Published: August 3, 2025
“Myne-sama, shall we bring in a new attendant to replace Delia?”
At Fran’s sudden question, I tilted my head slightly. Unlike in winter, since I don’t live at the temple now, there shouldn’t be so much work that we immediately need a replacement for Delia.
“Is it really necessary right away?”
“I think it’s best to have one.”
Since Dirk is gone, Fran and Gil have taken over the heavy work at night and are managing somehow. But Rosina doesn’t want to do menial tasks that hurt her fingers, so Fran said we’ll eventually need someone to replace her.
“To be honest, Myne-sama, you still worry about Delia at this point, which shows you have a soft spot and are swayed by emotion. It would be safer for us if you directed that affection to someone else.”
Being confronted with my own weakness, I choked on the words. It seems Fran had noticed me unconsciously looking for Delia’s figure in the somewhat empty room.
Fran was right. It would be better for the future to ease the worries of Fran and Rosina rather than endlessly worry about Delia, who has already left. I quietly exhaled and lowered my eyes for a moment.
“…I see. If we’re going to bring in a new gray shrine maiden, should it be Monica and Nicola?”
Monica and Nicola had helped Ella with cooking throughout the winter. They were recommended by Wilma, and I already knew they worked diligently. They could assist not only with chores but also with cooking.
Actually, an Italian restaurant is about to open, and the chefs, except Ella, will be moving there. Ella chose to stay here, thinking she could learn more recipes, and the negotiations with Benno have been settled. She will also be supervising the new chefs Benno sends. Since Monica and Nicola are familiar to Ella, I think they would work well together.
“Monica and Nicola? Myne-sama, are you sure it’s okay to hire both?”
Fran frowned anxiously, knowing the financial situation of this room. Indeed, depending on the season, things might be a bit tight, but we’ve received additional orders for winter work, and if the picture books continue selling smoothly, it should be fine.
“They both worked hard during winter, right? If I choose only one, it’ll be difficult to ask for help during winter again. If we hire, I’d like to bring in both at the same time.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that, Myne-sama…”
Rosina smiled wryly, but the treatment would clearly change between living in the orphanage and becoming an attendant. Knowing that, it’s hard for me to choose between the two.
“It’s more reassuring than entrusting the attendant role to Delia. Shall we go ask them?”
“Yes. Neither of them have experience as attendants, so considering the training period, it might be better to contact them soon. Fran, what do you think as their trainer?”
Before the Italian restaurant opens and the kitchen loses staff, they need to learn the room chores. But since Rosina can’t demonstrate the tasks, Fran will be the trainer. If Fran is too busy, training will be difficult.
“I’ve been able to give Rosina the paperwork to handle, so I have a bit of leeway.”
“Then, let’s contact Wilma and visit the orphanage tomorrow.”
Just as we decided on tomorrow’s plan, there was a knock on the door.
My attendants usually enter without knocking, and temple staff like the high priest use the bell. Only commoners like Lutz and Tulli knock.
“Is that Lutz? But it feels a bit early to go home.”
Not much time had passed since the fifth bell rang. Fran went downstairs to greet them, and I went out toward the stairs to look down at the first floor.
Darmel opened the door with a cautious expression. As expected, Lutz was there. But not only Lutz — Tulli was with him.
“Please come in, both of you.”
Fran invited them in, and as she was about to close the door, we heard Gil’s voice yelling from a little distance, “Wait!”
Fran held the door open, and Gil came rushing in, out of breath.
“Tulli, what’s wrong?”