"Let's make a deal.


"You have no reason to live, no reason to die.


Then wield that power for me.


One year. You may renew it at your discretion.


"Rather than waste your life here for nothing, be of use to me.







If I help you, will it make a difference?






What?　How am I supposed to know what's going on?

I've only come to pick up the fruit that will rot if left unchecked.

"If you say no, you'll die here. If you say yes, well, there's still a possibility.





"Pfft. Hahaha. Possibility, possibility!　There hasn't been anything like it in over ten years.

You want me to put my faith in something like that?





What?　How can I make a path for those who do not seek it out for themselves? It's unsightly. You've been through so much and you're just waiting to be saved?





I just don't care. Do you want to die?





I want to live.





"......





I want to live. This is a one-sided proposal for me to use you. I'm not looking for your benefit. Because...

"What's the point of offering benefits if you don't really have what you want?






Ha-ha.


"Okay.


"I'll let you use it for a while.




















　--servant's kitchen.


I'm not sure what to say.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

It's Futa. ......!
"Yes, yes. Dr. Corona.

　I was forced to call her that.

There's nothing more to teach you!
What, you're done?
Congratulations on getting your license!　Congratulations on completing your training at ......!
I was just cutting up some peeled vegetables.

　The stew was simmering in front of me.
　I was just cutting up some peeled vegetables.

"Well, you see, Futa-sama...

　The tearful face that she had been holding back earlier disappeared.
　The tearful face she had been wearing earlier disappeared, and she said with her usual relaxed expression.

The only way to know the amount of spices is to taste them and learn by yourself.　If you remember the size of the vegetables you can chop, you can get better by repeating the process.
"Is it so important, the size?
That's right. It's much more important than the heat level. I thought I should be able to keep that constant.

　Corona looks at Futa's hand and the knife in his hand and says.

I'm sure you've got a great handle on the blade, Futa-sama.
"I see. That's why you're a certified chef. ......
That's right!　You just have to get used to it.

　I'm sure she's used to it.
　She may be used to it, but she had no reason to stare at Corona as she did the heavy lifting in front of her.
　As Corona moved to wash the dishes, she tilted her head.

So, why are you cooking again all of a sudden?　I didn't hear you say that.
"Oh, no. You said before that you wanted to thank me with something.
"Hmm.

　The usual absent-minded whine.
　The thoughtful Corona plopped the washed cutting board on the wall and looked at Futa.

Did you thank the maid for something?
Yes, I do. You've been really good to me.
"I see, I see. Well then, there it is.

　She smiled and continued.

"I hope you can enjoy Futa-sama's home cooking in ten days.
"...... 10 days from now?　Why again?


"Hey, Futa-sama, Futa-sama, Futa-sama, even though you're licensed, you can't learn it all in one day.
"I see, ...... I get it, 10 days to practice!

　Futa was basically bored.

"Oh, that's good spirit, Master Futa!　Get better and better!
"Good. ...... I'm going to use what Corona taught me.
"That's the spirit!

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of it.
That's similar to the ingredients you'll be using, but don't cut them because they stink and melt when you cook them.
There's a trap here: ......!

　Stupid ......!　I'm not sure what to do.
　But if you stay here, you won't be able to please Corona in ten days.

　You must train yourself. Hard work is the only thing a talentless person is allowed to do.

　With this in mind, Huta began to earnestly prepare the ingredients.

　Corona gazed at Futa's struggling back in an unusually calm manner.


"Corona!　I think I can peel it pretty well!　Look at this!
"......
"Corona?
Oh?　Oh, put the doctor on, will you?　What, what, what, what, what, what?
...... No, I just thought the peeling went well.

　I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.

"Hmmm. I hope you get what you think is the best thin skin. It's a tough road to master, you know?

　A peace sign.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

...... Are you not feeling well?
Not at all. Not at all. Not at all.
It's not every day that Corona is upset. If she is, you should talk to Lilac.
I'm fine. Really, really, the maids are fine!　And of course, if you talk to the princess, she'll say that the maid is finally worthless.
"What do you think Lilac-sama is?
The last boss of the bedtime story?
Is he a dragon or something?
Tsk, tsk, tsk. He's more like one of those people you see after you've defeated a dragon.
He's so bad!
"He's so bad!

　Her expression was the same as always.

　Futa gave a small sigh and continued.

If anything happens, just let me know. If Corona collapses, I don't know what I'll do.
"Huh, you're not even a warrior, you're just a maid .......
I'm not saying that!
It's not like the maid is going to fall down. Have you forgotten the maid's magic?
Can it bring you back?
Do you want to see the maid as a child?
No, that's not .......
Sukebe!
Why not? ！！！！

　Corona laughs and turns on her heel.

The maid, I'm going to go back to the princess. Is there anything you want to eat for dinner?
"Anything Corona can cook for me.
"You're not worth cooking for.

　"Good grief," she said, shaking the two golden clusters with her hands like saucers. Corona walked out.


...... It's a little weird, isn't it?

　Thinking for a moment, Futa faced the kitchen table in front of him.

I'll talk to Lilac-sama later. --But first!

　
　I'll do my best to make this dish to thank you for all you've done for me!




　So, Huta began to adjust the heat.