The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved.

Chapter 036: The Party (Debut Event) Is Quite An Ordeal

“Nn… mmm…”

The morning sunlight hit my face, and its brightness woke me up.

Someone must have opened the curtains.

As I groggily sat up, I saw—

“U-um… g-good morning.”

Aira-san and the others were standing there with bright red faces.

And they were wearing maid uniforms.

“Good morning, Master.”

Sophia entered the room. Even after last night, she was already up and working. As expected.

“Good morning, Sophia. By the way, about them…”

Yes — the maid uniforms Sophia was wearing and the ones Mana-san and the others had on were quite different. Sophia’s was a long-sleeved, long-skirted classic maid outfit, while the three of them wore short skirts, short sleeves, and much more revealing clothing.

“It’s a punishment game.”

“Haa…”

“Before working as Master’s maids, they were members who helped expel Master. This is my personal punishment for that.”

Sophia spoke indifferently. If it were up to her true feelings, it would probably have been much harsher, but she showed some consideration.

“Now, help with Master’s morning preparations. After that, wash the sheets and clean—”

Sophia gave instructions briskly, and the three followed them.

“You two should get up as well. You’re in the way of cleaning.”

Sophia woke up Rosaria-san and Urka-san, who were still sleeping beside me. As for Elena-san? She had already woken up early and was doing sword swings outside.

“Ugh… I’m getting up. Wait a bit.”

“Five more minutes…”

“Get up already!! Or should I help you wash the sheets together?”

Rosaria-san and Urka-san rubbed their eyes while complaining. Sophia puffed her cheeks and continued tidying. My mornings had become very lively.

“Um… M-Master.”

Tina-san spoke shyly.

“You can just call me Al.”

“Eh, but—”

“No!!”

When I told Tina-san that, Sophia immediately cut in.

“Master. We must maintain a proper master-servant relationship.”

“Eh, but—”

“The three of them are treated as servants of this house. They are different from Rosaria-san and the others.”

Sophia refused to budge. She was making sure to draw a clear line.

“I understand.”

“Yes. Now then, Tina, continue.”

“Yes!! Master, first let’s prepare your bath.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

Guided by Tina-san, I headed to the bath. My body was indeed sticky from last night’s activities.

“Alright!! Let’s go to the bath, Al!!”

“Master. Bath time!!”

The two who finally woke up decided to join as well.

“Um, before that, please put something on.”

“Ah.”

Thanks to Tina-san, I realized I was completely naked. Maybe that was why their faces were red. Sorry about that.

When we reached the bath, we met up with Elena-san, who had just returned from outside. So, we ended up bathing together as four… I’ve gotten quite used to this.

“By the way, Al.”

“Yes, what is it, Rosaria-san?”

Rosaria-san spoke to me in a serious tone.

“Could you change how you address us soon?”

“Eh?”

I blinked in confusion.

“Being called with ‘-san’ feels a bit off. I mean, we’re technically your slaves, right?”

“I don’t really think of you that way, though…”

“I get it. Then… how about treating us as something close to lovers?”

Rosaria-san’s face turned red. She said it, but now she’s embarrassed, huh?

“Me too, Master!!”

“Please do the same for me!!”

The other two also pressed closer.

“Understood. Let’s do that then.”

If the three of them want it, I’ll do so. As a result, Rosaria became Roze, Elena remained Elena (she said a nickname is fine only for special moments), and Urka stayed Urka. It was cute.

After getting out of the bath, we had breakfast. Then we went to the main residence to greet Mother and the others. Father looked completely dried up, while Mother was glowing. We all sensed what happened and decided not to say anything.

“By the way, Al-kun.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“We’re holding a party tonight!!”

“Eh?”

I see. So it’s one of those events where they invite guests to promote goods.

“Of course. You are the star of the show.”

“Ehh!?”

It was so sudden that I didn’t know how to react. It seemed different from the usual parties.

That night.

A grand party was held in the large hall located on the opposite side of the villa across the garden. It had been a while since my last party, so I was a little nervous. The formal clothes also felt tight after so long.

