

Berrien: To break that friendship and become your subordinate… It was a very harsh condition.

Berrien: But… I was serious enough to give a condition like that…

Berrien: By doing that I just wanted to show you how firm my resolve was.

Lucas: Fufu… I really am no match for you, Berrien.

Lucas: …Well, I’m not complaining though.

Lucas: I have no regrets about losing to you ♪

Haures: In any case… I’m glad that the two of you stayed good friends.

Nac: Yes. The existence of a friend who you can trust is a pillar of support in life.

Nac: It also holds true for us Devil Butlers who live a long life.

Nac: The bond between the two of you has continued to remain unbroken… What a wonderful thing that is.

Lucas: Fufu, thank you.

Lucas: Not just with Berrien… But being able to meet Aruji-sama and everyone is also a special thing.

Lucas: That’s exactly why… I could never do something like use you guys as a prize in a bet.

> I feel the same way. > Everyone’s special to me too.

Lucas: It's an honor to hear you say that. Thank you.

Seeing the genuine smiles of the butlers who are no longer acting as the mafia was reassuring.

When we get back to the mansion, maybe we should have a card game tournament with everyone.

As we talked about things like that, we made our way back to the mansion.

【Grovaner Family - Conference Room】

Upon returning to Espoir, we promptly reported everything that happened to Finlay-sama.

Finlay: …….I see. She wanted to find my weakness and make me retire…

Finlay: And she says she was doing it with good intentions… As always, it’s difficult to understand her way of thinking.

Finlay: I suppose I should punish her, but…… It’ll be a hassle if she makes a greater fuss.

Finlay: ……Haa.

> (Finlay-sama looks tired…)

Lucas: And about the ledger…

Lucas: According to Zerasia-sama… “You must have already known that the casino was laundering money…”

Lucas: “We’ve been paying more money to you recently, so why are you complaining about it now.” 

Finlay: …I have absolutely no recollection of receiving a report like that… And yet she confidently says that I must have known.

Lucas: She must be saying that since it’s you, you would have gotten your hands on that information a long time ago.

Lucas: As for the matter of the flow of funds to and from the Eastern Lands increasing…

Lucas: She said, “Travel to and from the Eastern Lands has increased, so of course the flow of funds would also increase.” 

Lucas: She hasn’t gone over each of the dealings one-by-one, but she wants to leave that investigation to you since she’s giving you the ledger.

Lucas: …That concludes the message from Zerasia-sama.

Finlay:  ……………Haa.

Finlay: I understand. I’ll take care of investigating the flow of funds.

Finlay: If we’re to investigate that then… We’ll need the cooperation of the Eastern Nobles Alliance.

Finlay: You have also worked hard. If I learn something new, I’ll contact you.

Lucas: Thank you. We leave it in your hands.

I gave a sidelong glance at Finlay, who looked like he had a headache, and we left the conference room.

Step… step… step…

Haures: Hm… With this, we’ve finally completed the request.

Lucas: Nice job, everyone. It must have been rough since you’re not used to acting like that.

Lucas: Let’s hurry back to the mansion and rest.

> Yeah, nice work.

Haures: Lucas-san, Aruji-sama, nice work to you too.

Berrien: At any rate… I’m glad that we’ve safely completed the request.

Nac: Yes. Moreover… We were able to see Aruji-sama’s magnificent acting.

Nac: Your composed figure, regardless of the circumstances, was truly splendid.

> I’m glad I could do a good job. > I was pretty panicked though…

Lucas: Fufu… Please have more confidence.

Lucas: You were very dignified… You were undoubtedly a “proud boss” ♪

Berrien: Yes. I’ve learned a new side to your charm.

Muu: Fufu, being petted by the boss you made me feel like an important cat!

Haures: Hmm… being able to perfectly pull off a role like that…

Haures: I should take notes from you… I need to work even harder.

> T-Thanks… > You guys were also great at acting.

I’m grateful that they’re complimenting me, but… I don’t want to act as a mafia boss anymore.

With those thoughts, I decided to subtly change the subject.

> This request was a challenge, wasn’t it?

Berrien: Yes. I never expected to have to infiltrate an underground casino as the mafia.

Haures: I learned a lot from this undercover investigation, but…

Haures: The most memorable thing was Lucas-san’s actions.

Haures: I never expected that on the first day you would get the manager on our side and get your hands on the ledger.

Nac: You outwitted not only the enemy but even us.

Lucas: Sorry for deceiving everyone.

Haures: No, it was necessary.

Haures: Thanks to that, the mission was completed safely… Thank you.

Lucas: I’m grateful that you would say that.

Nac: Hmm, that reminds me…

Nac: Lucas-san, you also had control over the casino’s employees through the manager, right?

Nac: Which means… Those victories in the gambling matches on the first day was…?

Lucas: Yup. It was because the dealer was on our side.

Lucas: The manager ordered him to deal Aruji-sama good cards…

Berrien: I see. So that’s why they were able to go undefeated.

Lucas: Fufu… To win in gambling, you need good observation skills and memory…

Lucas: But… That alone isn’t enough.

Lucas: To win with certainty… You need to make the battlefield yours.

Lucas: Getting some dirt on the dealer and bribing him is the quickest and easiest way to do that.

Lucas: I used to do that a long time ago too and made lots of money.

> “A long time ago too”...?

Lucas: Yes. It was a very long time ago though.

Lucas: …Hey, Berrien. Isn't it about time to tell them?

Lucas: About the promise you and I made… It’s been mentioned here and there.

Lucas: If we keep it a secret for any longer, won’t Aruji-sama start to feel uneasy?

Berrien: ……Yes, you’re right.

Berrien: It’s not really a story worth sharing, but… Very well.

After Berrien said that, Lucas looked somewhat nostalgic…

Then, with a slightly troubled expression, he began to speak.

Lucas: It was around the time when I had just became a Devil Butler… A very, very long time ago.

Lucas: At that time, the state of operations at Devil’s Palace was in a much more dire state than now.

Lucas: Anyhow, as you are also aware, Berrien is a very kind person.

Lucas: He would lend a hand to those in trouble, free of compensation……

Lucas: Since that’s the kind of personality he has… He’s not suited for making money at all.

Berrien: Zerasia-sama… What did you do to Muu-chan?

Zerasia: I didn’t do anything. He’s just in a food coma.

> Is that really all you did?

Muu: …………

Muu: … Munya…… fufu… so much chicken…

Berrien: Hm~m… It seems like he really is just sleeping after eating too much.

> Muu………

Hearing him happily sleep talk, I felt relieved that Muu was safe.

Zerasia: If I win… This cat will be mine.

Zerasia: If I lose, then I’ll give him back to you, no strings attached. …Are you in the mood for a match now?

Lucas: ……Hmm, this is a problem.

Lucas: Aruji-sama, I’m very sorry, but… Could I take up some of your time?

Lucas: Don’t worry. I’ll definitely get Muu-chan back.

> Okay… I leave it to you, Lucas.

Lucas: Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Zerasia: Glad to hear that. Then that means you’re accepting my challenge, right?

Lucas: No…

Lucas: My apologies, but… I will be declining. 

> Huh? Declining…?

Zerasia: ………

Lucas: Like I said earlier… The most I would bet on would be a cup of tea.

Lucas: I cannot agree to gambling with high stakes…

Lucas: Not to mention, Muu-chan is an important comrade…

Lucas: I could never treat a comrade as something to bet on.

Zerasia stared at Lucas without batting an eyelid.

I couldn’t read a single thing from her expression. Neither irritation nor impatience…

Lucas: Fufu, besides……

Lucas: My victory has already been decided.

Zerasia: …Why do you think that?

Lucas: Because your underhanded tricks… I’ve already dealt with them ♪

Lucas: This casino is no longer under your control… It’s under mine.

Lucas: These past few days… I wasn’t just having fun at the casino. 

> The casino’s under your control…? > Lucas… What do you mean?

Lucas: Let me explain from the beginning.

Lucas: Since Zerasia-sama was bribing people under the Grovaner family… She already knew from the start that we would come here.

Lucas: You’ve been wanting to gamble with me for a while… So you must have made a plan about how to get me to have a match with you.

Lucas: While you kept us waiting at the hotel… You searched for a weak point that you could use to your advantage.

Zerasia: ………

Lucas: At first, you thought about using Aruji-sama as a hostage, right?

Lucas: If they were in danger, then us butlers would have no choice but to listen to you.

> A plan like that…

Lucas: However, we never leave openings when it comes to protecting Aruji-sama……

Lucas: That’s why as a second resort… You decided to take Muu-chan.

Lucas: And if I accepted the match… All you’d have to do is get the manager to deal you good cards.

Lucas: After all, if the dealer is on your side, you’d never lose at poker.

Zerasia: ……Geez. So you already knew all that, Lucas.

Lucas: Yes. I saw through all your moves like the back of my hand.

Lucas: That manager over there… He did well as my pawn.

> Huh, pawn…?

Manager: …Zerasia-sama, I’m very sorry.

Saying that, the manager set down the cage Muu was in and unlocked it.

Muu: Munya, munya…..n?

Muu: Uwaa! Why am I in a cage…

Muu: …I mean… Nya, nyan, nyaa~n……

> Muu, it’s okay for you to talk now.

Berrien: Yes. Come over here, Muu-chan.

Muu: I-I don’t really get what’s going on, but… I’m glad things seem to be okay.

Lucas: Fufu. Do you feel anything strange with your body, Muu-chan?

Muu: N-No… I’m just really full…

Lucas: I see. I’m happy to hear you’re okay.

Knock, knock……

???: Manager. I’ve brought the two from the Devils Family.

> (By that does he mean…)

The door opened, and Nac and Haures came in with a man with a strong build.

Berrien: Oh? Nac-kun, Haures-kun. Why are you here?

