Chapter 51

The school festival at Flora Academy is finally opening!

The first customer to visit our class's "Butler and Maid Café" is...

"Welcome back, Miss."

She is the absolute queen of the school and the student council president, Duchess Eleana Stradis.

"...I will guide you to your seat."

I bow deeply, raise my head, and extend my hand to guide her to her seat.

The queen sits in the seat I pulled out for her. Her face is tense. Yes, I remain silent and stand by her side. The treasurer is with her.

"...Your Highness, what are you doing in this class?"

"Please don't call me 'Your Highness,' Miss. Call me 'Shin.' I am your butler today. It would be my greatest joy to serve you as your butler, no matter what you command."

"Y-You're going to be my servant for the whole day!?"

The queen is getting carried away. Why do you think you can monopolize me like that?

"...Unfortunately, it's not just for a day. Even though our master-servant relationship is temporary, I am a butler, not a servant, Miss."

It seems, Eleana, that you're getting goosebumps.

Over there, the student council officers, who are accompanying the president, are flustered as Sera greets them with "Welcome back, Master" and bows.

She spreads her skirt, steps back with one foot, and bends her waist, as graceful as a ballerina. You really can do anything, Sera! Your smile will make a lot of men misunderstand!

"R-Really anything?"

"Anything at all."

The president seems hesitant. Yes, this is good. It might even draw out her true feelings.

"Then! I want you to apologize to me first!"

Whoa, that's a good one!

Well, I do realize I've done a lot of bad things.

"...I sincerely apologize for all the impoliteness and trouble I've caused you, Miss. Even though everything I did was for the school and the students, I acknowledge that I have caused you a great deal of distress. I, Shin Midland, humbly beg for your forgiveness. I am truly sorry."

I bow. At a ninety-degree angle.

"I will not forgive you. Do you know how much trouble you've caused us?"

That's right. There's nothing I can do about it. I remain bowed.

The student council has been staying late every night until the school festival, organizing the stalls, planning the events, and creating the programs. We did it all seriously.

If we don't do it, I'll do it. If I do everything alone, it will be officially recorded. The incompetence of the current student council will be recorded in the royal archives for generations to come. That must be avoided, President. Look, there's some ink on your hand that won't wash off. You look like my older sister from the past. Hahaha!

"Do you think it's appropriate for a member of the royal family to bow so easily? If you do, the future of this country will be a shameful and dark one!"

"...President."

The treasurer whispers a warning, but the president seems to ignore it.

"The height of my head has no value. Moreover, I have nothing to lose. I have already obtained what I wanted."

Sera, that is.

I'm actually tired of competing over the height of our heads.

"...What are you serving in this shop?"

"This is not a shop. This is your salon, Miss. Please let me know what you would like. We have a variety of teas and cakes that go well with them."

"Bring me a recommendation."

"Yes, but...?"

"What is it?"

"May I raise my head?"

"I will not allow it."

Alright, alright. I lift the white curtain and go to the window, still bowed.

"Lemon tea. And two servings of cream puffs."

"Coming right up!"

It's interesting to see male students doing kitchen work outside the window.

Sera takes the order and goes to the window, which serves as a counter. Outside, a stove is set up, and they are boiling water in a pot over charcoal.

"It looks tough, Butler!"

Sera smiles, having observed the scene.

"It's my own fault... But I'm a butler now, so it's not something to worry about."

"Two servings of hamburger, potatoes, bread, and straight tea!"

What are the student council officers planning to eat so heartily?

I carry the teacups, teapot, and cream puffs on a tray. I pour the tea into the president's and treasurer's cups... It's difficult to do while bowed.

"Ordinary tea, huh?"

"The interesting part comes next."

I pick up a thin slice of lemon on the plate with a fork.

"When you add lemon, the color of the tea changes. Please watch."

The two of them look at their cups... When I float the lemon in the cup, the tea changes from light brown to a pale orange!

