Capítulo 66: Chapter 65
"Those of you who are here for food, form three lines and wait your turn!"
Arisa's vigorous shouting pierced through the air as the sunlight bounced off her blonde wig, concealing her foreboding lilac hair.
Located in Labyrinth City Celivera, the bustling plaza near the West Explorers' Guild was the site of our soup kitchen. To our surprise, the turnout was much larger than expected. While our initial focus was on providing meals for the starving children and elderly struggling to find employment, we were also met with young novice explorers struggling to make ends meet.
"Line uuup?"
With her short white hair, cat ears, and tail, Tama deftly navigated through the throng of people, corralling them into orderly lines.
"No cutting, sirs! Newcomers to the back of the line, sirs!"
Pochi, with her canine features of ears and a tail, along with a stylish short brown bob, appeared to have caught someone attempting to sneak to the front of the line.
"Young larvae, if you wish to fill your bellies, the back of the line is here, I declare,"
As if at a comic convention, Nana, the homunculus, held up a sign that read 'BACK OF THE LINE', her long blonde ponytail swaying. Instead of her usual armour, she was dressed in a breezy summer dress, leaving me worried about her uncovered skin.
"Master, the prep team is ready to distribute food at your command,"
Liza, a member of the orangescale tribe, was always known for her serious demeanour. Adorning her neck, wrists, and other areas were small, delicate scales. Despite her recent impressive performance on the front lines, she still managed to exude the charm of a new bride while donning an apron over her everyday attire. Surprisingly, this role suited her perfectly. As a matter of fact, it was Liza who had taught Satou, Lulu and myself the fundamental skills of cooking.
"My part of the cooking is finished, so I'll help with the distribution, too,"
Lulu's stunning smile would have made even the most famous idols flee in awe. As she spun around, her lustrous black locks cascaded behind her. It's truly baffling that the inhabitants of this world fail to appreciate her unparalleled beauty. Who in their right mind could dare deem such a breathtaking creature as anything less than flawless?
"Can you hand;e things from here?"
"I'll be fine. Most of the work is already done, so please don't worry about me,"
Sara, Rin's younger sister and a daughter of Duke Ougoch, was the one to answer Lulu's question. She was just as beautiful as Lulu and also a priestess of Tenion Temple. With her bright green eyes and kind smile, she brushed some strands of her platinum blonde hair out of her face. As soon as Satou and I mentioned our plans for the soap kitchen, Sara eagerly volunteered to help, as expected.
"Ready,"
Mia, the elf, was dressed in the traditional attire of a Japanese elementary school child on lunch duty: a white coverall apron, mask, and kerchief. Her excitement was evident as she stood ready for her task. Her long pale blue-green hair was styled in her usual two pigtails, revealing her slightly pointed elf ears. Standing beside her were the young maids we had hired to work at the mansion, dressed in similar outfits. The head maid, Miss Miteruna, oversaw the younger maids and tended to the soup cooking over the fire.
"Master, I have turned the troublemakers over to the guards,"
Following our confrontation with a group of street thugs attempting to steal from us, Pearl swiftly returns to her post in the kitchen. Being a rabbitfolk, she has a charming pair of rabbit ears atop her head, which sway delicately with the breeze.
"Let's get started, then,"
Satou opted to forego delivering a lengthy speech and instead utilised his 'Amplification' skill to broadcast the commencement of the food distribution across the entire plaza.
The assembled spectators erupted into cheers as they eagerly awaited their meal. The day's meal comprised delectable sweet dumplings, cleverly presented in a leafy wrap, and a soup served in bowls ingeniously fashioned from halves of palm fruit. These convenient containers were readily available in Labyrinth City at a bargain price, often discarded after use. It also piqued my interest, as the area lacked palm trees, leaving me wondering where their supply originated.
"Whoa, looks good..."
"The soup smells great, too!"
"What're these black things?"
"Ooh, dumplings!"
As the children lined up, they chattered eagerly amongst themselves. However, the food that we were distributing was fairly simple. The dumplings were a blend of beans and potatoes, while the soup consisted of dried bits of octopus and edible brown seaweed.
Satou had initially wanted to prepare a more extravagant meal, but both Arisa and Miss Miteruna advised against it. They feared that if the food was too extravagant, it would attract individuals who were capable of providing for themselves, causing inconvenience for those who made a living by running food carts. Therefore, we had carefully planned the distribution time to avoid overlapping with the morning shift hours.
"You there! If you've already received your share, step to the side before you start eating, please!"
After receiving their food, the children immediately began eating, prompting Arisa to raise her voice.
"It's yummy,"
"Yeah, the potatoes aren't even bitter,"
"And the beans don't make my mouth tingle!"
The children ecstatically praised their meal as they hungrily devoured it. However, the seemingly insignificant beans and potatoes, which were typically associated with poverty in Labyrinth City, were, in fact, the remains of monstrous creatures known as 'hopping potatoes' and 'walking beans.'
Improperly prepared, these staples had a repulsive and bitter flavour, and their dark red fibres even had a mildly paralysing effect. After meticulously eliminating the elements responsible for our numbness, the beans and potatoes were cut, mashed into circular dumplings, and then cooked by frying them in animal fat.
"Ow-ow, that's hot!"
"The soup is tasty, too,"
"Mm-hmm! The blackish-green stuff's hard to scoop up, but it's yummy,"
"The white stuff is nice and chewy, too,"
The crowd seemed to enjoy the octopus and seaweed soup we served. We had obtained the octopus from our exploration of the labyrinth. Usually, we would rely on the dried meat cubes we collected from the numerous octopus monsters along the sugar route. Still, we refrained from using it this time to avoid raising suspicion. The brown seaweed we also acquired on the sugar route was a less suspicious ingredient for our soup.
As I felt a gaze directed towards me, I turned and gazed around the area. There, on the opposite end of the plaza, stood Counselor Poputema - someone I had labelled as the 'green-clad noble' as he often donned all green attire. He was observing the happenings of the soup kitchen with an expression of dissatisfaction instead of his typical gentle smile.
"Young miss,"
While I deliberated over whether to talk to the green-clad noble, Miss Miteruna, the head maid, softly approached me and discreetly murmured in my ear. She directed my attention towards an opulent carriage that had stopped on the opposing side of the road, to where the green-clad noble was positioned.
As the carriage window slid open, the viceroy's wife's cheery presence greeted us with a plump, smiling face. Her generosity not only granted us permission to operate the soup kitchen, but she also provided financial aid. Seeing her, I bestowed upon her a gracious bow to express my appreciation in a noble manner.