Elena and the others had changed into dresses. Roze wore a black dress, Elena a red one, and Urka a light blue one. They looked stunning, and many guests were captivated.

“Fufu, do they suit us?”

“Yeah!! Roze, Elena, and Urka — you all look beautiful!!”

Roze’s tanned skin and greenish-black hair matched perfectly with the black dress. Elena’s golden hair complemented the red dress beautifully, probably because it matched her eye color. Urka’s silver hair went well with the light blue dress, and the slightly more open lower part (to accommodate her tail) made her look a bit sexy. Her sky-blue eyes blended nicely with the dress color too.

“Thank you, Master.”

“We tried our best.”

Elena and Urka thanked me with blushing smiles.

“My my, they really do suit you.”

Mother approached with a big smile.

“Where’s Father?”

“He still hasn’t finished work. He should arrive soon.”

“Understood.”

Father teaches at a school near Riema. Being a teacher must be tough.

“Now then, Al-kun. Go up on stage. You’re the star tonight.”

Following Mother’s words, I went up to the stage with her. Looking down from above, I saw many girls around my age had come.

“Everyone, thank you for attending tonight. This is the next head of our company, Alphonse = Reis = Belladonna. Please treat him well.”

“N-nice to meet you all.”

Prompted by Mother, I greeted them. I was nervous, but the warm applause helped me relax.

After stepping down from the stage, I was immediately surrounded by many girls.

“Alphonse-sama! I’m from the Bern Viscount family—”

“Hey you!! How rude to introduce yourself so suddenly!”

“Um, Alphonse-sama…”

It was intense. This was essentially a debut event. The attendees were mostly noble families who came to see me and, if possible, secure an engagement. It was clear they were mostly after the Belladonna family’s wealth rather than me personally.

I don’t like rushing into engagements with people I just met, so I was thinking about how to navigate this. For now, I was managing with polite smiles, but I was completely surrounded and couldn’t easily escape.

Ah, Sophia is running over from afar. Save me!!

Then—

“Everyone.”

Mother clapped her hands to get their attention. Thanks to her, I was safely rescued by Sophia.

“I understand your intentions. But could you please step away from my son for now? I’ll give your daughters time to appeal later.”

Mother’s tone had become strict. She was a little angry. Realizing it was unwise to anger the current head of the Belladonna family, the parents pulled their daughters back.

But what did she mean by “appeal time”?

After that, the rest of the party went smoothly without any major issues.

Then—

“Al!! Long time no see!!”

A woman entered the venue.

“Ah!! Kei-neechan!!”

It was my magic teacher and Dan’s older sister — Kei = Sara = Arbonne.

Chapter 037: Behind The Scenes – Kei Side

“Captain, a letter for you.”

A subordinate entered my office. It seemed a letter had arrived.

The letter reached me — Kei = Sara = Arbonne — four days after Father was told that the Belladonna family was cutting off their financing.

“Who is it from?”

When I asked, my subordinate made a troubled face and answered.

“It’s from the Duke of Arbonne.”

“From Father?”

I had a bad feeling. I left home when I was 15. By that time, Father had already stopped paying any attention to me. There was Dan — that useless guy who became the next head just because he was male — so as a woman, I was treated like air. That’s why I left the house.

By the way, I am the child of the legal wife, while Dan is from a concubine. But after a son was born, Father started distancing Mother and doting on the concubine instead. Mother was fed up with it too.

After I became Captain of the Imperial Guard Magic Division, he started asking me for money, and my foolish brother would come borrowing my authority. It made me hate going home even more.

Well, there was one good thing that came out of it — meeting Al.

The first time I met him, when he flashed that carefree smile at me, I remember my chest tightening painfully and my heart pounding wildly.

When he asked me to teach him magic, I thought “Jackpot!!” Because it meant we could be alone together.

Ahh, he’s so cute. Even when I see other boys around the same age, none of them affect me like Al does, so I really do like him.

