Following Celeste's instructions before heading to the palace, the Alabaster Hall servants who'd sheltered in the garage basement learned Tenger had moved, returned to their posts, and awaited their master's return.

  Celeste returned to such an Alabaster Hall well past noon, nearly evening. Having descended from Tenger, the capital's ministers each responding to matters, answering their questions and requests for advice—it had taken considerable time.

  "Welcome home, my lord."

  Greeting Celeste as he exited the automobile at the entrance, Reinbardt started at seeing Arimecalises' bizarre appearance emerge from the passenger seat but somehow maintained composure—though Lonovar, also present at the entrance, was quite shaken.

  Truth be told, the ministers who hadn't panicked at her appearance (that object head, so to speak) were the truly abnormal ones.

  "Wh-who is that?"

  "Ah, Arimecalises—newly become part of our Celeste household.

  I'd like to properly introduce her, so could you gather everyone in the hall?"

  "Y-yes.

  ...Lonovar, attend our lord."

  Having addressed Lonovar—frozen in shock—to restore his senses, Reinbardt instructed Roderick to summon the servants and entered the estate to inform Lady Biala, descending to the hall from her upstairs room, of this situation beforehand.

  "M-my lord, your coat—"

  "Ah, no. Later, please.

  For now, you go summon the servants too.

  I have good news."

  "Y-yes..."

  Is this master calling good news bringing such a bizarre person? Lonovar wondered dubiously—but such thoughts weren't a servant's place. Following orders, as Lonovar too walked off to summon servants, Lady Biala's surprised voice reached from behind.

  "My goodness—if you're bringing a guest, a bit of notice would have been appreciated."

  Though surprised, never touching upon Arimecalises' appearance—such refined response was quintessentially her.

  That effort notwithstanding, Garkan emerging from the kitchen with the maids into the hall took one look at Arimecalises and fainted on the spot. That causing a minor commotion is another story.

  "Has Garkan awakened?

  Honestly, too delicate for that bulk.

  Today I've gathered everyone to convey something."

  Thus beginning, Celeste explained: that morning's 'flying island' was actually gifted to him, declared this nation's territory, bestowed upon him as Celeste domain; Arimecalises beside him was its administrator (judging 'control assistance system' would mean nothing) appointed as Tenger's deputy administrator; and—

  "Through happenstance, I also received the Marc rank.

  So Regis Celeste also became Marc Tenger.

  Well, Marc Tenger is purely a rank for when utilizing it as borderland."

  While servants gaped at Celeste casually rattling off things each alone constituting major events, only Lady Biala pressed hand to forehead as if feeling a headache.

  "Your Excellency...

  That's not something to mention in such flippant tones.

  Receiving a fief, new rank bestowal, deputy administrator appointment... each alone is momentous.

  Please, show some regard for propriety."

  "Oh come on, it's just family."

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Your Excellency!"

  Unusually, Lady Biala raised her voice.

  Even Celeste couldn't maintain his casual air at this.

  "A-alright.

  Then, one last thing."

  "There's more?"

  Pretending not to see Lady Biala's exasperated expression, Celeste continued.

  "My faithful steward, Reinbardt Chiono.

  I have a ceremony to convey. Step forward."

  Startled at Celeste suddenly assuming solemn demeanor, Reinbardt immediately complied, approaching his master.

  "You summoned me, my lord?"

  "Indeed.

  For your daily service, I grant words of appreciation.

  And—"

  While servants wondered what had happened today to make their master—who rarely showed such solemnity except before guests—display it, Celeste continued.

  "I convey royal command.

  You, butler of House Celeste, are promoted to Steward and simultaneously appointed supreme director of Regis Celeste's monopoly enterprises.

  Moreover, to fulfill that responsibility, I grant you the Vicari rank.

  All agreed?

  Any who object, speak now."

  At Celeste's stunningly shocking content, the servants fell silent.

  Well, technically—upon hearing 'any who object,' Roderick went "aye~" raising his hand, only to have Retes apply a chokehold everyone pretended not to see.

  — Thud

  Garkan apparently fainted again.

  "Hm? What's this, Reinbardt.

  No response.

  Do you object to receiving this rank?

  Then I must report to His Majesty you're returning it—"

  Snapping back to his senses, Reinbardt dropped to one knee and hastily responded.

  "N-no!

  An honor beyond my station—I humbly accept with gratitude."

