Chapter 44: New Employee
As time passed, it was nearing the end of autumn. From summer to autumn, I spent my days helping at home, attending classes with Martine, and occasionally participating in tea parties.
Then, a message arrived from the Townsend Duke's household, stating that they would depart for the Duke's territory in three days and requested my presence at their mansion two days from now.
"Mother, Father, I'll be away for a while, going to the Duke's estate with everyone from the Duke's household, so I'll be leaving the house."
"The Duke's estate!? Does that mean you'll be leaving the capital?"
"Yes, but... didn't I tell you before?"
"Huh? No, you didn't mention it!"
Oops? Maybe I forgot to tell them about it...
"I haven't heard about this! You should have told us earlier!"
"Anyway, you're going with the members of the Duke's household, right?"
"Yes, I don't know who else will be going, but I'll be going with everyone from the Duke's household."
"In that case, there should be no need to worry... But you should inform us about such things sooner."
"Sorry, I got a bit careless..."
With a wry smile, I managed to avoid my mother's further questioning.
"But, it might have been good timing after all."
"Is that so? What's the matter?"
"We've found someone to work for us. He'll be starting from tomorrow."
"Oh, really!? That's great!"
I was worried about Marie managing everything in my absence, so that was the only concern I had.
"What kind of person is he?"
"He's just turned fifteen this year. He's interested in cooking and asked if he could learn in his spare time."
"He seems motivated and like a kind young boy."
That's good... Wait a moment.
A boy? And he wants to become a cook...
Does that mean he wants to take over our shop? Could Marie be in danger!?
"Hey, did you really hire that boy?"
"Why do you ask? I met him once, and he seemed like a nice boy."
"But if it's a boy, isn't it dangerous for Marie? Wouldn't it be better to have a girl as they can become friends more easily?"
I desperately tried to convince my mother, but she didn't accept my concerns at all.
"There's no danger, so it's okay. Besides, having him as a potential husband for Marie might not be a bad idea."
Why on earth did the conversation turn in that direction!? I was just talking about the opposite!!
"Roana, you're thinking too far ahead."
Oh! Go, Father!!
"But, if they get along well, it might be a possibility in the future. I'd be happy if he could take over this restaurant too."
Father... You're not on my side!?
Well, if I don't take over the restaurant, Marie will have to. And if that happens, she'll need a husband...
Fine! I'll observe this guy!! If I find anything unsuitable for Marie, I'll definitely object!!
With that determination, the next day arrived. Today was the day when that boy would start working.
I stood in front of the door with a stern expression, and Marie told me I was in the way.
"Big brother, you're in the way standing there! Hurry and help with the preparations!"
"I'm sorry, Marie. But it's crucial for new employees to make a good first impression! They can't be taken lightly from the start!"
"Oh, what are you saying!? Just help with the preparations! Besides, I've already met everyone else."
"Huh!? Marie, have you already met him too?"
When I asked in a hurry, Marie answered with a slightly displeased look.
"Of course, he came to our place once. You weren't home that day."
"Did anything happen? Anything unpleasant?"
As I rushed to ask, Marie either found me annoying or got a bit angry, and her expression changed.
"He was a really nice person. He helped with the work that day, and he was efficient. He might be more reliable than you, big brother."
Marie said in a low, quiet voice.
Gosh... To think Marie would say something like that...
Is it because I've been going out too much lately and haven't paid much attention to her? Or is Marie going through a rebellious phase?
As I stood there dumbfounded, the dining room door opened, and a young man with brown hair and brown eyes, who looked gentle, entered.
"Hello."
"Ah! Ian-san!"
Marie rushed over to the young man. Could this be the new employee?
"Since my big brother is here today, let me introduce you. This is my big brother."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ian."
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Marie's brother, Leon."
When I emphasized "brother" in my greeting, Marie gave me a stern look. Why, Marie? Have you started disliking your big brother?
Feeling like I was about to cry, I became determined to find any flaws in this Ian guy.
"Roana-san, Jean-san, I'll do my best starting today!"
"Yeah, Ian, count on us."
"Ian, please take care of us. For now, let's learn the work in the dining room together with Marie."
"Yes! Marie-chan, will you teach me?"
"Yeah! First, we wipe the tables with this cloth..."
Marie started teaching Ian while sticking close to him. Ian listened attentively, occasionally nodding.
He seems earnest...
For now, he's starting his work. He cleans efficiently, and the place is getting tidy.
He's capable...
He was called by our mom and dad to taste today's lunch menu. After eating, he had a satisfied smile and said it was delicious.
He's a good guy...
...There's nothing wrong with him!
Well, that's a good thing, no, it's a really good thing. It's great to have a nice person as an employee in our house.
But somehow, it feels like Marie has been taken away from me, and that makes me feel lonely.
Feeling a little down, I start moving again and resume helping out.
And then, Ian came closer to me. "What's up? Do you have something to complain about? Are you going to say Marie belongs to me?" As I entertained such paranoid thoughts in my head, Ian approached and spoke to me.
"Leon-kun, you're incredibly talented, and you'll be attending the Royal School, right? That's amazing, I admire you! I'll do my best to take care of this cafeteria, so don't worry about it and focus on doing well at school."
Wow... What a great guy he is!!
I never thought I'd direct such a harsh gaze at such a nice person... I'm sorry, Ian-kun! I admit defeat. I can't help but acknowledge you.
"Ian-kun, thank you. I'll leave the cafeteria and Marie to you."
"Yeah, leave it to me."
Ian said with a smile. He's too good of a guy; I feel like I'm the one who's no good...
I have to work hard too!
From then on, I diligently assisted at the cafeteria. I felt like I had become closer to Ian as I taught him the ropes.
However, it seems Marie has grown attached to Ian, which is a bit sad. She's been talking to him more than she talks to me.
It's sad, but I can't help it. Yeah...
While carrying these complex emotions, I managed to finish my work. It seems Ian will join me for lunch from now on, and he's going to teach me cooking after lunch.
I somehow didn't feel like having lunch together with him today, so I told him I had something to do and left the house.
As I absentmindedly walked towards the plaza, Marie called out to me from behind.
"Big brother!"
"Huh? Marie, what's wrong?"
Confused, I asked, and Marie looked at me with a slightly worried expression.
"You seemed a little down halfway through today, big brother. Are you not feeling well? Are you okay?"
Marie seemed genuinely concerned, tilting her head a little as she looked up at me.
Wow... Marie!! She noticed that something was off with me and was worried...!
I felt so happy that all the complex feelings I had until a moment ago vanished. I'm just so happy!
I hugged Marie tightly and said, "Marie, you're really a good kid. I'm proud to have you as my little sister. I'm glad to be Marie's big brother."
"Why are you suddenly saying such things?"
"Nah, it means that big brother really loves Marie."
"Marie loves big brother too!"
Marie said with a smile.
Ian is a good guy, and if he can protect Marie's smile, then I don't mind giving her to him. I thought that way.
After all, there's no way I can protect her forever. Well, I'll protect her as much as I can, though!!
"Big brother, are you going out again?"
"Umm... Actually, I'll go later. Let's have lunch together at home."
"Yeah!!"
I happily returned home with Marie.