Nac: We were attempting to secure the ledger, but… Something slightly unexpected happened.

Nac: The guard took us here.

Haures: Geez, I was completely fooled.

Haures: So…… Lucas-san, where’s the ledger?

> Huh? Lucas…?

I was confused by the twists that kept coming one after another.

Then, Haures took out a piece of paper.

“I’ve already taken the ledger. Sorry.” 

Haures: …This note was inside the safe. 

Lucas: Fufu… Sorry for keeping quiet.

Lucas: Look…… The ledger’s right here ♪

As if it was no big deal, Lucas took out the ledger from his inner pocket.

Muu: W-What’s going on…?

Muu: Weren’t Haures-san and Nac-san supposed to get the ledger…

> I can’t keep up with this conversation…

According to Lucas’s explanation…

Apparently on the first day we came to this casino, he bribed the manager.

Lucas: Fortunately at this casino, only a few know about the owner’s existence.

Lucas: Meaning that the one who can give orders to the employees is not Zerasia-sama but the manager who most believe is on top here.

Lucas: So if I could get the manager on our side… We could move freely without any obstacles. 

Berrien: Hmm… That check you gave him on the first day…

Berrien: Was that when you bribed him?

Lucas: Yup, that’s right ♪

Lucas: Well, I didn’t actually give him a check… It was a threatening letter.

> …Threatening letter…?

Lucas: Yes.

Lucas: “The plan to overthrow Finlay has already been leaked to the Grovaners…”

Lucas: “If you cooperate with us, we’ll put in a good word for your acquittal.”

Lucas: If you offend the head of the Grovaner family… Who knows what terrible crime you’ll be charged with.

Lucas: For the sake of his own safety, it can’t be helped that he betrayed the owner.

> So something like that was written on that paper…

Nac: Nevertheless… Why keep it a secret that you secured the ledger?

Nac: If you had retrieved it, couldn’t you have just told us?

Lucas: Fufu… Well, I could have, but…

Lucas: “Play your cards close to your chest”... It’s one of the essential rules for winning at gambling ♪

Lucas: If I let my guard down around Zerasia-sama… She might pull the rug from under my feet.

Lucas: I’m sorry to everyone, but… That’s why I acted on my own this time.

Zerasia: …………

Zerasia: … So that’s how it is~ I lost before it even began.

Zerasia: Fufu…! As expected of you, Lucas. I’ve completely lost again.

> (She’s taking it pretty well…)

Muu: Hm~m… She looks pretty happy for someone who lost.

Zerasia: I mean, it’s been a while since I’ve had such a fun cat and mouse game ♪

Zerasia: It’s frustrating, but… There’s no greater feeling than this! Thanks!

Lucas: Fufu, I should be thanking you for the exciting match. 

Lucas: By the way about this ledger… May I take it to Finlay-sama?

Zerasia: Hm? He wants to see the ledger? I don’t mind.

Zerasia: I’ll make sure to bill him for the rental fee!

She let us take the ledger far more easily than I expected… I was dumbfounded. 

Other than gambling, maybe she really didn’t care about anything else.

> (What an unusual person…)

Zerasia: Hey, Lucas. You really are suited for gambling!

Zerasia: I know you made a promise with Berrien, but… It’s such a waste not to use that talent!

Lucas: Fufu… It’s an honor to be complimented by you.

Lucas: But… My skills are nothing much.

Lucas: After all, my promise not to gamble…

Lucas: Was the result of a bet I lost with Berrien a long time ago.

Lucas: My skills are nothing compared to his ♪

Berrien: Lucas-san… You’re going to cause a misunderstanding if you say it like that……

Zerasia: What!!?? Berrien, are you that strong!?

Zerasia: You actually won against Lucas… Maybe I’ll have Berrien gamble with me next.

Berrien: What……?

Lucas: Fufu… That seems like it’d be an interesting match ♪

With a pleading gaze begging for help, Berrien looked at Lucas, who was smiling mischievously.

Halfway through I was left behind with all the chaotic developments, but… It seems like everything worked out in the end.

【Zerasia’s Room】

We headed inside the room we were guided to.

There… A woman so petite she could be mistaken for a young girl was waiting. 

She had bright red hair that resembled Finlay-sama’s.

Zerasia: My! So you’re the rumored Devil Butlers’ Lord! Nice of you to come!

Zerasia: I’ve heard what you’ve done! I’ve always wanted to meet you.

> (So she already knows our identities…)

Berrien: Oh my… You’ve already realized who we are.

Berrien: Hello, Zerasia-sama. It’s been awhile.

Lucas: So you’ve seen through our identities… I’d expect nothing less of you.

Zerasia: For someone saying that you’re not surprised at all. You predicted that I would see through you guys, right?

Lucas: Fufu… You are a smart person after all.

Zerasia: Hmph. Whatever. At least I was able to meet the Devil Butlers’ Lord!

Zerasia: Ah, sorry about that! You’re supposed to be a “mafia boss” right now, right?

Lucas: Oops… Aruji-sama, it’s fine to drop the act.

Lucas: She seems to already know everything about us.

> Ah, yeah… okay.

Despite my confusion… It was a relief that I didn’t need to keep pretending.

Zerasia: Actually, I wanted to gamble with Lucas again, so I thought I’d go to your mansion.

Zerasia: But Finlay-kun used his power as head to ban me from going!

Lucas: Well, if you came to the mansion… You would try to gamble with Aruji-sama and the other butlers too.

Lucas: That’s probably why he banned you from visiting.

Zerasia: Geez, Finlay-kun’s such a tyrant!

Zerasia: Devil Butlers’ Lord, you’re also always being bossed around by him, right? 

Zerasia: You’ve had it tough too~... If you ever want to vent, feel free to come see me!

> Ah… Thank you. > (Bossed around…… That might be true…)

Zerasia-sama called us to this room knowing our true identities.

Just how much does she know about our mission?

Berrien: Uhm, Zerasia-sama. I know it’s sudden, but can we get down to business?

Zerasia: Ah, that’s right! Yeah, let’s do that.

Zerasia: You went wild in the casino just so that I would call for you… What business do you have?

> (So she already knows that much…)

Berrien: Currently, you are being suspected of plotting Finlay-sama’s downfall.

Berrien: We came to confirm the truth behind that.

Zerasia: Ehh~... If that’s all it is then Finlay-kun could have just asked me himself.

Zerasia: I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I’m plotting his downfall, but… It’s true that I was looking into some things.

Zerasia: I was bribing people under the Grovaner family… To find Finlay-kun’s weakness!

> W-Why did you…

Berrien: That’s troubling. It seems like the rumor wasn’t too far off the mark.

Berrien: Could you elaborate?

Zerasia: I mean, Finlay-kun… As the head, isn’t he too perfect!?

Zerasia: It’s suspicious! He’s definitely hiding something…… Or else he’s pushing himself too hard!

Zerasia: I think he’s working way too much… He’d live longer if he just hurried up and retired already.

Berrien: Hmm… In short, you were doing it for Finlay-sama’s sake…

Berrien: You were worried about him in your own way.

Berrien: So you came up with a plan to make him retire… It’s a bit of a twisted way of thinking.

Lucas: Well… It’s very like her.

Zerasia: Finlay-kun should rely on others more.

Zerasia: If he retired, then I would become head in his place.

Lucas: …It is a position with great responsibility. He can’t just retire that easily.

Lucas: However… I’m glad that we could hear your reasoning.

Lucas: I’ll make sure to tell Finlay-sama what you just said too.

Lucas: Now that we’re finished here… Please excuse us.

Zerasia: Huh, you’re already leaving? It’s too soon!

Zerasia: Saying goodbye as soon as you finish your business… Don’t you think that’s cold of you?

Lucas: Even if you say that… We have to hurry and report back to Finlay-sama.

Zerasia: Geez!! You’re just as stingy as ever!

Zerasia: …Lucas. Play poker with me.

Lucas: Oh? Poker…?

Zerasia: Yes. I’ve been waiting for this day to come. I’ve polished my skills since I lost to you a long time ago.

Berrien: …Hmm… I had him play against her so that she would stop gambling…

Berrien: But it seems that it fired her up in a bad way.

Lucas: Zerasia-sama… I told you then too, but I cannot gamble.

Lucas: I made a promise with Berrien.

Lucas: The most I could bet would be a cup of tea.

Lucas: And I’m currently Aruji-sama’s butler…

Lucas: I cannot waste Aruji-sama’s precious time by accepting a match.

Zerasia: I knew you’d say that.

Zerasia: So to make you serious… I went out of my way to prepare a prize.

Ding, ding…

When Zerasia-sama rang her bell… The manager who was waiting outside the door appeared.

In his hand was… Muu who was sleeping in a cage.

> Muu!

Muu: …………

Berrien: …You mean to make Muu-chan the prize?

Zerasia: Yes. Won’t you have a serious match with me now?

Lucas: ………

The smile Zerasia-sama had up until now disappeared… Her expression was unreadable, like a Noh mask.

【Hotel - Suite】

Haures: …That’s what happened. As for infiltrating the security, everything is going smoothly so far. 

Lucas: I see. That’s good.

Lucas: On our side, we’ve managed to draw attention to ourselves without any problems. 

Lucas: But… We’ve put a big responsibility on you, haven't we, Aruji-sama?

Lucas: Nice work today.

> You guys also did great. > I was so nervous‒ I’m drained…

Berrien: Fufu, nevertheless… It was wonderful seeing you play poker.

Berrien: Especially that daring smile at the end…

Berrien: It was truly befitting of a mafia boss.

> If so, then that’s great, but… > I really tried my best.

Muu: Aruji-sama, you were super cool!

Muu: It’s a shame I couldn’t talk to you since I was pretending to be a normal cat…

Nac: My… You must have delivered a truly splendid performance.

Nac: I had a different role to fulfill, but… It’s regrettable that I was not able to see it. 

