Simplicity  Web Novel [ ウェブ小説]  January 26, 2022 5 Minutes

It’s been 3 months since we’ve hired the girls from the orphanage. I would like to know if they’ve gotten used to the work already and so I called the three of them for an inquiry.

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Now in front of me stands MIlia, a short haired lively girl. Then here’s the diligent Yuri who has long glossy black hair. And lastly, the girl that Miguel has feelings for, the girl who appears to be the most mature of them, the blue-haired Reina.

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I believe it’s the right time to summon these girls. Now that mother and father have regretfully returned to the territory, we are now short in hand and would gladly appreciate the help of these three. And so I turn to them.

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[I apologize for calling the three of you in a hurry. There’s something I want to talk about with all of you.] (Duke Fall)

[Uhm… Did we do anything wrong, by any means?] (Reina)

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Reina appears to be nervous asking me for why they were summoned so I smile at her to put her at ease.

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[No, rather, I expect you to perform better.] (Duke Fall)

[…?] (Yuri)

[Then, that means…] (Milia)

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Yuri tilts her head silently in wonder while Milia appears to be confused so I plainly tell them my intention.

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[Let’s make it short. I want the three of you to serve as exclusive maids of my children.]

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I probed the three of their responses and it’s Milia who reacted first amongst the three with happiness.

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[Truly!?] (Milia)

[Yes. To be specific, Milia, I want you to serve Laurier as her exclusive servant.] (Duke Fall)

[Laurier-sama, is it… I – I’ll do my best!] (Milia)

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I nod in return to Milia’s enthusiastic response and look at the other two.

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[Yuri, you will be assigned to the house’s eldest son, Basil.] (Duke Fall)

[…I’ll do my utmost.] (Reina)

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She appears to be timid but I saw Yuri just made a gust pose. Now let’s move on to Reina.

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[And Reina, lastly, you’ll be serving the second daughter of this house, as Mint’s exclusive servant.] (Duke Fall)

[I’ll gladly receive and work on this task. However, there’s one thing I would like to ask if your grace would allow.] (Reina)

[What is it?] (Duke Fall)

[The young masters already have their own exclusive servants, am I correct? Is it really necessary for me to work as an exclusive one as well?] (Reina)

[Hm…] (Duke Fall)

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Well, it’s true that the children already have their exclusive maids before them but…

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[Considering the shortage and the things that will happen in the future, your assignment is important and necessary. Laurier especially will be busy as she will be going out meeting children of the same age as her sooner or later. Also, as the people who’ve been taking care of Mint and Basil have already left, things will immediately get hectic so prepare yourselves well.] (Duke Fall)

[Understood.] (Reina)

[One more thing, there’s something I’d like to ask. Ofcourse, you are free to not answer if you find it inappropriate and I won’t mind.] (Duke Fall)

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I look at the girls suddenly turn in cold sweat and I can’t help but smile awkwardly as I ask the question next.

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[Girls, do not be so nervous. I just want to ask if the three of you have a person you like. That’s all.] (Duke Fall)

[A person we like… do you mean as someone we like from the opposite sex?] (Reina)

[Yes. I ask this to people who will serve me. I want to understand who you people hold as dear in your hearts.] (Duke Fall)

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It might sound of some scheme towards blackmail or sexual harassment but I swear in all of my heart that it is not. Rather, I am turning the conversation as sincere as possible.

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[I… don’t have someone like that.] (Milia)

[Not even someone you are interested in?] (Duke Fall)

[Uhm, I am not really good at dealing with boys.] (Milia)

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Now that’s unexpected. Huh? Does Laurier have a ‘yuri’ route that I don’t know about? No no no, perhaps I’m just thinking too much.

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[…I don’t have one as well.] (Yuri)

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Yuri follows immediately. Considering how she really doesn’t speak much, that’s probably true. And lastly, for the answer I’ve been eager to hear, I look at Reina for her response. She’s the girl Miguel likes. Still, I don’t think it’ll be easy for that kid’s name to appear in this conversation but then, Reina embarrassingly tells her answer.

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[Uhm… I do have.] (Reina)

[Eh!? Really!?] (Milia)

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Milia instantly turns to Reina before I could react and glitters are sparkly flying in her eyes. Reina affirms it as she shyly nods and then, perhaps remembering that they’re standing in my presence, Milia embarrassingly returns to her original position which allowed me to ask Reina.

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[Is it someone I know? Or not? I do wonder.] (Duke Fall)

[You know him, your grace.] (Reina)

[Is he someone around your age?] (Duke Fall)

[Yes…] (Reina)

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Hm? Why does it seem like Miguel fits all the boxes? Perhaps? No, I’m just raising my hopes up, right? Yes. That’s most likely.

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[I only know of one person who has the same age as you but… Is it really him?] (Duke Fall)

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I prod Reina with another question and then she nods. Wow. It’s true? So Reina and Miguel feel mutual! Oh, I didn’t hear Miguel’s name so I can’t really confirm yet but I move closer to Reina and whispers a name to her ears.

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[…It’s Miguel, is it.] (Reina)

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Poof! Reina blushes deep red and nods in affirmation. It truly is! So Miguel-san and Reina-san feel the same way! How can there be such a cliché development!? Goodness!

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I keep these thoughts in my head as I fake a cough before returning to the topic.

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[Believe that I will not tell anyone about this matter. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts with me.] (Duke Fall)

[Thank you…] (Reina)

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I was able to unravel another truth to this world once again. These young people’s feelings… Let’s warmly cheer for both of them secretly.

Translator’s Notes: