Miss Estella has been holed up in her office all morning.
She is absorbed in her work as if she is possessed by something.

...... It must be hard for her if she doesn't do that.

It must be hard for you if you don't.

It must be heartbreaking to think about that.
I understand. ......

I feel the same way about .......

'Head waiter. We found a leak in the bathroom and a missing part.'
'Then repair it immediately.
'Do you want us to call the Torbek construction company?
'We can do that ourselves. Our money is the people's money. We will not allow it to be wasted.'
'Yes, sir!Then I would like to borrow about six waiters.

Six. ...... That's a lot.
Can't we do something about it?

'All right. Take the gatekeeper with you. I'll stand at the gate instead.
'Yes, sir!

In the past year, the finances of the Forty-Two Wards have grown by leaps and bounds.
We no longer have to struggle for money, endure hunger, or wallow in the shame of not being able to show off as before.

But still.
My life has become easier because of you, Master Yashiro. I can't waste money.
I want to repay the favor.
To do that, I must be able to work when Yashiro needs me.

Money, people, ......, and me personally.
I will always be ready to help and provide whatever you have in mind. That is my way of returning the favor.

'Hmm ......, before you know it, it looks like there are now two masters.

Standing at the empty main gate, I let my cheeks relax.
I feel embarrassed for myself, and my cheeks relax again.

If only Yashiro were to become the head of this family, then everything would be all right. ............


It's probably ....... It's unpleasant.

What is it? What is it?
What should I do with this feeling? ......

'.................. flattened'.

It's probably ....... I'm a little relieved.
It's a strange word, 'flattened'. Let's use it in the future.

Hmmm... ......
I never thought I'd think this about Estella, or even say it to her face. ......

I have been in the service of the Creamona family since my great-grandfather's time, and followed my mother to the service of the previous lords: ......
I met Estella when she was so young that she couldn't even speak ......

I was convinced that 'my life is to protect her'.

Even though I was still inexperienced, I learned the job, and while I was protecting Estella, I was also healing her. ......
I felt that I was in a blessed environment.

However, right after my mother passed away, ......, I honestly thought that I would never make it.

My mother, who had been organizing the waiters, was gone, and the ...... deputy head waiter at the time, who was good at his job but had no ability to motivate people, collapsed the ...... control of the museum.
It was said to be the most serious crisis in the history of the Cremona family, and it was a terrible situation.
At the same time, his predecessor's health deteriorated. ......

The one who took on the heavy responsibility was ...... Estella.

She acted stoutly, encouraging everyone by saying, "It's going to be all right. ...... And then she selected me, who had been by her side since I was a child, to be her right-hand man as head waiter.
I had to protect Estella-sama, who worked so hard with such a small body, at all costs. ...... I took a somewhat forceful approach, but managed to organize the servants.

Even so,...... the 42nd district has always been on the brink of ...... collapse,......

'I'm surprised ...... you've been able to change so much. ......'

The road in front of the museum has been beautifully redesigned as a street leading to District 41 and beyond.
Glowing bricks are placed on both sides of the road to light up the darkness of the night.

Sometimes, I suddenly think.
'Is this really the Forty-second District? 'Could it be that all of this is just a dream I'm having?' ......
It's a dream of escaping reality,......, where I've worn out my physical strength through overwork, worn out my mind through heartache, and finally collapsed from the fever.

But. The history leading up to this point denies it.
Nothing has suddenly changed. I understand that the changes were sudden, but they were the result of a steady, step-by-step process.

It was last year, around the time of heavy rains, that Estella started to change: ......

She started a new guild called "Garbage Collection Guild" which makes no sense.Delicious!It's cute! They also negotiated with the sea fishing guild to take care of nets entangled in seaweed. ......
At first glance, you might think that he had become desperate, but his outlandish behavior increased ......, and one day, I finally learned the reason.

'How dare you keep secrets from me for so long, that flat-chested ......'.

Feeling a little annoyed, he turned his head towards Estella's office.

'Petanko!

I send her a reminder of my exasperation in a voice that will barely be heard.
I hope this will shorten the distance even a little.



'...... Get along, you guys.'

Suddenly, I heard such a voice, and when I looked back in surprise, I saw ...... Master Yashiro standing there.
With a half-amused look on his face.

'We are on good terms. It's as good as it's ever been in recent years.
'And you're 'Petanko'?'
'We've become so close that we call each other by our real names.'
'...... Since when did his real name become 'Petanko'?

...... 'That guy', huh.

It was hard to believe, but ......I knew that Yashiro-sama had forgotten Estella-sama's name, ............and my name, And my name too.

'Please wait a moment. I'll be right with you.

Estella is currently at work.
But I'm sure Master Yashiro's business will take precedence over anything else.
Matters concerning Mr. Yashiro are of the highest priority to you.

Let's make the arrangements quickly and finish the matter quickly.
Mr. Yashiro's business ...... is probably trying to fix his memory so that he will not forget you.
I don't know how long it will take, but ......

I don't know how long it will take, but if you don't hurry, it won't be my turn.

...... I believe you.
No matter the strain on your body, no matter the pain you experience,...... you will be remembered.
As you have always done in the past. ......
You'll show us the future we want.


I believe so.


We can take our turn much, much later, if you like.

I bowed and was about to leave the room when...

'Oh, no, it's okay.

