Musou Knight: Crow of Cinders-Chapter 52: Louis Zen’s Eyes and Ears

Chapter 52 - Louis Zen’s Eyes and Ears

According to the game lore, Louis Zen wasn’t the type who offered free food. Players rarely faced a predictable fight with him, as he was among the select game bosses who would always resort to cunning tactics and stratagems.

In this case, I suspected that Dorothy and her people had been sent here to monitor me and the girls. Any information about my activities would be relayed to Louis Zen, who would then either extort me or leverage it to exert control. Henceforth, summoning items would require secrecy.

Still, I could use these spies against Louis Zen and spread false intel about myself.

I coughed and asked Dorothy.

"Well, if that’s the case, could you and the servants help me prepare dinner for me and my wives real quick? It has been all day, and I doubt my women have had any food since morning. Also, prepare us a bed and a bath."

"Of course, sir."

Dorothy grinned and bowed. She returned to her platoon of maids and relayed my order. Ten of them left the luggage behind and rushed into the villa while male servants carried over crates and barrels, which I assumed to be provision containers.

They looked juicy; I meant, the barrels and the crates. Unfortunately, they didn’t have large jars or vases that I could break for musou wine or healing food.

I followed them into the villa.

Upon entering, Dorothy rushed over.

"Sir. Please wait."

"Huh?" I looked over my shoulder.

"Let me help you change your boots."

I furrowed my brows and looked at the pair of leather shoes Dorothy had been carrying. I compared them with my current metal boots, which Bickar had given me.

Looking at the floor of the villa made me realize the reason. The flooring was made of bricks, covered by fur rugs. Meanwhile, the soles of my boots were full of mud stains and dirt.

I shrugged.

"Alright."

"Thank you for your understanding!"

Dorothy bowed several times, which made me confused. Wasn’t this a common courtesy in someone else’s house?

Wait...

I smacked my forehead.

"You’ve got me," I complained.

Dorothy’s grin remained the same. Without commenting, she helped me remove the steel boots and replaced my socks. Her servants even carried a hot water tub, clean clothes, and a chair for me to sit down. Two more maids rushed over and washed my feet.

While watching her people wash my feet, Dorothy commented, "Please relax, sir. You don’t have to be wary of me."

I decided to be frank. "You’ll report this to General Louis tomorrow, right?"

She put her right hand on her chest and nodded. "I shall give him good words. We welcome all educated knights."

Figured.

I glanced at the maids, who were still using wet cloths to clean my legs. Although they wore skirts, they failed to conceal their leather dagger holsters around their waists and thighs.

Assassins.

As dangerous as ever, Louis Zen. If I had shown signs of being an uncontrollable idiot, they would have ended me. I bet these women were level 4 or higher.

Although these assassin maids seemed threatening, they were reliable bodyguards. I remembered that Lia and Lenitia could employ them as their personal troops after they joined forces with Invidia, and they were good at stealth missions.

I observed their arms and legs. None of them had excess fat. Their firm quads could even make bodybuilders pull their hair in envy.

One of the maids noticed my gaze. She smiled at me and adjusted her skirt, revealing more skin.

No, woman. Those thighs would crack my nuts 100%.

I rolled my eyes and looked away. A second later, I smacked my forehead once again.

Without looking at Dorothy, I knew she had been taking notes.

Whatever. I would just be myself. As long as Louis Zen didn’t backstab me, I would play along.

.

After a pleasant washing and a leg massage, the maids escorted me into the villa as though they had lived there before. We arrived at the third floor, where the master chamber was located.

When we arrived, Lia and Lenitia were already there, resting on the king-sized bed and wearing new casual clothes. Both turned toward us.

"Hey, Raven! Knock first before you enter my room!" Lenitia yelled.

Lia blushed and teased me. "Supreme General, if you wish for my service, you could have asked me in private."

Lenitia stared at Lia with round eyes and bonked her. "Y-You pervert! Since when have you become his servant?!"

"Ow! I was just kidding, Your Highness!"

I facepalmed. Embarrassed, I muttered in a low voice without looking at Dorothy.

"Head maid, let’s go to another room. Give this room to these women."

Dorothy smiled at the two ladies. While maintaining a calm posture, she reminded them,

"Propriety dictates that the master chamber be reserved for its lord, where our maids may attend him with utmost diligence. Your Highness Constantia, General Zen has graciously bestowed this villa as a welcome gift to Sir Flame Knight. It would be appropriate for you to choose a different chamber, unless you intend to share bed with your groom prior to the sanctification."

My face twitched. With this, it was confirmed that Louis Zen had sent Dorothy here to test us.

I pointed at the door with my eyes as I stepped to the side, allowing Lenitia to leave. I hoped she could catch my hint.

Please, don’t be a nuisance. You’re a smart princess. Pick the right choice!

Lenitia’s brows knit together as she raised her voice.

"On what authority do you presume to dictate my choice of chamber?"

Dorothy placed a hand upon her chest and bowed low.

"I am Dorothy. Once I served General Zen as commanding officer of the logistic infantry division, and I was also the mentor of his daughter. Having retired from the army, I now serve as head maid within General Zen’s private estate. By his command, I have been dispatched here to attend Sir Flame Knight as his loyal servant."

Lenitia stopped in her tracks and shot me a furious look. She was about to speak, but Lia covered her mouth and spoke for her.

"I understand, head maid. Kindly guide us to our designated room."

Dorothy grinned widely. "Of course. Please follow me."

Unfortunately, Lenitia removed Lia’s hand and yelled.

"We’re not moving anywhere. I’ll be staying here. Raven, you go pick another room! This is mine!"

I rolled my eyes and facepalmed. Before I could warn her, Dorothy stated the fact.

"The master of the estate must remain in the master chamber for many reasons, Your Highness. His safety must be secured. His honor must be preserved. Should you insist on exchanging rooms, our servants may become uncertain whom they serve. Such confusion would be unseemly."

Lenitia lifted her chin and continued with her defiance.

"Confusion among servants is no concern of mine. I am the princess of Constantia, and I shall not be displaced from the chamber I have chosen. If that man values his honor, he may uphold it elsewhere."

That was not a good sign. At this rate, they would discover that Lenitia and I were a fake couple.

I stomped toward Lenitia and glanced at Lia, who raised an eyebrow as though she caught my intention. Lia grinned and pulled Lenitia to the bed, pressing her down by her shoulders.

"LIA!!" Lenitia screamed.

I turned to Dorothy and gave her an apologetic smile.

"I’m sorry, but could you leave us alone for the night? Someone needs to be taught a lesson."

Dorothy’s eyes widened. A second later, she grinned and receded.

"Understood, master. I’ll handle the household matter."

"...Thanks."

Dorothy bowed deeply and exited the room.

As soon as Dorothy had left, Lia and I turned to the spoiled princess.