Despite having developed a good relationship with the esteemed woman in charge of Labyrinth City, I had previously encountered some discord with her. This was largely because of Sokell, a young nobleman who viewed me as his primary adversary. However, Sokell's downfall had already transpired when his involvement in the creation and circulation of an illicit substance referred to as 'demonic potion' was uncovered.
After resolving all the dramatic issues, I was granted permission to launch the soup kitchen and construct a personal orphanage, which meant I was making good progress towards resolving the issue of hunger among the orphans in Labyrinth City. This meant I could finally take some time to enjoy myself.
As I reflected on our time in Labyrinth City and glanced back up, the carriage carrying the viceroy's wife had already departed. It seemed she had only made a brief stop to see how things were going before continuing on to her next engagement. Shifting my gaze away from the road, I noticed that the green-robed noble had also vanished.
"Mfull,"
"That was tasty,"
"Ahhh, so haaappy..."
The children let out satisfied sighs as they polished off their meals. Although I didn't think the portions would be enough to satisfy their growing appetites, it seemed that most of them were used to not having enough food and were easily satisfied. However, a few of them had resorted to turning their soup bowls upside down in hopes of getting every last drop. Others were even licking the empty leaves that had wrapped their dumplings, trying to capture any remaining crumbs.
"I still think that instead of just one meal a day, we should…"
"You mustn't, master," As Satou opened his mouth to propose three daily meals, Arisa abruptly cut him off with a reprimanding voice. "If you give them excessive aid, they won't be able to support themselves."
Arisa argued that although individuals may initially be grateful for the complimentary food, they may begin to view it as an entitlement, leading to unrealistic expectations. While I didn't see it as a significant issue, once the orphanage was established, there would be a decrease in starving children on the streets. As for the elderly and financially struggling new explorers, I would have to find alternative methods to assist them.
"Please dispose of your trash in the trash cans, I insist,"
Nana reprimanded the children, who had begun carelessly tossing their bowls and leaves onto the ground. Despite a few disregarding her words, a stern glance from Liza and Pearl was enough to prompt them to swiftly clean up their litter.
"Oh, looks like most of them are done eating now," Arisa used an old-fashioned 'upsy-daisy' to hoist herself up onto the empty box she had been sitting on. She shouted at the children from her elevated position, using a magic tool to amplify her voice. "Those of you who are done eating, there's volunteer work to be done if you have the time! Those who participate will be rewarded with a little treat!"
She came up with the concept of having the children assist and gain experience by working rather than simply providing them with food.
"Volunteer?"
"What's that?"
"A job?"
Curiosity piqued the children circled around.
"It's not a job. It's voluntary, sort of a goodwill... ah, I guess you don't really have those terms here," Arisa furrowed her brow. "Let's see... Basically, I'm asking you to help clean up the plaza and the roads and stuff as thanks for the food."
Although some of the children appeared perplexed, they still showed eagerness to join in. However, a few of the older individuals remained at a distance. Approximately half of the group stayed behind to offer assistance. Meanwhile, the majority of young explorers headed towards the entrance of the labyrinth.
"Looks like they're only interested in cash,"
"That's fine,"
We didn't really need many people anyway.
<0>
"...Mew?"
Tama's ears suddenly flattened as I sat nearby, and she anxiously scanned her surroundings. Next to her, Pochi's eyes snapped open, and she curiously sniffed the air. In the distance, the sound of people screaming could be heard.
"So noisyyyy?"
"I smell something burning, sir,"
Tama and Pochi hurriedly made their way to a section of the plaza that was bordered by a fence, providing a view of a slightly steep incline. My gaze followed theirs, and I spotted thick black smoke billowing up from the centre of the lower downtown region.
"Uh-oh, is that a fire?"
"Mia, can you put it out with magic?"
"Mrrr, too far,"
At a distance of approximately six hundred feet, it was unlikely that her magic would be able to reach the fire.
"I'll head over and check it out,"
"Allow me to accompany you, master,"
Liza lifted her lengthy skirt, exposing her unshod feet in preparation for a sprint. The children appeared enthusiastic to assist us as well. They were not dressed in their usual protective gear. Still, we should be adequately protected with Arisa's 'Enchant: Resist Fire' and my 'Enchant: Physical Protection'. As a precaution, Satou and I distributed damp cloths to everyone to cover their mouths.
"All right, let's go!"
We left Miss Miteruna to handle the plaza as we hurriedly departed. Within a brief amount of time, the dark fumes from the downtown area had already engulfed a vast expanse. Its swift movement suggested the possibility of deliberate ignition.
"We're taking a shortcut!"
Grabbing hold of Mia and lifting her into my arms, as Satou did the same with Arisa, we made a quick decision to head straight down the steep incline instead of opting for the longer, safer route.
"Tallyhooo..."
"Lallyhooo, sir!"
"Easy, you two. You'll bite your tongues if you try to talk,"
The vanguard squad, well-versed in the art of acrobatic combat, effortlessly conversed as they slid down the terrain. However, Arisa and Mia appeared far more apprehensive. Lulu, skipping nimbly beside Sara and Nana, let out occasional high-pitched yelps of 'eek!' with a hint of delight in her voice. It seemed her self-defence lessons in the elf village, and her increased physical abilities from levelling up played a role in her enjoyment.
"Hero Kura, the black cloud is moving, I report,"
"Master! The fires are being caused by burning slimes,"
Upon examining Nana's report, Arisa utilised a chant-free spell from the Space Magic realm known as Clairvoyance, which uncovered the root of the issue. However, Satou had observed that the slimes were perishing rapidly. Despite this, there was still one oil slime left up ahead. In preparation, I used 'Enchant: Physical Protection' on all of us. At the same time, Arisa simultaneously applied 'Enchant: Resist Fire' on the entire group.
Rushing through the scattering crowd, we burst onto the street coated in a thick layer of ash. Suddenly, my attention was captured by a powerful blaze in my line of sight. For being a merely low-ranking slime, it was surprisingly colossal, resembling a fully-grown cow. As I was about to command Pearl to annihilate it, a shadowy figure abruptly materialised and intervened between us and the oily monstrosity.
"Dozon... Buster!"
A rugged adventurer with a thick beard leapt from a run-down building nearby. He brandished a massive war hammer and swung it down with full force onto the smouldering mass of oil slime. The slime was no match for the mighty hammer, as it collapsed under the weight and violently burst into pieces, scattering in every direction.
