第１４４５堀：徹夜明けだけど穏やか (Part2)

"The reason you have so little work is partly due to your position as my bodyguard. It would be a problem if you were so buried in paperwork that your primary duty suffered. I assume you're still submitting your guard reports to Seraria and Prol, right?"

"Yes. I submit them faithfully every day."

Lushi’s security work isn't just monitored by me; Seraria and Prol keep tabs on it, and behind the scenes, Kirika and Kirue check in as well. Apparently, if it were left solely to me, I’d be too lenient.

Besides, being a close aide and a bodyguard requires learning a vast amount of information and undergoing rigorous training. Between combat drills with my wives—which are more like full-blown battles—and learning maid duties and etiquette from Kirue and the others, it’s a lot to take in.

"Honestly, isn't it just plain exhausting? You’ve taken on so much more work outside of the hospital, haven't you? Though I suppose it's a bit late to ask that now."

"It has certainly increased, but I find it enjoyable, and I’m learning so much. I don’t really feel 'busy' in a negative sense."

"You’re always so positive, Lushi."

"Being negative doesn't accomplish anything. It’s much easier to focus on how I can repay the kindness shown to me by you and your wives, Yuki-sama."

"Well, it’s hard to keep relying on everyone without feeling a bit self-conscious about it. Ah, we’re here."

As I listened to Lushi’s update, I realized we had arrived at the military headquarters. Goblin guards stood at the gate, snapping to attention as we approached. Even so, they didn't just swing the gates open; we had to go through the standard verification process—ID, magical signature, and fingerprint scanning—before we were finally admitted. Not that it mattered; this was our base, after all.

"Everyone is already in the middle of training at this hour."

"Yes, it is the scheduled training time."

Through the facility windows, I could see soldiers out on the grounds, running laps. Further back, near the temporary base, a unit was practicing suppression tactics. Since we usually spend this time of day locked in our offices wrestling with paperwork, I rarely get to see this side of things. It was good to see them taking their duties seriously.

Enjoying this rare change of pace, I arrived at the office and stepped inside.

"Oh, morning. You were sleeping soundly, weren't you?"

"Good morning, Yuki-sama."

Nina greeted me lazily, followed by Prol, Fiora, Orelia, Hovis, and Yayui.

"Morning. Sorry to leave the morning shift to you all."

"Don't worry about it. We had it split up anyway. The morning rotation was handled by me, Fiora, and Orelia. Plus, three more joined us."

"Indeed. There were no issues. Though, Prol, Hovis, Yayui—aren't you all sleep-deprived?"

"I suppose we are."

Because the all-nighter yesterday would have hindered our morning work, we had split the team into two shifts. Originally, Prol, Hovis, and Yayui were supposed to be doing other tasks, but they had been pulled into the rotation.

"Fiora seems worried about you all. How are you holding up?"

"It’s no problem. I’m used to pulling all-nighters like this."

"Listen, Prol, you need to learn when to rest."

"Yes. I will rest when it is time to rest."

She’s perfect when she’s in work mode, at least. Well, I’ll just have to make sure I reward her when it’s time for a break. As for the other two...

"Hovis, don't push yourself too hard."

"I’m fine~. I know my limits~. I assume there’s extra pay for the overtime, right~?"

"Well, there’s a bonus for work outside of standard hours. What about you, Yayui?"

"I’m fine, too. I always wake up early to practice with the vehicles, so I’m used to it."

Ah, right. Yayui had an incredible aptitude for operating vehicles. Is she doing that training in the early morning? I feel like we usually have breakfast together, though—does she go back and forth?

"Oh, don't worry. My vehicle training is done alongside the military staff, so I don't have to wake up extra early for it. You know how there’s designated training time during work hours? I do it then."

"Ah, I see."

Orelia and the others—my wives included—set aside time a few times a week to ensure their skills don't rust. I suppose Yayui just aligns her vehicle training with those sessions.

"Well, that’s fine then, but none of you should overdo it. There’s a nap room, so if it gets too rough, go get some sleep."

"Yes!"

They always give a good answer, at least. Well, sensing the physical condition of my subordinates is part of my job, too. With that settled, I shifted into work mode.

"Alright, let's give it our all today."

"Yes!"

And so, the day after we took action against the Dark Guild began, looking much like any other. It’s surprising how people are divided into those who can handle all-nighters and those who absolutely cannot. It has nothing to do with age; some people can just keep going, while others are dead on their feet. I suppose it comes down to a difference in fatigue tolerance, or perhaps just how much of an all-nighter they’ve actually pulled.