"Actually, since we're talking about that, you were the last person I saw with Faeyna. Do you know where she is?"
Thinking about my money deficit, finding Faeyna was extremely important. I had given her over to the Esmere to watch over. That was nearly six weeks ago, so who knew where they were now.
"Ah?" He smirked. "How about you try knocking on your door?"
"Eh?"
He winked at me and gestured to the door to my house. Since it was that way, I headed to the door, but I hadn't even lifted my fist when it opened. There was a beautiful woman in an eloquent maid outfit who gave a perfect curtesy so low her head almost hit the ground. Naturally, a very large bosom was exposed.
"Master, you have returned."
Lydia had to push up my chin to close my mouth. She also gave me a disapproving glare. I wasn't looking at them that much. It was only when the woman raised back up I finally realized it was Faeyna. Although her outfit was that of a maid, her beauty and refinement made me seriously think she was a lady for a moment.
"Faeyna, what are you doing here?" I ended up asking, even though the question seemed a little rude.
"Ah… I'm working for Master, naturally…" Faeyna responded.
"That is… I mean, you're free, right? I actually thought you'd have a job at the palace. I was going to go back tomorrow and ask once we got settled in."
"Actually, once Master's house was officially decided, the Prince allowed me to stay here."
"Is that so… so he's renting you out as my temporary maid?"
"Not exactly… actually, I was hoping Master could keep me on."
"About that…" I scratched my head. "I guess it's fine if I pay you."
She shook her head. "You misunderstand, I'd like to be your slave again."
"Really, why is that?" I asked, "I know you value your freedom. You don't have to worry."
"Since I'm staying in this mansion, and I know you travel a lot, it's possible I could be snatched. I'd feel far safer as your slave."
"I suppose that's true. This mansion isn't nearly as secure as the palace. Are you sure you wouldn't want to work there?"
"Is Boss looking down on us, Sister?" Salicia whined.
"Mm… I think he is," Carmine nodded.
"I don't want to work for the palace!" she responded. "I want you as my Master."
"Is that so…"
She lowered her head and murmured. "And if I'm not a slave like the other girls, how else will I be able to compete."
"What was the last part?"
"Nothing, Master! Come in!"
We walked in and even the girls made noises of surprise. The place was very beautiful. There were paintings, statues, couches, and the works.
"I did the decorating myself," she said happily. "Well, it was a complete wreck when I got here, but I worked hard and with a little assistance from the maid next store and some replaced floors, the place is fit for my Master."
"This is really nice," I said.
I used to live like a slob, so I had no eye for anything eloquent. If it was up to me, the place would be garbage. Seeing how happy the girls were as they ran around the main room, I was content as well. This was just the foyer. If the entire mansion looked like this, it would be great. For the first time, I actually felt like I was somebody of value. Best of all, I had a place to Portal around now.
"Master should consider trying to get that Dav girl if possible. She is hardworking. I'll need at least three maids to properly maintain this home."
"Mm… since I am the head maid, I'd eventually like to train my replacement and one subordinate. That way, I can focus on the management, as well as your property in Chalm."
"Ah, that's true. Speaking of which, I assume you sold the goods purchased from Dirage?"
"As to that…" She lowered her head, a guilty expression on her face.
"What happened?"
"Ahem… naturally, as the manager, I knew Master would want a properly furnished home. After the previous damage, not to mention furnishing every room… it's gone…"
"Gone?"
"I hadn't expected Master to be out for six weeks, so, one way or another, it was spent."
Turns out… I really was poor. Living like a noble is expensive, it seems.