Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 160: Unspoken Secrets

Resigned, Damien translated Theo’s words. The Dragonewts, including Ithnan, all blushed and looked down, clearly flustered.

See? That’s too much for them, Damien thought, glancing at Theo, who gave him a thumbs-up with a beaming smile. Damien couldn’t help but think, So even this world has the thumbs-up gesture.

With Theo’s unexpected bombshell loosening the tense atmosphere, Damien moved on to Leonide’s report. Perhaps Theo had deliberately made such a bold statement to help everyone relax. It was still over-the-top, but the tension had eased.

"Now then," Leonide began, "regarding my observation of Zima’s work this afternoon: to put it simply, he’s excellent."

Zima blushed slightly and lowered his gaze.

"I’ve already adjusted minor procedural differences between our kingdom and the neighboring one. Zima is ready to work on the front lines starting tomorrow," Leonide continued.

Zima had mentioned earlier that he was capable, but earning such high praise from Leonide was impressive. Damien glanced at him, and Zima caught his gaze, giving a shy, embarrassed smile.

"Uh, so... how about the plan we discussed earlier? Zima can take care of me until Leonide and the others are free?" Damien suggested tentatively.

Leonide sighed but responded, "Though it pains me greatly, there is no issue with this arrangement."

The other vassals looked utterly crestfallen at the thought of having no time to dote on Damien.

"I’ll make sure you all get special leave once that matter is resolved," Damien reassured them quickly.

Theo nodded sympathetically. "We’ll work with Sebas to ensure proper compensation," he added.

Hearing this, the vassals reluctantly replied, "Understood."

"Thank you, everyone. I’m counting on you," Damien said earnestly.

"Tomorrow morning, I’ll complete the handover process to Zima," Leonide said. Zima nodded firmly, ready for the responsibility.

"Next up, the Dragonewts," Damien announced.

This was Damien’s report.

"For now, I’d like Ithnan and his siblings to assist with security and heavy labor tasks. Sebas, could you provide them with basic training in etiquette and other necessary skills? Does that sound feasible?"

Since they had no experience with household tasks like cleaning, this division of labor seemed like the best starting point.

For now, Damien decided it would be best to have them start with tasks they excelled at, though he figured someone might eventually express interest in trying other responsibilities.

"Understood. Security personnel are always necessary, so that shouldn’t be an issue," Sebas replied.

"Thank you," Damien said gratefully.

He felt confident leaving the details to Sebas, who was already managing everything efficiently.

"As I mentioned earlier, Sebas is currently busy with duties for the Dalehaven family, so your training will begin after things settle down. Please keep that in mind," Damien explained.

Ithnan and his siblings nodded in acknowledgment.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Sebas said, bowing to them.

Ithnan and his siblings seemed startled, and Theo gave him a curious look—likely because Sebas had spoken in Dragonewt language. With the translation pendant in use, it was hard to tell.

"No, we are the ones causing trouble for you. On behalf of my brothers, I offer both our apology and our thanks," Ithnan replied, bowing as his siblings followed suit.

"Um, they mentioned they’d like to train while waiting for the official sessions to begin. Is it possible to lend them some weapons?" Damien asked.

"Hmm, blunt weapons should be fine," Theo replied after a moment of thought.

"I’ll let them know. Ithnan, are blunt weapons acceptable?" Damien translated.

"Yes, that is acceptable," Ithnan answered.

"All right, I’ll get a list of your preferred weapons and give it to Theo," Damien said. He made a mental note to discuss proper equipment and storage later with Theo. He didn’t want any misunderstandings about having weapons in the estate.

...

After dinner, during tea time, Zima was chatting animatedly with Leonide and the others using gestures, while Ithnan and his siblings clustered around Damien. The language barrier was evident.

I should ask Theo about ways to address this, Damien thought.

"So, your work is still going to take a while, right?" Damien asked Theo.

Theo sighed. "Yes, although with Leonide and the others now focusing entirely on this, we’ve managed to speed things up. But there’s still plenty left to do."

Damien nodded. He hated feeling idle. "You know, I’ve learned how to read numbers and manage financial records now. Is there anything I can help with?"

Theo smiled faintly. "Actually, when I heard you were studying those skills, I anticipated you’d want to help. I’ve already prepared something. Can you assist starting tomorrow morning?"

"Of course!" Damien agreed enthusiastically. Finally, he could contribute in some meaningful way.

"But if you’re just making work for me to keep me busy, don’t hesitate to tell me. I can stay out of the way," Damien added earnestly.

"There’s no need to worry. We’re genuinely overwhelmed—it’s a relief to have your help," Theo reassured him, with a sincerity Damien appreciated.

Damien felt reassured knowing he could help without issue.

"However, I’ll observe your work tomorrow just to be sure," Theo said. "If it seems too difficult, I’ll have to ask you to review and study more."

"Got it! Ely taught me well, so I’m confident!" Damien said enthusiastically.

After all, this wasn’t play—it was work. He was determined to do his best. But... Theo looked conflicted about something.

"Huh? What’s wrong? Are you nervous about me helping?" Damien asked.

"No, not at all," Theo replied. "It’s not that, but..."

Theo seemed hesitant, which made Damien curious.

"Well... I’ll just ask directly. Who—or what—is this Ely? I understand it’s my teacher name, but why Ely?"

"Oh, it’s just a nickname based on his name," Damien explained, a bit puzzled. "It’s short for Elyon. Is that so confusing?"

"Wait, his name?" Theo’s face turned pale. "Ah, no, don’t say it! Please, don’t say it!"

Theo frantically stopped Damien just as he was about to explain further.

"Uh, did I mess up by learning his name?" Damien asked.

Ignoring Damien’s confusion, Theo turned to Sebas with a serious expression, and they began a private discussion.