CH 22

Satis was working at the village mayor’s house on this day.

Right next to her office was a library filled with old books.

And in her office, Scarlett was organizing and processing letters, old notes and documents.

Satis brought her the books she designated from the stacks, and processed them in the same way if necessary.

The documents were numerous, and quite heavy when they were bulky.

To the point that the attendants alone did not provide enough manpower.

[You’re a big help, Satis-san. The literacy rate of the villagers here is high, but when it comes to this kind of work, it’s plain to see that they all hate it. From what I heard, there’s Ryodou-san who used to do paperwork, but… He said he was “forever done with paperwork” and won’t help me at all.] (Scarlett)

[Fufufu. Well, I suppose it’s not a very desirable job. …But, are you sure about this? Entrusting me with such a task, even though I’m an outsider…] (Satis)

[It’s all right. I was just in need of assistance. Besides, none of these contain confidential information of any sort. We’re just a village from the backcountry. From a bystander’s point of view, this is just a boring job where you stare at some texts all day long.] (Scarlett)

She giggled and looked through a stack of letters she received.

For an elderly, staring at countless sheets of paper was indeed a tiresome task.

Sitting all the time made her muscles sore.

It was by no means a healthy job.

[The position of village mayor also comes with its own hardships, I see. …Here. These are the letters and documents I’ve sorted. And these are the documents you asked me to find.] (Satis)

[Thank you. …My, you’re so helpful. I see you’ve gotten quite used to this job.] (Scarlett)

[Eh? Ah, I suppose. Because I’ve already done this sort of work before.] (Satis)

Her years of experience as a top executive came in handy here.

Satis was the one mostly in charge of this sort of paperwork, and she remembered how she was always working so vigorously to ensure that the monsters could perfectly exert their full power.

She never thought she would be able to make use of that experience in this village, but it looked like she would earn a generous wage for it.

When all the work was done, it was just before noon.

Scarlett invited her for lunch.

She had prepared a light soup and a pie made with fruits from the village.

As well as delicious tea.

They sat on both sides of the dining table and savored the flavors.

[…! What in the…? It tastes so sweet and delicious.] (Satis)

When she took a bite of the pie, the sweet and sour taste of the fruits spread with the sound of the dough cracking open.

The more she chewed, the deeper the flavor became, and she felt as if it could melt in her mouth at any moment.

[Fufufu. Tasty, isn’t it? This pie is one of the specialities of this village.] (Scarlett)

[Yes, it’s absolutely delicious. …Um, it may sound indelicate of me to ask, but could you part with some of it for me to take home, please?] (Satis)

[Hm? …Aah, to share it with the boy, is it? Of course. I’ll tell my attendants to give it to you after work. …But I must say, the two of you are really close. It’s as if you’re lovers.] (Scarlett)

[L-Lov—…!?] (Satis)

[My, did I guess right? As you grow older, you tend to become a lot more perceptive about these things, after all. Fufufu.] (Scarlett)

Satis blushed and ate her pie as if to savor it, while Scarlett sipped her tea and smiled at her.

The former admitted to being interested in the boy, but it was embarrassing to hear a third party saying it so bluntly.

[…Although, there are many forms of love in this world. It’s great to see you two so happy with each other. It puts such a smile on my face.] (Scarlett)

[No… We’re not like…] (Satis)

[There’s no need to hide it. I experienced that myself when I was young. Though I know that from an onlooker’s point of view, it must seem like a strange romance.] (Scarlett)

[Scarlett-san, um… Have you ever been in love, and felt like your heart was squeaking?] (Satis)

[Why yes, I’ve felt that many times.] (Scarlett)

She put her teacup on her saucer and stared at the flickering candlelight, feeling nostalgic.

[My heart would ache whenever my special someone was about to do something reckless, and it would flutter whenever he showed me his cheerful smile. …It was a lot of hardships, but I still loved him very much. It’s been several years since he passed away, but my love for him still shines as always. That’s how I feel.] (Scarlett)

It was a sad, yet romantic story.

Satis also felt a warmth in her heart as she thought of Seto.

She wondered about the life that they would lead together in the future.

What expression he would make, and what path he would take from this point on.

And she felt the desire to stand by his side and watch over him.

Satis stared at the candlelight as she drank her tea as well.

The fire reflected in her glasses was warm and dancing, as if to represent her heart at the moment.

Seeing Satis making a gentle expression, Scarlett suggested something to her, as if she had caught on to her feelings.

[I have an idea, Satis-san. Why don’t you both take the day off tomorrow and go for a picnic? The view from the hills on the outskirts of the village is spectacular. And of course, I’ll make you a new pie.] (Scarlett)

[Eh!? Are you sure!?] (Satis)

[Yes, I am. I’ll let Ryodou-san know as well. I’m sure he’ll understand. Seto-kun is all he ever talks about lately, you know? He’s all “the kiddo” this, “the kiddo” that, and so on. I haven’t seen him so full of energy in such a long time.] (Scarlett)

[Thank you very much… for everything you do for us. Um, if it’s not too much to ask, could you please teach me the recipes for your dishes? It wouldn’t be right to have you cook for us all the time…] (Satis)

[Oh my, really? Fufufu. No problem. In that case, we had better finish our work quickly.] (Scarlett)

After saying that, she got up and headed for her office.

Satis followed her and got back to work as well.

In the afternoon, their work was more productive than ever.

Satis’ heart was full of exaltation and curiosity.

Seto… I guess a meat dish would be to his liking. I wonder what else he would like to eat.

With that in mind, she vigorously proceeded with her work.

Time flew by in the blink of an eye, and she was done with the amount fixed for today.

[Now, I can teach you. Come to the kitchen.] (Scarlett)

[Yes, I will be in your care.] (Satis)

The two women smiled as they went to the kitchen, where the elderly woman and her servants taught Satis how to cook all sorts of dishes.