I was sprawled on my futon, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation when the door burst open and Chief Maid stormed in. Her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity as she strode over to me.
"Out, now!" she barked, grasping my ear and yanking me to my feet.
I yelped in pain as she dragged me out of my room and down the corridor. "What's going on? I didn't do anything!"
"You'll do the dishes, that's what," she replied, her grip on my ear unyielding.
"But I washed them this afternoon!" I protested, stumbling to keep up with her pace.
"That was then, this is now," she said, thrusting me into the kitchen. "Lord Daigo's guests have arrived, and there's a new batch of dishes to be done."
"Can't someone else do it for once?" I asked, rubbing my sore ear while glaring at her.
"No, it's your job," she said, her expression unyielding. "Now get to work."
I sighed, resigned, and began scrubbing the pots and pans. She watched me for a moment before nodding and leaving me to work.
*She's probably feeling proud of herself right now. Argh! I'm tired of all this.* I thought.
"Natsuo." The Lord called as I bowed before him.
*Hmm... what's this😨? Why was I summoned?* I thought.
*Don't tell me the Chief maid said something to the Lord. Well, even if she did, it would be good for me.*
"suo... Natsuo!!" The Lord shouted as I raised my head immediately.
"Yes, sir!" I shouted, standing on attention.
"Why are you acting funny?" He asked.
*Acting funny, shouldn't he be laughing if I'm acting funny. He looks like he's in the mood to devour me.*
"Few days from now will mark the two months you stayed here. Do you have any complaints?" He asked, his face looking stern.
"N-no, my lord." I said.
"How dare you lie to me?!" He asked.
"I'm sorry, sir!!!!" I shouted.
"I don't like my work in the kitchen, I want to leave immediately." I said.
"Hmph, why did you lie in the first place?" He asked.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Do I look sick in your eye?!"
"No, sir!!" I replied.
"You're too stiff. You shouldn't be working as young as you are. What of your parents?" He asked as I looked down.
"I- I have no idea." I said.
"You have no idea? How come?"
"My mom... she was taken away when I was still little, and I didn't get to meet my dad." I said.
"Oh, is that so." He said.
Then he was quiet, he didn't speak for a while, and my head was still low.
"It was brought to my notice that a little boy was always beaten by the Chief maid, who knew you'd be that person." He said after some time.
"The reason I wanted to speak to you is concerning the kidnap last time. How did you manage to defeat all those bandits? Some of them were royal guards who were removed from their positions." He said.
"I don't really know either. It just happened." I said.
"Those flames... can you do that again?" He asked as I nodded.
"I think I can, but I'm not perfect in it." I said.
I drew out my left hand as dark fire began floating on it.
"Incantationless..." He said, looking at me.
"Hmm?"
"No, it's nothing." He said, smiling at me.
*Is this like something rare?* I thought, folding my hand, making the fire quench.
"Why don't I give you a different job?" The lord asked, smiling.
*A different job?*
"I want you to teach my children magic. How about that?"
*Heh... sounds like a pain😒*
"I'm not really good at it, so I can't teach others." I said, forcing a smile.
"Don't worry, it's alright. I'm sure you can do it." He said, giving me a thumbs up.
*Don't give me that!!*
"I'll see what I can do, my lord." I said.
"You'll be leaving the quarters. You are to start living in the mansion here with us, but don't expect to be given special treatments. Don't go close to my daughters, don't flirt with my daughters, don't..."
*What the hell's this man talking about😕.* I thought, smiling and nodding.
"If I don't go close to your daughters, how will I teach them?"
"Well... are you saying I'm wrong?!!" He asked, flaring up immediately.
*This man's insane.* I thought.
"I'm sorry, my lord, I didn't mean that." I said.
"Good, now go pack up whatever you've got and come back here."
"Yes, my lord."
*Well, all that matters is that I'm no longer in that kitchen.* I thought, yawning before walking to the mansion.
I was given a new room, which was more spacious than the one in the quarters.
*So this is my new space? Nice.* I thought jumping on the bed.
I can't refuse this job now, I'll have to keep on till I'm able to become an adventurer. If I want to find mom and have a blissful life, I'll have to do whatever it takes.
*If I can't work now, it'll be easier to die. The kids are around my age too. I'm sure it'll all work out.* I thought.