Chapter 42

After enjoying a delicious lunch, a relaxed atmosphere flowed through the living room.

At the large table, I sat facing Elinora-nee.

However, Elinora-nee kept glancing at my feet and seemed restless.

"Hey, what are you wearing on your feet, Al? They're not shoes, right?"

"No, they're just slippers."

"Slippers?"

In this world, there's no custom of wearing slippers at home. Slippers don't even exist. Generally, you wear shoes indoors as well. Shoes are divided between those for going out and those for staying at home, but it's really troublesome. Coming from Japan, I feel like it's fine to just go barefoot or wear socks.

So, I mostly walk around the mansion in just my socks, but in this season, my feet get cold.

That's why I made my own slippers.

By the way, these slippers are very eco-friendly, made from used fabrics. They have good cushioning and are really comfortable.

"They're really easy to wear and take off."

"Wow, can I try them?"

Here it comes! This line. It's a typical pattern where they like it so much they don't return it, or it comes back a few days later, worn out like a rag.

As I hesitated, Elinora-nee showed her dissatisfaction.

"What's the matter? They're easy to take off, right?"

"Sure, sure."

I swung my feet and sent the slippers flying to Elinora-nee's feet. I thought she might get angry because they were facing the wrong direction and I handed them over carelessly, but what came back was not a scolding but a voice of admiration.

"Wow, they really are easy to take off."

She picked up the slippers and examined them.

"Sure are."

"Hmm? They look different from what Mother was wearing earlier."

With a puzzled look, Elinora-nee observed the slippers from various angles.

Unfortunately, I only made four pairs because I didn't have enough materials. The reason was a lack of materials and my own boredom. I definitely didn't lean more towards the latter. It would be sad if they were returned because they weren't liked.

Before I knew it, Elinora-nee was at Mother Elna's side on the sofa.

"Oh, Mother is wearing them too!"

"Yes, I got them from Al. They don't feel tight like shoes, and they're easy to take off and put on. Plus, they're cuter than shoes."

"Al! These slippers are cuter than the ones earlier!"

Elinora-nee turned around with a smile and shouted.

"These slippers are Gekota."

Gekota. A masterpiece by Alfred, made from green fabric. To avoid a monotonous look, the part where you put your feet is made of light green fabric, and the top has cute, round eyes.

"Gekota!? Then what about these?"

"These are Tonkichi."

Tonkichi. Made from light pink fabric, these slippers are a masterpiece by the master craftsman Alfred, expressing the cuteness of a piglet. A small, round tail is attached to the heel, and it doesn't interfere with walking. Adorable ears, small eyes, and a mouth are sewn on with black thread. The large, pink nose in the center is particularly distinctive.

"Wow, I like Gekota!"

But they're my pride and joy.

Elinora-nee walked around in Tonkichi to test the feel, then pushed them aside as if they were no longer needed.

"There's only one Gekota."

"Mother!"

"No way."

"But I haven't even said anything yet!"

"I'm not giving you Gekota."

"Ugh, just like Mother. You and Al are so similar in that way."

"Really?"

Am I that unapproachable?

Judging that words wouldn't work, a fight over Gekota had already started between Elinora-nee and Mother Elna on the sofa.

The large sofa creaked under the strain, but they paid no attention.

Yes, this fight is quite rare. Elinora-nee moved nimbly around the small sofa, but Mother Elna's defense was strong. The protection provided by holding the slippers close to her chest was formidable. It's a pity that Elinora-nee didn't inherit Mother's impressive chest.

Frustrated by the impenetrable defense and her own inferiority, Elinora-nee's attacks became more intense.

"Ah! Tickle attacks are unfair!"

"Shut up! This is...!"

I just heard a very seductive voice. It's a bit unsettling, so I hope they stop.

Gekota had already fallen from Mother Elna's hands, but Elinora-nee's attacks didn't stop. It seemed she was now just lashing out at the person in front of her.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

Sylvio-nii entered through the door. Seeing the two fighting, he would naturally think that.

"It's just a playful fight."

"R-right. What's this?"