Right now, that Al is in an adventurer party with my foolish brother. I’m so jealous. Extremely jealous.

I feel like quitting this job right now and rushing to Al’s side.

Haa… I want to see Al…

“Um, Captain?”

“Oh, sorry. I was lost in thought.”

Oops, my subordinate was making a troubled face again. I had spaced out and forgotten the situation.

Bad, bad. Now then, what does the letter say…

“…………”

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah.”

“Ah?”

“That idiot!!”

“Ehhhhh!?”

My subordinate looked shocked. Oops, I accidentally shouted.

“Nn, my apologies.”

“Um, well…”

My subordinate, sensing something, asked hesitantly.

“I’m sorry, but a very important issue has come up. I’ll be taking two days off.”

“Eh? Captain?”

After saying that, I quickly packed my things and left the room.

“It’s been seven years since I last came back here.”

I stood in front of the mansion gate for the first time in a long while.

The journey from the division’s barracks tower to the family mansion was short by carriage. But I had never actually returned. I only exchanged letters with Mother. So this was quite a long time.

“Welcome home, My Lady.”

“You are…”

When I entered the mansion, an unfamiliar female servant greeted me.

“I serve the Madam. My name is Ginny, a maid.”

“I see.”

“The Madam is waiting. This way, please.”

I followed her. The treatment was much more courteous than when I used to live here. By the way, I was wearing my Imperial Guard uniform — white pants and a coat. I never liked dresses in the first place.

I was led to a guest room next to the grand hall. There, Mother stood smiling.

“Welcome back, Kei.”

“Mother, it’s been a long time.”

I greeted her. She looked somewhat tired.

“I’m glad to see you look well.”

“Yes, Mother too.”

But I didn’t say anything more. I thought it was better that way.

“Fufu, you haven’t changed at all.”

Mother smiled back at me. I felt a little relieved.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That you are my daughter hasn’t changed either.”

Mother kindly said something that made me happy. I really can’t win against her.

“By the way, Mother.”

“Yes, let’s go. Your father is waiting.”

Guided by Mother, I headed to the inner room. After knocking and entering,

“…You’ve come back.”

I thought “Who does he think he is?” but seeing his gaunt, darkened face, I couldn’t say it. His black hair was dull and messy. I take more after Mother. Only my dark blue eyes resemble Father’s, while my light brown hair is from Mother. On the other hand, my foolish brother barely resembles either since he has a different mother.

I sat down facing Father.

“It’s been seven years. Have you been well?”

“Yes, no problems.”

He asked feebly. He had never asked me that before. I answered calmly, as if speaking to a stranger.

“I see.”

Father fell silent after that.

“…………”

We sat in silence without anything to say. Then,

“You had something to talk about, didn’t you?”

Mother urged him. But I spoke first.

“I read the letter. It said that Al was expelled from the party by my foolish brother, and the financing from the Belladonna family was cut off.”

“That’s right.”

Father nodded lightly in confirmation.

“You spoiled Dan too much. This is the result.”

“…Yes.”

I said it clearly. I don’t want to become the head. But seeing them fall this far, I actually started to feel a little sorry for them.

“Even if you ask me to take over now, it’s impossible. You’ve already reported to the country that Dan will succeed, haven’t you?”

“I know.”

His short answers irritated me, but since Mother was present, I tried to stay calm.

“So, what do you want from me? Money again? Unfortunately, I don’t have enough to support your failing business!!”

“Kei. Please, just listen.”

No good. I let my emotions show. Mother’s voice brought me back to my senses.

“…I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I was the one who was wrong. Forgive me.”

I was shocked. Father actually lowered his head and apologized. I was so surprised I couldn’t speak.

“…Please continue.”

That was all I could say.

“I have a request for you.”

“A request?”

“You know Alphonse = Reis = Belladonna, yes?”

“Yes, of course.”

I was a little surprised. I didn’t expect Father to mention Al’s name.

“Could you get engaged to him?”

“…………Eh?”

Wait, did I just hear something outrageous?