"Ah, stupid!"
"Aaaaagh! Water, water!"
The oil slime, a sickly yellow-brown colour, was strewn across the area, clinging to the adjacent houses and igniting into flames. With the structures adorned with thatched rooftops, the fire quickly consumed the buildings. The very mortar that bound the brick walls seemed to be combustible as the flames travelled downwards. The explorer responsible for this catastrophe was now writhing in pain on the ground, but his companions would likely attend to him.
"Mia, start the chant for a firefighting water spell,"
"Mm… Water Ring Sansui,"
Mia opted for a Spirit Magic spell, knowing it required the shortest chants, as she dispersed water droplets around the vicinity. I was aware that attempting to extinguish an oil blaze with water was ill-advised, but the slime-based oil appeared to be affected by the slime's makeup. This implied that it should not continue to spread.
To aid Mia, I utilised a blend of the 'Clairvoyance' and 'Water Shot' spells to detect and douse the flames consuming the insides of the structures. Simultaneously, I teleported individuals out of the burning buildings through the use of my 'Magic Hands' and 'Return' spells.
<Title Acquired: Firefighter>
"Whoa!"
"That little girl's a magic whiz!"
"Wish we could have her instead of our guy,"
"Mrrr... Kura…"
The bearded explorer's crew huddled together, showering Mia with compliments. This made Mia retreat to my side, clinging to me, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"The fire should go out soon, but I'd imagine there are some people with serious injuries,"
"Time for a rescue operation, then?"
"Right. But it'd be dangerous to go alone, so Pochi and Liza, Tama and Nana, I'll have you work in pairs. The rest of you, stay here and heal the wounded as the rescue team brings them in,"
With Satou's plan and a bag full of burn-healing potions, we started to set up an area to treat the wounded.
"What about you, master?"
"I'll be on the rescue team, too, of course,"
"Screams, sir!"
"Let's go, Pochi,"
"Yes, sir,"
Pochi and Liza dashed to a house that was still in flames.
"Over heeere?"
"Lead the way, I request,"
Tama and Nana set off toward another nearby house.
It seems they have everything under control. Though I had planned to assist if things became difficult, Arisa's Enchant: Resist Fire seemed to be safeguarding their clothes and skin, allowing them to safely rescue others. And Satou was with them. It was clear that I had no reason to be concerned.
I focused on preparing the treatment area while Mia, Sara, and Lulu assisted in setting up the sets, tables, and benches. Arisa was designated to guide people towards our location, with Pearl protecting her. We only had a few items to arrange, so some residents arrived with their own furniture. When the first injured individual arrived, we had ample seating for them to rest while we provided treatment.
A group of seasoned explorers with garnet badges were engaged in an intense battle against the slimes nearby. Despite the chaos, it seemed as though they had the situation well in hand.
"Those who can walk, please find a seat, and we will treat you as soon as possible!" I call out as a stream of people pour into the treatment area. "If you are carrying someone who cannot walk, please place them on one of the tables."
To my surprise, a larger crowd than anticipated showed up, with the seating area becoming full. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries, but the burns sustained will likely result in unsightly scars if not properly treated. It's causing me concern that we may not have an adequate supply of potions on hand.
Fortunately, the three of us, Sara, Mia, and I, possess the ability to heal entire groups of individuals simultaneously. With Sara's adeptness in holy magic, Mia's proficiency in water spells, and my powerful 'Healing Aura' spell, we were able to keep up with the demands despite Arisa using up our supply of potions at an alarming rate.
In less than one hour, our team successfully provided medical assistance to all of the injured citizens, as well as a handful of guards and explorers. Some of these injuries were sustained while rescuing survivors, while others occurred during intense battles with the dangerous slimes. As we worked, we also had to fend off a few thieves who attempted to steal our valuable potions. Thankfully, Pearl was always ready to apprehend any perpetrators.
"Hero Kura, it's not fair, I protest,"
Nana was currently engaged in a struggle with Lulu and Pearl to keep her dress from slipping down. I never imagined our mission to assist would result in this chaotic scene. However, Mia and Sara were in need of a boost after consuming all of our mana recovery potions. I realised I should prioritise creating more of these remedies. As much as I wanted to offer the same help to Nana, it was risky with only a flimsy tent for privacy, as her noises would surely be heard by others.
"It feels nice…"
"Mmm…"
I could have simply done this by holding their hands, but Mia and Sara insisted on me doing it the way I usually do for Nana. As a result, here I am with my hand on their bare backs, gently restoring their MP. While I appreciate that they don't make the same noises as Nana, I can't help but wonder if they truly enjoy it. Sara seems content, with a gentle smile and closed eyes, but Mia appears to be frowning and constantly looking back and forth between Sara and herself.
"Kura! That human whelp Satou is messing around with the sage's equipment and keeps giving me orders!"
Lelillil didn't sound happy as she called me using a magical device, but I had my own problem to deal with right now.
"What's he doing?"
"He brought five badly burned human females to the sage's laboratory and is trying to treat two of them,"
"Just assist him for now. Satou wouldn't have brought them there if he didn't need to,"
"Hero Kura, please give me magic too, I insist,"
Even with Lulu now helping Arisa and Pearl, Nana was putting up a good fight. But I can't do this to her here with only the thin fabric of the tent to block out her embarrassing sounds.
"I'll do the same to you when we get back to the manor, so stop trying to strip,"
"Strip?! Did you answer my call while in the middle of an indecent act?!"
"No, that isn't what is happening,"
"Kura,"
"Kura can you please be more gentle?"
While I was distracted with Lelillil, it seemed I accidentally started pouring too much MP into Mia and Sara as they both winced.
"Sorry, I'll try to be more gentle,"
"Be more gentle… are you sure you're not up to some indecent human whelp act,"
"I swear I am not. Just help Satou treat whoever it is he brought you,"
I sighed as the call ended. I added clearing up that misunderstanding to the list of things I have to do today.
"Who was that?"
Arisa came over to me now that Nana had calmed down.
"Lelillil," I answer. "Satou is apparently at the Ivory Manor treating some seriously injured people, and she wasn't happy about him bossing her around."
<0>
"Master!"
"Welcome back, sir!"
Tama and Pochi were the first to notice Satou when he returned. Still covered in sweat and soot when they ran up to meet him, those two desperately needed a bath.
"Did you leave the injured back at the manor, master?" Arisa asked quietly.
