落とし穴７９堀：家を守る者 (Part1)
Pitfall 79: The Protectors of the Home
Side: Firia
"Laundry collection complete!"
Firia had successfully managed to gather all the laundry that had been hanging outside! Because she was short, the hems of the clothes would often drag on the ground, but Firia was a quick learner! She was growing every day as one of Brother’s wives. She was getting closer to perfection, not just in smithing, but in housework as well.
"Hey. Is that a joke?"
"Unyu?"
"No, never mind. I can tell you aren't doing it on purpose."
She didn't really understand what that was about, but Dressa had said something like that. Ever since the trouble at the guild, Dressa, Vilia, and Hiiro had been staying at the inn and helping out with chores. Of course, they were also attending school and doing their part to hunt down the bad guys, which was truly amazing.
Naturally, Firia and the others were also doing their best! While Brother and the others were busy with matters involving the gods, Firia and her friends were working hard at home, taking care of the babies, and acting as proper wives to Brother.
They were also working on tasks for the New Continent. They attended Popuri’s Magic Academy, studied hard every day, and underwent training with Amanda and Eoid. Brother always praised them for it. He told them that these things might seem modest, but they were important, and that he was proud of them for working so hard.
That was why they kept at it! Labyris had said that the mark of a good woman was to support Brother so he could focus on his problems with peace of mind.
As she thought about this, Dressa, who had brought the last laundry basket into the room, spoke up.
"So, Firia. The laundry is in, but are you going to fold it?"
"Oh, no, no. I’ll handle that."
"Ah, Sasari-nee-sama."
"Ahaha. You’re the same as ever, Firia-sama. Well, I don't mind being called 'nee-sama,' but please don't forget that I am a maid, after all."
"I don't really get it. We're family, aren't we?"
Kirue-nee-sama was a maid, too, but she was family. Brother had said that if you live together, you’re family.
"I suppose it's impossible to make you conscious of the 'maid' role in this household, isn't it? Well, it's too late for that now. I can leave the folding to you, then?"
"Yes, leave it to me. And Firia-sama, I have another errand for Dressa-sama."
"An errand?"
"What kind of errand?"
"Narjia-sama has summoned you. Vilia-sama and Hiiro-sama are already on their way."
"Unyu? What about Aslin and Labyris?"
"They weren't summoned, so they are helping Kirue-senpai with the babies. I believe this concerns equipment. Do you have any idea what it might be about?"
Hmm. Now that she mentioned it, they had said they were making equipment for three people. Firia remembered it well because she had helped a little. That meant Firia had been called to assist. The main focus was on the other three.
"I remember now. I think Narjia-nee-sama finished making the equipment for Dressa and the others. She probably called Dressa because it needs some fine-tuning."
"Eh!? Narjia-san herself!?"
Dressa seemed excited for some reason, though Firia didn't quite understand why.
"Ah, I see. That makes sense. In that case, will you be able to go shopping on your way back? Or will it take a long time?"
"It’ll be fine. It’s just adjustments, so it should be done in about an hour."
"I see. Then, if it's not too much trouble, could you pick up the ingredients for dinner? I assume it will be fine since there are four of you."
"Leave it to us!"
As she took the shopping list, Dressa peeked over her shoulder.
"Let's see... ground meat, onions... It's Hamburg steak tonight!!"
"Is that so!?"
"Yes. Master said that since you’ve all been working so hard, he wanted to have his favorite Hamburg steak."
" "Yay!!" "
Brother really was watching over them and seeing how hard they were trying. This time, for sure, she would make a Hamburg steak worthy of the castle!
"Ah, Firia-sama. Master specifically requested that you do *not* make a 'Great Architecture' Hamburg steak."
"...That's a shame."
"Of course he did. The Hamburg steak would get cold, and it was a waste to eat such a massive structure."
Uuu... It was true that it had taken five hours to build. Brother and the others were likely tired from the successful defense of Ranks and the subsequent meetings, so she would hold back this time.
"Ah, please choose a sauce for the Hamburg steak when you buy it. We have soy sauce, sauce, and mayonnaise, but no demi-glace or white sauce. If you want those, the retort pouches are the easiest."
" "Okay!" "
With that, Firia and Dressa dashed out to buy the ingredients.
"You know, I think beef stew is the best sauce for a Hamburg steak."
"Beef stew is hard to beat. But demi-glace is amazing, too."
"Hmm. True... wait, what's the difference between demi-glace and beef stew, anyway?"
"Unyu? Now that you mention it, I don't really know. Let's buy both and compare them while we're at it."
"Good idea. Let's do that."
They were chatting about this as they headed toward the third shop where Nana worked, but...
"Ah, Firia-chan, Dressa. Welcome. Did you finish talking with the Chieftain?"
" "Ah, we forgot!" "
Reminded by Nana, they finally remembered, turned around, and hurried toward the blacksmith district.
"Ah, you're here, Firia-chan."
"Sorry, we're late."
"Were you really that late? Well, it's perfect timing. I've already fitted Vilia-chan and Hiiro-chan with their gear, so go ahead and hear what they have to say. Dressa-chan, could you come over here?"
"Understood."
"Understood."
As Dressa was led into the back by Narjia-nee-sama, Vilia and Hiiro returned wearing their dress armor.
"Um, Firia. Please take care of us."
"Please do."
Firia greeted Vilia, but Hiiro didn't seem to notice her at all, spinning around and letting her dress armor flutter.
"Fufu, Hiiro looks cool."
"Hey, Hiiro. We're about to make adjustments, so be still. Firia is here, too."
Vilia delivered a light chop to Hiiro's head, and Hiiro stopped, though she looked teary-eyed.
"Au... Sorry. Fii-nee, please take care of me."
"Got it. Leave it to Firia!"
For now, she started by checking their equipment. Since both were dress armor, they were designed to look like regular clothing. Even so, because they were made using the special alloy fibers she had developed for Brother, they were as strong as legendary armor.
Vilia was a sword-and-brawler type, so she was equipped with a small buckler shield and guards at key points.