So, led by the old butler, Ryuto and the others walked towards the villa. Upon entering the door...

"Um..."

It was quite quiet, nothing like what Ryuto had imagined.

Well, although the luxury inside exceeded expectations, that wasn't what Ryuto was concerned about. Perhaps noticing Ryuto's astonished expression, the old butler turned around with a slightly puzzled look.

"What's wrong, Mr. Amagi?"

"Well... how should I put it, it's just different from what I... imagined."

With that, Ryuto glanced around. Was it because of his vast experience that the old butler quickly understood Ryuto's meaning?

In a resigned tone, he said, "Mr. Amagi is wondering why there's no one here to greet you?"

"No, not really... I just find it... too quiet, I thought there would be..."

"You thought there would be a large welcoming party, am I correct in understanding your meaning, Mr. Amagi?"

The old butler tentatively probed.

"Well, kind of, not that it should have been like that, just found it a bit odd."

Well, when entering a noble's house, wouldn't there usually be dozens of butlers or maids lining the hall to welcome you? Most nobles were like this, let alone a duke.

Was hoping to experience it for once. After all, the duke's house earlier was an exception, not to be considered. Although that was the truth, Ryuto swallowed the words.

"I think I understand Mr. Amagi's thoughts. If I may, allow me to add something."

Nodding, the old butler whispered, "What?"

"In fact, we were originally going to do that. I should say, the master himself was prepared to do so. After all, Mr. Amagi saved the young lady, so it wouldn't have been excessive."

"Really? Then..."

"In reality, it was also the young lady's wish."

"Really? What do you mean?"

"When the master ordered the staff to prepare a grand welcome for Mr. Amagi, the young lady intervened."

"She intervened? Why?"

Well, although it sounded strange coming from the person herself, I was just curious.

"Because the young lady said Mr. Amagi doesn't like that kind of reception, and the master also couldn't go against her, so in the end, they had no choice, and in fact, the opposite..."

...How should I put it, although what they said was correct, I do indeed not like crowded places, but for some reason... Nevertheless, Ryuto soon noticed something else.

"The opposite?"

"Yes, because the young lady knew Mr. Amagi doesn't like crowded places, so after stopping the master's actions, she personally instructed to have the staff leave, leaving only a few, including myself."

"Um... I see."

Ryuto couldn't help but chuckle. No wonder... While mocking in his mind, Ryuto glanced once again at the hall.

Despite the size of the place, there wasn't a single servant cleaning, even at the entrance. Did they evacuate early? How odd, both houses can't have been sealed off. Perhaps seeing Ryuto's strange expression, the old butler tentatively asked, "Mr. Amagi, are you dissatisfied with the young lady's arrangement?"

"No, not at all, um... very well."

Well, although feeling a bit exposed, making one uneasy, it did lessen Ryuto's pressure. Therefore, although Ryuto's response was hesitant, it was genuine. Upon hearing this, the old butler breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is that so? That's good, after all..."

But he stopped abruptly halfway.

"After all...?"

"In fact, Mr. Amagi may not know, but this is the first time I have seen the young lady so determined."