"Yeah, they still need to rest for a few days and heal,"
"I am terribly sorry, master. We've used up all the magic potions you left in my care," Liza approached him with a grave expression.
"It's fine," Satou assured her lightly. "That's what they were for."
"Master Satou, the wartime provisions you provided have been exhausted as well, I report,"
A cluster of children trailed behind Nana, who never revealed any emotions. The children's clothing hung in tatters, some even appearing to be scorched. Nana had taken in these kids and personally cared for them after rescuing them all from the burning buildings.
"It's okay. You used them to save these kids, right?"
"Yes, Master Satou,"
As the children let out a collective sigh of relief, I quickly retrieved some spare T-shirts from Storage and distributed them to the kids. The children cheered and quickly started showing Nana their new clothing.
There appeared to be no other significant injuries, and all of the fires had been extinguished. I could take a break for now. However, at that instant, a rough-looking man blocked my path. A handful of menacing thugs loomed behind the man.
"You the young noble lass who's been handing out high-quality magic potions like candy?"
"What do you want?" Pearl demanded, detecting an aggressive aura from the men and boldly positioning herself in front of them.
"Don't you worry, missy. I'm Skopi, a humble member of the Mud Scorpions who runs this little neighbourhood. I heard you lot took care of our guys and some of the other fellas around here, so I came to say thanks,"
Pearl backed away as the man raised his palms in a gesture of non-harm. He then turned to me, bowing his head and uttering a sincere, 'Thank you.'
"I'm Kura Suou, a knight in the service of Count Seiryuu," I reply with a soft smile. "I accept your humble thanks."
"We ain't got any money, but if you ever need manpower, just gimme a shout. And if you're lookin' to get anything what can't be mentioned in public, I can hook you up,"
Although I didn't believe it would be needed, I considered asking him for assistance the next time I needed to gather a workforce. After bidding farewell to Skopi of the Mud Scorpions, I made my way back to the soup kitchen, where Miss Miteruna and the others were patiently waiting.
<0>
"It's certainly a lot cleaner around here,"
"Yes, those kids worked very hard,"
Not only did they clean and sweep the entire area, but they also assisted with tidying up after the food distribution that took place earlier. As we stood there, the group of children gazed at us with eager anticipation.
"Master,"
Arisa gently nudged Satou, bringing back his memory of the promised snacks. He retrieved a few hard-baked biscuits and bags of dried meat from the supplies in the soup kitchen.
"Arisa, can you gather the kids so I can hand out snacks?"
"Okey-dokey..."
Arisa wasn't the only one; the other girls also began herding the children into organised lines.
"Thanks for the help,"
I thanked each child alongside Satou as he handed out the snacks.
"Ooh, meat!"
"Wow! This jerky smells so good!"
"You're right! It's not even super salty or sour!"
"This hard bread stuff smells good, too,"
Although some of the comments sparked concern about the usual diet of these children, their excitement and jubilance overshadowed any worries. Despite a few deceitful youngsters attempting to sneak in for snacks without contributing to the clean-up, the diligent ones quickly shooed them away.
However, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the dismissed children as they retreated with hunched shoulders. So, I offered them some leftover biscuits and advised them to lend a hand next time. Since they received significantly less than the hardworking kids, it's likely they will be motivated to participate in the future.
"Yaaay!"
"Smells good,"
"Hee-hee, they look yummy..."
"Crunchyyy?"
"Mr. Biscuit is hard and strong, sir,"
When I returned from feeding the kids, I found Satou handing out more biscuits, this time to Pochi, Tama and the maids. The biscuits were a pleasant surprise, as they were eagerly devoured by all. The young maids, with their weaker jaws compared to the powerful beastfolk girls, resembled squirrels as they stuffed their cheeks full of delicious treats.
After the young maids had finished their biscuits, Miss Miteruna instructed them to dismantle the soup kitchen equipment and load it onto a cart. Satou had asked Miss Miteruna to order the cart the day before. Having her assistance while working was greatly appreciated. As we made our way back home, Satou posed a question.
"Miteruna, should we hire some more maids for the mansion?"
I could understand Satou's reasoning for asking that. Raising the little maids, managing household chores, and taking on random tasks like this must have been quite demanding. On another note… it was excruciating to be seated in the cart without any suspension. In the end, everyone, except for Lulu, who was the driver, ended up walking due to the discomfort.
"Young master, I couldn't possibly increase your costs in such a…"
"Master wouldn't offer if he didn't want to, so if you need the extra help, you should just say so,"
Initially, Miss Miteruna attempted to refuse, but Arisa interrupted her. In this place, hiring assistance was incredibly inexpensive, and we were generating profits at a rapid pace and had no qualms about expanding our staff.
"Well, if at all possible, I could use someone a bit older than the other girls, perhaps someone who already knows how to cook..."
"How about Rosie and Annie, then?" Lulu surprised everyone with a suggestion from the coachman's seat.
"Who?"
"The girls who always take charge and help with the soup kitchen preparations,"
"The girls who helped with the washing and vegetable peeling the day we moved into the mansion?"
"Yes, that's them,"
I truly valued those who were proactive in offering assistance to those in need.
"What do you think, Miteruna?"
"If Young Mistress Lulu recommends them, then..."
"But they'll be working for you, so I'd like to prioritise your opinion,"
Upon hearing this, Miss Miteruna appeared taken aback, yet she still consented to interview Rosie and Annie before coming to a conclusion. Upon returning to the manor, Satou promptly readied a couple of maid outfits, in the event that the two young women successfully completed their interview.
Having so much free time must be nice, but I had to remind Satou of an invitation we had later that day.
<0>
"Welcome, Lady Hero,"
As I disembarked from the carriage and approached the main entrance of the viceroy's castle, I was met with a warm and welcoming crowd of staff, all with beaming smiles. This was a stark contrast to my previous visit, where I had parked in the merchants' lot and was escorted through a discreet back entrance by a curt servant. This grand reception was a significant upgrade from my previous experience.
"I'll see you later, Lulu,"
"Yes, master,"
As Satou chatted with Lulu, she beamed with a wave in response. Meanwhile, I assisted Sara in stepping down from the carriage. The rest of our companions were either engaged in training at the manor or, like Arisa, napping. As we neared, the servants respectfully lowered their heads and made way for us to enter.
"Allow me to guide you,"
"Thank you,"
A stunning attendant led us down a carpeted hallway towards the tea party, where the viceroy's wife and her entourage eagerly awaited our arrival. Adorned with elegant Western features, the attendant proudly wore a pair of coral earrings. As they were part of the generous gift set I had presented to the viceroy's wife, it was apparent that she had shared some of them with her staff.
