The dishes that each of them ordered got brought to the table.

All of them look delicious.

I wish I could share them with my family.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I just remembered a few things.”

“If you’re fine, there’s no problem, but don’t push yourself too hard, okay? I want you to let it out before it builds up.”

“Thanks, Galette.”

“What’s it about? I agree with Galette!”

“Me too!”

When I told Galette, withholding that I was thinking about my family, it seemed that everyone was more worried about me than I thought, and I started to feel sorry in front of such a delicious meal.

Ah, I’m getting into the bad habit of thinking negatively again.

It’s times like this when I have to switch my thinking!

“Thank you, everyone! I’m fine now! Let’s eat then!”

“Itadakimasu.” x4

Then, seeing my expression, the people on the other side of the table decided that everything was okay and looked relieved, and seeing that, I urged them to eat their meal with my mouth full of gratitude.

Those who have become Master’s slaves all have many painful memories. When we find any girl who seems to be having flashbacks of them, we all naturally, and before long, start talking to her, and on days they become too much, we all try not to leave her alone as much as possible.

By the way, it is an unspoken agreement not to talk about family, as not everyone was loved by their family like I was.

Some got raised as unwanted children from the beginning. Some got sold to slavery. Some ended up as orphans after their parents died and got picked up by slave traders. And some families were all killed by bandits.

It is why we all depend on, are attracted to, and cling to Masters more strongly than others.

And Master is also kind to us, which is why we always want to return the favour, but there is only so much we can do.

We are still worried about whether Master would be pleased with our choice of clothes, but at the same time, part of me thinks that Master is not like that.

We thought life was all about hardship, yet Master taught us that life could be so much more.

When I think of that, I can’t help but think that Master will be pleased by our gift.

After eating, I happily choose clothes to present to Master together with everyone else.

And I realized.

The time I spend choosing a gift with someone in mind fills my heart with a great sense of contentment.

Side story ends here.