Chapter 8

"Ingredients, clothes, laundry detergent, soap, toothbrush, towels... I think I’ve bought everything we need."

"Hmm, quite a lot of luggage."

Saying that, Lei lightly touched her magic bag. No matter how much we bought, it didn’t take up any space thanks to this bag. I should buy one with my salary someday.

"Almost home."

After finishing our shopping, we finally headed towards Lei’s house. Lei’s house is a bit away from the castle town, and because not many people live around it, it’s very quiet, she said. Although we felt the distance from the shopping district, this distance is just right to keep our bodies in shape.

Then, a mansion surrounded by a wall came into view.

"Hmm, here. I haven’t been back in a while."

"…Huh?"

It was a grand house.

Two stories high with many windows, and from what I could see, there were more than ten rooms. The gate to enter the grounds was sturdy, and the garden was spacious enough to use for training.

—However.

The spacious garden was overgrown with weeds, and vines had spread across the walls of the mansion. Of course, it wasn’t like this at first. Lei had said she rarely came back, but I didn’t expect it to be this neglected... Honestly, it was unexpected. And she, the owner, opened the gate and walked in without any particular concern.

"Hmm, coming in?"

"No... I was just thinking it’s a grand mansion."

"Thank you. It was quite expensive."

Indeed—

I had a lot to say, but there was no point in telling Lei about the past. All I needed to do was take care of it from now on. But what was truly terrifying was—inside the mansion.

"Come in."

Lei opened the front door of the mansion and urged me to enter. Even before stepping in, it smelled musty. Of course, it was bound to smell like this if it hadn’t been ventilated for a long time.

"Um, I’m coming in."

"Hmm, from now on, say 'I’m home.'"

"Y-Yes, I’m home."

What was this? Lei’s words should have made me happy, but I wasn’t feeling it at all. Still, there was no point in stopping and being intimidated by the dirt. I resolved myself and stepped into the mansion.

After taking a few steps, I looked back.

—There were faint footprints. Dust had accumulated, even in the entrance. This would be a good place to start cleaning.

"The kitchen is... I think this way."

"You’re not sure about that either..."

Trying to avoid inhaling too much dust, I followed Lei into the mansion and reached the kitchen.

(This is bad too.)

Dust had accumulated everywhere, just like the other rooms. But considering the room’s purpose of handling food, this might be the worst of all. Moreover, I found something unbelievable in the most advanced water station equipped with water magic.

"…How long has it been?"

"Since I forgot and left home... about three months?"

"No, I think it’s been longer."

In the sink, used dishes were piled up. The dirt had stuck so much that it looked like a pattern. At this point, wouldn’t it be faster to just throw them away?

"I feel embarrassed."

"Well... I think it’s better that you have some sense of shame."

Anyway, it was impossible to put the ingredients down in this state. First, I needed to clean the kitchen and move the ingredients to the cooling box enchanted with ice magic.

"Then, I’ll start cleaning. Sorry, but can you find something to do, Lei? I can’t prepare dinner right away."

"Then, I want to help."

"Eh, is that okay?"

"I’m bored anyway. Plus, if I’m alone, I wouldn’t know where to start, but with Theo here, that problem is solved."

I see, she would follow my instructions. It’s embarrassing to admit, but Lei is stronger and has more stamina. If she helps with the cleaning, it would be like having a hundred men.

"Alright, then I’ll count on you."

"Hmm, leave it to me."

We pulled out the cleaning tools buried in the mansion’s storage and tackled the kitchen cleaning.

♦

"—I’m more tired than when I fought a dragon."

"Normally, it’s the opposite... Anyway, thanks for helping."

"Hmm."

After about an hour of struggle, the relief was that there was no scattered garbage, and we only had to deal with the dust, wiping, and disposing of the dishes. Thanks to Lei rarely coming back, the lack of items turned out to be a significant advantage.

"There aren’t many things, but... the furniture is all there, right?"

I traced the dust-free counter with my finger. The cooling box to prevent food spoilage, the latest water station that creates water with magic, the stove enchanted with fire magic, and a simple hearth. I had also lightly cleaned the dining room, where a high-end long table and chairs were placed. It felt like a waste.

"They all came with the house. I didn’t know which ones were good, so I got the best of everything."

"I didn’t really want to know, but wasn’t it quite expensive?"

"About 300 million G for the mansion and all the furniture. The price you’d get from hunting about ten dragons."

"...I’ve really come to understand just how extraordinary you are."

Her tone made it sound like it was a month’s salary. I sighed. No, she probably really thinks it’s about ten dragons. I have no worries about the job here, but living with someone this extraordinary is starting to make me a bit uneasy. In the sense that my common sense will be completely overturned.

"If you need any equipment, let me know. When the latest models come out, I’ll replace them if you tell me."

"Thanks, but what we have here is enough. It’s a huge difference from my previous workplace."

In the knight’s order, I had to light the fire myself and fetch water. Here, the fire lights automatically with magic, and water comes out on its own. The difference is obvious to anyone.

"I want to finish cleaning the bedroom and bathroom today... Once that’s done, the rest can wait until tomorrow—"

—My words were interrupted by a growling sound.

I looked at Lei. She placed her hand on her stomach and met my gaze.

"I’m... hungry."

"...Got it. Let’s prepare dinner first."

"…! Hmm!"

When I said that, Lei’s eyes lit up with joy. Seeing her look forward to it so much, I couldn’t serve something bad.

"Do you want to help with the cooking?"

"No, leave it all to me. I want you to try the curry I make in my own way first."

"Hmm, got it."

Lei, who understood, suddenly brought a chair from the dining room, placed it in the corner, and sat down. She seemed to want to observe me cooking.

"...I’m a bit curious."

"Hmm, try not to mind. I just want to see you cook."

"It’s not going to be interesting, you know?"

"It’s fine. I’ll find the fun in it myself."

Since she said that, I won’t say anything more.

I’ll gather my thoughts and start cooking.

July 24, 2019: Ranked 3rd in the daily overall rankings. Thank you for your support!