> I didn’t do much.

Even my smile at the end was because I was following Lucas’s instructions. 

The atmosphere of the casino, the outcome of the match… Everything was under Lucas’s control.

> I just did what Lucas said.

Lucas: Fufu… Please don’t be so humble.

Lucas: If it weren’t for your acting… The crowd wouldn’t have gotten that excited. 

Muu: But… Lucas-san made sure you kept winning, right?

Muu: Going undefeated… How did you do it?

> Aren’t you a bit too good at gambling?

Lucas: No, no. I didn’t do anything special.

Lucas: I just… Used my memory and observation skills.

Lucas: If you keep a close eye on the cards and your opponents’ expressions… You might find yourself winning more often than you think ♪

> (I don’t think it’s that simple…) > (I wonder about that……)

Haures: As expected of Lucas-san.

Haures: With those gambling skills, couldn’t you earn a lot of money?

Nac: Yes, I think so too.

Nac: For Lucas-san, it doesn’t seem like you’d have trouble procuring funds. 

Lucas: Hm~m, about that…

Lucas: Actually around the time when I just became a Devil Butler……

Berrien: ……Lucas-san.

Berrien: Aruji-sama must be tired after today.

Berrien: Let’s wrap up our conversation here… And get ready for bed.

Lucas: Oops, my bad… You’re right.

Muu: Ehh? But I wanna hear the rest of Lucas-san’s story…

Lucas: Fufu… I can continue that anytime.

Lucas: For today, let’s just do what Berrien says.

> (I wonder what he was going to say…?)

…No matter how I look at it, Berrien purposely cut Lucas off.

Deep down I was curious about Lucas’s story, but…

It’s true that I was also tired, so I decided to listen and rest.

-A few days later-

For the past few days, I spent my time peacefully while occasionally showing my face at the casino. 

In the meantime, Haures and Nac had located the ledger.

All that’s left to complete this request was to wait for the right opportunity to steal the ledger and talk to Zerasia-sama.

Opens…

Haures: Aruji-sama, excuse me.

Nac: Nice work today, Aruji-sama.

> You guys too.

Nac: Just now… There was an urgent message from the manager.

Nac: The casino’s owner has just arrived…

Nac: And they want to meet the Devils Family’s boss face-to-face. 

Berrien: Hmm… A mafia boss who became the talk of the town in Slick…

Berrien: And a gambler who has been undefeated in the casino these past few days……

Berrien: Zerasia-sama is surely intrigued.

Lucas: Aruji-sama, everything is going according to plan so far. Shall we accept her invitation?

Haures: While you guys go meet with her… Nac and I will take the ledger.

Nac: Yes, we already know the security layout. As for the ledger, we are ready to recover it at any time.

We could obtain the ledger without any issues and succeeded in getting Zerasia-sama to call for us. 

The last thing is to verify with her the rumor about plotting for Finlay-sama’s downfall.

> Now then… Shall we accept her invitation?

Nac: Understood. I will convey those words to the manager.

【Hotel Passageway】

Step… step… step…

Manager: …The owner is waiting in this room.

Lucas: Thank you for guiding us.

> Appreciate it. (Thank you very much.)

Berrien: Now then… Let’s head inside.

Muu: Nyaa~, nyan! (Let’s do our best!)

Manager: Oh… My apologies, but could the cat wait outside?

Manager: The owner’s not good with cats… They won’t be able to focus if the cat’s in the same room.

Berrien: Hmm… but……

Manager: I’ll keep an eye on him here until you return…

I was worried about leaving Muu behind on his own.

However, right now I’m acting as a mafia boss… I couldn’t cling to a cat.

Muu: Nyaa~! Nyaa~! (I’ll be fine!)

Lucas: Muu-chan will definitely be a good boy and wait for us. Please rest assured, Boss.

> …Yeah. (Sorry, Muu.)

We left Muu with the manager and went ahead.

When I glanced back one last time… Muu looked awkward being with the fierce-looking manager. 

> ( Will he be okay…)

Muu: …………

Manager: …………

Swish……

Manager: …Do you like chicken?

Muu: Nyaa! Nyan, nyan ♪

> (Ah, looks like he’ll be fine.)

Seeing Muu stuffing his face with chicken while the manager petted him… I entered the room with my mind at ease.

【Back of the Casino】

-Meanwhile-

Nac: Fufu… We managed to infiltrate without any issues. 

Haures: Yeah. All that’s left is to unlock that safe and grab the ledger.

Nac: Leave the safe to me. I’ve already looked into how to open it.

Clink… clink…… clang!

Nac: Fufu… No issues here either.

Haures: It’s still too early to let our guard down. Let’s hurry and look for the ledger.

Nac: Yes, you’re right.

Creaaak……

Haures: Wha‒this……!?

Nac: My, my… We’ve been completely had.

Step… step… step…

【Casino - Venue】

Guided by the manager, we stepped foot into the casino.

Manager: Please enjoy yourselves. I’ll be taking my leave now.

Lucas: Thank you. We’ll let you know if we need something.

The manager said something to a few employees and left the venue.

After the manager left, scrutinizing gazes from all over the venue were directed at us.

Muu: Uu~...... nyan, nyan… (This is uncomfortable.)

Berrien: It seems that everyone is curious about us since we were escorted by the manager.

Berrien: Still, don’t worry.

Berrien: Even if something happens… We will take care of everything.

> I leave it to you. (Please do, Berrien.)

Lucas: Now then… Let’s proceed with the plan.

Lucas: Fufu… It’s been awhile since I’ve played at a casino ♪

Lucas: It’s fine, right, Berrien?

Berrien: Yes, just this time though.

Lucas: Yeah, I know.

Lucas: Then, first… Boss, let’s head to that poker table over there.

> Yeah. (Will this be okay……)

【Back of the Casino】

-Meanwhile-

Guard: Only VIP guests and those with permission from the manager can come here.

Guard: When that happens, we are also informed beforehand.

Nac: Understood. It’s fine to capture those wandering here without notice, right?

Guard: Yeah. But just in case, don’t get rough with them.

Guard: For that… Get permission from the manager first.

Guard: If it’s just a lost guest, it’ll become a headache.

Nac: Just catching them, huh… How dull.

Nac: I’m quite confident in making people talk. If you find an intruder, call me.

Guard: Just as the rumors say, it seems like the Devils Family has a lot of hot-headed people…

Nac: I wanted to go to the casino but got dragged here instead.

Nac: At least let me have a little fun.

Haures: (Nac… he’s good. He’s completely blending in with the mafia.)

Haures: (It’s so different from his usual way of talking. It’s throwing me off…)

Haures: (I have to learn from him.)

Nac: Are there other people who have the key to here besides you?

Guard: Yeah, the manager. But……There’s no need for you guys to know who else. 

Guard: Now…This is as far as you guys are allowed to go. Questions?

Nac: Let’s see……

Nac: That window over there… It’s difficult to see it from the passageway, making it hard to notice any intruders. 

Nac: The guard’s patrol route seems to be more focused on the inside of the building, but…

Nac: It’d be better to have more guards for the outside too. 

Guard: Hm… You have a point. Alright, we’ll increase the number of people.

Guard: …I have other things to take care of. You guys better do a good job guarding this area.

Nac: Only the boss is allowed to give me orders. Stop running your mouth and get going.

Guard: Cocky brats… Whatever.

Step… step… step…

Nac: ……Hmph. He’s gone.

Haures: Yeah… Anyways, Nac, you’re amazing.

Haures: There’s a lot I’m impressed about, but… Especially that part at the end with the window…

Haures: You directed the guard’s attention to the outside so that it’s easier for us to proceed with the investigation.

Nac: My… So you noticed, Haures-san.

Haures: Smoothly diverting one’s actions and thoughts through conversation…

Haures: As I thought, being with you makes it clear what I need to learn.

Nac: Fufu… I’m honored that you would say that.

Nac: Now then… We know the guards’ patrol route and interior layout…

Nac: Shall we begin searching for the ledger?

Haures: Yeah, let’s do that.

【Casino - Venue】

Dealer: Now… It's a showdown.

At the dealer’s signal, I flipped over the hand I was dealt.

At that moment… A commotion spread throughout the venue.

Casino Guest: Wha…! This time it’s a flush…?

Casino Guest: Just how many times have they won!?

Berrien: Fufu… As expected of you, Boss. You’re strong.

Muu: Nya, nyan, nyan~♪ (You’re amazing, Aruji-sama!)

> Of course I am. (Why do I keep winning…?)

Lucas: Fufu… Your victorious figure is wonderful. 

Lucas: Now then……That’s about enough.

Ever since I sat down at the poker table…

I kept winning… And before I realized it, a mountain of chips piled up in front of me.

Following Lucas's whispered instructions… The mountain of chips grew larger and larger.

Desperately trying to keep my composure, I looked straight ahead, and Lucas brought his face close to my ear once again.

Lucas: Boss…… Just keep confidently smiling like that.

> ………

Lucas: That’s right. Very good.

> Is that so? (It doesn’t look stiff…?)

Lucas: Now… With that look, do exactly as I say.

Lucas: In the next match… Please bet all the money you’ve won.

> Got it. (A-A-A-ALL OF IT!?)

Lucas: It’ll be fine. You’ll win for sure.

Lucas: Please trust me.

Lucas: After that…

Lucas: Please respond to everything I’m about to say with… “Not a problem.”

> …Alright. (Will it be okay…)

After Lucas said that… He moved his face away from my ear and made a surprised expression.

Lucas: What…! Are you serious, Boss!?

Lucas: To think that… You would bet all the money you’ve won so far…!!

Casino Guests: Murmur…… 　All those chips!? Seriously!? 　　　Murmur……

Lucas: Are you really sure about this…?

> Not a problem. (It’s not a problem… right?)

