I am… requesting to remain anonymous.
All I can tell you is that my profession is that of a maid.
Yes, my workplace is the Village of the Great Tree.
……
T-They won’t find me out.
It will be fine.
Ahem.
Anyway, a certain matter has been the talk of the village for some time now.
I am referring to the marriage talks between Lord Galf and Lady Pirika of Village Five.
Normally, it is proper etiquette to refrain from interfering in such matters unless the Village Head, Lady Lu, or Lady Tia suggests otherwise. After all, the Village Head is a proponent of free romance.
However, the situation changes when the individuals involved seek outside counsel.
In this instance, Lady Pirika consulted Lady Yoko, the Proxy Village Head of Village Five… or rather, Lady Pirika’s disciples consulted Lady Yoko on her behalf. Lady Yoko then brought the matter to Lady Lu.
I shall remain silent regarding Lady Yoko’s decision to approach Lady Lu instead of the Village Head. In truth, I believe Lady Yoko’s prediction—that the Village Head would simply leave the matter alone—was entirely correct. After all, Lord Galf already has a wife and children.
Naturally, the women of the Village of the Great Tree sprang into action once the news broke. Women, regardless of age, find their hearts fluttering at the mention of romance. We took up positions on the front lines to observe how the love between Lord Galf and Lady Pirika would unfold.
Yes, we made preparations.
We set the stage.
We pulled every string available to us.
However, we did not attempt to force the two together. This applies not only to me, but to everyone. I can swear that to the Village Head. The outcome depended entirely on the judgment of the two involved.
I wondered how it would end while remaining focused on my duties, but…
"I'm sorry. I don't think I can love anyone other than my wife."
It seems the two were simply not destined to be together. It is a pity, but such things cannot be helped. Lady Pirika seemed to have anticipated this result to some degree. Though there were tears in her eyes, she was smiling.
For tonight’s dinner, let us prepare a grand spread of Lady Pirika’s favorite dishes.
……
By the way, Village Head.
Why are you collapsed on the floor in a place like this?
You were overwhelmed by Lord Galf’s unwavering loyalty?
I see.
Can you stand?
No?
The shock seems to have been quite severe. Are you all right?
I reached out a hand to assist the Village Head, but before I could reach him, Ann and Ramurias hoisted him up between them. With my hand left hanging in midair, I decided the best course of action was to go and polish a window.
Ann and Ramurias then proceeded to escort the Village Head to his room.
Understood.
I have a suggestion for tonight’s menu… yes, let us proceed with that.
It seems Ann was also thinking of Lady Pirika. Once I finish this window, I shall head to the kitchen to assist.
The kitchen was a battlefield, as per usual. Sudden changes to the menu will do that.
Oops, I mustn't lose my focus. I need to move.
My colleagues in the kitchen began assigning tasks to me without a moment's hesitation. The workload felt a bit heavy, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. I resolved to do my best.
……
I am doing my best, but may I say one thing?
Where are Ann and Ramurias?
It is rare for those two to be absent from the kitchen at this hour. A considerable amount of time had passed since they left to take the Village Head to his room.
……………………
Oh, blast!
I shouldn't have been polishing windows; I should have volunteered to help carry the Village Head!
Ol the Orthros was eating his meal.
When he first arrived in the village, Ol would eat whatever food we prepared, but lately, he has become selective. He will only eat if the food is given to him by Lady Guronde. Such impressive loyalty.
He wore a proud expression, but honestly… I was the one who cooked that meal. Lady Guronde was merely the one who handed it to him.
No, it is nothing. A maid’s duty is to keep such unnecessary thoughts to herself.
Once Ol finished eating, he sprinted toward Lady Guronde at full speed. He is clearly quite a pampered pup.
While Lady Guronde is relatively strict when it comes to the education of the children, she seems to have a soft spot for Ol. Once, as a prank, Lady Guronde hid while Ol was in the middle of his meal. When the puppy realized she was gone, he ran through the mansion letting out pitiful, mournful whines until he found her. Ever since that day, I feel Lady Guronde has doted on him even more.
Still, it makes me wonder: just how good is an Orthros’s sense of smell? Lady Guronde wasn't trying particularly hard to hide, so he should have been able to find her easily if he had used his nose.
Could it be that Ol was acting pathetic on purpose just to get Lady Guronde’s attention?!
……
No, Ol wouldn't be that calculating. Forgive me for doubting him. He is still a child, so perhaps his sense of smell is simply underdeveloped… or he just didn't think to use it.
Ah, yes, yes, I won't get in your way. Go right ahead and walk in front of Lady Guronde.
But is it really proper for you to lead? Shouldn't you be following behind her?
I see, you’re acting as a guide. I don’t believe Lady Guronde actually requires a guide, and I suspect that if trouble arises, you’ll just hide behind her anyway…
And now Ol is sulking.
My apologies, that was a slip of the tongue. Despite the duty of a maid to refrain from unnecessary comments, I have failed. I must reflect on this.
Once Lady Guronde gave the sulking Ol a pat, he immediately perked up.
Yes, I shall say nothing more, other than to note how well they get along.
However, Lord Giral is watching from over there. Is that quite all right? He usually looks resentful when Lady Guronde dotes on Ol, but today the atmosphere feels somewhat different.
Did the two of them have a fight yesterday?
That is surprising. They always seemed like such a harmonious couple.
Is it because they are so close that they can afford to quarrel? I suppose that is a learning experience for me.
By the way, what was the cause of the argument?
Apparently, Lord Giral left some of the food Lady Guronde had cooked uneaten. Come to think of it, Lady Guronde did prepare a dish yesterday. And he left it? He likely assumed it was prepared by one of us or the Devils, but…
Guilty. Most definitely guilty.
However, it seems Lord Giral is looking for the right moment to apologize.
Understood. In that case, I shall escort Lord Giral to the kitchen. He needs to learn the joy of cooking… ahem. He needs to learn the struggle. And the despair of having one's food left on the plate.
Hehehe.
At any rate, regardless of how Lord Giral’s cooking turns out, I hope they make up by tonight. Nothing good comes from letting a marital spat linger.
That night.
The food Lord Giral prepared was delicious.
In fact, it was better than Lady Guronde’s cooking.
……
Lady Guronde finished every single bite of Lord Giral’s meal and then proceeded to sulk.
Poor Ol is quite distressed, so please, Lady Guronde, do cheer up.
Wait, why am I the one doing the soothing? This is Lord Giral’s job.
You say it’s impossible because you haven't officially made up yet? This is your chance!
Good grief, stop dallying and step forward!
And stop using Ol as a shield!