Chapter 82

2/2

As Danme left, the store became noisy and bustling.

"I'm very sorry for the disturbance."

Sei, still standing at the center, bowed her head and said.

"I will provide all the items currently ordered for free. Additionally, I will present a discount coupon that can be used on your next visit, so I hope you will continue to patronize us."

She then continued, speaking clearly and a bit louder so that everyone around could hear her declaration.

I wonder what kind of reaction I'll get...

Such worries crossed her mind.

However, unexpectedly, the customers began to applaud.

Sei seemed surprised as well, tilting her head slightly. Although she didn't show it fully on her face, a slight wrinkle appeared between her eyebrows.

When she looked back at the customers to gauge their reactions, about 30% of them were pleased with the free items.

They clapped happily and then lamented that they should have ordered more.

As for the remaining 70%...

"What are their names?"

"The one speaking just now is Sei, and the knight-like one is Dida."

"Oh, so cool..."

40% of the women had hearts in their eyes, captivated by the heroic appearance of Sei and Dida.

"Feeling so relieved. It was right to kick out someone who looks down on others like that."

"Absolutely. The noble lady over there shouldn't take what he said to heart. Well, in this workplace, there's no need to worry about such things."

30% of the people felt a sense of satisfaction from the expulsion of Danme, showing sympathy for the waitresses.

Relieved by the unexpectedly positive reaction, she let out a breath she had been holding.

It seems to have been resolved smoothly... I hope so.

At that moment, she felt a sudden loss of strength and almost sat down on the spot.

"Airis-sama...!"

Tanya ran to me, looking worried.

"I'm fine, Tanya. Thank you."

"Please don't worry us so much..."

"But this time, I followed Lyle's instructions, didn't I?"

Despite my wry smile, Tanya's expression remained gloomy.

"I was on edge, worried about when you might step forward. Your 'I'm fine' is not really fine at all."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Even in this situation, I think it's unusual for young ladies to willingly come to such a place."

"...... Indeed, you might be right..."

Tanya's words made me realize and even agree with her.

Indeed, it's almost unimaginable for a young lady to mingle with the common people, and even more so to faint at the sound of shouting.

"I also have my faults for thinking it was fitting for a young lady."

Tanya smiled wryly.

Indeed, this time, Tanya didn't voice much opposition, no matter what she was thinking inside.

"...... But, Miss. This time, considering that Dida had already taken control, I thought it was acceptable... However, your sense of responsibility and ours are different. While you feel responsible for the staff, we have our own roles to play, which is to protect you. ... Protecting and caring for you is our duty, pride, and desire. Please, Miss... keep this in mind."

"...... I can't make that promise."

"Miss..."

"Even though I know you're worried... I will likely continue to take risks. So, I can't make that promise."

I will likely act the same way if faced with the same situation again. But...

"But, that doesn't mean I'm disregarding everyone's opinions and feelings. I believe everyone will protect me and follow me. It's because I trust them that I can move forward. So... I intend to make concessions as much as possible to ensure everyone can fulfill their roles."

This time, I didn't take the lead because of that reason. I trusted that Sei would handle it. And I considered the possibility of causing trouble to everyone if I took the lead and something went wrong.

...Since everything was resolved smoothly, it was for the best.

"Let's go back to the back room so we don't cause any more trouble. ...Tanya"

"Yes."

"Tell Sei to immediately give the same discount coupons to the people waiting in line. They've been waiting for a long time, after all."

"Understood."

I returned to the back room with Lyle.