Lucas: U-Understood… If it’s you saying that then…

Lucas: …Dealer. For the next match, we’re going all in. 

Dealer: V-Very well…

Dealer: Now… All in for one billion zeni… (1)

With an overwhelming amount of one billion zeni… My throat went dry from how nervous I was.

Step… step…

Lucas: Fufu… …Unfortunately, it seems like this is where we stop for today.

Manager: I came over because there was a commotion……

Manager: A match with one billion zeni on the line… I’ve never seen anything like that before.

Then, in a small voice only we could hear, the manager continued speaking.

Manager: …Isn’t that enough?

Manager: With all this commotion… That person will surely come within the next few days.

Manager: Please wait in the suite until then.

Lucas: Fufu, alright. If that’s the case, then there’s no helping it.

Lucas: As for the match with one billion zeni on the line… Let’s put it on hold for today.

Lucas’s words put me at ease, and I felt my strength leave my body.

And so… I decided to return to my room with the butlers.

-A few days later-

The carriage we were riding stopped at a luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Espoir.

Lucas: We’ve arrived. This building is the underground casino.

Muu: Heh~! Even though it's an underground casino, it looks like a normal hotel.

Lucas: Yup, on the outside at least.

Berrien: But on the inside many of the mafia’s top brass and nobles with ties to the underworld are gathering here. 

Berrien: It’s dangerous, so please don’t get separated from us, Aruji-sama.

> Yeah, I won’t.

Haures: Hm… Even the people around the building seem suspicious. 

Nac: Yes… They have a sharp aura you'd only find in people in that line of work. 

Nac: Let’s stay on guard. Everyone, from this point on we’ll act as mafia members.

> Stay sharp. (Let’s do our best……)

After getting off the carriage, I approached the hotel while being surrounded by the butlers disguised as the mafia.

The moment we entered the lobby… I felt many pointed stares as if they were evaluating us. 

> …… (I wanna go home……)

Receptionist: Welcome. Do you have a reservation with us?

Haures: No…… We want to play at the casino.

Receptionist: Casino…? Hm… This hotel doesn’t have anything of the sort…

Haures: “Doesn’t have”... you say? Sorry, but I’m not in the mood for pointless chatter.

Haures: We’ve already looked into this hotel. Show us the way.

> (Haures, you’re really into your role…) > (Wow… He seems so different from usual.)

Receptionist: Oh…? But even if you say that…

Receptionist: Dear guests… Perhaps you’re mistaking us for a different hotel?

Haures: …I see. It seems that you’ve been well trained as a receptionist.

Haures: However…… I believe I said that I didn’t need “pointless chatter”.

Haures: Right now you’ve already wasted 10 seconds of the boss’s time. …Perhaps you should ask for your guests’ name first.

Haures: Making the Devils Family’s boss wait… And going as far as to turn them away……

Haures: It won’t just end with you regretting it.

Receptionist: Wha… D-Devils Family…!?

Haures: …What will you do now?

Haures: How many more seconds of the boss’s time can you waste…? Wanna test it out?

Lucas: Fufu… That’s quite brave of you.

Lucas: Angering the boss… I could never do something so terrifying. 

> Haa…… (Just gotta act like I’m in a bad mood…)

Other Guests: The Devils Family… They’re the ones who showed up in Slick out of nowhere…

Other Guests: In just a few days, they destroyed much of the opposing mafia groups…

Nac: ……What vexing stares… How much longer do you plan on keeping the boss in a place like this?

Berrien: Now… What will you do?

Receptionist: I-I understand…!

Receptionist: I will check with my higher ups… Please wait in the suite…!

> Make it fast. (Sorry…)

Dash…

The receptionist ran towards the back in a fluster.

As I watched his back with mixed feelings… Lucas subtly whispered into my ear.

Lucas: “The Devils Family wants to join hands with the casino’s mafia.”

Lucas: I actually spread that rumor beforehand. 

Lucas: The receptionist must have been ordered by his higher ups to inform them if we come. 

> Is that so? (I see…)

Lucas: Well, I think Haures-kun’s threat also helped.

Lucas: Anyways… It seems like we were able to pique their interest.

Everything was going according to plan, but… Right now, my stomach kind of hurts.

At any rate, we were shown to the suite and decided to rest a bit there.

【Hotel - Suite】

-A little later-

Muu: Haa~~... I was so nervous…

Muu: Haures-san’s acting was so good.

Haures: R-Really…? It’s great if I didn’t look stiff, but…

Nac: Fufu… You played the part very well.

Berrien: However… To think that Haures-kun would volunteer himself to be a member…

Berrien: I thought that you were the type to find this kind of role difficult… How surprising. 

Lucas: Yeah. Did you have a specific reason?

Haures: Yes. As a former military police member, I’m used to dealing with criminals. 

Haures: I thought I’d be useful in a place where people of the underworld gather.

> It’s very reassuring to have you here.

Haures: Thank you.

Haures: Also… By doing a mission like this… I wanted to gain more experience. 

Haures: If I can learn to handle various situations… I can be of greater help to Aruji-sama.

Lucas: Being a Devil Butler means that unconventional requests like this will also come…

Lucas: I think your desire to improve yourself is very wonderful.

Haures: Thank you. …However, I still have a long way to go.

Haures: If there’s something I can improve on… I would appreciate it if you could point it out right away.

Nac: Fufu… It’s alright for you to relax a little more.

Nac: I’m used to infiltrating the underworld, so if something happens, leave it to me to support you.

Haures: I see… I’m counting on you, Nac.

Berrien: Now then… Let’s confirm the plan once again.

Berrien: Haures-kun, Nac-kun, please investigate the casino and search for the ledger’s whereabouts.

Nac: Yes, just as we discussed.

Haures: Leave it to us.

Berrien: Thank you. And while you two look for the ledger…

Berrien: Aruji-sama, Lucas-san, Muu-chan, and I will go to the casino.

Berrien: Let’s make a show of it while we play to draw everyone’s attention.

> Make a show of it, huh… > In the spotlight again…

Lucas: Yes. If we attract attention and rumors spread…

Lucas: Since Zerasia-sama loves gambling… She’ll get curious about us and come to the casino.

Nac: So the idea is for her to catch wind of the rumors and come to the casino herself.

Nac: It appears that Zerasia-sama truly loves gambling. 

Lucas: Well…… She was trying to make bets with jewels from the age of 8.

Lucas: I don’t think there’s a bigger gambler than her.

Lucas: That said, she’s not just a gambling enthusiast… She’s also very clever.

Lucas: She’s been doing a good job of hiding her involvement with this casino’s management. 

Lucas: Being backed by a casino run by the mafia is not a good look for a noble family’s reputation after all.

Lucas: The only ones who know of the casino’s owner are… Likely the manager and a few other people.

> It’s really kept under wraps, huh.

Lucas: Precisely.

Lucas: Not only the guests, but the employees too… They don’t know of Zerasia-sama’s existence. 

Lucas: She probably comes to check on things every now and then… But she’s likely not here all the time.

Lucas: That’s exactly why… There’s an opening for us to take advantage of.

> An opening?

Lucas: That’s……

Nac: Ah… From the hallway, several people are approaching this room.

Nac: Let us resume our acting again. Is everyone ready?

Muu: Y-Yes… I’ll do my best!

Knock, knock…

> Enter (Please don’t come in.)

The door opened and a man with an intimidating air and strong build entered.

Manager: Hello… I’m the manager of this casino.

Lucas: Fufu, my, my… I’m glad we could meet you so soon.

The manager took a seat in the chair directly across from me.

Manager: Forgive my bluntness, but… Let’s skip the tedious mind games.

Manager: The infamous Devils Family… Why have you come here?

He had a deep voice that sounded like it came from the bottom of his chest and an intimidating stare.

I felt myself shrinking on the inside as he stared at me. 

Berrien: I see… Then, we’ll also get straight to the point.

Berrien: The Devils Family is thinking of joining forces with you.

Manager: Hm… Can I ask why?

Berrien: For us in the underworld… You could say that these are trying times right now.

Berrien: Since Finlay Grovaner became the Central Lands’s sovereign… Many organizations have been crushed.

Nac: Yes. As a result, many organizations are disbanding and reorganizing. 

Manager: …It’s true that the current head is nothing more than a hindrance. 

Manager: In short… You would like to borrow the casino’s power to survive? 

Haures: No. We’re saying that we’ll lend you a hand so you can survive.

Haures: …No matter how much money you offer to the Grovaner family through the nobles… There is no guarantee that this casino will remain safe.

Manager: …! Where did you hear that from…

Lucas: Of course, not only do we have the combat strength… But also an intelligence network that no other organization has. 

Lucas: There is no information in the underworld that has escaped our ears.

Lucas: Isn’t that right, boss?

> Exactly. (That’s the story we’re going with.)

Berrien: These are the times we’re in… To survive, we have to help one another.

Berrien: That’s all we wanted to say. Please tell the casino owner what we talked about.

Manager: ……I understand. I’ll let them know.

Manager: However, the owner is a busy person… It’ll take a few days to get a reply.

Manager: Until then… Please enjoy the casino.

> We’ll do just that. (Thank you!)

Lucas: Ah, manager… I forgot one last thing.

Lucas: To express our desire to cooperate with you… We’ll lend you two of our guys to help with security.

Lucas: Even within our organization, they are very capable people. Use them as you will. 

Haures: I’m confident in my ability to take down people going wild.

Nac: It’s for the survival of both of our organizations. For now, let’s work together.

Manager: Hm… I’m grateful for the thought, but… I can’t let people from an outside organization go that far.

Lucas: Now, now. Don’t say that. Just think of it as giving our boss some face.

Lucas: Let’s see…… Maybe seeing this will change your mind?

Crinkle…

Manager: Hm? This is…….

Manager: ……WHAT!?

Lucas: Fufu… A small token of appreciation from our boss.

