Side: Killue
"Thank you for the meal~!"
With those words, Riel-sama stands up from her seat, carrying the dishes she has finished eating.
It was a tradition in our Weed household that once finished eating, everyone took their own dishes to the kitchen sink.
Normally, Yuki-sama or whoever was on cooking duty would wash them all together. However, allowing that to happen would threaten the very purpose of a maid's existence, so Sarsari and I somehow managed to negotiate and have that responsibility handed over to us instead.
Washing dishes for twenty people at once might seem daunting, but compared to my time serving in the royal palace, it was nothing. Besides, Yuki-sama said he wanted to give something a try and developed a magic spell specifically for washing dishes. After teaching it to us, the entire task took only a few minutes to finish.
Having already finished my own meal, I was now holding Shael and Sakura-sama, whom I had taken over from Seraria-sama, and was nursing them.
No matter how many times I look at them, children are truly precious. My heart always warms at the sight of my little ones nursing intently to grow and thrive.
As I was enjoying this moment, Riel-sama returned after dropping off her dishes.
"Well, I'll head over there first."
"Un. I'll catch up right away too."
"Hey Tori, take your time eating~"
"...I'll go after playing with the children for a bit."
"Kaya, hurry up and come along~"
Tori-sama is bad with hot miso soup; whenever there is soup, she waits for it to cool down a bit, so she finishes eating a little late. Just as Riel-sama said, I believe Tori-sama should take her time. She does her job properly, and there is no strict deadline looming over us.
Meanwhile, Kaya-sama was relaxing with a full and satisfied Sumire-sama in her arms.
"Au? Au!!"
Sumire-sama was watching with deep curiosity as Kaya-sama gently swayed her tail right in front of her. Since Kaya-sama also works diligently, this playful interaction was quite a familiar sight.
"Okay, Mama Riel is going now."
"Au?"
"Come on, Shance. Let's say 'Have a good day.'"
Shance-sama looked puzzled as her head was patted, but Ratz-sama gently took her tiny hand and helped her make a waving gesture to Riel-sama. It was utterly adorable.
As for why we don't say goodbye at the entrance, that's because we're traveling to the New Continent through Doppel. Rather than leaving through the front door, we lie down in our respective rooms and transfer our consciousness to Doppel.
Therefore, saying "have a safe trip" here in the banquet hall has become our regular routine. Of course, when there is work to be done in Weed, we say our farewells at the front door as usual.
"Ah, Riel. Taiki-kun and Poppuri and the others are there too, so there shouldn't be any major problems, but contact us if anything happens. Take care."
"Got it, Yuki-san!"
Yuki-sama called out to Riel-sama while swiftly changing Eria-sama's diaper.
...Honestly, changing diapers isn't exactly something the Emissary of God should be doing. And yet, he wipes her bottom and changes her diaper more efficiently than we do sometimes, so there's really nothing I can say.
At one point, the wives, including myself, crowded around him to ask where on earth he had acquired such a skill. A sudden wave of anxiety had crossed our minds—could he have left behind a wife and child in his original world?
However, his answer was simple:
"Hmm? That's simple. I had relatives and acquaintances with babies, you see. Sometimes I'd be put in charge of watching them. Man, babies used to take a strange liking to me for some reason. Normally, the parents would do it, but the baby wouldn't budge from on top of me and would start crying the moment anyone tried to move them. So out of necessity, I had them teach me how to change diapers, and that's how I ended up knowing how."
As expected of Milord. Even in the past, his charm knew no bounds.
Normally, one might question such an explanation, but Yuki-sama is not the kind of person to tell a lie like that, and the children accept diaper changes from him without throwing a fuss. From any perspective, he is a truly reliable husband to us.
"Alright, Eria. Your bottom is clean now. Feel refreshed, right?"
"Au!!"
"I see, that's great. Now then, I need to throw away the diaper and wash my hands. Eris is still eating, so Milly, can I leave Eria with you?"
"Sure, leave it to me! Eria-chan, Milly-mama is going to hold you, okay?"
With a gentle lift, Eria-sama reached out toward Milly-sama's chest.
"Au, au!!"
She then pats Milly-sama's chest with her tiny hands.
It's a signal that she wants some milk.
In response, Milly-sama exposes her breast, and Eria-sama latches onto it.
