第１３９５堀：出来ないことは出来ないから出来るように整理する (Part1)
Chapter 1395: Organizing the Impossible into the Possible
Side: Yayui
Yesterday was exhausting.
I had learned to cook under the guidance of Kirue-sama and Asu-san, but that was strictly at an apprentice level.
Yet, yesterday, I was tasked with preparing meals for the wives and children, as well as for guests like Yuki-sama and Nina-sama. It was overwhelming.
It was enough to blow away all the moping I’d been doing about my own professional incompetence.
Even Prol and Hovis, who are usually quite capable, were in a total panic since it was their first time handling such a scale.
Seeing them like that, I felt in my heart that even if I couldn't do it now, I could learn as I went.
I suspect Yuki-sama might have even planned it that way, knowing we needed that perspective.
Still, cooking for such a large crowd was truly grueling. In the end, Aslin-sama and the others, as well as Kirue-sama and Sasari-sama, stepped in to help.
"It’s impossible for us alone~"
"Indeed. One must face a large crowd with a large crowd. We shall handle the rice."
"Right. Cooking is all about habit. I’ll take the miso soup."
"Then I’ll help with the miso soup, too."
"Oh, Hiiro. I want pork miso soup today."
"Now, now, Hiiro. Don't just decide things on your own."
"What’s wrong with that? I like pork miso soup."
Aslin-sama and the others began the preparations with practiced ease...
"It would be a blow to our pride if you handled your first large-scale meal without a hitch. So, Fiora-sama and the others should focus on supporting the Master."
"That’s right~. Cooking is the domain of a maid. We won’t lose to the likes of you who have only dabbled in it~"
As expected of those who served royalty and nobility, the two of them moved with flawless, rhythmic precision.
Under Yuki-sama’s instructions, we were barely keeping up just by chopping mountains of vegetables and meat.
But...
"I was so happy when everyone said it was delicious," I whispered.
Truly, everyone ate the food we made, praising it over and over.
Yuki-sama’s children, in particular, tucked in without a hint of hesitation.
Children wouldn't offer empty flattery, so I felt genuinely happy.
"I agree. I was happy, but honestly, I’m exhausted."
"Agreed~. That volume was tiring~. Up until now, I’d only carried ingredients or done small tasks, but actually cooking is a whole different dimension~"
Orelia and Hovis seemed to share the sentiment; they looked just as drained as I felt.
That sheer volume of work takes a toll on the spirit.
Fortunately, the recovery effects of Yuki-sama’s hot springs meant we didn't have to deal with muscle aches, which was a mercy.
As we were chatting like that...
"Morning."
"Good morning."
"Morning~"
Yuki-sama, Fiora-sama, Prol, and Nina-sama entered the office.
Eyes turned toward the unusual lineup.
Specifically, Prol and Nina-sama.
Prol usually had her hands full with the Resident and Information divisions at the General Government Building, and Nina-sama was primarily stationed on the If Continent. There was no reason for them to be gathered here at the crack of dawn...
"Today, we’re setting the schedule starting with Prol. Prol, your workplace is well-managed, so don’t worry about that. As for Nina, she’s going to handle the appointments based on Prol’s schedule. Well, I did mention to the wives yesterday that I’d be going to hear them out."
"Yuki-sama, just because you told them yesterday doesn't mean you can get a meeting today. The wives are the most important of the important. Their appointment books are full months in advance. Especially Eris-sama and Ratz-sama—their schedules are booked years out."
"They’re that busy? Well, most of them are just small fry, right?"
"That may be, but there are many who desperately want to connect with the people who hold the purse strings and supply lines of Weed."
"That’s what Tefa and Non are working hard on, isn't it? They’re the principal and vice-principal of the school now."
"No, no, no matter how you look at it, the wives have higher authority. Well, that’s just the excuse we use to refuse meetings."
I was surprised to hear Prol explain that it usually took so much time to get an audience with the wives.
After all, we see them casually chatting at the inn all the time.
And if Yuki-sama asks for something, they often go to see him immediately.
We really are blessed, aren't we?
"Well, that’s how it is. Since the wives are busy with their own work but are making time to accommodate us and prepare things, it’s important that we move according to schedule. So, first, have a meeting, let Nina handle the appointments, and in the meantime, learn how to handle your own work from Prol. I’m going with Kirika to have a meeting with the kings again. *Sigh*."
"Why are you sighing? You are the only one whose status matches the kings of the great nations, so you don't need our help. Understood?"
"I know, I know. Prol, you’re surprisingly strict."
"The wives are too soft on you. That’s why you end up taking on unnecessary work."
"That hits home."
Ah, Prol is right. Yuki-sama listens to the opinions of everyone—not just us, but ordinary people, too—and tries to act on them, which I’m sure is incredibly difficult.
He often pushes back his own meetings to deal with those issues, which is why people who want to meet him find him troublesome or think he lacks common sense.
Well, it’s strange that those idiots who complain to us about his "lack of common sense" think they’ll actually get to meet him after acting like that.
We just report those people, block them, and file complaints with their home countries, so they usually end up facing some sort of penalty.
Don't get cocky just because Yuki-sama is kind.
Anyway, putting that aside, while I think Yuki-sama’s kindness is a virtue, it is also a flaw, just as Prol said.
Especially this time, with the kings of the great nations—a task only Yuki-sama can handle.
We can't let him slack off.
So...
"Yu-Yuki-sama, we will do our best, so please believe in us."
"Oh. If Yayui says so, I’ll do my best, too. Orelia, Hovis, can you two do it?"
"Yes!"
"Good. Fiora, Prol, I’m counting on you to guide these three."
"Yes!"
Yuki-sama started to head toward the meeting, but...
"Wait a moment. Don't I get any kind words?"
"Eh? Do you need them?"
"I do. It’s unfair."
Nina-sama started complaining to Yuki-sama.
And it wasn't even work-related—it was pure selfishness.
We were left stunned by the sheer audacity.
Just as I was thinking about how she could speak to Yuki-sama like that...
"Nina-sama becomes troublesome when she gets like that, so please, just say something to her."