> That’s right. (What did you give him?)

Lucas: Let’s continue to get along with each other.

Manager: Y-Yes… Very well…….

Manager: Those two… I’ll gladly accept them.

Lucas: Fufu, thank you.

The manager was explaining how he’ll have Haures and Nac work the front desk.

While he did that… I asked Lucas what he gave the manager just now.

Lucas: Fufu, a check. 

Lucas: For infiltrating the casino… Finlay-sama entrusted me with a certain amount of funds. 

Lucas: …Do you want to know the exact amount?

> I leave it all to you. (I’m scared so no.)

Judging by how shocked the manager was… I’m sure a huge amount was written.

-A few minutes later-

Zerasia: Fufu… How’s this? Three of a kind!!

Lucas: Straight… It’s my win.

Zerasia: This is payback for earlier! …Straight!!

Lucas: Unfortunately… Flush. It’s my win again.

Zerasia: Uu… this time for sure… Flush! I definitely won this time!

Lucas: Oh, my apologies. Royal straight flush.

Lucas: That was a close one, wasn’t one?

Zerasia: Why, why…! I’m strong too~~~...!!

Lucas: Hmm… Maybe because of our difference in life experiences?

Zerasia: …Uu……UWEEEEH!!

Lucas: Oops… I went a bit overboard.

Finlay_Childhood: …You really did…… You’re quite merciless to an 8 year old child.

Lucas: Zerasia-sama, my apologies. Let’s end our game here.

Zerasia: Nooo~~!! We’re playing until I wiiiin~!!

Lucas: Hm… That’s a difficult request.

Lucas: I’ll win no matter how many times we play after all.

Zerasia: WAAAH!!

Lucas: Oops… Sorry, force of habit…

Finlay_Childhood: At any rate… I understand what Lucas meant earlier.

Finlay_Childhood: Poker’s a rather profound game.

Lucas: Oh? Finlay-sama, are you interested in poker?

Finlay_Childhood: …Even if I am, I’m not playing with you.

Zerasia: Uu…Uuu…

Berrien: Poor you… I’ve made some tea, so let’s take a moment to calm down.

Lucas: Hm~m… I feel like I’m the bad guy.

Berrien: Fufu… I’m sorry for pushing an unpleasant role onto you.

Berrien: However… Thank you for playing seriously.

Lucas: Well… If it’s to resume our lessons, I don’t mind doing this much.

Zerasia: Hiiku……I can win too……

Berrien: You certainly are strong, Zerasia-sama.

Berrien: However… In this world, there is always someone better…

Berrien: This is especially true for you as an 8 year old.

Berrien: It’s not easy to win against someone who is very knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced.

Berrien: If you had bet on your jewels…

Berrien: There wouldn’t be anything left in your hands by now.

Berrien: The gifts you received from your parents… Would have been lost in just mere minutes.

Zerasia: These are my jewels… I really thought I’d win for sure…

Berrien: …Gambling is not all fun.

Berrien: With gambling… There are people who get so addicted they destroy their lives. 

Berrien: It’s not a bad thing to enjoy games, but… Let’s wait a little longer until you become an adult before you start gambling.

Zerasia: ……Uu…… okay…

Finlay_Childhood: Good grief… It’s finally gotten quiet.

Lucas: Now then… Let’s get back to class.

…………… ………

> So something like that happened.

Lucas: Yes… It’s a very nostalgic memory. 

Berrien: And now, that girl from then… Is the true head of the Sabino family…

Berrien: People grow up so fast.

Lucas: Rumor has it that because she’s from a good family… Even at her in-laws’, she does as she pleases.

Lucas: After all, she used to be the top candidate for the next successor of the Grovaner family.

Nac: I see… So her partner’s family can’t take a firm stance against her. 

Lucas: Finlay-sama sometimes grumbles about how “even though she’s an adult now, she hasn’t fixed her willful personality”...

Lucas: Oops… Didn’t mean to let that slip.

Lucas: Let’s all keep that a secret ♪

> (...Lucas looks like he’s having fun.) > (...He definitely did that on purpose…)

Nac: Nevertheless, this time’s mission… It’s practically finished once we procure the ledger.

Nac: About directly meeting Zerasia-sama and verifying the truth behind the rumors…

Nac: Berrien-san and Lucas-san are acquainted with her, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. 

Lucas: Hm… If we can meet her that is.

Lucas: Zerasia-sama is a very fickle person… Even if we request to meet with her, who knows if she’ll accept. 

Lucas: Given the nature of this mission, we can’t exactly reveal our identities beforehand either.

Berrien: Hm… Anyways, let’s continue our discussion once we return to the mansion.

Berrien: Taking Aruji-sama’s safety into consideration… I’d like to have at least one more person join us.

Berrien: Let’s talk with the other butlers and decide on who’s going.

While I thanked Berrien for being considerate, I thought about the story I heard earlier.

Berrien banned Lucas from gambling…

Since Berrien doesn’t usually interfere with the butlers’ hobbies… Something felt a bit off.

Berrien: Aruji-sama? Is something the matter?

Lucas: Fufu, if you’re worried about pretending to be a boss… I’ll help you practice, so rest assured ♪

> (Ah, that’s right…)

I have to pretend to be a mafia boss again…

Putting aside my suspicions… My mind was completely filled with the thought of acting.

-Decades Ago-

Lucas: ……That’s what happened. The enactment of the new law caused the public’s opinion to turn negative.

Finlay_Childhood: Hm… I see.

Lucas: I’ve shown several examples of past policy implementation failures, but…

Lucas: If it were you… How would you implement policies?

Finlay_Childhood: Let’s see……

Finlay_Childhood: Before enacting a new law, I would first… Implement that same law in a small village as a trial run.

Finlay_Childhood: After observing the results, I would decide whether or not to enact it in all of the Central Lands.

Lucas: Fufu… Good answer, Finlay-sama.

Lucas: Through that method, you would be able to identify any issues ahead of time.

Finlay_Childhood: …But even if I learn about how to govern… The chance for me to use this knowledge will never come.

Finlay_Childhood: After all in terms of lineage… Among the potential successors, I’m the least likely candidate. 

Finlay_Childhood: Unless something extraordinary happens… The order of succession will not be overturned. 

Finlay_Childhood: You also understand that. Why are you teaching me this?

Lucas: Hm… It’s true your chances may be low.

Lucas: But… If it’s you, I believe you can make it a reality.

Lucas: Above all else… I’d like for you, with your intellect, to take over as head.

Lucas: If you become the next head… This world bound by tradition will surely change.

Lucas: For the sake of the people too… I ask that you have faith in your abilities and go forward without giving up.

Finlay_Childhood: For the sake of the people, huh…

Finlay_Childhood: …Hmph. That’s quite the heavy burden to put on a 12 year old child.

Finlay_Childhood: Well, it’s fine. Anyways, let’s continue with the next lesson…

??: FINLAY-KUUUN~!! LETSS PLAAAY~!!

Finlay_Childhood: …Haa, it’s her again……

Opens…!

??: Finlay-kun, I came to play!!

Lucas: Hello, Zerasia-sama.

Finlay_Childhood: …Zerasia. I’m in the middle of a lesson right now. Don’t interrupt us.

Zerasia: Aren’t lessons so boring? Playing’s way more fun!

Finlay_Childhood: ……I can’t afford to do that.

Finlay_Childhood: This will be important for when I become the next head of the Grovaner family.

Zerasia: Ehh~, but… Papa and Mama said that Finlay-kun won’t become the next head…

Lucas: Fufu, Finlay-sama is like an unpolished gem. Someday, your parents will also recognize his brilliance.

Zerasia: Gem…? Hm~m, I don’t really get it, but… Whatever, who cares!

Zeraisa: I wanna play poker with Finlay-kun… So I brought a bunch of things to bet on!

Clink, clink..

Finlay_Childhood: …You’re only 8 years old, but you’ve brought this many jewels to make bets on……

Finlay_Childhood: Good grief… Just how pampered are you?

Knock, knock…

Berrien: Finlay-sama, Lucas-san. I’ve brought you some tea. It’s about time you take a break……

Zerasia: If you beat me, I’ll give you all the jewels!! Hey, hey! Let’s play poker!

Berrien: My, my… So you’re here too, Zerasia-sama.

Finlay_Childhood: Poker’s a pointless game. I don’t have time to spare on useless things.

Lucas: Hmm… useless, huh?

Lucas: But Finlay-sama, in high society, poker is a surprisingly versatile thing, you know?

Lucas: Poker’s not just about luck… It’s a game where you can put your ability to calculate your chances, memory, and psychological tactics to the test.

Lucas: Skills like being able to read your opponent’s expressions can also be applied to negotiations.

Finlay_Childhood: …Why are you siding with Zerasia?

Lucas: No, that’s not my intention.

Lucas: I just wanted you to know that… everything in your life can become a learning experience…

Lucas: Including poker… Perhaps you can learn something new.

Berrien: Lucas-san. It’s still too early for Finlay-sama to be gambling.

Lucas: Oops… Sorry, didn’t mean to.

Zerasia: Lucas! You look like you’ve played poker before! I don’t mind playing with you instead!

Lucas: Hmm… I’m grateful for your invitation.

Lucas: But… I’ll refrain myself for now. My apologies.

Lucas: Berrien’s banned me from gambling after all.

Zerasia: Really? But isn’t just a little fine?

Lucas: My apologies, but he has something on me.

Lucas: If I break my promise to not gamble, who knows what fate I’ll meet…

Finlay_Childhood: What? Is that true, Berrien?

Berrien: No… I don’t have anything on him. I just simply asked him not to.

Lucas: Fufu… Under a condition I absolutely couldn’t refuse, right?

Berrien: Hm~m… I didn’t really intend for it to be like that though…

Lucas: Sorry, sorry. I’m just kidding.