I had previously purchased a large quantity of earrings crafted from coral at a low price in the location where they were originally made. However, due to the scarcity of coral along the coasts of Shiga Kingdom, their worth has significantly increased. My 'Estimation' ability informed me that their current market value ranged anywhere from a few silver coins to multiple gold coins.
"This way, please,"
To my surprise, as the door swung open, I was met with a larger gathering of refined women than I had anticipated. While there were a few men sprinkled among them, they were few in number. The extravagantly dressed women were adorned with stunning jewels, particularly favouring the elegant blue hues of sapphires and Heaven's Teardrops. Our gracious hostess, the viceroy's wife, donned a lavish sapphire necklace paired with sparkling rings and earrings of Heaven's Teardrops.
"Welcome, Hero Kura,"
"Thank your invitation today," I elegantly curtsied in a dignified manner towards the lavishly attired spouse of the viceroy. "And these are my friends, Sir Satou Pendragon, a hereditary knight of the Muno Barony. And Sara, an oracle priestess of the Tenion Temple."
"I truly appreciate your invitation today,"
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Ashinen,"
"The pleasure is all mine, and I apologise for the time it took me to finally meet the both of you,"
"Hero Kura! It's been so long since I have seen thee, no?"
With a joyful smile, Princess Meetia approached me in a strikingly unique gown. It had only been a short time since we had saved her from the clutches of the wicked plunderers.
"I am glad to see you are doing well, Princess Meetia,"
As a sign of respect, I offered a small curtsy and warmly greeted the young lady standing behind her.
"Lady… Hero Kura! P… please forgive my rudeness for not yet thanking you for saving me!"
"It's fine. I'm just happy to see you safe,"
Meet Mary-Ann, the daughter of Baronet Dyukeli. Despite being in middle school, she exuded an air of sophistication, making her appear as a young girl desperately trying to appear more mature.
"But not only did you save myself and Gerits, but you also took the time to escort us both to safety,"
"Mary-Ann, you mustn't bother Lady Kura before she's been introduced properly to everyone,"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Mother,"
Miss Mary-Ann's mother's youthfulness was evident, as she could easily have been mistaken for an older sister. Despite being in her thirties, she exuded a sorrowful aura that reminded me of a young girl. My previous inquiries revealed that she had an older brother who had been unwell.
"Apologies to Lady Kura and Lady Reythel, not to me,"
Mary-Ann obediently bowed apologetically to the viceroy's wife and me. It seemed that Baronet Dyukeli's wife had a close enough relationship with the viceroy's wife to address her by name.
"Shall we, Hero Kura?" Guided by the viceroy's wife, I was brought to the central platform in the hall, where the stares of the nobles fixated on our presence. "Allow me to introduce my friend here. This young lady is Hero Kura, a very dear guest of our family." She emphasised this last part the most. "She is a great lady who saved the Muno Barony from an army of goblins being led by a demon, defeated several lesser demons in the Ougoch Duchy, and worked with the Hero of the Saga Empire to drive a black dragon out of the Lumork Kingdom."
In a world without post-service, it is remarkable how quickly news travels via word of mouth. I can't help but wonder if there are other stories about me floating around. As I reflect on it, the possibility is a bit embarrassing.
Perhaps it was Counselor Poputema, whom I nicknamed the 'green-clad noble,' who delved into this information rather than the viceroy's wife. Nonetheless, I was astonished that they managed to unearth such a wealth of knowledge within a mere few days.
"A demon?"
"So she's a dragon slayer?"
"But she's so young!"
My 'Keen Hearing' skill easily detected the nobles' murmurs of surprise.
"Most of all, she saved the life of my son Rayleigh, who was adrift at sea on the sugar route,"
As the mutters grew louder amongst the crowd, some were heard saying, 'Is Sir Rayleigh alright?' and 'Let me tend to him!' It was evident that Rayleigh was quite popular among the ladies.
Coincidentally, Rayleigh had stayed one night in Labyrinth City before setting off for the royal capital. As he explained, his sole purpose for stopping here was to obtain a letter of introduction from his mother, the wife of the viceroy. His plan was to sell Heaven's Teardrops in the royal capital at a hefty profit.
"She has become an explorer here in Labyrinth City and, in a short time, has already earned a garnet badge, proof of a first-class explorer. And only a few days ago, she, along with her friends, saved Her Highness Princess Meetia and some young noble children from grave peril in the labyrinth,"
She gracefully performed the formal curtsy of a noblewoman towards me. Despite having already expressed her gratitude, it seemed as though she was putting on a show for the other nobles. In response, I offered my own curtsy, and proceeded to introduce myself to the other guests at the tea party.
"Thank you for the introduction. As you heard, I am Kura Suou, a knight of the Seiryuu County and a hero,"
To be truthful, my initial reaction was to downplay the excessive compliments she had given me. However, I did not want to offend the viceroy's wife by immediately rejecting her words, so I opted to address this issue in one-on-one discussions instead.
As the introduction drew to a close, the room was filled with the arrival of butlers and maids, who gracefully wheeled in their tea trolleys. The trolleys were brimming with a delectable selection of pastries, courtesy of Satou, Sara, and me for the tea party. Along with traditional plain and sugar-coated castellas, the trio had added some delectable Western-inspired variations adorned with luscious swirls of whipped cream and dried fruits.
Although I had originally intended to assist them, Nana adamantly urged me to follow through with my promise. Therefore, rather than preparing the treats, I found myself channelling my magic into Nana, all while attempting to tune out the embarrassing noises she was emitting while also enduring disapproving glances from a sulking Mia. I prayed that none of the household staff happened to be nearby and hear our private moment.
"My, are these castellas?"
"They're even tastier than the pancakes I had in the royal capital,"
"This white topping is quite delicious,"
"These dried orange fruits are positively to die for. What are they, I wonder?"
"Mother, might I have a little more?"
"Oh my, everyone seems quite captivated by your pastries, Sir Pendragon,"
"I'm relieved that they're to everyone's liking,"
After the commotion had calmed, I made my way to each table to introduce myself to the guests. The majority of them were warm and curious, asking how I had come to know the viceroy's wife.
