The heavy gates of the city stood shut. A single carriage came to a halt before them.
"I am Count Kuzuma. Open the gate."
The guards protecting the city entrance confirmed that the crest engraved on the carriage indeed belonged to a count's house. After cross-referencing it with the permit presented by the driver, the guard shouted to the official atop the wall.
"Open the gate!"
With a heavy, groaning sound, the doors swung open.
"Pass through."
The guards watched as the carriage rolled past and entered the city.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Ah, this feels wonderful."
Beena was soaking in a bath at Count Guarana’s estate. As expected of a nobleman’s residence, the bath was built of marble, and hot water overflowed from the luxurious tub.
"Nobles really do live the good life."
It was worlds away from the life of a commoner, where bathing usually meant a dip in cold water or, at best, a quick wipe-down with a warm cloth.
"I have to work hard," she whispered to herself before finally stepping out of the tub.
When she returned to the dressing room, her old clothes were gone. In their place sat a set of new underwear and a bathrobe.
"I could get used to this level of luxury," she murmured as she dressed. The silk felt incredibly soft and smooth against her skin.
Once she finished putting on the bathrobe, she stepped out into the hallway. Waiting there was a pudgy, middle-aged man.
"Kya!"
"Oho, quite a fine prize, aren't you?"
The man muttered this while stroking his chin. He was dressed in opulent clothing and bore the air of high status.
"U-Um, who are you?" Beena stammered.
"Hm? I am Count Guarana."
"C-Count!"
Beena hurriedly bowed, but the Count simply waved his hand dismissively.
"There, there, that’s enough. More importantly, follow me."
"Huh?"
"I said follow me!"
"Kyaa!"
The Count grabbed Beena’s hand with surprising force. She tried to shake him off, but he tightened his grip.
"If you defy me, I cannot say what might happen to your little brother and sister."
"……!"
The threat was blatant. Beena’s face froze in terror.
"Now you're being quiet. Come."
Gripping her hand again, he dragged her along. Beena followed, her face deathly pale.
They walked down a long corridor and up a flight of stairs, eventually arriving at a specific room.
"Go in."
The maid standing by the door cast a fleeting look of pity at Beena, but she obeyed the Count’s command and opened the door. The two stepped inside.
"……"
In the center of the room sat a large bed. Even Beena could guess what was intended here. Still, she asked, clinging to a desperate sliver of hope.
"Um... what are we doing here?"
Count Guarana’s oily face twisted into a lewd grin.
"Guhu, you ask what? Why, it’s... this!"
"Kyaaa!"
He suddenly yanked on the bathrobe, causing Beena to lose her footing. She tumbled onto the bed.
"The night is long. Let us make the most of it."
"N-No..."
As the Count approached while discarding his jacket, Beena offered a token of resistance. But then he spoke again.
"Do you not care for your siblings?"
Hearing that, Beena stopped fighting.
"Don't be so afraid. I’ll take good care of you."
The Count moved to loom over her.
"No... stop!"
But her cries only seemed to heighten his pleasure.
"Guhuhuhu, it’s even better when they make those kinds of sounds."
Just as his hand reached for Beena’s silk underwear, a knock sounded at the door. At first, the Count tried to ignore it, but when the knocking persisted, he barked.
"Silence! I am occupied!"
"I am terribly sorry, my lord," a voice replied. "But Count Kuzuma has arrived."
"What!?"
Though they held the same title, the house of Count Kuzuma was an old, established family, whereas Count Guarana was a mere social climber who had bought his way up. Their influence within the kingdom was incomparable. He could not afford to ignore such a guest. Clicking his tongue, Count Guarana pulled away from Beena.
He stormed out of the room. When the door clicked shut, Beena let out a long, shuddering sigh of relief.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Welcome, Count Kuzuma."
Count Guarana went down to the entrance lobby to meet him.
"My apologies for the intrusion at such a late hour."
Then don't come! Guarana screamed internally, but on the surface, he maintained a pleasant smile.
"Not at all. If it is urgent, it cannot be helped. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
By starting the conversation right there in the lobby, his desire to finish the business and see his guest out was transparent.
"Very well, I shall get straight to the point. Please hand over the magi craftman, Beena."
"Come again?"
"I heard from her assistant that you invited her here, Count. Furthermore, I have confirmed with the gate guards that she has not yet left the city walls."
"……"
Guarana quickly calculated the risks and rewards. His opponent might be a young man, but he was from an old family heavily involved in national politics. On his own side was a house that had risen from the rank of viscount through wealth. It was wiser to comply.
"O-Oh, Beena? I allowed her the use of the bath until just a moment ago, but she should be finished now. I will have her called at once. You there!"
Claude hurriedly left the lobby.
"……………"
The silence was agonizing. Guarana was drenched in a cold sweat.
Before long, Beena arrived, escorted by Claude. She had changed back into her original clothes and was clutching a pouch containing her payment.
"Are you Lady Beena?"
"Y-Yes."
Beena looked terrified, having been suddenly brought before yet another noble. Sensing her anxiety, Count Kuzuma spoke gently.
"I am Count Kuzuma. I have come to fetch you at the request of Jin."
"Eh? Jin!?"
At the mention of Jin's name, the color finally returned to Beena’s face.
"That is correct. Now, let us depart."
Count Kuzuma motioned for her to follow. Beena walked over hesitantly, and the Count took her hand with gentle care.
"Well then, Count Guarana, we shall take our leave."
With that, he walked out the door.
Beena was safe.
While ordinary citizens were barred by the city gates after dark, a nobleman’s authority knew no such limits.