Lucas: Even though he asked me… It was my decision to accept it.

Lucas: …And there you have it. Zerasia-sama, I’ll refrain from gambling.

Lucas: If we bet on a cookie instead of jewels or money, I’ll have a match with you though.

Zerasia: Ehh~ that’s so boring! I’ll just play with Finlay-kun instead!

Finlay_Childhood: I said no already.

Zerasia: No way!! I’m not going home until you play with me!

Lucas: Hm~m… This is a problem.

Finlay_Childhood: Haa… We’re behind schedule. …Zerasia, enough……

Berrien: Hmm…… Seems like there’s no other way.

Berrien: Lucas-san, just for a bit, please play with Zerasia-sama.

Lucas: Huh? Is it really okay?

Berrien: Yes, but please bet on… The right to play with Finlay-sama.

Berrien: If Zerasia-sama wins even once against you… She can play with Finlay-sama…

Berrien: I’m sure she will also be satisfied with these terms.

Lucas: I see… Betting on the right to play, huh. Nice idea.

Zerasia: I can play with Finlay-kun if I win!? Deal! Let’s have a match!!

Zerasia: Fufu… I’m pretty strong, so I’ll win in no time!

Finlay_Childhood: ……Berrien. You’re certain Lucas will win, right?

Berrien: Yes, there is no need to worry. I can vouch for Lucas-san’s skills.

Lucas: My, my. To think you have that much confidence in me.

Lucas: That’s a lot of pressure.

Berrien: But… if it’s you, then there’s not a problem, right?

Lucas: Fufu… Of course.

Lucas: Since I’ve gotten your permission, I’ll take care of this.

Berrien: I leave it to you, Lucas-san.

Berrien: Hmm… I do feel a bit conflicted, but……

Berrien: This is also for Zerasia-sama’s own good… Please show her how terrifying gambling can be.

Lucas: I see… That also may be important to learn.

Lucas: I said that poker can be useful, but… I’m a bit concerned about how she’s gambling from a young age.

Lucas: Now……

Lucas: …It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten serious.

Finlay_Childhood: …! Lucas… you…

Zerasia: W-What’s gotten into you…!?

Lucas: …There’s no need for idle chatter in poker.

【Grovaner Family - Conference Room】

I was at the mansion when Finlay-sama summoned me and a few of the butlers.

Finlay: Lord of the Devil Butlers. Thank you for answering my sudden summons.

Finlay: You too… Lucas, Berrien, Nac-kun.

> Is it a last minute request? > Why have you summoned us?

Finlay: This time… I have a confidential request that I’d like to ask of you.

Finlay: There is an underground casino on the outskirts of Espoir that I want you to infiltrate.

Nac: An underground casino… Seems like something suspicious is going on.

Finlay: Yes… Firstly, allow me to explain from the beginning. 

Finlay: Recently in the Central Lands, the power structure of the crime syndicates is undergoing major changes.

Finlay: You are also largely connected to this, so I’m sure you already know…

Previously, we dismantled the mafia in the town of Slick… (1)

And recently, Nac went around demolishing organized crime groups in the Central Lands. (2)

Thanks to that… It seems that there are many changes happening in the underworld right now.

Finlay: Organizations are merging and restructuring to survive… These kinds of shifts have been increasing.

Finlay: And in the midst of this… A certain mafia group has become especially powerful.

Finlay: The underground casino I want you to infiltrate is managed by that mafia group.

Berrien: Hm, so you’d like to take measures and conduct an investigation before they become even more powerful?

Finlay: There’s that, but… There are various rumors about that underground casino.

Finlay: It seems that not only the Central Lands, but also the Eastern Lands’s mafia have been frequenting there. 

Finlay: Furthermore… Recently, the flow of funds to and from the Eastern Lands has been increasing.

Berrien: Hm… The Eastern Lands’s mafia, you say…

Nac: However… Most of the Central Lands’s crime organizations should have been crushed by my own hands…

Nac: To think that there is still an organization with connections to other lands.

Finlay: For that mafia group… They have a rock-solid backing from a noble.

Finlay: Since they have been paying a large amount of money to the Grovaner family… Up until now, I’ve turned a blind eye.

Lucas: Hmm… When it comes to nobles that are connected to the mafia and are paying a large sum to the Grovaner family…

Lucas: Perhaps… are you referring to the Sabino family?

> The Sabino family?

Lucas: Yes, they are a family that have had ties to the mafia for a long time and financially contribute to the Grovaner family. 

Lucas: And it is also the family that Finlay-sama’s cousin, Zerasia-sama, married into. 

> (Zerasia-sama… This is the first time I’m hearing of her.)

Lucas: Currently, the power of the Sabino family is in her hands.

Finlay: The Sabinos contribute greatly to the Grovaners.

Finlay: Due to that, they have not been rebuked for having ties to the mafia, but…

Finlay: This time, it appears that there is a need to look into this.

> Is there a specific reason…?

Finlay: Yes. After the incident where you were being attacked… We looked into the flow of the money to identify the client…

Finlay: From our investigations… The possibility of money laundering at the casino I mentioned earlier came up. 

> By money laundering, you mean…

Finlay: To put it simply… It’s a system for making illegally obtained money appear legitimate.

Finlay: It’s a tactic used by criminals to keep their source of money under wraps.

Lucas: Well… we certainly can’t overlook that.

Lucas: As for us… We also want to quickly find out the truth behind those attacks.

Finlay: Yes. I want you to investigate the truth there.

Finlay: If the casino catches wind of this… There is a risk that they will falsify their ledger, but…

Finlay: If it’s you, you wouldn’t fail, would you?

Berrien: Fufu… We are honored to have you trust us that much.

Finlay: I’m speaking objectively based on your achievements up until now.

> (It makes me happy to be acknowledged.) > (We should be careful so we don’t mess up.)

Finlay: And I have one more request…

Finlay: There’s a rumor that the casino’s owner is plotting my downfall.

Finlay: I would like you to verify the authenticity of this rumor as well.

Berrien: The casino’s owner… You mean to say that the Sabino family is aiming for your downfall…

Berrien: No matter how much I try, it’s difficult to imagine Zerasia-sama coming up with a plan like that…

Lucas: Agreed… Someone like her doing something like that…

Nac: Hm… For Berrien-san and Lucas-san to go as far as to say that…

Nac: Is this Zerasia-sama that trustworthy of a person?

Lucas: H~mm… rather than trustworthy…

Finlay: ……There’s no one who is as much of a true gambler as her.

Finlay: She would rather choose to sit at a casino table than pull strings behind the scenes to seize power… That’s the kind of person she is.

> I see……? > A true gambler……

Finlay: Personally, I’m not taking this rumor that seriously.

Lucas: However, given the contents of it… You can’t just ignore it, right?

Finlay: That’s right. I’d like for you to meet with Zerasia and verify the authenticity of this rumor.

Lucas: Understood. To put your mind at ease, we will do our utmost.

> We’ll do what we can.

Finlay: Very good. I’m looking forward to seeing your results.

Finlay: To summarize… there are two goals for your infiltration.

Finlay: The first is to investigate the ledger and obtain evidence of money laundering.

Finlay: The second is to confirm the truth behind the rumor that they are plotting my downfall.

Berrien: However, Finlay-sama… Is there really a need to carry out this mission?

Berrien: If evidence comes out…

Berrien: Depending on how things unfold… It could result in your relationship with your childhood friend being ruined…

Finlay: I don’t mind. ……You two also know.

Finlay: If she were the kind of person to fall into a slump just because the family she married into fell to ruins, then… I wouldn’t be suffering.

Berrien: You have a point… Zerasia-sama doesn’t seem like she’d be discouraged.

Lucas: Fufu… You could say she’s resilient… or eccentric.

Finlay: That’s how she is. Please investigate thoroughly without hesitation. 

Lucas: Hm… If it was just to sneakily retrieve the ledger, then just Nac-kun would be enough, but…

Lucas: This time, you called for Berrien and I too since we’re acquainted with Zerasia-sama, right? 

Finlay: That’s right. Since it’s a struggle to understand what she’s thinking…

Finlay: It’ll probably be less of a hassle for someone who’s acquainted with her to deal with her.

Lucas: Putting the ledger aside…

Lucas: Wouldn’t it be better if you just confirmed with Zerasia-sama directly yourself about the plan to bring about your downfall?

Finlay: Haa… It’s tiring talking with her.

Finlay: Besides if I request a meeting with her… She would surely attach conditions to it.

> (......Just what kind of person is she…?)

Berrien: Fufu… Both you and her haven’t changed since a long time ago.

Finlay: …Anyways. I leave these two missions to you.

Finlay: Other than to the necessary parties like Zerasia… Take caution that your identities don’t get exposed.

Finlay: If it gets out that the Devil Butlers and their lord were at the casino… It would cause an uproar with them thinking that the Grovaner family is onto them.

Meet with Zerasia-sama, confirm the rumors… And on top of that, get the ledger without anyone finding out.

Those were the tasks this time.

Berrien: I understand. We will do our best to meet your expectations.

Finlay: Well… that’s all. I’m counting on you, Lord of the Devil Butlers.

Finlay: The wonderful performance you delivered in Slick before… I have high hopes for it this time as well.

> Huh……?

Finlay: As I said earlier… Your true identities must not be exposed.

Finlay: I’m having you infiltrate as a mafia group and their boss.

> (I have to act like that again……) > (...I’m dreading this……)

【Carriage】

After finishing our meeting with Finlay-sama, we were heading back to the mansion.

Lucas: Fufu, setting aside the request… I’m happy I’ll get to see Aruji-sama pretending to be a boss ♪

Nac: My thoughts exactly.

Nac: Word is that you delivered a magnificent performance during the request in Slick. 

> I really didn’t…… > Don’t get your hopes too high……

Nac: There’s no need to be humble.

