The city stroll was kept brief, and I headed towards the lord’s mansion.

Though it was a bit sudden, I had informed them that I would visit around the end of March in the summer. While I was wandering the city, perhaps the soldiers at the checkpoint had already contacted them, because I was led straight to the room I usually use without having to wait.

The bath was prepared, and the hospitality was well-organized; as expected, they were well-prepared.

As for Riana, while her hospitality for the guests during the festival was successful, according to Rose, the maid accompanying Liesel, she can still only handle guests with prior appointments. She still struggles with guests, like myself, who might drop by unexpectedly.

Well, she’ll gain experience and learn to handle these situations better over time.

…By the way, the clothes I wore today were the usual black dress with a thin red cloak. I planned to avoid combat, but you never know what might happen, so I chose a general combat-ready outfit rather than something fancy.

I have clothes at the 【Hideout】, but this mansion also has a set ready for me. I used to borrow Luciana’s clothes, but apparently, they’ve even prepared a wardrobe for me…

It’s likely that they were tailored a while ago, and while the size might not be perfect, I’m sure the lord knows that, so it’s not a problem.

…Or so I thought, but the clothes they prepared fit perfectly.

It’s not like I have a particular preference for this style, but the clothes I usually wear are designed to be practical for riding on a 【Floating Orb】, with easy movement for my legs and wide hems that make it easier to take out the snakes. Women in this country tend to prefer tighter clothing, so this design is a little out of fashion.

Nevertheless, this is a similar design… They must have taken my measurements during the festival and had them tailored by Seriana.

It’s the usual thing, but to have it ready in less than two months… The craftsmanship from the artisans in Riana’s capital is impressive, but I’m not sure if they had enough manpower to prepare something that only I would wear on short notice.

Hmm… There’s still a bit of a gap.

“What’s wrong?”

While I was reflecting on the difference with Riana, the maid who was helping me change clothes called out to me.

I wonder if she could tell from behind?

“Hmm? Nothing at all. Oh! By the way, it’s just the master and mistress here today, right?”

“Yes. Lord Eizen is alone, and Lady Flora is on an inspection of the territory with Luciana. They’ll return before the rainy season, but it will be almost a month. Seriana would also accompany them when she was here.”

“I see, I see.”

I had heard a little about it when I was being led to the room, but it seems like quite a formal outing… I suppose the lord and lady can’t leave the capital too casually.

Their children must be filling in for them. Of course, they probably have attendants and guards with them, but everyone is quite impressive.

“Yes, it’s done.”

“Thanks! Fancy clothes are difficult to wear…”

Normally, I wear simple, unadorned clothes, but the ones I’m wearing now have embellishments here and there. Maybe they reflect Minea’s taste?

With my usual clothes, I can just throw them on, fasten them loosely around my waist, and attach an apron without much thought, but these clothes have fasteners on the back, so it’s not as simple.

“It’s true… Sera used to wear even the servants’ uniforms casually.”

She smiles wryly at my words.

She’s been working since I was taken in by Seriana, and though I was only at the mansion for a short time, it seems she remembers me.

It’s already been nearly five years, and the staff has changed quite a bit. Even though they’re servants, they work in the lord’s mansion, so they come from respectable backgrounds. For younger women, working here can be seen as training for becoming a bride, and they often leave after a year or two.

Some are from the capital, others from smaller towns in the territory, and they come here after being recommended by the local officials.

There were a few servants I became friendly with during my time at the mansion, but they’ve all returned to their hometowns. They retired to get married.

In the past, many of the servants at the mansion got together with each other and continued working here, so it’s like an in-house marriage. And when they had children, the kids would follow the same path as their parents…

However, it seems such cases have decreased recently. When I was at the mansion, there weren’t any children of the servants.

Instead, once the children are grown and their lives settle down, they might return to work at the mansion. I guess life in the capital is quite appealing.

“Well then, shall we head over?”

“Yeah, please.”

I’ve finished the bath and changed clothes. Now, I just need to deliver the letter to the lord and take care of my business.

————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】 +1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Garb】・【Floating Orb】 +1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・11 cards

Seriana ・【Range Detection】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards