Chapter 222: Returning Home

Thus, the visit to Corragio Village, the birthplace of the hero, came to an end. The achievements gained were several event completion rewards, and... the addition of the hero's sister, Monica, and their mother, Anemone.

"I can't believe Auntie Baskerville is coming with Baskerville-kun... Is it really okay to leave the village empty?" Ciel asked Anemone inside the carriage heading towards the royal capital.

Anemone must have had a life of her own. She must have had work to do, so can she really just abandon the village so easily?

"I do have work, but it's more like a side job. It's been a long time since my husband passed away, and if Monica isn't here, there's no reason for me to stay at home."

"Is that so..."

"And besides... I'll be working as a maid at Danna-sama's mansion. I've been given the opportunity to work at the Marquis's mansion."

"I-Is that so...?"

Ciel glanced at me for a moment. Even if she looks at me like that, I don't know anything. It can't be helped, as it was a condition to bring Anemone along in order to have Monica as a companion.

"More importantly... why does Anemone-san call Zenon-sama 'Danna-sama'?" Aeris, who was sitting next to me, asked with a pouting face.

"Calling him 'Danna-sama' is like calling one's own spouse! It's too disrespectful to disregard me, the rightful wife. It's outrageous in the name of God!"

"Oh? Zenon-san is the head of the Baskerville family, right? It's not unnatural to call the head of the mansion where I'll be working 'Danna-sama,' is it?"

"Well, that might be true, but..."

"Aeris-san was the wife of the master, huh? In that case, I shall address you as 'Oku-sama.' Nice to meet you, Oku-sama. I look forward to working with you."

"Ah...!"

At the mention of being called 'Oku-sama,' Aeris recoiled as if overwhelmed. She hugged her own body and trembled uncontrollably.

"V-very well... Honestly, the Baskerville mansion is short-staffed, so as the 'Baskerville Count's Wife,' I will allow you to work." Aeris said.

"Yes, thank you very much, Oku-sama."

"Ah... it sounds nice..."

It seems that Aeris also gave her approval. Though she blushed and seemed intoxicated by the position of the count's wife.

"Well, if my lord permits it, I don't mind," Nagisa said.

"Urza is unhappy, desu~no! We don't need any more women around Goshujin-sama, desu~no!"

Nagisa accepted reluctantly, but Urza protested, raising both fists.

I beg you, please don't be so violent. The carriage is packed with people. If you are too rough, you will hit here and there, and it will normally hurt.

"Oh dear, Urza-san, please don't say such things," Anemone said.

"No, I won't allow it!"

"Oh dear, there's no helping it... By the way, I brought some packed lunches. Please have some," Anemone said with a gentle smile, offering the lunch boxes.

"Nom, nom... Mmm, it's delicious, desu~no. So tasty. Crispy and fluffy, desu~no. The meat juices are overflowing, it's so juicy..."

"Will you acknowledge me working as a maid? I'll make lots of delicious meals," Anemone said.

"Okay... I have no choice, I permit it," Urza said, squeezing the sandwich in both hands and nodding with puffed cheeks.

It seems that the matter has been settled. Anemone is officially accepted into the Baskerville family.

"...Together with Mom. Even though we're going to the royal capital, I'll still be with Mom."

In a corner, Monica was rubbing her neck with a face that looked like she was about to cry. I would think it's a happy thing to be able to live with her mother even after going to the royal capital... But it seems that the stress of being constantly supervised by her kind yet strict mother is greater. Being thrown to the ground with a backdrop if she angers her must be quite scary.

"...Just be a good kid so you won't be thrown," I murmured with a mixture of sympathy, looking up at the sky and closing my eyes.