This is Sera's idea. It's called lemon tea. It was a bit difficult to get the lemons.

The two of them look surprised at their cups.

"Two teaspoons of sugar, please."

"Me too."

Hmm, they don't understand.

"Lemon tea is enjoyed for its subtle aroma. A little sugar enhances the flavor. I recommend one teaspoon. If you want something sweet, try the cream puffs."

The cream puffs are ordinary, but this time we used fresh cream brought by Jack from a shop. It should be rich and go well with the lemon tea.

"Feed me."

...That's a good one.

"May I raise my head? It would be a disaster if I got cream on your face or clothes."

"...I have no choice. Raise your head."

Finally, I'm allowed to raise my head. My back is a bit sore.

I cut the cream puff with a fork and knife. I carefully place the cream on top of the puff, hold a napkin in my left hand, and offer it with my right.

"Here you go, Miss."

Eleana is blushing.

"Here, Miss. Ahn."

"W-Wait a moment."

"Why are you flustered when you're the one who said it? Open your mouth, Miss."

"No, you really are going to..."

"A butler really does what he's told. Subordinates must not disobey orders. Therefore, those in higher positions, who wield power, must take responsibility for their commands. Now, eat it with responsibility."

Eleana finally opens her mouth.

I place a piece of the cream puff in her mouth with the fork.

"Hmmmm."

Eleana's face turns red, and she hugs herself, squirming.

"It's sweet and rich. Would you like another bite?"

"I'll have another..."

Everyone in the shop is watching this embarrassing scene, but Sera is calmly doing her job.

"...You're doing this to me..."

"Yes?"

"Isn't Sera angry?"

I sigh and shrug.

"Of course she's angry."

"I'd like to see you being scolded by Sera."

"Her anger is cute, so you might not like it."

"How so?"

"Probably, you'll have to do the same thing. If you don't feed her 'ahn' today, she won't talk to you."

"Your relationship is so good..."

"That's our only strength."

The table is filling up with other customers. I can't keep them waiting.

"Please enjoy. If you need anything, just call."

"Ah..."

I ignore the president, who seems to want to say something, and head to the next customer.

"Welcome back, Miss. I'll guide you to your seat."

"Kyaa! You're really doing it, Shin-sama!"

"Please call me 'Shin.' I am your butler today."

"S-Sera is a maid..."

"Welcome back, Master. Please call me Sera. Thank you for your hard work. I'll guide you to your seat."

The morning session of the butler and maid café was a huge success! Or maybe not.

The first customers all stayed, and the turnover rate was very poor.

This was unexpected... Maybe we should do something different next year. Or maybe a time limit would be better.

Everyone in the class is from noble families, so they appreciate leisure and aren't too concerned about making money. Patricia, who claims to be from a poor baron's family, is irritated.

"Good job, Shin. We'll take it from here."

After finishing the morning shift, I finally get to walk around the school festival with Sera. I quickly eat Jack's special pasta at the round table set up for the staff outside the window.

"Sera."

"...?"

"Ahn."

I offer a biscuit to Sera, who isn't talking to me.

Crunch. She even bit my finger. It hurts.

Do you want another one?

"Hey, Shin, Sera, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Can you stay in your outfits and walk around? It will be good publicity for the class."

"Sure, sure."

But don't we look like a terribly mismatched couple in butler and maid outfits? It's like we're skipping work to have a date.

...No, that's actually what we're doing, so it's fine.

We meet up with Sera's club friends from the literature club and head to the auditorium. We had planned to watch the drama club's play together.

"Wow, Sera, that outfit suits you so well!"

Does wearing a servant's uniform count as a compliment, Hartis? Of course, he means it sincerely, so I don't point it out.

"Thank you."

Sera smiles and elegantly greets them, holding her skirt.

"Shin also looks great!"

Thanks, everyone. If it suits me, that's fine. I might be able to make a living as a butler even if I lose my title as a prince.

Next time: "51. Cinderella"