第１１６２堀：挨拶周り 序 (Part1)
Chapter 1162: The Round of Introductions – Prologue
Side: Aurelia
As part of our training to become useful in Yuki-sama’s work, we are currently waiting at the designated location to visit more of Weed’s influential figures, just as we did yesterday.
"Hey, where do you think we're going today? Have you heard anything, Hovis?"
"No, I haven't heard a thing. But surely, it has to be better than yesterday, right?"
Yes, Yayoi and Hovis are fidgeting, clearly still reeling from the sudden, high-stakes visits of the previous day.
Well, it is true that there are few people of higher standing than Queen Seraria, whom we met yesterday. The only ones who might surpass her would be the royalty of a major power. Since Queen Seraria was originally the Second Princess of Roschur, her ties to that kingdom are exceptionally strong. However, we are, at the end of the day, slaves. We are here to work "for the sake of Weed" and to "assist in Yuki-sama’s work." Surely, an audience with the royalty of a great nation is out of the question for us.
...It absolutely must be.
I mean, yesterday, I thought we were just being introduced to important figures like Eris-sama and Ratz-sama, both former slaves, only to be suddenly ushered into an audience with the Queen herself simply because she happened to be at the government building.
The authority and standing of Tori-sama and Riel-sama seem to defy my knowledge and imagination. They serve as the Deputy Chief and a Special Duty officer for the police force that maintains order in Weed. In other countries, such positions would correspond to, at most, a common knight order. And despite being Yuki-sama’s wives, they are technically former slaves and concubines. Even in a place like Weed that preaches equality, how were we able to gain access to the Queen’s presence so easily, without any prior appointment?
No. I mustn't let myself be shaken, or it will only make the other two more anxious.
"I understand why you’re both uneasy after yesterday, but let’s calm down. I highly doubt we’ll be meeting anyone of higher status than Queen Seraria today. Regardless, the people we meet today are undoubtedly those we will be working with in the future. Let’s do our best to follow the etiquette we practiced yesterday so we don't commit any blunders."
I say this to them, but I am also saying it to myself, trying to steady my heart.
"You're right. Thank you, Aurelia."
"Yes, thank you. If you hadn't taught us how to bow beforehand, we would have been in real trouble."
It seems my words helped them regain some composure, and they offered their polite thanks. Yet, in truth, my own inner turmoil has not subsided. While I do possess some knowledge of etiquette, it is, at best, superficial. The only reason I taught them as much as I could was because I wanted to avoid being fired myself as collateral damage for their mistakes. Of course, I do have a desire for us all to succeed, but more than anything, I cannot afford to be held back.
Pull yourself together, Aurelia. I decided I would do my best here. I vowed not to become a lowlife who takes joy in the incompetence of her companions.
Besides, here in Weed, a woman is not called "impudent" for seeking knowledge; it is a place where one is properly evaluated regardless of status or lineage. When I was cast aside by my brothers and sold into slavery through their despicable schemes, I was filled with despair. But the place I was sold to was a blessing. It was the establishment of Asu-sama, famous for being a purveyor to Weed. That is why I studied so hard, hoping to secure a good position in Weed, and as luck would have it, I caught the eye of Yuki-sama, the Prince Consort of Weed, who purchased me.
I must seize this opportunity alongside them. Unless we were rivals competing for the same prize, kicking down a colleague for no reason would make me no better than my wretched brothers. Living together and supporting one another—that is the way of Weed.
The Queen herself said:
*"I won't ask about your past or how you ended up here. I'm sure you have many thoughts on the matter. But this is a country where anyone can make their dreams come true, regardless of who they are. Well, you won't get anywhere without effort, of course."*
Yes, here in Weed, everyone is given an equal chance. What you achieve and how far you go depends entirely on your own ability. You are not discriminated against for being a woman. And above all...
*"The three of you were chosen by my husband. It’s a rare thing. No, it’s the first time. For him to buy slaves like this. So, I have high expectations for you. Don't push yourselves too hard, but I do expect results."*
To think that we were graced with words of expectation directly from the Queen herself. And more than anything, I cannot bring shame upon the face of Yuki-sama, who built this Weed and purchased us.
"The Queen and Yuki-sama are both counting on us. Let’s do our best to live up to those expectations."
"Yeah. Even though we can't do anything yet."
"Ahaha, we haven't been taught anything yet, have we?"
"For now, our job is to memorize the names and roles of the people we met yesterday and those we are about to meet."
"Well, I don't think I could ever forget them. Everyone we met was such an incredible person."
"That’s true. The impact of the first day was a bit too strong."
On that, I wholeheartedly agree. Not only Eris-sama, Ratz-sama, and Queen Seraria, but also Milly-sama, who represents the Adventurer District, and Narjia-sama, who represents the Entertainment and Blacksmith Districts. We have already met the key figures who support Weed in just one day. To forget them would imply a severe intellectual deficiency or a death wish.
"But who else could we possibly be meeting?"
"It’s the day after yesterday, so I assume they’ll be more Weed executives, but who could it be?"
"That, I do not know. But there must be many more people we need to meet. After all, we are to become Yuki-sama’s right hand."
We have already met such monumental figures that it feels like an understatement to call them "just a few," but given the nature of Yuki-sama’s work, his connections must be incredibly vast.
As we were talking, the door to the training room opened, and Tori-sama and Riel-sama walked in.
"Good morning."
"Good morning!" we replied in unison.
Returning the greeting properly is the foundation of human relations. Seeing this, Riel-sama nodded in approval.
"Morning! My, you three look energetic. I'm glad to see you were able to get some proper rest yesterday."
"Yes. Thank you for arranging such a wonderful inn for us."
"Thank you very much."
The other two followed my lead and offered their thanks properly. Yes, we are supposed to be Yuki-sama’s slaves, but after somehow finishing that whirlwind of introductions yesterday, we were, for some reason, put up in a high-class inn. They said it was because our living quarters hadn't been decided yet, but honestly, I have no idea why they would put us up in a place of that caliber. We had no right to refuse, of course, so we quietly stayed there and enjoyed the hot springs.
After all, we are aiming to be Yuki-sama’s right hand, so we must always keep ourselves clean and presentable. It was definitely not out of any impure desire to enjoy the hot springs. Also, the food was incredibly delicious, but the fact that I was able to restrain myself is proof of my iron will and dedication.