Sylvio-nii's cheeks twitched slightly, then he noticed Tonkichi at his feet.

"They're called slippers."

"Slippers? They look very different from shoes. Can I try them on?"

"Sure."

Sylvio-nii quickly took off his shoes and put on the slippers.

He walked around the room, tapping his feet on the floor to test the feel.

"They're really comfortable. They're easy to take off and seem comfortable for indoor use."

"Do you like them?"

"Yeah, I'd like a pair too."

"Actually, I made a pair for you, Sylvio-nii."

"Really?"

Sylvio-nii's face lit up, and he came over.

"Here you go."

"Rabbit?"

"Pyonkichi."

Pyonkichi. Made from clean, white fabric, it's as white as a snow rabbit, with long ears as its main feature. The ears are crafted with the master craftsman Alfred's attention to detail, using special materials for the best touch. The round eyes and brown nose are incredibly cute, making it a great item to look at and wear.

"Cute slippers."

"Sylvio-nii seems to have cold feet, so I added a blanket inside."

"Really? They're warmer than the others, and... so soft!"

"Right?"

Sylvio-nii happily twirled around and touched the ears, clearly very pleased.

"Thanks, Al! I'll take them!"

"Y-yeah, you can have them."

His bright smile made me a bit flustered.

I see, that's why village ladies do it. Not only is it beautiful, but it's fragile and makes you want to protect it, or it tickles your maternal instincts.

The contrast with his usually stern face doubles the effect. To have this power at just nine years old. When he grows up and says he wants me to protect him, no one will be able to resist.

With a happy mood, Sylvio-nii took a cookie and left the living room.

Well, I should go back before I get caught up in the women's fight.

Thinking that, I was about to retreat from the living room when I was grabbed by the shoulders.

"Wait."

"…What is it?"

"Surely you still have them, right? Gekota."

Elinora-nee, don't put so much force on my shoulders. They might come off.

"No, I didn't have enough fabric for Gekota."

"But you made Pyonkichi?"

Even Mother Elna gave me a suspicious look.

"White and green fabric are completely different!"

"Maybe you have one more pair?"

"Tonkichi—"

"We don't need it."

Why not! What's wrong with Tonkichi? They're so cute!

"…Actually, I made one more pair, but it's different."

"Oh, what kind?"

"Cuter than Gekota?"

At my words, Mother Elna and Elinora-nee showed hopeful expressions.

"But it won't suit you. It's for someone else."

"It might be as cute as what Sylvio has."

"True. We can't tell until we see it."

But this one—

"Show us."

Under the pressure from both of them, I reluctantly handed over the slippers.

"…These are for that person."

"I don't want them either."

After seeing them, they both said they wanted Gekota as soon as the materials were available and went back.

After that, I had to make slippers for the maids and for guests as well.

---

"Hmm? What's this?"

When Nord entered the study, a large wooden box was on the desk. Nord had no memory of putting it there, and it was too plain to be a gift from a noble.

When he picked up the wooden box, he could barely feel any weight. Relieved that it wasn't something fragile, Nord put the box down and untied the string holding the lid.

"…What is this…? Oh, a letter?"

Nord picked up the letter in the center as soon as he opened the lid. He wanted to check the contents first, but usually, such items come with an explanation in the letter, so it's better to read the letter first. If it was sent by mistake, it would be bad to touch it. Also, he hesitated to touch something from an unknown sender.

Carefully unfolding the neatly folded letter, he read:

"Thank you for your hard work. I have prepared such a wonderful pair of footwear for you, Nord.

Ryuta. Covered in red fabric, it looks like a dragon. Each scale is meticulously crafted by the master craftsman Alfred, showing the creator's attention to detail. The part where you put your feet is designed to look like a dragon's belly, avoiding a monotonous look. On the side, wings are drawn as if they're about to take flight, and wearing them might make you feel like you can fly. The highlight is the top part, with a dynamic dragon's face that seems ready to bite and roar. The face is designed to be cute while maintaining the dignity of a dragon.

Truly, footwear worthy of a Dragon Slayer.

From Alfred, who loves you deeply."

"…I don't know what to do."