Published: December 16th 2024, 7:46:59 am
Syl's Confusion
"Takumi-san left so easily~"
As I, Sylphreel, slumped in dejection, my Chief retainer, Vint, brought me some tea.
"Well, at least he came to greet you. Other retainers on the surface visit only once every few years—or even once every few decades. In some cases, it’s not unusual to go a hundred years without contact."
"That’s true, but still~"
It’s true, Takumi-san actually visits me fairly often compared to others.
Plus, he always brings delicious treats when he comes!
"…That oyakodon was so good~"
"You’ve completely fallen for Takumi-dono’s cooking, haven’t you?"
"Yes, exactly."
As I reminisced about the delicious dishes, Vint promptly pointed it out.
But it’s not just me who’s smitten—the Goddess of Creation Marianora-sama, Fire God Salamanteel, and Earth God Nomoodle, are all captivated too.
"Ah~ But Vint, you’ve been having a hard time because of it, haven’t you~?"
Takumi-san is my retainer!
So, naturally, most of the food he sends ends up here.
This means that meals and tea parties are almost always held in my domain, leaving Vint burdened with the arrangements and hospitality.
"Vint, is there anything you’d like as a reward?"
"A reward?"
Thinking I should reward him, I asked what he’d like, but Vint gave me a blank expression.
Huh? I thought I’d been properly showing my appreciation for my retainers… but maybe I wasn’t? Was it not enough?
"Yes, a reward. You’ve been such a big help."
"In that case, I’ll be honest. Let’s see… could I have some of Takumi-dono’s cooking next time he sends something?"
"Eh?! T-Takumi-san’s cooking…?"
"Yes. Everyone always seems to enjoy it so much; I can’t help but be curious."
"...…"
Now that he mentions it, I don’t think I’ve shared anything with Vint since I gave him some dorayaki in the beginning.
Does that mean I’ve been flaunting it in front of him this whole time?
If I were in his shoes, watching others eat and say, “It’s so good, so good,” I might cry.
Have I been unintentionally bullying him? Is this… abuse? What should I do?!
"R-right! I’ll ask Takumi-san to make something you’d like! What would you like?"
I’ll swallow my pride and beg Takumi-san from the start!
He’s already seen me in embarrassing situations before, so what’s one more thing… well, not that I’m fine with it, but it’s necessary!
"No need to trouble Takumi-dono just for me. I’d be happy with whatever arrives next."
"Uh, uh…"
But that would mean I wouldn’t get to eat it, right? Th-that’s so unfair~~.
"… Heh."
While I was despairing, Vint’s shoulders subtly trembled. …Was he laughing?
"… Vint?"
"Sylphreel-sama, I was only joking. I won’t take the meals you eagerly anticipate from Takumi-dono."
"R-really?"
"Yes."
Oh, so it was a joke. Thank goodness~
"Geez~ Don’t scare me like that. So, is there anything you actually want as a reward?"
"It’s an unexpected question, so I can’t think of anything right away."
"Alright, take some time and let me know when you’ve decided."
Since the topic of rewards was sudden, I decided to give Vint time to think about it.
… But if he really does want to try Takumi-san’s cooking, that’s probably his true feeling, right? Maybe I should ask Takumi-san after all.
"Oh, right, Sylphreel-sama. If you spend too long sulking, your work is just going to pile up."
"… Huh?"
"Once you’ve rested a bit, please take care of it properly."
"All of this?! Hey, Vint, help—"
"Well then, if you’ll excuse me."
Leaving behind a mountain of documents and a graceful bow, Vint swiftly exited the room.
I hadn’t noticed, but along with the tea, he had brought extra documents.
"You could at least help a little~"
Talking about rewards only to leave me with this workload is cruel!
… But Vint usually helps when he can, so this must mean these are documents only I can handle~
Ugh~... When will this end…?
Oh, I’d better contact Takumi-san before I forget! But should I handle the documents first? No, Takumi-san, right? Ugh~~ I don’t know where to start!