第１６８９堀：メイドたちの新しい噂話 (Part1)
Chapter 1689: The Maids' New Rumors
Side: Kirue
It is a rare occurrence—or perhaps I should say, it is quite unusual—that both Sasari and I have come to the Master’s office together. It is not something that happens often, but today, it is a necessity.
"Sorry to pull you two away when you're so busy."
"Not at all, Master. It is our duty."
"That’s right~. Though, it is rare to see the two of us out together like this~. We really owe our thanks to the wives back home for holding down the fort~."
Indeed, with both of us away, there is no one left to manage the household. Beyond the daily chores, there is the most important task of all: caring for the Master’s and the wives' daughters. It is worth noting that even though some of the wives are of noble birth, they keep their household staff to the absolute minimum—just Sasari and myself—choosing to handle the rest themselves. Of course, the household appliances the Master provided make that possible, but still.
Regardless, we are here in this office instead of fulfilling our duties as maids. That alone should tell you how significant this matter is.
"Right. I’m sure the wives are happy to handle the chores and the children, but there are still areas where they might be inexperienced, so let’s make this quick. Take a seat."
" "Yes, sir." "
"Now, the topic at hand is the recent state of Weed. Not just the training of the Maid Guild, but the rumors and such as well."
Yes, we were summoned to discuss the latest intelligence regarding Weed. While the wives have their own organizations and gather information through those channels, the Master places great importance on the information we maids gather—the kind that circulates among the common folk. One should never underestimate the power of a good chat at the well.
"Then, regarding the Maid Guild situation you mentioned earlier... Sasari?"
"Yes. As for the request you gave us earlier regarding the dispatch of maids to handle the nobility at the resort, we have already selected and trained the personnel. I believe they are more than ready for the general opening~. Oh, and we’ve also sent some to the government office as well~."
"Ah, I suppose they can handle things there, too... but is it really necessary?"
It is. While the government office primarily deals with commoners, it is not as if nobles never visit. And then, there is the newly established port town...
"Speaking of which, we ran into a few issues during the training. Has the name for the port town been decided yet?"
That’s right—now that I recall, it is still referred to only as "Weed’s Port Town."
"Exactly~. It’s becoming a problem for official documents, so shouldn't we decide on one~? Even Lady Mikos says she can’t finish the publicity materials or the brochures without it~."
It is meant to be a magazine and PR campaign to draw in the masses, but if it doesn't even have a name, there is nothing to display.
"Oh, that’s right. That was a thing."
"You had forgotten, hadn't you?"
"You had forgotten, hadn't you~?"
"...For what it's worth, Master, you had compiled a list of candidates. For about an hour or so."
Prol managed to offer a faint defense, but...
"But it hasn't been decided, has it? Master, there is a limit to how much Prol and the others can cover for you."
"If there are candidates, we can just decide right here and be done with it~."
Sasari is right. If there are candidates, we can settle this in an instant.
"It’s not that simple..."
"You were agonizing over it and couldn't find an answer, right? I believe Lady Sisia and Lady Sona have mentioned this before: the port town is your territory, Master. It was granted to you by Queen Seraria. If you, the Prince Consort, do not name it yourself, people will start to wonder."
Indeed, externally, the port town is presented under the guise of having been gifted to the Master by Queen Seraria, his wife. If he were to let someone else decide the name, it would not be strange for people to whisper that he is dissatisfied with the Queen. That could shake the very foundations of Weed.
"But Weed was decided by a vote."
"We had plenty of time for that. The port town is different; an early opening is desired."
"That’s true~. Behind the scenes, we’re searching for the Dark Guild and monitoring them, as well as investigating the strength of the sea monsters. On the surface, we’re opening the port with the approval of the great powers of the Rogari Continent. Either way, an early opening is highly anticipated~."
"So, please, give up. Unless, of course, you intend to use this to lure out and crush those who would act in the shadows."
There are many who envy Weed’s rapid progress. Even if they aren't acting openly, we hear such talk often during the maids' and wives' well-side chats. Using a vulnerability as bait to flush out such people is a common tactic, but...
"No, that would just increase my workload even more, so that’s off the table. *Sigh*, alright then. Based on the candidates, this is the most promising one."
The Master said this and produced a single sheet of paper. On it was written...
" 'Grass'?"
Lady Fiora tilted her head as she read the characters.
"Yes, Grass. 'Weed' implies something obstructive or unwanted, like a nuisance. This word also means grass, but the nuance is different. It refers to useful grass, unlike a weed."
"Eh? Is that what 'Weed' means?"
Yayui’s eyes went wide with surprise. I see—Weed has become so famous for its technological prowess and its connections to great powers that people have stopped questioning the origin of the name. Still...
"That won't do~. You are the Master's close aides, after all~. You should at least know the etymology of Weed."
"Ah, I am terribly sorry."
When even Sasari feels the need to admonish her, it shows how lax things have become.
"Listen well~. As the Master said, 'Weed' is a term for unwanted plants, and in the worst cases, it’s the etymology for plants used to make drugs. In other words, it’s a country where the 'unwanted' have gathered~. But it is also a country where people like slaves—those who couldn't survive elsewhere—can live. It is, quite literally, your story~."
Yes, this country was built for such vulnerable people. That is precisely why it is unacceptable for Yayui, a close aide, to be ignorant of it.
"Now, now, Sasari, that’s enough. Anyway, 'Grass' refers to useful plants—specifically, pasture or grains. In other words, it’s grass that nurtures people and animals. That’s why it’s for the port town."
" " "I see." " "
The reason for choosing the name "Grass" is something we can all accept from the bottom of our hearts. As expected of my Master. Grass that nurtures people and living things—there could be no name more fitting for a port town.
As I was thinking this, the Master looked a bit anxious...
"So, do you think this name is alright?"
Ah, he really is a worrier, or perhaps I should say, he lacks confidence in these things...
"I think it is a wonderful name. Everyone in Weed, and everyone in the port town, will be delighted."
"That’s right~. It’s the most perfect name there could be, so please, have some confidence~."
As Sasari and I said this, Orelia and the others standing behind the Master nodded in agreement.