Nac: Just as you are, you already have a dignified aura that commands and guides others. 

Lucas: Yup. It’s hard not to look forward to seeing you act as a boss.

> Haa……

Berrien: Lucas-san, Nac-san. You’re troubling Aruji-sama.

> Thanks, Berrien…

Berrien: Not at all. It must be hard pretending to be part of the mafia……

Berrien: ……Haa…

Lucas: Oh? It’s unusual for you to sigh like that.

Lucas: Is something wrong?

Berrien: Ah, my apologies… Sighing in front of Aruji-sama like this…

Berrien: Hm~m… I’m worried about whether I can act like a mafia member…

> (I really get where you’re coming from Berrien.) > (Let’s do our best together……)

Lucas: Hmm… Isn’t it fine for you not to put on an act, Berrien?

Lucas: It might be better to be overly polite… That way the boss can maintain their dignity, and it emphasizes how intimidating they are.

Nac: Yes. It’s probably better than acting as a ruffian.

Berrien: R-Really…….? Phew… I’m glad…

> ………… > (I-I’m so jealous……)

Nac: That reminds me. It’s a bit off topic, but…

Nac: Berrien-san and Lucas-san are acquainted with Zerasia-sama, right?

Nac: Just what kind of person is she?

> I’m also curious about that.

Lucas: Zerasia-sama is younger than Finlay-sama by 4 years and is his cousin.

Lucas: She’s very intelligent and from a good family…

Lucas: At one point there was even a rumor… That she would become the next head of the Grovaner family.

Lucas: Well in the end… Finlay-sama was the one chosen among the potential successor candidates though.

Berrien: If Finlay-sama wasn’t here…

Berrien: Or you could say… If Lucas-san didn’t become Finlay-sama’s tutor…

Berrien: She may have become the head of the Grovaner family.

> Huh? Finlay-sama’s tutor?

Berrien: Yes.

Berrien: Lucas-san thought that Finlay-sama was suitable to be the next head… And offered to become his tutor when he was a child.

Lucas: Finlay-sama is intelligent… Even without my guidance, he would have become the head through his own efforts.

Lucas: For a leader, it’s important to know how to be one. I wanted him to learn how to do that starting from a young age. 

Berrien: For a Devil Butler to become his tutor… There were those who were against that, but…

Berrien: Lucas-san gained the role through negotiations.

> So something like that happened…

Lucas: It was so that we could build a relationship of trust with the future head… So I put in a little extra effort.

Lucas: Besides… At that time, the chances of Finlay-sama succeeding the family were low…

Lucas: They didn’t really have any expectations of him from the start… That’s one reason why they left him to me.

Lucas: And it was when I was his tutor that I met Zerasia-sama.

Lucas: She lived near Finlay-sama and would come to play behind her attendants’ back. 

-A few hours later-

After the fireworks show ended, we returned to the inn.

When our “host”, Sakon-san, saw my face, he looked genuinely shocked.

Host: Wha…! W-Why are you…

> Huh? “Why”...

Berrien: Oh? Is something the matter?

Berrien: Is it that shocking that Aruji-sama returned safely?

Host: N-Not at all! I would never…

Berrien: Fufu… You don’t need to be so formal.

Berrien: I don’t know what kind of orders you received from your superiors, but… We have no intention of pressing further.

Berrien: That said… Please tell them this.

Berrien: “If you ever try to lay a hand on our lord again…”

Berrien: “We won’t just extinguish the sparks… But erase the source of the fire.”

Host: ………

Host: I don’t understand the meaning of your words, but…

Host: Very well. I will convey it word for word to my lord.

Berrien: Please do. Thank you.

Host: ……Now then. I will take my leave…

Step… step…

Berrien: Sigh… For now, we’ve ensured Aruij-sama’s safety.

> I knew it. I was being targeted.

Berrien: Yes… There is no need to keep hiding it anymore.

Berrien: It is as you said… Since we came to Fugayama, a large number of assassins have been after you.

Muu: WHAAAAT!? Seriously…?

Lono: Yeah. Of course, we’ve been by your side guarding you the whole time though.

Bastien: Not just by your side, but the other butlers were guarding you from a distance too.

Muu: I-I see… So this is what you were hiding…

Muu: But wait… Why didn’t you just tell us earlier?

Bastien: We wanted Aruji-sama to think of this as a trip.

Lono: Yeah. They wouldn’t have been able to relax if they knew they were constantly targeted.

Lono: We were debating on telling Muu, but… You’re not good at keeping secrets, right?

Muu: Ughh… Yeah, you’re right…

Muu: I think I would have been so nervous that my fur would have stood on end.

Berrien: Fufu. And that’s why we kept it a secret from you two.

Berrien: Though… It looks like Aruji-sama had a slight inkling of it.

Lono: Yeah. Aruji-sama, when did you realize it?

> That’s…

Step… step…

Teddy: Ah! Aruji-sama, you’re back.

Yuhan: Did you enjoy the fireworks show?

Hanamaru: Yaaawn… I was sleeping in my room the whole time.

Lono: Ah. Hanamaru-san, there’s a leaf in your hair…

Hanamaru: Huh? Oh crap…! Was it from the bush…?

Lono: Ahaha! Just kidding, Hanamaru-san.

Lono: There aren’t any leaves.

Bastien: We just told Aruji-sama everything.

Hanamaru: Huh? You did?

Hanamaru: Geez, don’t surprise me like that… I really fell for it.

Yuhan: If you were in the habit of taking care of your appearance, you would have seen through the lie right away.

Hanamaru: Yuhan… You’re a genius when it comes to finding things to nag about…

Teddy: Yes! I also find it impressive sometimes!

Yuhan: ……You don’t need to be impressed by something like that.

Yuhan: By the way, Berrien-san. Is it fine not to pursue Sakon-san?

Yuhan: It would be better to get him to confess who’s behind this…

Lucas: It’s fine. For now at least…

Muu: Ah, Lucas-san!

Before I knew it, the other butlers had gathered and welcomed us back. 

Lucas: Fufu. At the end of the day, we’re just “goodwill ambassadors” after all.

Lucas: “Some nobles from the Eastern Lands tried to kill the goodwill ambassadors from the Central Lands.”

Lucas: If that became public, a crack would form in the relationship between the two…

Lucas: And in the end only the guilty nobles would be forced to take responsibility, and no one would benefit from it.

Lucas: In this case, by deliberately choosing not to pursue the guilty nobles…

Lucas: “If you don’t want us to expose you and hold you accountable then treat us better.”

Lucas: Aren’t there more benefits by threatening them like that?

Miyaji: ……Evil……

Lucas: Fufu. I wish you’d say wise instead.

Lucas: For trying to lay a hand on our lord… They have to pay the price, no?

Lamli: Yup, yup! Let’s make them regret as much as possible!

Nac: We interrogated the assassins we caught and found out who’s paying them.

Nac: I delivered them back to the employer along with a copy of the evidence.

Nac: I’m sure they’ll lose their will to try again after seeing the mountain of tied up assassins.

Nac: However… Do not let down your guard when you’re in the Eastern Lands.

Haures: Yeah. But there shouldn’t be any more organized attacks…

Haures: It should be fine to lower our alertness back to the normal level.

Lato: Hmm… Anyways, we have to go back tomorrow.

Lato: It was a busier three day trip than I expected.

Flure: Yeah… I’m glad we got to go around the festival with Aruji-sama though.

Flure: Maybe I’m being greedy, but… I wanted to spend time with just the two of us…

Ammon: Ah, Flure. I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again louder?

Boschi: Yeah. Say it clearly for us.

Flure: Guh… Y-You guys definitely heard me!

Fennesz: Uhm… I-I also understand how you feel…

Fennesz: When I think about how we have to go back tomorrow, it’s a bit lonely…

Lucas: Fufu… Actually, I knew that everyone would say that, so…

Lucas: Earlier to Sakon-san I threa… I mean I gave him the “bill” ♪

> Bill…?

Fennesz: Bill… what were you charging him for?

Lucas: The charge… Isn’t it obvious?

Lucas: For the lodging fee ♪ For now, starting from tomorrow for the next two weeks.

Muu: WHAT!? Then, we’re not going back tomorrow?

Lamli: Yup, yup ♪ It’d be such a waste since we came all the way here ♪

Lamli: Looks like the festival will still be going on… So let’s enjoy it to our hearts’ content ♪

Teddy: U-Uhm… There’s still something I’m wondering about…

Teddy: About the lodging fee… Will the nobles be able to actually pay?

Teddy: What if they used up all their money on hiring the assassins…

Nac: Ah. There’s no need to worry about that.

Nac: When hiring assassins like them… There is always a completion payment.

Nac: The money that was supposed to be for the assassins will just go to us instead.

Lucas: Exactly ♪ Let’s wring them dry ♪

Miyaji: …………

Miyaji: Good idea, Lucas.

Lucas: Oh my? So you can make an evil smile too, Miyaji ♪

Miyaji: ……Who are you calling evil?

Muu: H~m… I feel like I just saw everyone’s evil side…

Muu: But… As allies, they’re very reliable, Aruji-sama!

> Y-Yeah…

The next morning, our host, Sakon-san, once again came to us…

And we were allowed to stay for an extra two weeks for free.

It seems that we’ll be able to make a lot of fun memories this summer too.

Lono: WHAT!? That fox bastard…!

Lono: Take advantage of the situation, what does he think he’s doing!? That little…!!

Assassin: Gwaah!!

Thud

Muu: Huh? Looks like someone nearby collapsed again…

Berrien: Y-Yes. It must be because it’s so hard to walk in this crowd…

Berrien: You should be careful too, Muu-chan. If you’d like, should I carry you?

Muu: I-It’s okay! I can walk without tripping.

Step… step…

Lono: Hey Bastien! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?

