第１３０６堀：ウィードメイドたちの事情 (Part2)
“I understand your concerns, but I must ask. These children are precious to us. Furthermore, the mistresses tend to overexert themselves just as much as you do, Master, so please remain vigilant.”
“I know.”
If even one of my wives were to suddenly collapse, the productivity of their respective departments would plummet. For Weed, that represents a significant loss. While we have recently begun preparing successors to stabilize operations, issues still inevitably arise.
“Setting the children aside for a moment—actually, no, that’s related—how is your department faring, Kirue-senpai?”
“My department? You mean the Maid Academy?”
“Yes. You established the training center because of the influx of nobility, and you’re serving as the principal, aren’t you?”
“Indeed. At Master’s request, I am tasked with educating more than just my own direct subordinates.”
In Weed, the term ‘nobility’ essentially refers to Seraria-sama’s kin—in other words, my immediate family. Originally, it was enough for me to personally summon and train staff for each department. However, with the recent surge in intercontinental exchange, the number of guests requiring meticulous hospitality—such as foreign nobles and wealthy merchants—has grown exponentially.
As a result, we found ourselves short-handed. After consulting with Master, we decided to establish an academy dedicated to cultivating professional maids.
In truth, the definition of a ‘maid’ varies wildly from country to country. Their roles range from administrative assistants acting as stewards to those whose sole duty is to serve as bedchamber companions. Fundamentally, a maid is someone who supports their master’s movements and ensures they are never burdened by trivial chores.
One could call them housekeepers, but since these individuals must interact with high-ranking nobles and merchants, the required standard of service has reached a staggering level.
“Maid Licenses… Man, the world has certainly become a strange place. It used to be that anyone who became a servant could call themselves a maid,” Sasari remarked.
“Master said it is no different from the ranks of the Adventurers’ Guild. It is a logical progression. We cannot entrust vital tasks to the incompetent, so we implement a clear ranking system. It makes things easier for the employers to understand. That is all there is to it.”
“Well, it certainly is straightforward. So, how is the academy actually doing?”
“In terms of those who have mastered etiquette and speech to the point where they can be presented before royalty, we have about twenty. However, since nobles typically bring their own personal attendants, I doubt they will be called upon for daily service.”
“But they’ll still be needed for things like summons and general hospitality, right?”
“No, likely not. In those cases, one simply relays a message through the guest’s own servants. Their true purpose will be providing the necessary manpower when dignitaries from various nations gather in one place for large-scale events.”
“Ah, I see. So when that happens, will we have enough?”
“No, we will be nowhere near a sufficient number. Graduates from the academy are registered and placed on a waiting list for employment. For now, they are primarily hired within Weed, but…”
“But there’s a chance they’ll be headhunted in the future…”
“Precisely. Now that the intercontinental exchange system has begun, many places are in a state of confusion as different customs and manners clash. Eventually, these minute rules will be unified, but until then…”
“A maid raised at the very heart of where those rules are forged… Yeah, everyone’s going to want one.”
“I believe so. To be trained as a maid in Weed—especially one educated in noble protocol—means not only mastering the etiquette of every nation but also possessing the potential for personal networking.”
In short, hiring a maid from Weed provides a convenient, albeit informal, diplomatic pipeline to other countries. The first person they would likely target is…
“People are going to be coming to us with offers left and right. Especially you, Senpai. I bet the pressure on you will be insane.”
“I can easily imagine as much, which is why I refuse them outright. I have made it clear: if anyone wishes to move me, they must go through the King, then to Master, the Queen, or the Mistresses.”
“Pfft, that’s brutal. But I guess you have to be that firm.”
“That applies to you as well, Sasari, so stay on your guard.”
“I know, I know. Still, for a maid, this has become a pretty incredible position to be in.”
“…It has. Even I find it surprising when I look back on how things used to be.”
She had originally been Shera-sama’s personal attendant, but to think she would end up in such a position…
By the way, do I actually remember all the children’s names? I find myself constantly re-reading my notes just to keep them straight.
Man, this is tough.