第１２２３堀：仕事着ってあれだよな (Part1)
Chapter 1223: Work Attire, That’s What It Is
Side: Yuki
We arrived in the town of Aoku, and before I knew it, the night had passed.
I pushed myself up from the bed and let out a long, languid stretch.
"Yeah. I guess I was more tired than I thought."
Four days of travel by bus since leaving Baide.
Even though I was just sitting there, it’s surprisingly draining. It’s exactly like those long-distance trips back in the day, driven by my father; I’d start off full of energy, only to find myself fast asleep before I knew it.
Well, enough reminiscing about the past.
"...Zzz."
To the right of the bed where I’d been sleeping, Cleena was still breathing in a peaceful, rhythmic slumber.
"Snooze..."
And on my left, Ria was doing the same.
It seems the fact that I have many wives was clearly communicated from Haiden, as they had gone out of their way to prepare a rather large bed for us.
I feel bad for making the Viscount go to such unnecessary expense.
Naturally, I don’t have the nerve to go making children while staying at someone else’s house, so nothing of the sort happened, but the burden on them is a fact. I’ll need to make sure our parting gift is of appropriate value.
As I was pondering this, the door swung open without a knock, and Fiora stepped inside.
"Oh, you’re already awake. Good morning, Yuki-sama."
"Ah, morning, Fiora. Is it your turn today?"
"Yes. I shall be the one in charge of your care."
"I feel bad, honestly. You must be exhausted too, after being rattled around on that bus for four days."
"Not at all, this is nothing. Usually, travel involves endless days of being jolted about in a carriage followed by camping in the wild. This was my first time experiencing such comfortable, leisurely travel."
"Ah, I see. Still, traveling in a vehicle you’re not used to is surprisingly tiring, so take care of yourself, alright?"
"Yes. Thank you for your concern. Now then, let’s get you changed..."
"I’m fine on that front. I’ll do it myself..."
"That is something I cannot allow, even by your own decree, Yuki-sama. Tending to a husband’s appearance is part of a wife’s duty. More importantly, Kirue and Sasari gave me strict instructions. With those two away, they said that I, along with Orelia and the others, are the last line of defense in maintaining the dignity befitting Yuki-sama."
Hey, hey, what exactly have those two been whispering in your ears?
I’m perfectly capable of getting dressed on my own. They know well enough that I’m not some helpless child.
"Yuki-sama is capable of doing so much on his own that, especially during business trips, you tend to handle everything solo and act independently. We have been strictly ordered to 'monitor you closely,' including every single movement you make."
"...I see. Fine. I can handle the dressing part, so just check my appearance, alright?"
Ah, so that’s the kind of "last line of defense" they meant.
Good grief, Kirue and Sasari are relentless.
"Yes. I shall refrain from the rest, then. By the way, what shall we do about Ria and Cleena?"
"Ah, it’s breakfast time soon, isn't it? Wake them up. I’ll get changed in the meantime."
"As you wish."
No sooner had she replied than Fiora began the task of rousing Ria and Cleena.
"Both of you, please wake up."
"Yuki-shaaan, ehehe..."
"...Yuki. Still sleepy."
"Yuki-sama is already awake. If the two guards remain asleep, you will be of no use; you’ll be left behind, you know?"
It’s natural enough for Fiora to be waking them, but should a princess really be doing the work of a servant like this?
With Shera, Kirue handles the full support role...
Seraria? Ah, well, she’s just a battle maniac.
"Yuki-sama. Was there a problem?"
Noticing my questioning gaze, Fiora stopped and asked me.
"No, it’s just... you’re a princess, aren't you? Is it really okay for you to be doing servant-like tasks?"
"Ah, yes. I was a bit surprised at first, but officially, I was sent to Yuki-sama’s side as a penalty. Besides, I often had to do things for myself while on military campaigns, and the etiquette and manners of a maid are quite similar, you see."
"Is that how it works?"
"Yes. Above all, I originally came from a small nation called the Dafaio Kingdom, and there were many times I had to act like a servant when dealing with great powers. It feels like I’m here as an apprentice of etiquette at a high-ranking establishment, if you will."
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."
I still have my doubts about whether a princess of a nation should be doing this, but digging into it seems like it would take all day, and since she says it’s not a problem, there’s no reason to push.
More importantly...
"Hey! Both of you, wake up already. I’m going to head out with just Fiora."
"Noooo—! If we aren't there to guard you—"
"…That is, not allowed, meow."
"Oh my, as expected of our husband. The wives woke up in an instant."
"You think so?"
Ria and Cleena slowly dragged themselves up, but their eyes were glazed and they were swaying. They were definitely still half-asleep.
"Well, it’s breakfast time. Get changed."
"“Faaai...”"
At my words, the two began to sluggishly change their clothes.
"It seems you have finished changing, Yuki-sama. I shall check your appearance."
"Please do."
At those words, Fiora circled around me to inspect my attire.
Everything seemed fine. I wasn't wearing the gaudy, heavy clothing of the nobility.
Still, that said...
While the military and the tech crews are different, the "work attire" in Weed has more or less been decided.
It’s an unpleasant thought, but it’s a suit.
Eris wore one when she first started working at the General Government Building, and before I knew it, it became the trend for those primarily doing administrative work.
Well, standardizing clothing by profession isn't a bad thing, so I approved it, but recently, it’s become the standard for us in public settings as well.
So, during diplomatic events like this, we inevitably end up in suits.
"...It’s getting closer and closer to modern Earth."
Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, I can’t quite judge...
Are we destined to spend our days being chased by the clock like this?
"Yuki-sama?"
"Ah, what is it?"
"There are no issues with your appearance..."
"Ah, thank you."
"Are you alright? You looked strangely exhausted just now."
"No, I just felt like I was getting closer to my hometown where it’s all work, all the time, and it made me a little sad. Don't worry about it."
"Huh?"
"Well, I’m feeling fine, so it’s no problem. Now, Ria, Cleena, are you ready?"
"“Nope, not yet—”"
The two of them were clearly still dreaming; they had managed to change their clothes, but their hair was a complete mess.