Chapter 7

It seems that Guri-chan, exhausted from the long flight, is taking a little rest.

There was a well nearby, so I drew water and transferred it to a wooden bucket. She started drinking it happily.

The well water seemed to be from a spring and was very clean.

I let the raccoon fairy sisters out of the basket, and they ran off happily towards the garden.

It turned out they used to be medicine beasts living in the Hermitage.

They cried out in joy, jumping around.

There seemed to be a stable for horses at the back of the house, and Guri-chan walked straight there.

Following her, I was surprised by the grand stable.

There was a pile of hay nearby, so I spread it out, and Guri-chan happily sat down.

I'll take a little rest inside the house too.

As I approached the front door, a magic circle appeared. It was written in ancient script, "Only those worthy to enter should place their hand here."

I gently placed my hand, and the door opened.

A large magic stone lamp hung in the entrance hall, lighting up automatically as I stepped inside.

The magic stone lamp brightly illuminated a cat's silhouette.

"Hey! Welcome back!"

The one who greeted me brightly was a familiar black cat—

"Oh, Sable!?"

"It's our first meeting in the Hermitage."

Why is he here when we just parted a moment ago?

"Sable, why are you here?"

"This is my base of operations."

"Huh?"

"I was contracted to the Hermitage. Guarding the mansion in the capital was just a bonus."

"I see."

He was originally a house fairy of the Hermitage and had been guarding the Eisenburg Duke's mansion out of goodwill for many years.

"I stopped guarding that mansion. There was no one worth protecting."

"Then why did you stay even after Grandfather passed away?"

"It was because you were there."

"Sable... thank you."

I didn't know he had stayed to protect me.

I picked up Sable and rubbed my cheek against him. He purred.

"Haha! The mansion in the capital might be in a mess without me!"

I can't even imagine what might have happened.

The only thing I'm worried about is the child in Heidi's belly...

It's probably better not to ask for details.

"It's been fifty years since I last came here. Indeed, the base of operations is comforting."

It feels natural to see Sable in this house. It must be because of his strong attachment to it.

"I'll show you around the house. Follow me."

"Yes, please."

The house, which had been left untouched for fifty years, didn't have a single speck of dust.

"Sable, is someone cleaning the house?"

"Yeah, that guy."

Sable pointed with his paw to a ball of cotton the size of a fist.

"Oh, that's...!?"

"It's a dust fairy. Don't you know?"

"I've never seen one before."

When Sable beckoned, the dust fairy rolled over.

Up close, I could see its round eyes and mouth.

"This dust fairy is responsible for cleaning the mansion. Hey, this is the new manager, Beatrice. Say hello."

"I'll clean~"

"Nice to meet you."

The dust fairy seems to be contracted to the house and feeds on the magic contained in dust.

"When the floor's shine is lacking, feed it wax. If you want to repaint, feed it paint."

"Is it okay to do that?"

"It's fine~ It's a favorite."

"I see."

It seems to be a glutton.

It can apparently do anything related to cleaning.

It will be a reliable presence for living alone.

As a token of friendship, I gave the dust fairy a magic gem. It happily crunched it.

"Yummy~"

"I'm glad."

I was worried it might not like it, but I'm relieved it enjoyed it.

Sable's tour continues.

"This is the dining room."

The walls were covered with a charming floral wallpaper, and the country-style table and chairs gave a warm feeling.

A patchwork quilt was draped over the table.

"This was a masterpiece made by your grandmother."

"My grandmother..."

Grandfather rarely talked about Grandmother.

I had never heard that she was skilled at sewing.

Next to the dining room was the kitchen, where beautiful ceramic dishes were neatly arranged on the shelves.

The enamel white kitchen stove was well-maintained, with not a speck of soot.

A long chimney extended from the stove to the second floor, likely serving as a heating system.

The pantry was filled with empty bottles, with no half-eaten food.

Grandfather probably didn't leave any food because he didn't expect to enter here for a long time.

"Beatrice, next is this way."

"Yes."

A washing machine was firmly placed in the bathroom.

It was a magical device that automatically washed and dried clothes when a magic stone was inserted.

I've heard that washing machines are quite expensive, but they must have been essential for living in the Hermitage without servants.

"This is over a hundred years old."

"Does it still work?"

"I don't know."

I learned how to do laundry from a charity event, so I can do it myself.

However, when I get busy with work, I won't have time to do laundry.

"It would be very helpful if it works."

"Try it later."

A ceramic claw-foot bathtub was placed in the bathroom.

When the faucet attached to the bathtub was turned, purified water came out.

It also required a magic stone to operate.

There were also guest rooms, a guest bedroom, an atelier, bedrooms on the second floor, a storage room, and a pharmaceutical laboratory in the basement, all equipped with everything needed for daily life.

"From today, you are the master of this place!"

"My home...!"

It was a heart-warming statement.