Setting Up The Quarters

The day ended without any particular issues, aside from the fact that Elnette had been added to our staff.

“Well then, I couldn’t introduce her formally earlier because the shop was so hectic, but this is Elnette-san, who will be working with us from today.”

After closing the shop and gathering everyone together, Marie-san introduced Elnette once again. Since she had started work today, we hadn’t prepared a uniform for her yet; she looked a bit out of place wearing a white apron over her swordswoman attire.

“I am Elnette, as introduced. I look forward to working with you.”

Elnette gave a polite bow and greeted everyone. Then, the rest of the group introduced themselves.

“Elnette-san will basically be working from before the shop opens until Kent-kun and Rachel-chan return from school, though she might help until closing depending on the situation. Also, while her house is nearby, she requested to live in. Kent-kun, could you prepare a room for her later?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Big Bro—I mean, Kent-san, while you’re at it, I’d like you to install an air conditioner in my room too.”

“I figured you’d be asking for that soon. I’ll do it today as well.”

“Thanks!”

Rachel said happily. With that, we finished for the day. Patty went home, and Marie-san and Catherine returned to my house to prepare dinner.

Emily stayed behind at the shop, saying she wanted to clean a little more. Rachel, Elnette, and I headed up to the second floor.

“Um, this is the floor for live-in employees. Only Rachel-san and Emily, who’s downstairs, are using it right now, so you can pick any of the other empty rooms.”

“Let’s see… then this room in the back is fine.”

Elnette chose a slightly larger room at the very end of the hall.

“I’ll take care of Rachel’s room first…”

I operated my terminal and installed the air conditioner in Rachel’s room. I decided to set up the electrical wiring at the same time.

“Thanks, Big Brother… I mean, Kent-san.”

“Wait, are you two siblings? I feel a strange sense of closeness between you that’s different from lovers.”

Elnette asked Rachel.

“Well, something like that… It’s like we’re siblings of the soul.”

“I don’t quite get what that means, but I catch your drift.”

Rachel answered vaguely, avoiding the truth.

“Well, I’m going to work in my room now. Good work today.”

“Yeah, good work.”

Rachel immediately turned on the air conditioner and disappeared into her room.

“Alright, I’ll prepare the essentials, so could you step back for a moment?”

I took out my terminal and quickly renovated the room by placing a remodel plan, an air conditioner, a bed, a full set of bedding, a closet, and lighting.

“Amazing. The room was finished in the blink of an eye. I thought so when I saw you in the carriage, but is this a type of summoning magic?”

“I don’t know the details, but I can call forth various things. However, my funds decrease whenever I summon something, so it’s not like I can just put out whatever I want haphazardly.”

Since this was an employee facility, the renovation costs were covered by the shop’s budget.

“Actually, I was surprised when I woke up today. I was in a bed in a room I didn’t recognize, and nobody was home. Then I found the bakery across the street. When I saw the sign said ‘Marie’s Bakery,’ I thought you might be there. When I went inside, Marie-san was there and told me you carried me home because I fell asleep halfway through. Thanks for that.”

Saying this, she closed the door behind her and hugged me.

“Even though you’re a younger boy, I think I’ve fallen for you. I’ve already gotten Marie-san’s permission, so we’ll be working at the same place from now on.”

I braced myself, thinking something might happen, but Elnette pulled away immediately.

“But why aren’t you working full-time?”

According to Marie-san’s explanation, Elnette was only supposed to work until Rachel and I returned from school. I felt curious, so I decided to ask.

“Oh, that? Well, I am a swordswoman, right? If I do nothing but work, I won’t have time to practice my swordplay. If I skip a single day, it takes about three days to make up for the lost progress. So, I finish early to have time for training.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

I understood after hearing her reasoning.

“Besides, the facilities are great, the pay is higher than what I get as a swordswoman, and aside from the customer service being a bit tough, the conditions are excellent.”

“True. Not long ago, I was earning about five large copper coins (500G) a day for a full day’s work.”

“Eh? Was it really that different?”

Elnette said, looking surprised.

“Also, I was wondering… what exactly is your relationship with Marie-san? You aren’t parent and child… right? But you seem to live together.”

“Originally, Marie-san and Catherine lived above the workshop, but they seemed to like my house and ended up staying. I am technically in a relationship with Marie-san, though.”

“Eh? Kent, didn’t you have a cute girlfriend? Is this an affair?”

“Caro-san knows about it.”

“Wow. Then I guess it would be fine if a few more people were added.”

“Eh?”

Elnette said something rather meaningful.

After that, I explained how to use the room’s facilities to Elnette, asked Emily to handle her dinner, and headed back home.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome back. Dinner is ready.”

“Thank you.”

Marie-san greeted me as I returned. Afterwards, we ate dinner, took baths, and just like yesterday, Marie-san, Catherine, and I slept in the Japanese-style room side-by-side like the character for “river.”

(Catherine liked it so much she insisted on it.)