"Drink up and grow big and strong, okay?"
Now, Milly-sama has not given birth, so normally she should not be producing milk, yet she actually was. This was, in fact, the primary reason why she was removed from the initial exploration team for the new continent to serve as a caretaker instead. Of course, her extensive experience spending time in the city and looking after children was another reason why she stayed behind.
As for the reason she produces milk, it is not because Milly-sama is pregnant. In fact, when she first started producing milk, Milly-sama leaped for joy. That was only natural, as she believed she was pregnant with Milord's child. However, she was merely producing milk and was not actually pregnant.
To be sure, one occasionally hears of people who produce milk despite not being pregnant, and Milly-sama happened to be one of those cases. While she was disappointed at first, it was not as though she was incapable of bearing children. Now, she simply rejoices that it has expanded her range of play, and being able to nurse the children like this makes it an absolute win in her book.
"Honestly, it's a huge help that Milly can produce milk."
It was Eris-sama who spoke up while eating her meal.
Seraria, who is also eating, nods in agreement.
"That's right. Milly might have been disappointed that she wasn't pregnant, but her producing milk has been a real lifesaver."
"Indeed. Thanks to that, the children never have to go hungry."
Derieu-sama says this while holding Yuyu-sama.
As the two of them said, having someone who can produce breast milk is an enormous help.
Taking care of children really is that demanding.
"I'm just glad the milk I produce doesn't go to waste. Ah, but I'm definitely going to give birth to Yuki-san's child, okay?"
"""That goes without saying!"""
Naturally.
There would be no problem with leaving plenty of Milord's descendants behind.
However, if the newborn children were to be treated poorly, we would have to hesitate—but that could never happen with Yuki-sama and the wives. The children born into this family will surely grow up healthy and strong, surrounded by the boundless love of their parents.
As we were chatting, I suddenly noticed that the suction against my chest had stopped. Looking down at the children, I saw that they had fallen asleep with milk still in their mouths.
"Oh my, Eria-chan is quite busy eating and sleeping, isn't she?"
Milly-sama raised her voice softly. Looking over, Eria-sama had also fallen asleep with milk still in her mouth.
"It seems Yuyu is getting sleepy as well..."
"...Sumire looks sleepy too."
"Shance is... already asleep."
It seemed all the children had drifted off to sleep.
Everyone remaining in the room stopped talking, and to avoid waking the little ones, we quietly moved them into the nursery and put them to bed.
"So cute~"
"So cute!"
"Yes. They're absolutely adorable."
"Indeed. I never get tired of looking at their sleeping faces."
Sheila-sama and the others smiled softly as they gazed at the sleeping children.
"Well then, we'll watch over the children, so Yuki-san and the rest of you can head off to the new continent without worry."
"Yeah, I'm leaving the kids to you all. Milly, Killue, Derieu, Sarsari—we're off."
""""Have a safe trip!""""
With those words, Yuki-sama and the others left for their duties, leaving behind a quiet inn.
Well then. Let's finish the housework while we have the chance.
"Alright, Derieu and I will watch the children, so Killue and Sarsari, please handle the house chores."
"We're counting on you."
"Yes, please leave it to us."
"You can count on us."
Leaving the children in the care of Milly-sama and Derieu-sama, Sarsari and I first began washing the dishes.
Incidentally, Sarsari has also received divine protection and the benefits of leveling up, so she's become quite proficient with magic herself. A simple spells like this a breeze for her to use.
"I've thought this every time, but the magic here is amazing, isn't it?"
"You're misunderstanding. This is an original spell developed by Milord. Come to think of it, I haven't mentioned that to you before, have I?"
When I said that, Sarsari froze as she was putting the dishes back into the cupboard.
"Huh?"
"Is something the matter?"
"No, it's just... you said Yuki-sama developed a new kind of magic..."
"Yes. No one except Milord would have thought of such a pointless spell as one for washing dishes."
"...I suppose that makes sense, or rather, Yuki-sama is amazing just for being able to develop something like that..."
"Milord is truly remarkable, you know? Surely you were aware of that already?"
"...Ah, well. It's just that he completely exceeded my expectations. Even the water supply and electricity here are already beyond ordinary magic."
"It simply shows how filled with ambition Milord is. Now then, let us move on to the next task. The weather is lovely today, perfect for hanging out the laundry."
