Published: September 4, 2025
Correction made on 9/15.
"Since there seems to be no opposition, from spring onward, the maid uniforms will be changed to the outfit that Arisa proposed."
When the head maid declared this, about twenty maids in the room burst into cheers.
But I guess it can’t be helped. Compared to the plain, mouse-gray work uniforms we’ve been wearing until now, these new clothes are far more gorgeous and cute.
“Um, head maid…”
When I looked at the person who spoke, not only my face but everyone’s tensed up.
It was Maeda, who always tends to say inappropriate things at the worst times.
“Do we even have the budget to prepare such expensive-looking clothes for everyone? If there’s extra budget, I’d rather just get a bonus.”
Well, of course we want money, but there’s no way they’d give us a bonus.
The head maid glared at Maeda with ice-cold eyes before answering solemnly.
“There is no budget.”
What?!
“The cost of making the maid outfits, including one spare set and matching aprons, will be covered by Lord Satou.”
Whoa—how many gold coins would it take to make twenty sets?
Judging by Pochi and the others’ fur and equipment, I can imagine, but they really are rich. I wonder what made them decide to serve such a poor noble.
Maybe it’s because of Karina-sama’s huge boobs?
Big breast lovers should just perish.
â—‡
“I wonder what we’ll have for lunch today~”
“Ah, I’m so hungry~”
I entered the dining hall with my colleague Talna. The morning work had run long, so we were way past normal lunchtime.
Before, our meals were just boiled potatoes and salty soup, but for the past week, I’ve been looking forward to meals.
Pochi and the others would say “It’s prey~” and bring back birds and beasts. Their hunting skills put professional hunters to shame—I wonder if all demi-humans are that amazing?
“Oh, Talna and Elina. Perfect timing.”
Aunt Gert, the kitchen’s head, called out.
Oh? If she’s here, could it be…?
“Don’t tell me, Lord Noble is using the kitchen?”
“That’s right. He’s experimenting with something called fried chicken.”
Yay!
Talna and I exchanged glances, savoring the joy.
We better not get kicked out of the dining hall for making a fuss.
“Hey, hey, Gert-san.”
“I know, just wait a bit longer.”
Looks like Aunt Gert is excited too.
The door opened, and one of Lord Satou’s slaves carried in a large plate with small dark brown lumps on it. What was her name? Lily? She has a facial disability but is a good, straightforward girl.
“Thanks to Gert-san’s advice, it turned out well. This includes some test pieces, but please try it.”
“Oh, those starving maids over there will take care of it.”
“Yeah, yeah, if it’s Lord Noble’s cooking, we can eat as much as we want~”
“Seriously, I really envy you guys who can always eat.”
I poked a piece of the fried chicken with my fork and brought it to my mouth. It’s the first time I’ve seen this dish, so I was a bit nervous, but if it’s made by Lord Noble, it’s definitely delicious.
I bit into it. Ouch, that’s hot. But it tastes good. It’s different from grilled meat or steamed meat. I think the inside is chicken, but I can’t figure out what makes the outside so crispy. Still, it’s delicious.
I went to pick up another piece with my fork, but none were left.
“Elina, you sure eat a lot quietly.”
“Elina, geez, I wanted to eat a bit more too.”
Damn, I thought I only had one piece, but apparently I ate more than half alone.
Lily chuckled softly. That laugh probably means others ate the same way. That’s what I decided.
â—‡
“That’s why the fastest way to increase revenue is to concentrate the population!”
“Even so, what about the food supply?”
“That’s where the earlier conversation comes back. By reorganizing this unnecessarily sprawling city’s layout, we can turn it into farmland like Seryu City. According to Master’s survey, about 70% of the city can be converted into farmland without issues.”
I placed tea and some baked sweets where I wouldn’t disturb Nina the governor and Lady Arisa, who were having a heated debate.