Despite a few sharp words exchanged, I noticed that most of the hostility stemmed from followers of the charming Sokell, a once-respected noble whose misdeeds I had exposed. According to the more amiable noblewomen I spoke with afterwards, these critics were mainly individuals whose families had financial connections to Sokell, indicating that there was no real romantic tension between us. In an effort to smooth things over, I presented them with some gifts, hoping to prevent any lingering resentment towards me.
As the majority of the families were of low nobility, I was confident that the viceroy's wife would be able to take care of them for me. However, I understood the importance of forming genuine connections instead of oppressing those beneath me.
"Lady Kura, it seems you have a penchant for helping the less fortunate, hmm?"
The ladies seated at one table mentioned the soup kitchen, which had just opened on that very day.
"Yes, I usually spend my free time helping those in need,"
"My, you really are a compassionate young lady. I expect nothing less from a hero," The lady smiled before her look turned to one of concern. "But you should be careful, as there will be people who will try to take advantage of your kindness."
"Thank you for your warning. I will be sure to be careful,"
"That reminds me," One of the noble-women said. "Wasn't there some sort of fire in the com- moners' district?"
"Oh dear, how very frightening,"
"Yes, I saw the black smoke from my mansion,"
"I'm told the cause was people raising monsters known as 'oil slimes' within the city,"
It hasn't even been a day yet. How did the news spread so rapidly? Perhaps they saw the smoke and immediately began an investigation. Regardless, it's surprising.
"It's impressive that you heard about it so soon,"
"Well, my husband is a supervisor with the guard, you see..."
The woman claimed that the guard had been informed of an illegal attempt to breed and raise oil slimes in the city. As a result, they had been making preparations to apprehend the culprits within the coming days. It's possible that this inquiry was the reason for the green-clad noble's visit to the downtown area during the soup kitchen.
"I sent one of my servants to investigate, and he saw some pink slimes get defeated by garnet-badge explorers, only to regenerate and attack again,"
"My, how frightening! I suppose slimes do have that trait,"
"They must not have aimed for the cores when they defeated them,"
"Cores?"
"Yes, a core is a slime's weak point. If you pierce the core, it'll self-destruct and turn into ordinary liquid,"
I shared the information I had gathered from being trapped in the Seiryuu City labyrinth. While there were slimes that had the ability to regenerate, the oil slimes I encountered in the upper levels of the Celivera labyrinth did not possess this trait. This confirmed my suspicion that the cores of these slimes were indeed important.
"I would have thee come here, Hero Kura,"
As I concluded my pleasantries with the tea party aristocrats, Princess Meetia beckoned me to a nearby table where a group of children were gathered. In addition to the princess, the group that I had rescued from the labyrinth was also present. This included Miss Mary-Ann from Baronet Dyukeli's family, the viceroy's third son Gerits, and his companions. There were also a few children that I had not been introduced to, such as the viceroy's third and fourth daughters, Miss Gohna and Miss Shina.
"Sit thee here!"
"All right. Thank you,"
Princess Meetia motioned for me to join her on the sofa, and I eagerly complied. As I settled into the free space next to her, Gohna and Shina took the seats on my other side while Gerits sat across from me.
Shina, the fourth daughter of the viceroy, had previously suffered from both 'Goblin Disease: Chronic' and 'Miasma Poisoning: Chronic'. However, thanks to Princess Meetia's Breath of Purification, her Miasma Poisoning had now improved, shifting from Chronic to Mild.
Based on some documents I acquired, it is believed that Goblin Disease was a condition linked to vitamin deficiency and one's lifestyle. Therefore, a more effective approach to treating it would be through dietary changes rather than relying solely on a cure-all from my Storage.
"Hero Kura, there are no words sufficient enough to express my gratitude to you for saving us the other day,"
As Gerits sat beside me, a striking young boy rose from his seat and gracefully bowed like a high-class noble. Gerits and the rest of our company then expressed their gratitude to me individually. Despite being born into privileged noble families, it was uncommon for them to show such courtesy to a lesser-ranked noble like myself. A simple 'Thank you for saving us' would have sufficed, but I chose to interpret it as a reflection of their excellent upbringing rather than a forced gesture from their parents.
"You and your friends brought the pastries today, didn't you?"
"Yes, that's right,"
Miss Gohna, bearing a strong resemblance to her mother, demanded additional pastries from a maid before casting a haughty glare my way.
"They were rather delicious..." The lady-in-waiting brushed away crumbs delicately from the corner of her mouth. Still, Miss Gohna impatiently shooed away the woman and resumed her conversation. "...so I'll have your chef, thanks."
"I'm sorry?"
"Goodness, you're slow! I'm saying my family will employ your chef!"
"I'm terribly sorry, but I'm afraid I cannot fulfil your request,"
"And why not?"
"Because these castellas were baked by Lady Sara and Sir Pendragon,"
Although Lulu had baked most of them, I refrained from mentioning this as I didn't want to complicate the situation further.
"H… how dare you lie t…"
"Lady Gohna,"
As Gohna's lady-in-waiting approached her. She leaned in and quietly uttered phrases in her ear, with words like 'Miracle Chef' and 'your mother's orders' catching my attention.
"...I apologise for my rudeness. Please do me the great honour of forgetting what I just said,"
I became slightly worried as I noticed Gohna's pale complexion. Still, it became apparent that her chaperone had said something that had caused her distress. In response, I simply gave a nod.
Gohna's older sister appeared to have a small appetite, as she had only eaten about half of her pastry. However, she remained attentive to the pastry as she lifted her fork, suggesting that she was enjoying it. I couldn't help but be charmed by her polite and delicate manners, which evoked the image of a sweet little creature.
"Hero Kura, did you bring those holy swords of yours today?" Gerits inquired.
"Yes, would you like to see them?"
I didn't have them equipped because of the dress I was wearing, but I could always pull them out of my storage.
"Yes, please,"
"Oh, can we?"
It wasn't only Gerits but Mary-Ann also looked pretty excited to see them. Though the others didn't voice it, I could tell from the looks they were giving that they wanted to see them, too.
"These are the legendary holy swords of the ancestral king,"
I announced, watching their faces light up excitedly when I took out my swords. The noble kids were mesmerised by how the swords glinted in the sunlight. I could tell they wanted to touch and feel the swords but were too afraid to do so. I could see their curiosity growing as I told them how I had gained Gjallarhorn by defeating the Undead King and about the king personally entrusting Claiomh Solais to me after battling demons in the old capital.
"Are demons really that tough?!"
"A… and you defeated one?!"
"Are they stronger than areamasters like the one the Red Dragon's Roar are trying to defeat?!"