Me? Engaged to Al?

“He’s more than ten years younger. You might hate the idea of marrying a younger boy, but—”

No, no. I’m perfectly fine with it.

“Has this already been decided?”

“No, not yet. We haven’t proposed anything.”

Mother answered instead of Father. I see. So it’s still just their one-sided idea. Well, of course — after their son expelled him, asking for marriage with their daughter is quite shameless.

“They say the current head is holding a party for him soon.”

“So you want me to attend.”

“Yes.”

Father nodded. I was stunned. The ducal house really has fallen.

“You understand, but you want me — a woman much older than him — to mix in with girls his own age?”

“…I’m aware.”

“I never thought I’d hear such words from a Duke.”

I understand they’re desperate. I don’t care about Father or my foolish brother, but I don’t want Mother to end up on the streets. If I get engaged to Al, we become relatives, which might reopen the flow of funds.

I never expected this to be the reason they called me back. How should I answer…

“The engagement itself probably won’t be accepted by Lady Louisa right now.”

“That’s true.”

“Therefore, I will attend the party under the pretense of a personal visit.”

When I said that, Father’s head shot up.

“!! Really!?”

“But! Don’t expect too much.”

With that, I stood up and left the room.

As I was about to leave the mansion, Mother stopped me.

“I’m sorry. I know this is very selfish.”

“Mother, don’t worry about it. This is all because of Father and my foolish brother’s actions.”

Yes. Mother isn’t at fault. It’s the mess Father and Dan caused.

“I see. By the way, do you still have some time? If you’d like, would you come to the villa where I live now? Just the two of us for some tea?”

“Yes. I’ll gladly accept your offer.”

After that, I spent time with Mother for the first time in a long while.

Now then… what should I do about the party? There’s a reason to go, so it’s fine, but…

More than anything, I’m looking forward to seeing Al.

Chapter 038: Sparks Are Flying

“So, why did you come, Nee-chan?”

I asked Kei-neechan, who had suddenly appeared.

“I heard Al came back, so I came to see you.”

“I see.”

“…My foolish brother caused you a lot of trouble, didn’t he?”

Nee-chan apologized. Dan is her half-brother, but they barely look alike. Nee-chan has light brown hair while his is black. Both have dark blue eyes though.

By the way, Nee-chan ties her semi-long hair behind her head. It looks great with the glasses she always wears. She’s wearing her Imperial Guard uniform — white pants, a white coat with black lines, and a black shirt underneath.

“I can’t forgive Dan.”

“…Yeah, I thought so.”

When I said that, Nee-chan made a dark face.

“But it has nothing to do with you, Nee-chan!!”

“!! But I’m still part of that family…”

“Even if you’re from the same house, you weren’t involved, right?”

That’s right. Nee-chan had nothing to do with it. So I don’t have any problem with her.

“However—”

“Hmm… Then teach me magic again!!”

I suggested to Nee-chan.

“Is that okay?”

“Yeah. That’s enough for me.”

When I smiled brightly, Nee-chan said,

“Understood. Anytime is fine.”

“What about work?”

“Al takes priority.”

She said that and patted my head. It tickles since it’s been a while, but you can’t just abandon your job, you know.

As Nee-chan and I were talking, Roze and the others approached after watching us.

“Oh my, if it isn’t the former Imperial General. I am Kei = Sara = Arbonne, Captain of the Nelba Imperial Guard Magic Division, and Al’s magic instructor. Nice to meet you.”

“Hoh, so you’re her. I’ve heard a lot about you. You were quite famous even inside the Empire.”

“I’m honored.”

They shook hands. But Nee-chan’s slightly theatrical way of speaking and her use of “boku” hasn’t changed at all.

“Former First Knight Commander of the Anis Holy Kingdom, Elena = Shell = Valois. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“Urka = Zaspa = Reen. Former Warrior Chief of the Union.”

“Haha. Al, it’s quite something to have so many famous people gathered in one place.”