"Ah, Killue-senpai, wait for me!! ...Wait, automatic hanging magic straight from the washing machine!? Don't tell me...!"
"Yes. Milord developed it. He created this spell for my sake, thinking it would be too much work for me to do alone. Since Sarsari is benefiting from it now as well, you must properly give him your thanks."
"...Yuki-sama really spoils those close to him, doesn't he?"
"Yes. That is Milord's virtue, his strength, and his weakness. If you ever think of slacking off by taking advantage of his kindness, I will personally crush you, understood?"
"N-No. I would never do anything to bring disgrace upon Samantha-sama's name!"
Seeing her salute immediately upon feeling a subtle hint of my bloodlust, she seems to have the temperament of a bodyguard rather than a maid.
Exchanging such banter, we loaded everyone's laundry baskets into the washing machine in the laundry room. Of course, delicate items like underwear were washed by hand.
"Senpai, I've been wondering... why do they bring their laundry all the way here instead of placing it outside their individual rooms?"
"That is because leaving house chores to others and being lazy are two completely different things."
"What do you mean?"
"Let me put it this way. Since Sarsari served a duke's family, it was likely normal for you to collect clothes directly after Samantha-sama took them off to be washed, rather than picking them up from outside her room. Is that right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"The purpose behind that was to ensure the duke's family would not be bothered with laundry, allowing them to use that time for official duties or self-improvement instead, correct?"
"Yes, exactly."
"However, that only works when you have maids, enough manpower, and, most importantly, when everyone understands the reasoning behind it. There are always foolish nobles somewhere who say, ‘Of course the maids should do everything. I don't need to know how to do anything myself,' aren't there?"
"Ah... I see what you mean."
"Yuki-sama, Sheila-sama, and your own mistress, Samantha-sama, are all capable of handling the bare necessities themselves when needed."
"Yes. I believe they can all manage the basics."
"I've never asked Milord about this, but I think the laundry baskets are part of that philosophy as well. You sort out the things that need to be washed yourself and carry them here. It teaches you to take responsibility for the bare minimum you should be doing yourself, keeps you from becoming complacent, and reminds you not to lose your desire to improve. At the same time, it saves us, who are short on staff, the trouble of going around to every room and allows us to spend that time on other household chores."
"Wow... That's really well thought out."
"Milord often says that if you can't even take care of your own immediate surroundings, you have no right to preach to others."
"That's very true. Losing the ability to dress oneself properly just because the maids are gone would ruin any sense of dignity in public, and it certainly wouldn't serve as an excuse."
"Indeed. This, too, is a minimum necessity for self-improvement. However, since our workload is lightened because of it, it is crucial for us as maids to perform our duties properly without forgetting our core purpose."
"Understood!"
While carrying on such a serious conversation, the actual work consisted of simple tasks: putting clothes in the washing machine, pressing the button, and finishing the small amount of hand-washing while waiting.
"...Senpai. Don't you think we have way too little work? We don't even have to clean the inn or burn the garbage..."
Indeed, this inn was originally built under the assumption that there would be no maids like me. To keep house chores to an absolute minimum, dirt inside the building was cleaned automatically, and garbage simply vanished the moment it was tossed into a trash bin.
Until the laundry dried, we were completely left with nothing to do.
Of course, there's no way Milord would simply overlook such a waste of time.
"Very well. It seems Sarsari has gotten used to the work at the inn without making any missteps. Over the past few days, I have come to realize that you were already a fine maid to begin with."
"Thank you very much!"
"Therefore, I shall now teach you the duty assigned to us by Milord—a job that only we can perform."
"Eh? Something other than house chores? Is it bodyguard duty then?"
"No, it is not. What we must do is conduct an investigation of Weed."
"An investigation of Weed? Are we breaking into somewhere to investigate?"
"No. It is an investigation to check whether anyone is committing misdeeds somewhere in Weed, or if there are unfortunate people beyond the reach of our administration."
"Ehh!? How can we investigate something so broad?"
"Ara? Sarsari. Surely you used to do this often as well? You used to keep your ears sharp for any rumors concerning your master, didn't you?"
"Well, yes, but... where are we supposed to eavesdrop? Weed isn't a mansion, it's an entire city!"
