The next day, Saito and Louise walked around the property grounds with the caretaker, named Jacques. Now that the manor was occupied, he would personally see to any needs they had. He wouldn't always be around like a butler or a maid, but Saito could tell the older man would be a big help. Kirche and Mon-Mon had come by to see the place, bringing Louise's furniture with them on a wagon. It took a bit of legwork to get everything inside, but between the five of them, the wagon was unloaded quickly and a bit more cleaning was able to get done.
The group further explored the manor, finding a storage basement, a now fully stocked pantry, a spacious dining room, and a library that would make Tabitha happy were she there. Saito made sandwiches for everybody and walked the grounds alone to get some time to himself.
The sun was shining, there was a nice breeze, and he was tempted to lay out under a tree were it not for the guests inside his new home. Instead, Saito met with some of the serfs working the land. Apparently, the soil wasn't good for crops, but had very impressive vineyards. Meaning that if Saito were to stop being a Knight, he would do well if he wanted to start selling wine.
Presently, he returned to the manor and was greeted by Jacques upon his arrival. "A guest has arrived. She would like to speak with Ms. Louise," he said. "I was just about to retrieve her when you returned." "Thanks Jacques," Saito replied. "I'll go with you." The two met up with Louise, who was finishing lunch with her two friends. Saito and Louise walked to the library where Jacques had their guest waiting.
"There you are, Little Louise!" Said a shrill voice, sending a chill up Saito's spine. "Oh jeez, not her..." he groaned. Sitting in a chair, an irritated scowl on her face, was Eleanor. She stood up in an attempt to pinch her sister's cheek. "What do you think you're playing at!?" Saito blocked her advancement with his own body and a hardened glare to match hers.
"Thought I warned you to stop hurting her," Saito warned. "You," she said with a huff. "I could've gone the rest of my life without seeing you again." "And yet you're here, in my home," Saito retorted. "What do you want?" "I've come to take my sister home with me!" Said Eleanor firmly. "An unwed boy and an unwed girl, living together in a mansion!? I will not accept such an immoral relationship!!"
"How many times do I have to tell you?" Louise yelled. "I'm with Julio, not Saito!" "Don't lie to me, Little Louise!!" Eleanor snapped. "I heard through a source at the Academy that the two of you haven't been spending time together ever since that business in Romalia!" "My personal life is none of your business!!" Louise snapped back. "It is when it affects the reputation of our family!!" Eleanor said darkly. "Mother and Father already know about this development and I'm bringing you home to them! I won't have you living with this Peasant!!"
"I don't care what you think!!" Louise yelled, catching her sister off guard. "I've risked my life time and time again alongside my Familiar in defense of not only our country, but the entire world! Saito saved my life numerous times, even dying for me! Or did you forget about that too!?"
Eleanor is taken aback by the outburst, perhaps remembering how distraught her younger sister was when the boy was suspected to be dead. "Saito is true Nobility in every sense of the word," Louise continued. "He has earned his title and he more than deserves your respect!!" "Louise..." Saito was touched by her defense.
"Y-yes... I suppose you may have a point," Eleanor acquiesced, recomposing herself and turning to the boy. "But regardless, it's highly inappropriate for you two to be living together like this! I mean, look at this place, it's filthy! Any decent Noble should have a servant or at the very least a maid to chaperone and keep things clean. Surely Lady Henrietta assigned one to you?"
Saito's eyes looked down sadly, "I had one..." Eleanor can see the look on his face, her her expression uncharacteristically softens. "Oh... It was that girl from before? The one who..." The boy nods silently in response. "I see..." she replied. "Very well then, I shall return home." Louise looked up in surprise, Saito as well. "Y-you're not going to try and take me away?"
Eleanor shakes her head, "Not this time. I see now how much the two of you depend on each other. I have nothing to worry about anymore. At least when it come to your well being, Little Louise." "Big Sis..." Louise said softly. Eleanor turns her head to Saito, "However, you can be sure to expect a visit from our parents sometime in the future. When that happens, you'd better have your manners in check for them. You may have won their interest the first time you met, but they will not tolerate their youngest daughter living with a fake Aristocrat."
Eleanor turned back to her sister, "If you expect them to allow you to stay, you'll need to teach your Familiar proper etiquette. Is that understood?" "Oh yes!! Thank you, Big Sis Eleanor!!" Louise rushed to her sister and gave her an unexpected hug. Eleanor was surprised, but returned the hug with a slight smile.
"I knew you were a big softie at heart," Saito teased. "Don't push it," Eleanor's eyes narrowed at the boy, separating from her sister and turning to the door. The three were met by Kirche and Mon-Mon who were waiting respectfully outside the room. They regarded Louise with warm smiles as everyone accompanied Eleanor to the main entrance.
"By the way, it will likely help your cause if you present your future plans to our Mother and Father," Eleanor said. "Future plans?" Saito queried. "Of course," she replied with a dark smile. "The two of you, living together in the same home? In the eyes of many, you have essentially committed to an engagement towards marriage."
"M-MARRIAGE!?!?" Saito's jaw dropped and Louise looked horrified. Kirche and Mon-Mon did their best to stifle their laughter. "T-That's not what this is!!!" Louise protested, blushing furiously. "Perhaps, perhaps not," Eleanor replied cheekily. "But I suggest you have your stories straight and his manners in check by the time Mother and Father come and visit. Consider this a friendly warning from your Big Sis." With that, she left the room, leaving Saito and Louise staring at each other. Their expressions said the same thing: What the hell do we do!?