第１４１９堀：書面と違う現実 (Part1)
**Chapter 1419: Reality Divergent from the Ledger**
**Side: Yuki**
I stare at the data reflected in my eyes, but for some reason, it just won’t sink in. The numbers are right there, plain as day, yet...
"Phew."
I rub my eyes, reach for the coffee on my desk, and lift it to my lips, only to find no moisture to soothe my throat.
"Ah, it’s empty."
It seems I’d finished it without even realizing. A perfect excuse for a break, I think, rising from my seat to brew a fresh cup myself.
"Is something the matter!"
The voice rings out with vibrant energy. It’s Lyushi, who has recently taken up the mantle of my secretary, bodyguard, and apprentice aide. After that training session, and following a conversation with John, I’d taken the time to talk with her during a break. The result was exactly as you see. I’ll spare the details for another time, but Lyushi had blown away every ounce of my apprehension with sheer momentum.
*"I shall serve you with my entire life! Please, let me serve you! I will do my absolute best!"*
She had declared it with everything she had. To be safe, I’d had Seraria and Hairen standing by—partly because I needed to vet her, and partly because the nature of the work might trigger memories she’d suppressed—but there was no need for concern. In fact...
*"Lyushi, I have high expectations for you."*
*"Yes, Your Majesty!"*
*"Mhm, mhm. I’ll go ahead and grant you some Goddess Power, too."*
*"Pardon? Goddess?"*
*"That’s right. Go ahead and check your status."*
*"Huh? Wait... Eeeeeeeehhhhhh!?"*
It had been total chaos. Seraria had taken a liking to her, and Hairen had bestowed a skill upon her as an "experiment." Ah, my head aches just thinking about it. But that’s neither here nor there; the point is, that’s why Lyushi is here now.
"Oh, it’s just that I’m out of coffee..."
"Yes! A refill, right? Leave it to me!"
Before I can even finish my sentence, she’s already at the coffee maker with my mug.
"...I was going to brew it myself..."
I mutter the words I couldn't get out in time, but they don't reach her. Instead, Fiora and the others look over at me and offer wry smiles. They’ve known me long enough to know that when I say I’m going to brew it myself, it’s a signal for them to leave me be, but Lyushi doesn’t have that intuition yet.
As I wonder how to handle this, Prol gives me a gentle nudge, looking as if to say, *'Good grief.'*
"Yuki-sama, if you want to do it yourself, you have to say so clearly. Lyushi is very straightforward, you know."
Taking her advice, I walk over to Lyushi’s side.
"Ah, I’m sorry. It seems it’ll take a little longer."
"Oh, no, it’s fine. I do brew my own from time to time."
"Eh? You do, Yuki-sama?"
"I cook, and I dress myself, too. Well, I ask for help here sometimes, but it’s a nice change of pace. My eyes get tired staring at these documents. Do you ever get that, Lyushi?"
"Ah... to be honest, yes. Even though it’s the same text, it starts looking like some completely different language..."
Yeah, she’s hitting the Gestalt collapse. I know that feeling all too well.
"I’m the same way right now. I’m looking at these numbers, but they just won't enter my brain. I was planning on brewing a cup just to clear my head."
"Oh, um, was I in your way?"
"Not at all. I was just impressed by how energetic you are. Anyway, you can ask Orelia and the others about the finer rules later. I’ll ask you when I want tea or snacks, but otherwise, consider this my way of taking a breather."
"I see. In that case, do you have any preferences regarding the coffee?"
"Nah, not just for coffee, but for tea as well—nothing in particular. Actually, I enjoy trying to guess who brewed it."
"Guess? You do?"
"Yeah. When you’re focused on work, you don’t really pay attention to who made the tea, right?"
"Come to think of it, who made the coffee this morning?"
"Ah, that one I know. It was a bit on the thin side, like an Americano, so that was Yayui."
I glance at Yayui as I say this.
"Yes. You guessed it. I tried to make it like Orelia’s today."
"Orelia’s is much more bitter, though."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"That’s right~. As Yuki-sama says, Orelia’s is quite bitter. Right, Fiora-sama?"
"Indeed. Well, I don’t dislike it. It really clears the mind when you drink it."
"Ah, I get that. It’s like a punch of bitterness that snaps you awake."
"I personally prefer it that way. Though Yayui seems to adjust hers with milk and sugar."
We fall into a casual discussion about coffee. Lyushi watches the scene, taking it all in.
"Well, that’s the kind of workplace this is. Also, Lyushi, since you’re essentially my aide and secretary, it wouldn't hurt to learn my preferences, but since they tend to change, I’d appreciate it if you just asked. And, well, it would be good to learn the preferences of Fiora and the others, too. Not to curry favor, but it’s a good conversation starter."
Having said that, I realize my advice might have been a bit off-base. Lyushi is a high-energy, social-butterfly type. Perhaps she didn't need my input after all.
"Yes, you’re right. I was so focused on learning the work that I forgot about that, but it would be much better if we could have fun while doing it."
Yes, such a positive outlook. Does she have something in common with Hairen? No, at least she asks for my permission and considers those around her—that makes her much better. I’ll just have to be careful not to let her turn into a monster like *her*.
"Yeah, it’s better if we can work in a friendly atmosphere."
"Yes. And, the coffee is ready."
I take the freshly brewed cup and return to my seat.
"Come to think of it, Yuki-sama. You mentioned your eyes hurting earlier? Was there some sort of error?" Prol asks.
"No, the balance sheet isn't due until the end of the month. It’s not so much an error as it is... I’m not sure if the data is even correct."
I answer, sitting down to take a sip. Hmm, Lyushi’s coffee is right in the middle of everyone else’s. As I think this, I notice Lyushi watching my face.
"Ah, it’s delicious. It’s a perfect middle ground between everyone else’s."
"I’m glad."
Hearing my response, Lyushi looks relieved.
"Oh? Then I shall have some as well."
"I’ll have some too."
"Ah, I’ll take a cup."
"Me too~"
Prompted by my review, Fiora and the others rise to get their own refills. Only Prol and Nina remain seated.
"What do you mean by 'not sure if it’s correct'?"
"What documents are you looking at?"
They urge me to continue. I have no reason to hide it, so I decide to be honest.
"It’s the information gathered from the Western Town. Specifically, the resident registry."
"Ah, does that mean you’ve been able to grasp the number of casualties?"
"No. The number of people who evacuated to the Northern Town alone already exceeds the total number listed in the resident registry."