  "Good. Acknowledged.

  Regarding the name you'll bear as Vicari, report to the College of Arms once decided."

  "Yes!"

  — Clap clap clap

  Through the silent hall, applause rang out.

  "Congratulations, Reinbardt.

  No—you must decide a name quickly.

  We can't keep calling you by given name forever."

  "Y-yes..."

  Honestly, Reinbardt himself couldn't yet grasp reality.

  Born third son of the great northern noble house Marc Chiono, positioned with no succession prospects, he'd aimed to advance through his own power and joined the royal guard.

  There he'd steadily advanced, one step from Equs—the lowest rank—when ordered by the royal guard commander, His Highness the Prince, to serve as steward to this Regis from another world, thinking self-advancement now abandoned—

  'If you're aiming for advancement, I think it's not a bad arrangement.'

  His Highness the Prince's words when sending him here—weren't they mere consolation?

  Not Equs, not even Prae above it.

  He'd become Vicari at a leap.

  Feeling disbelief was hardly unreasonable.

  Kneeling overwhelmed, applause and cheers resounding through the hall reached his ears.

  "Congratulations!"

  "Congratulations!"

  "Good for you, squad leader—no, Vicari!"

  Having discarded the unconscious Roderick, Retes helped up Reinbardt—who'd forgotten even to move while kneeling—and congratulated him thus.

  "Right then—let's celebrate Arime becoming family and two receiving Vicari rank.

  Nothing grand like a party, just a dinner—"

  "What are you saying, Your Excellency?

  Do you intend to wash away Your Excellency's own second rank?

  Three received ranks simultaneously.

  We should change the date and hold a proper celebration party.

  Introducing them both as well."

  At Lady Biala's indication, Celeste responded with a reluctant face.

  "Eh, really?"

  "Really nothing—that's noble society custom."

  "But...

  That wouldn't mean celebrating with the servants, would it?

  I just thought, simply with family.

  Well, bothersome though it is, we'll properly hold the formal party later.

  Go ahead and mock me for not shedding common dirt."

  Hearing that much, even Lady Biala couldn't continue objecting.

  Smiling resignedly, she answered.

  "Understood.

  If that's the case, I won't stop you.

  Indeed, celebrating with family isn't bad.

  However..."

  Her gaze fell upon Garkan, still unconscious.

  "With the head chef in that state..."

  "Ah, no problem there.

  Since it's my celebration too, I'll treat—

  I'll buy Earth food whose safety Daharat 'verified' yesterday."

  "...I feel I just heard something rather frightening...

  Must be my imagination.

  Then I'll have the maids prepare the great dining hall."

  "Please do.

  Ah, since it's Reinbardt's celebration, shall we invite Uncle Daharat too?"

  Watching Celeste refer to Daharat informally, Lady Biala said with dubious eyes:

  "When did you two become such intimates?"

  "Hm?

  Ah, well, various things happened with him on Earth."

  Though looking suspicious, Lady Biala seemed disinclined to probe further.

  Save one thing.

  "Your friendship is most welcome, but...

  Please take utmost care with your speech."

  "Yes, understood.

  Then I'll go to Earth.

  I'll return in time for dinner, so please prepare.

  Tell Daharat we're preparing Earth lager.

  Arime, what about you? Will you stay with everyone at the estate?"

  "If my lord wishes."

  At that somewhat cold-sounding response, Celeste said with a wry smile:

  "You're becoming part of House Celeste, so unless absolutely impossible, I think you should socialize.

  Lady Biala, please look after her.

  She may find the unfamiliar appearance somewhat challenging, but please."

  — Snap

  Lady Biala struck her palm with her fan, scolding Celeste loudly.

  "Your Excellency. You mustn't demean people, especially women, by discussing their appearance.

  You should know that.

  She simply has something slightly special—I think she's beautiful."

  Hearing Lady Biala's words, the six wings corresponding to Arimecalises' head folded inward, wrapping the part corresponding to a face.

  'Is that... embarrassment?'

  "Ah, indeed. That was lacking.

  Thank you for the correction, Lady Biala.

  Arime too—the lady is like House Celeste's supreme authority, so get along, yes?"

  "Yes, my lord."

  Thinking Arimecalises would be fine left to Lady Biala, Celeste crossed through the Gate, returning to Earth.

  "Now... what would be good? Plenty of time, I think—"