Lono: You’re a butler! Don’t get so close to Aruji-sama! Get away from them!

Bastien: Hm… Sorry, Aruji-sama.

Bastien: It was so sudden, my body just moved without thinking. …What happened now… just forget it.

Lono: “It was so sudden…” my ass! A butler hugging their lord’s shoulder…!

> C-Calm down guys…

Bastien: ……! You’re right. This isn’t the time to be fighting…

Lono: !! Yeah, this time they’re coming from both the left and right…

Lono: Berrien-san…! We leave Aruji-sama to you.

Dash…

Muu: Uhm… What are they up to?

Muu: I said I wouldn’t ask, but… I’m so curious.

Berrien: Fufu… I’ll tell you everything later, Muu-chan.

Berrien: (At any rate… Now it’s my turn to distract Aruji-sama…)

Berrien: (I can’t do the same thing as Lono-kun and Bastien-kun… So to distract Aruji-sama…)

Berrien: Uhm… Aruji-sama. Please excuse me for a bit.

Berrien: G-Guess who…

> Huh?

Berrien went behind me and covered my eyes with his hands…

In the next moment, I could hear the sound of people falling not so far away from me.

Thud, thud

Berrien: Phew… My apologies, Aruji-sama.

Berrien: I’m sorry for suddenly covering your eyes.

> U-Uhm…

Lono: …… Berrien-san…

Bastien: …… It was a rare sight in various ways.

Berrien: I-I’m sorry… Even I’m wondering why I did that…

Berrien: A-Anyways! Let’s get it together and keep walking.

Lono: Y-Yeah! We’re almost there.

Bastien: Aruji-sama. On the next street, we’re going down a narrow path.

Bastien: We’ll be away from the crowd, so it should be a bit easier to walk.

-A few minutes later-

Step… step… step…

Bastien and the others guided me through the side path… And there we came to a small hill with a great view.

Bastien: You should be able to see the fireworks in the sky here.

Lono: We prepared a mat in advance, so please relax and enjoy the fireworks show!

> Thank you.

Muu: Fufu… Even if I lie down, I can see the fireworks!

Berrien: Yes. Aruji-sama, Muu-chan, please enjoy the fireworks to your hearts’ content…

Berrien: Without worrying about your surroundings.

Rustling…

Muu: Huh? I think I just heard something from that bush over there…

Berrien: Ah…! It seems like the fireworks are starting.

Whistle…… boom

Muu: Wooow! It’s closer than I thought it’d be!

> It’s very stunning

Bastien: Yeah. I can feel the air vibrating on my skin.

Lono: How do I put this… The schedule was packed, so we couldn’t really spend much time with Aruji-sama, but…

Lono: Watching fireworks together like this… Makes it worth coming.

Berrien: Yes. You’re right.

Berrien: Ah, that reminds me. What have I done…

Berrien: I forgot to prepare the drinks. I’m very sorry, Aruji-sama.

Berrien: I’ll go buy some at the food stand, so please wait.

Lono: Ah, Berrien-san. If that’s the case, then I’ll go with…

Berrien: It’s fine… I can handle it by myself.

Berrien: Please stay with Aruji-sama, you two.

After saying that, Berrien tried to leave my side again.

I’m sure he’s doing this for my sake, but…

Since we’re at a festival, Berrien being the only one who can’t relax made me feel a bit guilty…

> If it’s just drinks, it’s fine to get them later.

Berrien: Huh? Aruji-sama…?

Berrien: Thank you. However…

Whistle… boom

I have a feeling that at the same time the fireworks echoed, the bushes around us shook.

I couldn’t see anything, but I wondered if someone was in the bushes.

Rustling

Hanamaru: (Berrien… don’t worry about us.)

Miyaji: (Yeah. We’re already taking care of the surroundings.)

Haures: (If any assassins get close, we’ll take them out and use the fireworks to cover it up…)

Lucas: (You guys should just enjoy your time with Aruji-sama ♪)

Berrien: (......! Everyone…)

Berrien: (Fufu… Then I shall take you up on your words…)

Berrien: Now then, Aruji-sama. Would it be alright if I stayed here a little longer to watch the fireworks with you?

> Of course!

Lono: Yes! As you should~!

Muu: Berrien-san! Please sit down here!

Berrien: Oh my. Thank you, Muu-chan.

Berrien: However… Isn’t that your seat?

Muu: I’m small, so I’m fine sitting on the edge of the mat!

Bastien: Hmm… You can sit on my lap then.

Muu: Huh? Really?

Bastien: Yeah. I don’t mind.

Muu: Ehehe… Thank you, Bastien-san!

Bastien: Mhm…

Lono: Good for you, Bastien.

Bastien: ……What are you talking about?

Lono: Hehe. Nothing.

Then, we relaxed and looked up at the sky…

-A few hours later-

Lono: Alright! It’s finally our turn to escort Aruji-sama.

Bastien: Yeah, but… Aruji-sama.

Bastien: You’ve been going around a lot in a short amount of time… Aren’t you tired?

> Nah, I’m fine.

Bastien: I see… Good then.

Berrien: However… If you need to rest, please let us know immediately. 

> Thanks.

Lono: Ah, that’s right! How were the bentos you brought to the theater?

Lono: Bastien and I borrowed the inn’s kitchen to make them.

Lono: We used a lot of ingredients you can only get here, so I hope it suited your taste.

> It was delicious.

Muu: Yeah! The chicken seemed a bit different than usual!

Lono: Hehe, I know right~? It was made with Fugayama’s locally raised chicken.

Bastien: Hmm… It looks like Aruji-sama likes the Eastern Lands’s food.

Bastien: I’m the same. The closer I am to my hometown, the calmer I feel…

Lono: Hey, Bastien. Don’t try to casually score points by making yourself seem relatable.

Bastien: Hmm… That’s not what I was trying to do.

Lono: Hmm~ Then, that’s fine.

Lono: Anyways… I’m glad that Aruji-sama liked MY bento!

Bastien: I also helped.

> T-Thanks…

Berrien: Fufu… Both of you seem very happy to be able to spend time with Aruji-sama.

Berrien: Tonight, the three of us will work together to serve Aruji-sama. Is that alright, you two?

Lono: U-Uhh… Yeah.

Bastien: If it’s for Aruji-sama… I have no objections.

Berrien: Fufu ♪ Thank you.

Berrien: Now then… It’s about time we head to the fireworks show.

Bastien: Yeah. I found a nice hill to see them, so we’ll take you there.

Berrien: We’ll be passing through crowds of people on the way, so…

Berrien: I’ll be staying closer to your side than usual to prevent us from getting separated.

> Okay.

Lono: Muu, make sure you stay by Aruji-sama.

Muu: I-I will! I’ll be careful to make sure that people don’t step on my tail.

We walked close together to avoid getting separated as the crowd of people gradually grew larger.

Step… step…

Lono: ……It’s becoming more and more crowded……

Lono: Is Aruji-sama still with us?

Bastien: Yes. Right behind us, Berrien-san is staying right by them.

Lono: Got it… Even though they’re blending in with the pedestrians…

Lono: There are assassins getting closer…

Bastien: Hmm… The other butlers should also be guarding the surroundings, but…

Bastien: Looks like there’s so many that our system can’t deal with all of them.

Lono: Got that right.

Lono: They failed so many times already…both from yesterday and today. They’re really coming at us with full force, huh.

Bastien: Yeah. But if we can get through their attacks…

Bastien: At least we can say that we protected Aruji-sama during this trip.

Lono: Alright, Bastien. Aruji-sama might’ve already figured out that something’s going on, but…

Lono: Since we’ve come this far, let’s make sure that the assassins don’t enter Aruji-sama’s line of sight till the very end.

Bastien: Got it. Then I’ll guard Aruji-sama’s right side.

Bastien: If any assassins come from the right, I’ll get rid of them…

Bastien: In the meantime, you distract Aruji-sama.

Lono: Alright. And we’ll switch if they come from the left side.

Lono: ……! Bastien, there’s someone ahead of us to the right.

Bastien: Yeah… I can see them.

Step… step… step…

Lono: W-Wow~... There sure are a lot of people, Aruji-sama!

Lono: Is it too cramped for you to walk?

> No, I’m okay.

Lono: I-I see… That’s good then.

Lono: (Uhm… How to distract Aruji-sama…)

Lono: ( “Ah, an angel!” If I say that, then the people around us will panic…)

Lono: (A different way to distract them… Speaking of something rare…)

Lono: Ah! There’s a huge beetle over there…

> A beetle?

Berrien: What!? W-Where is it…!?

Lono: Oh shit…

Thud

Passerby: H-Hey! Someone suddenly collapsed… Is it anemia?

Step… step…

Bastien: Phew. I dealt with the assassin, but…

Bastien: (Lono… You can’t mention bugs in front of Berrien-san.)

Lono: (Ughh. Berrien-san… sorry, I just…)

Berrien: (I-It’s alright… I’m also sorry for suddenly getting surprised…)

Berrien: (I knew what Lono-kun was trying to do, but… My body just reacted unconsciously.)

Bastien: (Hm… This time they’re approaching from the left side.)

Lono: (A-Ahh… Bastien, your turn to distract Aruji-sama.)

Lono: (While you do that, I’ll take out the assassins.)

Bastien: (Got it.)

Berrien: (We’re leaving it to you, Lono-kun.)

Step… step…

Bastien: (Now then… How to distract Aruji-sama…)

Bastien: (Now that I’m thinking about it… It’s hard to think of something right away…)

Bastien: (It’ll be suspicious if I do the same thing as Lono… Hmm…)

Bastien: (I don’t have time to be thinking about it…)

Bastien: Aruji-sama. May I have a moment?

> What is it?

Bastien came closer to my right side, and in the next moment…

He put a hand on my left shoulder and… Suddenly pulled me close to him.

> Huh!? Bastien…!?