Chapter 6

"Can I eat it? Will I be charged an exorbitant fee later?"

"I will not charge you any money."

"Then, then, will you take something else from me!?"

"No, that's not the case... Oh, by the way, I heard that your family runs a business."

"Yes, we run a magic tool shop."

"Then, let me put it this way."

The boy leaned in close to my ear and whispered softly and sweetly.

"You can eat as much as you want, and it's all free."

I, who was raised in a commoner's household, was weak for all-you-can-eat.

I grabbed the bread in front of me and stuffed it into my mouth, tearing it off in a large bite.

The rich aroma of the sweet, melting butter exploded, and I was on fire.

Buttered bread!

It's been about half a year, maybe!?

It's delicious, delicious, so delicious!

I ate five slices of bread before turning my attention to the soup.

Wow... it's delicious!

It's been a while since I had meat! It's delicious!

I drank the soup, which had a gentle flavor, down to the last drop and felt full.

"Thank you for the meal."

As the boy was about to take away the pot, I called out to him, "Ah, um!"

"Where are we?"

"This is the Duke of Rospietaire's mansion. It is the main residence where Lord Dior stays the longest."

The boy gave a beautiful bow.

"My name is Pierre. Since there are almost no female servants in this mansion, I have been instructed to take care of your daily needs. A young, well-educated girl from your family is scheduled to be sent to serve you at the end of the month, but for a very short period, please make yourself comfortable."

What... what is going on...?

The words of the upper class are too much; I don't understand at all...

The boy must have sensed that I didn't understand anything from the atmosphere, so he opened his mouth again.

"This is Lord Dior's house."

"Ah, yes."

"I am Pierre, Lord Dior's attendant."

"Ah, I see...?"

"And for a while, I will be taking care of you."

"Y-you mean... meee!?"

Pierre narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking about something.

"Calling you 'madam' might sound disrespectful to such a young lady. So, with all due respect—"

Pierre smiled like an angel in a painting.

"—'my lord.'"

I shuddered.

I don't want to be called 'my lord' by such a cute boy. It makes me feel like I'm doing something really bad.

I shook my head frantically.

"My name is Rize! I'm called Rize Louise, but everyone just calls me Rize!"

"Then, Lady Rize. Will you have lunch in the dining room, or should I bring it to you here?"

"Will you let me eat again...?"

"Yes. Lord Dior has ordered, 'Make her eat and let her sleep. Don't make her do anything else.' If I violate this—"

"Please don't execute me!"

"I'm glad you understand."

Pierre said, "I'll be back," and left with a refreshing tone.

I felt a wave of fatigue and collapsed onto the bed.

What's happening... What's going on...?

I sincerely wished it was a bad dream and hoped to wake up.

Ah... but this bed is so soft...

I haven't slept well in a long time because I've been making dresses non-stop.

I fell asleep instantly.

***

The break room, which was abuzz with talk about the girl the master had brought in, became even more lively when Pierre returned.

"Pierre, how was it?"

"You saw the girl, right?"

"I did. But..."

The image of the girl's pitiful state was still burned into his mind.

She was wearing a beautiful dress, but her nails were in tatters, and her hands were covered with countless magic burns.

It was clear she had been forced into heavy labor.

Pierre immediately understood.

This girl must have been born into unfortunate circumstances and, because she had more magic power than others, was being overused—like the occasional under-skilled labor slaves in the lower town.

Seeing her condition, Pierre couldn't even joke about Dior. If he were in Dior's position, he would have protected her.

And that girl—

She was overjoyed to eat just a piece of buttered bread.

Just a piece of buttered bread.

The memory alone made his heart ache.

"But she might be the future lady of the house, right?"

"I wouldn't want a strong-willed person."

"I wouldn't want someone like the second master."

"She has magic burns. It's believed that Lord Dior saved her when she was near death."

The chatty servants fell silent instantly.

For those who had been hoping for the eccentric master's love or romance, this was too heavy information.

"Her environment has suddenly changed, and she seems very frightened. Please don't stimulate her."

"She's like a newly picked up kitten."

"Hey!"

Another servant was indignant.

"Don't joke around. Magic burns are really painful."

"Good that she's alive..."

"Hey, I'm glad she's safe."

"I hope she gets better soon."

"Hey, maybe she'd like the marbles I have?"

"Idiot, she'd be confused for sure."

"But she likes rolling things."

"Stop thinking like a cat."

Pierre quietly slipped away from the group of servants, who were all talking to themselves. He needed to go to the kitchen and order a special menu for Rize.

He was driven by a strong sense of mission to take responsibility for Rize's health.

***

When I woke up, it was already evening.

I haven't slept this much in a long time.

I was still dazed when Pierre slipped in through the door at just the right moment.

"Ah, perfect timing. It seems you've just woken up. Tonight's dinner is a fillet of veal steak. The veal is raised by the sea, so the grass they eat is slightly salty, giving it a rich flavor."

"I want to eat it!"

I blurted it out and then realized.

"Ah, um... I, I don't have any money..."

"I've never heard of a noble who charges guests for dinner."

"B-but, I'm staying in such a grand house and being fed... and now I'm going to be treated to a free steak..."

I imagined being scolded by my parents or even beaten, and I shuddered.

Maybe I should help with something?

"Ah, um... I can peel vegetables."

"Lady Rize."

Pierre gently touched my hand.

Shuddering, I watched as Pierre shook his head.

"Unfortunately, peeling vegetables is not allowed by Lord Dior. All you are allowed to do is eat and sleep. Of course, if you violate this—"

"Will I be executed for peeling vegetables!?"

"I'm very sorry, but yes. Please don't worry about anything extra and fulfill your duties. Wait for Lord Dior's next command."

Pierre handed me a change of clothes and said, "I'll come back in an hour," before disappearing somewhere.

...Will I be executed if I change clothes?

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