"Someday, I want to try to beat an areamaster and even a floormaster, too, like a real hero!" Gerits said dreamily.
"Don't say you want to,' Gerits. Say you will!"
"C'mon… we're not cut out for that..."
"Shut up, Luram! Don't ruin our hopes and dreams!"
The future aspirations of the young boys were filled with such hope. Being lower down the line for inheritance, it seemed they longed to establish themselves as renowned explorers. However, it was evident that they hadn't put much effort into physical training, and only one possessed noteworthy magical abilities. Suddenly, a loud shriek erupted from a table by the entrance.
"Sir Jelil!"
"You aren't wearing your shining armour today, hmm?"
"Have you lost a bit of weight, good sir?"
It was Baronet Jelil, a famous and renowned garnet-badge explorer.
"I apologise for my lateness, Marchioness Ashinen,"
He apparently referred to the viceroy's spouse using her last name.
"It's quite all right. How goes your conquest of the areamaster?"
"Thanks in no small part to your support, madam. We were able to defeat it just last night,"
Didn't I witness him preparing to confront that creature over a week ago? However, it seemed I was the only one who had reservations about it.
"Already? That's the Red Dragon's Roar for you!"
"To think you were able to defeat it in less than a month!"
"Thank goodness he managed it without a scratch to that handsome face,"
The noblewomen chattered away.
"Sir Jelil is something, no? Let us go congratulate him, Hero Kura,"
Princess Meetia eagerly took hold of my hand and guided me through a crowd of young women. Thankfully, the viceroy's wife beckoned me over, creating a path for us to safely navigate through the bustling group without any mishaps.
"Oh, hello again. Damn, it's pretty impressive that you've already been invited to one of the marchioness's famous tea parties,"
Mr Jelil appeared to recognise me and gestured for me to sit beside him.
"Sir Jelil, hast thou brought thy mithril sword today?"
"A pleasure to see you again, Princess Meetia. Alas, it seems my swordsmanship was insufficient, as it broke in the battle against the areamaster,"
"What?! Even with thy skills, Sir Jelil? This area- master must have had tough armour indeed, no?"
"Yes, even a sturdy mithril alloy war hammer was unable to dent it,"
This logic was sound for a beetle monster with a level of 50. Furthermore, high-level monsters often possess multiple magical barriers, making them stronger than they may initially seem.
"But surely thou will challenge a floormaster next, no? Will thy new weapon be ready in time?"
"I will ask all my contacts, but it isn't easy to come by a sword like..." Mid-sentence, Jelil's words faltered as he turned to me. I thought for a moment he may request one of my holy swords. However, as if reading my mind, he shook his head and redirected his attention to the viceroy's wife. "Marchioness, might I beg your assistance in procuring a new blade?"
"Yes, but of course. I believe Emma is in contact with some weapon merchants in the old capital, so I shall ask her whether she might be able to acquire a mithril or Magic Sword,"
Emma Ritton, wife of Count Ritton, was the person in question. I had heard rumours of her renown among the elite nobility of the old capital city.
"Sir Satou, could thou not lend Sir Jelil that Flame Sword that Ravna is currently borrowing?"
Princess Meetia called out to Satou, who happened to be nearby. It just occurred to me that the stern knight Lady Ravna still possessed the Magic Sword prototype that had been loaned to her by Satou. It didn't take long until Satou was asked to join us, too.
"A Flame Sword? I," Mr Jelil leaned in close to Satou. "I would love to see it!"
"Is that all right with thee?"
Upon receiving a nod of confirmation from Satou, Princess Meetia signalled to her knight, who had been stationed by the wall. After the princess described the circumstances, the knight swiftly presented Satou with the sword, carefully wrapped in cloth.
"I apologise for not returning it sooner, Sir Pendragon,"
"Will you be all right without a sword, though?"
"This may be but an iron sword, but it is still a treasured heirloom of my family,"
The knight presented a one-handed sword attached to her belt. Given her strong physique, I had assumed it to be a mere dagger.
"A wonderful sword. I can tell it has a noble history,"
"Indeed. It may be a bit short, but four hundred years ago, in the demi-human war, it once..."
Although I was intrigued by the sword's history, the timing wasn't ideal. Mr. Jelil's gaze had been fixated on the Magic Sword since it first appeared.
"Later, Ravna,"
"Ah! I do apologise," She closed her mouth and stepped back.
"You'll have to tell us all about it next time," Satou reassured her. As Satou unwrapped the sword and handed it to Mr. Jelil.
"Please do take a look,"
"Bronze, is it...?"
As Mr Jelil unsheathed his sword, a hint of disappointment crossed his face. Unlike the coveted mithril coating, this sword's sharpness and offensive capabilities were slightly lacking.
"Do not let its appearance fool you," Ravna the knight offered. "Try putting some magic into it."
"Magic? ...Good heavens!"
As Mr Jelil channelled magic into the sword, a soft glow enveloped its surface before flames erupted from its edges.
"Kyaaaaah!"
"A flaming sword!"
Surprise caused the women around us to let out loud shrieks.
"What incredible magic conduction..." The Magic Sword had enraptured Mr. Jelil to the point where he was oblivious to the surprised cries around him. Lost in his own thoughts, he saw a brilliant glow emanating from the sword, now known as the 'Spellblade.' "And it produces 'Spellblade' so easily..."
"You've noticed, then?" asked the knight.
"Yes, I feel power coursing through my body," Jelil nodded.
The Magic Sword boasted numerous capabilities beyond its fiery element, including 'Body Strengthening,' 'Sharpblade,' and the exceptional ability to rejuvenate the user's energy and stamina.
"To think that the ancient Flue Empire made such an incredible sword!"
Mr. Jelil was passionately monologuing like a fiery protagonist. The copper sword Satou had used as inspiration came from the Flue Empire era, but the rest of it was his own work... However, I couldn't admit to this fact out loud.
"Sir Pendragon! Could I persuade you to be- queath me this sword? I will gladly pay any price if you…"
"I'm terribly sorry, but I can't part with that sword,"
I was feeling bad that Satou was not going along with the flow. Still, I knew that this sword contained confidential technology. It was understandable that he could not simply sell it to someone else. Nonetheless, Mr. Jelil seemed determined not to give up.
"Please, I beg you to reconsider!"
"Sir Pendragon, could thou not simply lend it to him for the battle against the floormaster?" Princess Meetia intervened with a compromise.
"Good idea. That would be all right with me. How about you, Sir Jelil?"