Indeed, the three of them were all former high-ranking military figures from their respective countries, so they probably had things in common with Nee-chan.

“By the way, Al has been calling you ‘Nee-chan’ for a while now?”

Roze asked in a slightly prickly tone.

“That’s what he started calling me. I didn’t force him.”

“And you’re also his magic teacher.”

“That was also his idea.”

“Hoh~”

Roze’s tone was getting a bit scary. Her pale pink eyes narrowed. It’s kind of frightening. Nee-chan, please don’t say it in such a proud way either. The air around us feels heavier.

I decided it was better to step away from the two of them. After that, I ate some of the food that was served.

As someone who used to be an adventurer, I don’t want any of this to go to waste. I’ll ask Mother later if I can take the leftovers.

Nobles were watching us from a distance. Since Mother has stopped anyone except my close friends (like the three girls and Nee-chan) from approaching, they’re probably observing my preferences and behavior from afar. Plus, since I’m with Elena and Urka right now, they probably can’t talk to me anyway.

“Master, this is delicious.”

“But Master tastes better.”

Elena was happily eating. Urka, you don’t need to say the extra part. I’m happy, but still… Also, the “ahh~n” is embarrassing. Everyone is watching… though I do like it.

“Oh, there you are.”

“Dad!!”

He must have finished work and come back.

“Good, I made it.”

“Yeah, it was tough from morning, but I managed.”

“Hahaha.”

I gave a dry laugh. Dad… it must have been hard. I won’t ask what exactly, but it must have been rough.

“Ah, right. I met that person at the entrance.”

“That person?”

While I was tilting my head, I heard a voice.

“Al——————!!”

At a speed my eyes could barely follow, I was pulled into a tight hug.

“Beatrix-san!?”

“I was invited by your mother-in-law. I told you, right? I’d come to your house soon.”

“Ehh…”

Did she say that? But isn’t this a bit too soon? She could have said “tomorrow” or something. Ah, but that crimson dress looks good on you. It matches your hair and eye color perfectly.

“By the way, where is my mother-in-law? I should go greet her!!”

“Isn’t that a bit too fast?”

Is this person always like this?

“Beatrix-dono.”

“Hmm, Father-in-law-dono, what is it?”

By the way, is it okay to greet Dad like that? Eh? Because Mother is stronger, so it’s fine? Well, that’s true, but the way she says it…

Then, Mother approached while radiating an aura of anger.

Wow… Mother’s usually gentle amber eyes look really scary right now.

“My my, Beatrix-sama. I certainly invited you, but I don’t recall giving you permission to call me that.”

“It’s fine, isn’t it? We’re close after all.”

Beatrix-san said with a smile, but Mother glared at her sharply.

“I do not recall us being that close.”

“Hahaha!! What a waste of those beautiful amber eyes!!”

“Fufufu. Shall I pluck out that crimson hair of yours?”

Mother… even your smile is scary. Dad has frozen solid.

Today feels like sparks are flying everywhere. I wish everyone would get along better. I don’t want them fighting over me…

“Al-kun.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“It’s time for the appeal session, so let’s move to that room over there.”

“Al, do your best!!”

Pulled away by Mother, I headed to the room she pointed at. Dad cheered me on. What exactly am I supposed to do my best at? By the way, Beatrix-san was dragged away by Elena and Urka to the corner of the hall.

The room had sofas arranged facing each other across a table.

“Why did you invite Beatrix-san?”

“Because of our business dealings with the Guild and all the help she’s given us. It’s thanks for that.”

“Even though she acts like that?”

“I know.”

I see. It doesn’t seem like Mother and Beatrix-san are actually on bad terms. That’s a relief.

“What are we doing?”

“In this room, you and I will listen to the people who came.”

“Okay.”

Mother explained.

“And if there’s a good girl, would you consider getting engaged?”

“So that’s what this is.”

I kind of expected it. But—

“Mother. I—”

“That said, it doesn’t mean we’ll finalize an engagement.”

“Eh?”

“You don’t really have any friends your own age, do you?”

“Ugh!!”

