"Loomp, loomp, loomp.


"......


"Whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp.


"......


"Whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp.


"...... Hey, Futa.


What's going on?


Put that annoying maid away.


How do you put her away? ......



　--Afternoon. Futa's room.

　Richter L. Klingbloom, seated on the visitor's couch, put his hand to his forehead and grunted.

　Behind Huta, who tilted her head to the side to put it away, the boisterous maid was playing witch with a mop. "I don't want to hide my occupation.


You can't concentrate at all on what you're saying.
Is that so?
The only reason you're questioning me is because you don't have him in your sight!

　Huta turned to look at him.

　The maid was hard at work cleaning the wall.

"...... Mr. Richter. You're a bit of a superior, aren't you?
Are you kidding me?
I'm not joking. I'm the one who asked Mr. Richter to come here today.
Not you!　It's the maid who's juggling wine bottles behind you.
...... Are you doing something funny?

　When Futa turned around, the maid was sweating profusely and polishing the window frame.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.


"...... Mr. Richter.
"You trust a maid in this situation?　Don't you have a brain?
No, I don't believe her. I've seen her with my own eyes.
What the hell are you doing?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　The room is filled with buzzing, bright music.

　She dives back in behind Huta, behind the sofa, and dances out with a beaming smile.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

　Richter shouted, pointing behind him, and Futa turned around.
　Of course, the maid was at work.
　Of course, the maid was working, squeezing the rag with cold water, muttering happily, "It's cold.

No, you're free to work while listening to music.
It's not right to play music while people are coming in.
What's wrong with you today, Richter?
What are you doing here?
What?
I just lost my speech in anger. Don't worry about it.
Oh, ......, that's not good. ......

　Behind Futa's shocked face, the maid said, "Hey! Hey! Hey! I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm not sure what to make of this.
I'm sure you're not the only one.　Is it so bad that I want you to at least enjoy your work?
That's not the point.
Also, is there a famous saying in the kingdom about the season when maids cry?
How could it be? What's the lesson here? ...... Enough.
What is it?
Ignore him and let's talk.

　As he said this, Richter held out a piece of paper to Futa, his fingertips puckered to the point of losing patience.

　It said, "Turn around when I pick up my wine glass.

　--He didn't have the guts to ignore it.

"About this state project. I've been pushed around a lot, but in the end I didn't have to go to war, thanks in part to you. I thank you.
No, I thank you. Yes, I wanted to say thank you.
But...
But?　But?
It's your fault that His Highness is completely in control of the situation.
I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know anything about planning.
If I'd known you were going to be in the game, I wouldn't have had to settle for a painful split with Orba.
"Is that so?

　I'm not sure what you mean by that.

What are you trying to say?
No, even if you knew I was coming out.
"Even if I did, what?
Maybe Prim would have come out.
The barbarian. ......!

　I'm proud to be challenged to a match by Prim.


　On top of that, the gratitude of being wanted was directly connected to Futa's confidence.

　In that sense, it might be fair to say that he owed her a favor as well.

But I'm glad you and Prim are getting along so well.
I can't tell you how many times I've thought about firing them.
I suppose the answer is to keep them employed.
The only thing I know for sure is that I'm good at what I do. ......

　--Perhaps.
　Perhaps that's why Richter can't resist Lilac.
　This is why Richter cannot truly defeat Lilac, because he is too hard on his subordinates and relatives and cannot use people as pawns.

　If the king moves to protect the knight in the board game, the game is lost. It doesn't matter how good the knight and the king are.

"So. Let me tell you something. Are you required to report all of your circumstances to His Highness?
No, I'm not forced to. I just have no reason not to.
I see. ...... Actually, we're going to have a party at my residence. The main purpose of the party is to console my men, so it's a small one. ...... I don't feel comfortable asking your highness to attend.
"...... I see, so?
I thought I'd extend an invitation to you as a thank you for your time, what do you think?

　The maid in the back began to make a silent appeal with a twinkle in her eye when she heard of the party, but Richter ignored her as normal.

　The maid silently picked up the mop and pointed at the rag, then at Richter.

　Was she trying to intimidate him?


I'm glad you invited me, but I don't think I have the option of not talking to Master Lilac. Can I tell Mr. Richter your intentions?
"I rather intended to. I didn't think it would be necessary for me to talk to him directly.

　Besides, Richter thinks.
　Besides," Richter thought, "I'll have a little more control when Lilac's not around.

　Huta seems to have forgotten that Richter is not an ally.
　Not an enemy, either.

Well.

　Richter's eyes narrowed a little as he said this.
　I see this as some kind of a battleground.

"You can't ask me to come alone. If you'd rather bring one of your maids, I'll put you on the list.
"Well. I don't know if I can make it, but if you give me permission, I'll be there.

　There was a festival going on behind Futa.
　There was a festival going on behind Futa's back, with confetti spraying the freshly cleaned floor and maids dancing with full-blown smiles. Every time she spins around, her skirt spreads out in a cute, fluffy way.

　The sign with the word "Celebration" written on it was held up with both hands and waved all over the place.

　How badly do you want to go to the party?

　With a glance at the most annoying maid, Richter put his hand on his wine glass.


　The maid's eyes met Huta's as she turned around.


"Ah.


　The rest of the snowflakes fluttered between the two of them.

　Richter tilts his glass of wine in victory.


　Futa gave a small smile and said.


"Fun?
"It's so much fun!
"That's good to know.


　After a friendly conversation, Futa turns to Richter.

"Well, I understand about the party. I know you're busy too, Richter-san.
"Is that all?
What?
You know what this annoying maid was doing in front of the guests, don't you?　Do you understand?　How can I concentrate on my conversation with this thing in front of me?

　Futa tilted his head.

　Familiarity had numbed his senses.

"Yeah.

　He clapped his hands in agreement.

"Should I have changed seats?
You'll be saddled with the debt.