"B… but the floormaster will be terribly dangerous. Since I'm fighting on the front lines, there's no guarantee that I'll be able to return the sword intact..."
I knew Satou wasn't concerned about the possibility of the sword breaking or melting. His main priority is ensuring nobody attempts to dismantle it and uncover its secrets.
"That's okay. Such is the nature of a sword,"
"But isn't this sword important to you?"
"It is. Enough that I cannot think to sell it for money, at least,"
"Then why?"
"If a sword breaks in battle, then that is its fate. Though I would hate to see it mishandled, if it was to break in the hands of a skilled swordsman such as yourself, then neither I nor the sword would complain. Please fight with it to the best of your ability and show the blade's true worth,"
"Sir Pendragon, your appreciation for swords has truly moved me. I shall show you a battle worthy of this blade. Please participate in our battle against the floormaster,"
"Ohhh! That would be amazing, no?"
Jubilation erupted among Princess Meetia and her companions as Jelil put forth his outrageously audacious suggestion.
"Generally, we wouldn't include a party that didn't already participate in the battle against the areamaster, but allow me to invite you along this time as a temporary member of Red Dragon's Roar,"
"An incredibly tempting offer, but I would hate to cause any dissent in your group by receiving such special treatment. If you'll tell me the tale of the battle afterwards, that would be more than enough,"
"I… I see..."
Mr. Jelil's expression fell as though he was caught off guard by Satou's rejection of his offer. However, Satou did decide to give him a small concession.
"For the time being, perhaps you could share the story of your battle against the areamaster?"
"If that is what you wish, I'd be happy to oblige,"
Mr Jelil proceeded to outline their battle against the areamaster, beginning with their careful preparations.
"Such a wonderful voice,"
"It is as if we are on the battlefield with thee, no?"
Mr. Jelil had a talent for storytelling. At the tea party, the crowd was captivated by his tale as he skillfully depicted the scenes and emotions. According to him, they had faced a formidable flying creature known as an elder hard beetle.
To defeat it, they had used a clever tactic of luring it into a narrow passageway where it could not spread its wings. Then, they had employed Earth Magic to tilt the floor and expose the weak point on the beetle's stomach.
The trap was created by a group of Earth Magic users while the others battled with the other monsters. While some may argue that this strategy was too simple for a game, it proved to be much more effective than facing the enemies head-on and suffering heavy losses.
"I never knew you could defeat hard beetles like that!"
"I shall have to reassess my opinion of Earth Magic, no?"
Mr Jelil, the master storyteller, charmed the crowd of Gerits, Princess Meetia, and their companions, leaving them completely content. As the tea party continued, Gerits could not help but gloat, but even he seemed to be enjoying the experience. When the party came to an end, the viceroy's wife cordially invited me to a secluded parlour.
"Are you quite tired?"
"No, I enjoyed myself very much. Thank you,"
"I'm glad to hear you had fun, then,"
In the room, there were only a handful of individuals, including the viceroy's wife, Baronet Dyukeli's wife, Sara, and a few other noblewomen. The viceroy seemed to be examining the aftermath of the blaze alongside the noble dressed in green attire. However, as revealed by Satou later, their true location was a lavish brothel specialising in male companions.
"Oh my, is that gelato?"
"And it's grape-flavoured this time!"
The ladies were delighted by the icy treat. With the recent intense heat, I couldn't have been happier to see it as well. The viceroy's wife urged me to try a spoonful, and the refreshing and refined sweetness instantly dissolved on my tongue.
"Frozen treats are the perfect thing for a hot day like this,"
"Oh-ho, even gelato is no great surprise to you, Hero Kura," Although she appeared slightly annoyed, the viceroy's wife still managed to smile.
"Lady Kura, do you have a refrigerating magic tool at your mansion, too?"
"I expected no less of the kingdom's brave hero,"
While a few of the nobles in Labyrinth City possessed cold storage abilities, very few had access to a refrigerating magic tool. Due to the rarity and high worth of ice stones, it was likely viewed as too extravagant to use them. However, I had a different approach. With the use of the Freeze Water spell, my group was able to minimise waste and effectively refrigerate our items.
"Incidentally, how goes your welfare work?"
"Quite well, thank you. A great deal of people came to the soup kitchen, and we've begun remodelling the private orphanage. I plan to interview some caretakers very soon,"
I was grateful for the viceroy's wife's worry, and I provided her with a complete update.
"I see... If you were short on hands, I would gladly provide some of my servants, but it seems that won't be necessary,"
I was grateful for the generosity of the viceroy's wife, but once again, she seemed slightly let down. Without hesitation, she had granted me permission and even supplied resources for the soup kitchen. However, I couldn't help but feel like asking for any additional favours would be asking for too much. I made sure to provide her with a thorough update on everything.
Currently, my companions and I were responsible for obtaining the potatoes and beans. However, if we were able to delegate that task to others, I could likely rely on our maids and possibly hire local housewives as part-time help. With this arrangement, I hoped the ladies and I would have the freedom to resume our adventures in the labyrinth.
"You've already given us more than enough support,"
"Well, if you need anything else, do let me know,"
"Thank you. I will,"
I humbly lowered my head as I expressed my gratitude for having such a reliable supporter. Following that, I relished in lively conversation with the viceroy's wife and her companions before bidding them farewell. An attendant then led Sara, Satou, and I to the chamber where Lulu eagerly awaited our arrival.
"Master!"
The maids of the house all greeted us, while Lulu forgot Sara and I existed the moment she saw Satou. Which led to her blushing and getting teased by the other maids once she realised what she had done.
"I'll prepare the carriage right away,"
"Great, thanks. Want to say goodbye to these ladies before we go?"
"Thank you, sir!"
Lulu's expression gave away the fact that she and the maids had established a strong bond. She is still smiling even when she cutely raises her voice to get them to stop teasing her.
"Sir Knight, thank you for the wonderful pastries,"
"They were delicious, sir!"
"The honey was so pretty, it felt a shame to eat it,"
The maids all wore warm smiles as they began exchanging their thoughts. Lulu had spent the morning preparing honey pastries, specifically for the maids. It was clear that the servant network here was vast and well-connected, just like in the old capital. To make a good impression, we loaded these delectable treats with high-quality sugar and honey, almost like a prepayment for their future services.
"I'm glad you liked them. Should your paths ever cross, I hope you'll treat our maids well,"
"Yes, of course!"
I bid farewell to the maids who had gathered to see us off before we departed from the viceroy's mansion and headed home.
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