"Yes. That is why we will take a stroll through various parts of Weed. Rumors of all kinds gather naturally that way, and I have friends here as well."
"Pardon?"
Sarsari doesn't seem to understand yet.
According to Milord, it's the "The Maid Saw It" strategy.
With that settled, we quickly hung out the laundry, prepared lunch for Derieu-sama and Milly-sama, and made ready to head out immediately.
Um, but is it really alright? Leaving the care of the children to them?"
"It is quite alright. That is precisely why those two stayed behind today."
"Indeed. What Killue is about to do is far more important to us, so go on without worry!"
"That's right. We're counting on you! If anything happens, we'll contact you right away."
Exchanging those words, Sarsari and I stepped out into the streets of Weed, heading first toward the park in the residential district.
"Um... what are we going to do now that we're at the park?"
"It's simple. We will speak to the people gathered here. Ah, good day to you."
While giving Sarsari a brief explanation, I greeted an elderly gentleman who was about to cross in front of us.
"Hmm? Oh, Killue-chan! Are you out shopping?"
"Yes, something like that."
"Must be tough work!"
"Not at all, this is part of my duty, and supporting Milord brings me the greatest happiness."
"Hahaha! As energetic and close with Yuki-chan as always, I see. Glad to hear it. And who is the young lady behind you?"
"Yes, she has recently joined us as a new assistant maid. Her name is Sarsari. Please treat her kindly."
"Ah, yes! I'm Sarsari. Pleased to meet you!"
"I see, I see. A fellow maid like Kirue-chan, then. I'm just an old man idling away his days here. Well, feel free to call me Grandpa Jaan."
"Yes, sir!"
After completing Sarsari's brief introduction and greetings, I brought up the main topic.
"So, Grandpa, how have things been lately?"
"Hmm... nothing particularly exciting to report, really. Ah, wait, there's a rumor going around about strange voices being heard in the park late at night. It doesn't seem harmful, so nobody pays much mind to it. Other than that, someone got the trash schedule wrong, and the smell of raw garbage bothered the neighbors..."
* * *
After engaging in some small talk like that, we parted ways and continued speaking with children, adults, and parents with kids who were relaxing in the park.
"...I see, so this is how you gather rumors."
"Precisely. Most of it is doubtful chatter that doesn't go beyond mere rumor, but by gathering information like this, we can figure out where discontent lies or if anything suspicious is occurring. Even if we ask the representatives of each district, there are many stories that get filtered out before reaching us. Therefore, we collect those filtered stories, pass them along to the administrators in charge, and prompt a resolution to the problem."
"I understand the logic, but why must we be the ones to do it? Wouldn't it be better to hire someone else?"
"Of course, we do that as well. Managing and summarizing all those rumors is our true job."
"Huh? Our job...?"
"The job of gathering rumors. While it isn't a secret department by any means, I serve as the head of the Consultation Department at the government office. Weed's population is growing every day, and Eris-sama, Ratz-sama, and Milly-sama cannot reach every minor detail on their own. The Consultation Department in particular requires polite and attentive interaction with the citizens of Weed. That is why Milord entrusted this role to me."
"...In other words, I..."
"Make sure to remember today's rumors clearly and compile them into a report later. Ah, I have already prepared a desk for you at the Consultation Department, so please do your work there. At home, we are maids, after all."
"I thought this was going to be an easy job, but it sounds remarkably tough!?"
"Today, we still have to gather rumors in the Adventurer District. That place has plenty of rough characters, so we are authorized to make immediate arrests if necessary. Now then, if we don't finish gathering information by two o'clock, we won't even get to enjoy a relaxing lunch."
"Huhuh... Samantha-sama... Senpai is a demon..."
Today's findings included the night voices in the park and the garbage odor issue mentioned by the old man. Furthermore, in the Adventurer District, there was a sighting of unfair treatment of slaves... as well as a slight rumor from adventurers arriving from other dungeons, mentioning that the monsters in other dungeons seemed strangely agitated compared to ours.
The garbage odor issue should go to Eris-sama; the night rumors and the mistreatment of slaves will be passed to the police; and as for the dungeon matter, it would be best to speak with the Guildmaster and Grandmaster through Milly-sama, as well as reporting it to Milord.
Now then, let us gather the laundry, await Milord's return, and begin preparing dinner.
A maid's day is still far from over!
