CH 169

「Are you the fief lord here? 」

「Something like that? 」

「Why is that a question? 」

It’s not really convincing, and I myself have mixed feelings over this, but yep, I’m probably the fief lord of this island.

The owner of the position of fief lord was still undecided, but I already paid for it and signed the deal using my name. I also went to the commerce guild’s herald, paid the required fee, then registered the coat of arms after checking there’s no duplicate.

「Then, this person is the snack person… 」

Snack person. The maid mumbled to herself, but the way she said it was as if the person was made out of snacks.

「Pardon me for the late introduction. This is Marlou, she’s applying to be a maid in the mansion, and until the mansion is completed, she’ll be working on probationary period. For her wage, she is fine being paid with a bag of snacks per week, apparently. 」

I got a feeling that it would also depend on how big that bag of snacks is. Ah, but if I add some chocolates, then wouldn’t that bag of snacks be worth more than the regular wage?

「My name is Marlou, I will strive to do my work to the best of my ability, so please take care of me. 」

The brunette maid bowed. She was donned in a simple dress, and a folded cloth cap, the tell-tale symbol of a maid, was on her head. Seems like I have to prepare more uniforms for my employees. Well, it’s not that much, though. Speaking of maid, navy or black dress with a frilly apron comes to my mind, and the association is quite strong.

Wait, snacks, huh. Then that means —

「It is as you imagined. 」

Gold affirmed without any hesitation.

「We didn’t talk about it. 」

That goofy smile plastered on her face seemed quite fake, but she’s quite a beauty if you look closer, as expected of a changeling. It feels like she’s deliberately trying to be inconspicuous with that outfit of hers. Oh, speaking of smiles, it’s similar to Gold’s signature fake smile.

Is it a peculiar trait of fairies? Like, they’re looking down on us humans? Well, I don’t really plan delving into it, as long as she’s capable then that’s fine.

「If you’re good at cleaning, then you should also sign the maid’s confidentiality contract or vow. 」

The four of them were dumbfounded for a moment.

「… Sorry if I’m mistaken, but Marlou, you’re a changeling, aren’t you? 」

「Yes, that’s right. 」

Marlou retracted her smile when she heard Soleil’s words.

「Before we confirm things, can you tell us your name first? 」

Soleil half-smiled. Oh, right, I didn’t introduce myself yet.

「I’m also Soleil. 」

「Oh my… Well then, Soleil-sama, you already noticed that Marlou is a changeling, didn’t you? 」

「Yup. 」

「Then why won’t you entrust any work to her? 」

「No, she’s going to clean up. 」

「Yeah. Speaking of dirty jobs, what’s the progress with the poop scooping and the septic tank? 」

「The odor can be quite harsh right after scooping, but it seems the general public has taken to it quite well. However — 」

「Stop saying it as if we’re the ones carrying the poop bucket ourselves. We properly pay somebody to do it. 」

「Eh, then dirty jobs, does that refer to feces and urine cleanup… ? 」

「Yep, I’ll have you clean the toilet, okay? 」

Housemaids only do kitchen work and laundry, but the maidservants also clean them, right?

「So you’re hiring her as a maidservant? 」

Soleil tried to confirm.

「Isn’t she a maid? 」

What are you saying?

「Assassination jobs… 」

「Why the heck would I make her do something so dangerous? 」

「Commit arson in the pretense of natural fire breakout… 」

「Stop it. I’m building stuff right now so it’ll be a huge problem if it burns down. 」

「Dazzling pleasure that no humans have tasted before… 」

「Don’t need it! 」

「We also hadn’t done any other work aside from overseeing the construction of the houses and managing the island. 」

Gold smirked.

Eh, don’t tell me it’s common practice to use changelings for that sort of job?

「If that’s what you want, I can order you to steal the wig of the Commerce Guild’s deputy chief, you know. 」

You know, there are assassins and thieves eager to prove their skills they’re so proud of. Well, it’s just a story.

「No no no, I’ll clean the toilet, I’ll do it. 」

「But I’ll be troubled if you only do the toilet. 」

Marlou’s attitude did a complete 180, she’s happily motivated to clean the toilet now.

「It’s normal, it’s normal. 」

Marlou looked like she’s about to dance for joy on the spot.

‘Normal’… Is she that happy that she doesn’t have to assassinate anyone? Ah, but if she’s happy because she’s going to clean the toilet then I’m going to look away.

「Ahm, can I also recommend someone? 」

「Hm? 」

Soleil watched it all unfold, so now she was probingly asking me.

「Her name is Faramir, and she’s a black…she’s also a changeling. 」

「… 」

Gold sighed when he heard what I said.

「Seems like you’re unaware about this. Black changelings have spirits that harbor grudges towards humans blended in them. 」

Silver explained.

Ahh, so they’re referring to the black ones, huh. The spirits I made a pact with are mostly half-normal, half-black, and if I see the completely black ones, I immediately capture them. Still I wonder if this is going to be alright.

「I also know Faramir personally. She’s the human changeling just like Kiel, and she might seem cold at first glance, but she’s not the type of person to willingly harm people. It’s just that the other people might not look at her favorably. 」

That’s a relief then, the spirit’s influence must be weak. It’ll be a problem if I suddenly grabbed a woman’s head out of reflex.

「If she won’t cause discord among the residents then it’s fine. I’m going to hire the residents to care for the livestock and handle the farm, and besides, it’s a small island, after all. 」

「I will assign her to handle the household affairs! 」

Soleil also beamed, and it seemed as if she’s going to burst into a song any moment now.

「Even though he’s acquainted with Shadow Wolf… 」

「Wait, don’t tell me he pushed this guy to us since he can’t handle him anymore… 」

Gold and Silver were sighing with a complex expression on their faces.