She hit me right where it hurts most. Before becoming an adventurer, I spent most of my time studying magic and other subjects at home. After becoming an adventurer, I made good friends who were older, but I have almost none who are the same age or younger.

“Today is more about making friends than engagement, okay?”

“I-I see.”

I feel both happy and sad about that. Oh well.

And so, the appeal session was about to begin.

Chapter 039: Appeal Time

“Then, everyone, it is now time for the appeal session. The numbers written on the papers inside this box will determine the order. When your number is called, please come in. You may come alone or with one family member.”

Sophia’s voice could be heard from outside.

The appeal session had begun.

For the participants, this was an important opportunity to see if they could build a connection with me.

“This is exciting, isn’t it, Al-kun?”

“Yes.”

It looks like I’ll definitely have a chaperone. Mother was sitting beside me as if it was completely natural.

After a while, one girl entered the room.

“It is an honor to meet you. I am Lana = Vila = Bern from the Bern Viscount family.”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

She was the girl who had called out to me during the greeting earlier. She had tea-colored semi-long hair and big, bright dark brown eyes. I remembered her.

“Then, please introduce yourself and tell us about your special skills or talents.”

“Understood.”

Lana-san began to speak, but I could tell right away — she was very nervous. She was clenching her hands tightly. At this rate, we wouldn’t be able to have a proper conversation.

…Alright. Time to do something.

“Um, Mother?”

“What is it, Al-kun?”

I turned to Mother.

“I’d like to talk with Lana-san alone.”

“Eh!? You don’t want Mother here with you?”

“If you’re here, we can’t talk properly. Lana-san will be too nervous too.”

When I said that, Mother seemed to understand and nodded.

“Uu… that’s true, but…”

“Please!!”

When I pleaded desperately, Mother let out a small sigh.

“You’re right. I really wanted to stay, but… I understand. I’ll be in the next room.”

“Really!? Thank you!”

She gave in surprisingly easily. I wonder why?

Mother left for the adjacent room.

“Umm… I’m sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Lana-san looked a little surprised by how quickly it happened.

“You don’t have to do a formal self-introduction. Would you just talk with me normally?”

“Yes, I’d love to.”

And so, I talked with Lana-san. I didn’t ask things like “Why did you come to the party?” — some people were probably only here because their parents told them to. Instead, I wanted to have normal, everyday conversations to get to know what kind of person she really was.

“What do you like to do, Lana-san?”

“Let’s see… I enjoy taking walks.”

“Heh, that sounds nice.”

Lana-san gradually calmed down. Then,

“Alphonse-sama, you’re an adventurer, right?”

“Yes.”

She started asking about me on her own.

“Could you tell me about it?”

“Sure.”

Lana-san listened with great interest to my stories.

Before long—

“Time is up.”

Sophia entered the room. The fun time passed by in the blink of an eye.

“I had a really good time.”

“So did I.”

As she was about to leave, I stood up.

“Um!!”

“Yes?”

“Let’s talk again sometime.”

“!! Yes, I’d love to.”

With that, Lana-san left the room.

It was pretty fun. I don’t know how she feels, but I’d like to talk with her again if I get the chance.

“Master. The next person is here.”

“Yeah. Let her in.”

I sat back down on the sofa, let out a sigh, and looked at the painting hanging on the wall.

Hm? For a second, I thought the eyes in the painting moved…

But the next person came in right after, so I didn’t think much of it at the time.

I ended up talking with quite a lot of people. Some desperately tried to appeal to me, while others had their parents talk nonstop. I didn’t really want to get involved with those kinds of people.

“Master. This is the last one before a short break.”

“There’s still that many left?”

“About half remain.”

When I heard that from Sophia, my eyes widened.

“That many!?”

“Yes… I’m sorry.”

Sophia looked regretful. She’s jealous, huh?

“My feelings for you won’t change, Sophia. It’s okay.”

I took Sophia’s hand as I said that.

“Yes!! Master.”

“Yeah.”

Good, she smiled.