After his date with Lakyus, he had teleported directly into the mansion of Marquis Raeven, waiting for the marquis to return and report on the latest developments in the kingdom. While waiting, Shido spent his time conversing with Marchioness Raeven and playing with their young son.
The marchioness regarded Shido as a friend, or at least someone close to her husband and soon found herself curious about the young man who led one of the kingdom's most powerful adventurer groups. She had to admit, Shido was the most handsome man she had ever seen. If not for her marriage to Raeven, she might have been tempted to be swayed by his charm.
What Madam Raeven didn't realize was that it was her husband who served Shido, not the other way around. Shido, however, took no offense at her assumption and merely instructed Marquis Raeven to keep his true identity a secret.
Talking with Madam Raeven turned out to be unexpectedly pleasant. She chuckled from time to time, clearly enjoying the conversation. Despite being older than Shido by several decades, his quick wit and engaging stories lifted her mood with ease. Still, a small part of her couldn't help but think she was far too old to be enjoying herself this much, especially with a young man like him.
Marquis Raeven, for his part, harbored no suspicion that anything improper might happen between them. He knew his wife loved him and remained steadfastly faithful. Yet deep down, he also understood a bitter truth, if by some chance Shido and his wife did cross that line, he would have no right to object… because Shido was his master.
Like many other nobles forced into submission by the former leaders of Eight Fingers, Raeven had suffered the same fate. They had taken his wife and son hostage, leaving him no choice but to yield while they put a slave crest on him.
While Marquis Raeven had once been furious and eager to find an opportunity for revenge, that changed the day he met the true mastermind behind the conspiracy.
To his shock, the man pulling all the strings was none other than Shido, the leader of the Metal Vessels and the true power behind the noble faction's schemes. All thoughts of resistance evaporated the moment Shido revealed a power that clearly did not belong to this world. Its sheer destructiveness was beyond anything a human could hope to counter, and because of this, Marquis Raeven submitted completely, willing even to betray his own kingdom if it meant protecting his wife and son.
Yet, over time, as he continued to meet with Shido, Marquis Raeven's view began to shift. While Shido's plans undeniably aimed at using the nobles to seize control of the kingdom, Marquis Raeven found himself thinking that this young man was far better suited to rule than the three inept offspring of King Ramposa III. Backed by overwhelming strength and a magnetic charisma, Shido slowly won his loyalty, not just as a master, but as a leader Raeven could follow for the sake of the kingdom itself.
What he had shown earlier during his meeting with Prince Zanac and Princess Renner was nothing more than an act.
Yes, an act.
He played his role so convincingly that even the shrewd Prince Zanac failed to realize he had already changed allegiances. But he could not say the same for Princess Renner. Something about that girl made him felt a little scared.
She might be "just" the kingdom's princess, yet whenever her eyes lingered on him, an unsettling chill coiled in his chest. It was as if she could see straight through his façade. Raeven was certain she suspected something about the conspiracy.
"How about the First Prince?"
Shido sat on the luxurious chair lazily, flipping through the report as Marquis Raeven recounted various matters.
"You don't have to worry about the First Prince," Raeven said flatly. "He's just an idiot. But…"
He hesitated, making Shido lift a brow.
"But?"
"…Princess Renner might be a problem."
"Oho? Tell me."
Shido became interested when Marquis Raeven mentioned her. Even though he was most of the time in the capital, he almost couldn't see a presence of her. Yet, he also know why Marquis Raeven told him that she would be a problem. And it was because of her unknown way of gathering information to the point that it became scary for Marquis Raeven.
So, he narrate to Shido how Princess Renner was able to gain information about the happenings inside the kingdom. The conspiracy, the nobles, and even some of the most secret business occurring in the kingdom.
"I see."
Marquis Raeven reported about his meeting with the princess to Shido. Yet, he didn't even have a slight worry in his face, instead, he had this strange smile as if everything was according to the plan. However, when he recalled his strength, Marquis Raeven shook his head inside and thought that in the face of absolute power, all scheme are meaningless.
"It doesn't seem as simple as it looks," Raeven ventured, studying Shido's expression for the slightest flicker of change.
Shido said nothing, eyes distant in thought. Raeven wisely held his tongue, waiting. Only when Shido's hand made a subtle gesture did he continue.
"Continue."
"From my observation, there seems to be a third party feeding Princess Renner information," Marquis Raeven said, pausing to take a steadying breath. "...And judging by the level of confidentiality in what she knows, I suspect this group is not only powerful but may also have ambitions to overthrow the kingdom."
Shido stayed silent, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as his gaze drifted into thought. The quiet stretched on, making Raeven's pulse quicken. While Shido had never been as cruel as some masters, Raeven knew better than to mistake that for leniency. Provoking him was unthinkable.
At last, Shido spoke. "I already know about their existence. You don't need to concern yourself with them too much."
Marquis Raeven heave a sigh of relief hearing this, but still, she couldn't help but ask Shido what he would do with that rebellious princess.
"May I ask what are you planning to do with the princess?"
"I don't have any plans for her right now." Shido shook his head, his smile retaining a trace of intrigue. "But you don't have to worry. I'll personally deal with this cheeky princess."
"C-Cheeky?"
Marquis Raeven gave a wry smile at hearing his master describe Princess Renner that way. Still, he couldn't deny it, Renner was both deceptively easygoing and dangerously cunning.
"Well," Shido rose from the chair, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve, "I'll take my leave. If you find yourself in a pinch, use the transmission stone I gave you."
"Ah, you're going back already?"
"Hm? You still have something to say?"
"I-It's not that… but I was wondering if you'd like to stay for dinner. My son's been pestering me to have a meal with you," Marquis Raeven admitted, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. He knew he might be asking too much, yet the offer was also a subtle attempt to curry favor with a being who had long since surpassed the limits of humanity.
Shido look at Marquis Raeven thoughtfully, he then glanced toward the hallway where he sensed the marchioness approaching.
"You really love your son, huh."
"…Well, he is my everything, after all."
"I could stay for dinner."
"Really?! Excellent, I'll have the cooks prepare the finest delicacies we have."
"I'll leave it to you, then."
Just as their conversation ended, a soft knock came at the door. From outside, the gentle voice of Marquis Raeven's wife called,
"Dear, dinner is ready."