--Mr. Yashiro stopped me.
When I looked back at him, he looked a little embarrassed,...... no, somewhat embarrassed.

............ No way.
No, no, no, no, no, no.

But ...... I'm expecting it.
I'm hoping, but I can't ...... say that out loud.

I'm just going to take my position and follow in Yashiro's footsteps. ......

'......What do you mean by "good"?'

I ask in a calm voice, straightforwardly.
That's the response Yashiro wants.
He shows no expectation or anxiety, just a simple, matter-of-fact response.

'Now, I'm here to see you.
'So ...... is it?

...... I shouldn't.
We can't be happy here.
Lady Estella's memory hasn't come back yet.

I'm sure there are others who are worried that her memory hasn't come back yet.

You can find them at ......
I'm sure that there are other people who are worried about the fact that you haven't regained your memory yet. ............ because your turn came early, and ......... because you came before the Lord. ...Isn't that the order in which Yashiro-sama cares for you?I'm not sure what to say.I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand. ............

I'm not sure what to say.
'Yes, ...... I don't mind that kind of honesty in you, but ...... you should know your place.'

What?

I was so upset.
I shouldn't have done that.
Ever since I met Yashiro-sama, ...... I've been envious of his free way of life, ...... and I've been dazzled by it .......

I've always admired him. ......

............It's contagious, isn't it?

'I'm sorry. The bacillus has spread throughout my body and it may be too late.'
'Don't blame the people. And don't say 'fungus'.'

I never thought ...... that there would be people who could talk to each other like this.

'Do you still not remember my name?

I ask, straight to the point.
Apparently, he doesn't like to take the long way around.
Ever since I met Master Yashiro, I've been discovering new things about myself, and I'm constantly confused. ......

'You're so straightforward.
'Are they tits?I beg your pardon. Can't you see these magnificent curves?'
'I don't know how I got that way ...... in the past year.'

Mr. Yashiro seems to think I've changed, too.
Is it that obvious that I have changed?

'You've always been rather large, haven't you?
'Yes. That's not the point, that's the point of the conversation.

You're wrong!

'I don't ...... believe it was that serious .......'
'Can you please stop using your boobs as a barometer of your health?Because there are times when we're not talking about boobs.'
'The genie's ......!
'I'm going to squeeze you, you bastard!


'Ah, so it is Yashiro-sama. I'm a little relieved.'
'I'm starting to get worried about your future .......'

This kind of conversation would probably be considered 'trivial' by others.
But for me, ......

'Hmm ......'

It is a very enjoyable time for me.
While I'm doing this, I can monopolize Master Yashiro's heart - that's what I think.

More than anything, it's proof that Yashiro hasn't forgotten me.

'You mean Yashiro-sama has something to do with me, don't you?
'Ah. Well, it's not that I'm here for business, I'm just here to chat.
'Really?
'Yeah, ...... your thoughts go very far away, snatching what I'm looking for.

I'm sure you'll never get tired of being with me.
Just as I feel that way about you.

'So, do you mind if I give you a topic?
'Oh. Did something interesting happen?'
'Actually, my master heard a rumor that 'if you rub it with baking soda, it will get bigger! As a matter of fact, my master heard a rumor that 'if you rub with baking soda, you'll get bigger!' and brought a quantity of baking soda into the bathroom that was obviously not right, and as expected, it clogged the drainpipe. I don't care about this annoying episode. ......'
'Is there anything you want to mention about your Lord being embarrassed by something that doesn't matter?
'Not really.'
'No. ......'

I don't care about that kind of everyday stuff.
I just wanted to tell you.

It's more like ......

'Do you remember?Do you remember the day that Yashiro-sama and I first met?
'Ah. I'm pretty sure it was at ...... this place.''

The main gate of the Cremona family.

Yes.
This is where I first met Master Yashiro.

I was wary of Master Yashiro at first, visiting after dark.
Of the highest order.

Later, I saw him meeting with Estella. ............

'Twice I thought about seriously stabbing him.
'Oh, that's funny. I thought I might be killed four times.'
'Don't worry. I believe Master Yashiro will not be killed by poisoned rainwater.
'There's no causal relationship between your trust and my cardiopulmonary arrest, okay?In addition, was there even poison in that rainwater?
'Ah, "poison" sounds bad, like ...... "forced termination drink".'
'Yes, it's poison. And it's probably poisonous.
'But I'm still the head waiter protecting my lord.
'At that time, you simply didn't like the man who approached him.
'No way!I was just genuinely trying to get rid of a suspicious man with fishy eyes!
'You're going to cut my heart out once and for all, aren't you?

...... Ah, what fun.
When I'm face to face with Master Yashiro, words are born one after another and slip from my lips.
Every time I do, my heart pounds and the world seems to be filled with happiness.

It is truly a mysterious thing.
At the time, I just looked at her as an enemy, as a bad insect that would get close to Estella-sama. ......

When did this happen? ......

The reason why I started to open up to Yashiro-sama instead of seeing him as an enemy is ............

'--!

My face got hot as I remembered.

Yes,......, it had been raining heavily and I had been overworked,...... and I had fallen ill.
And he saw through it and ............ put his hand on my forehead. ......

'--Huh?

...... after a short pause. ......

'--Huh?
'What are you freaking out about?

It can't be helped.
You can't help but feel an unspeakable, never-before-seen emotion welling up from the depths of your body.

I don't know what ...... it is, this feeling.
Your cheeks naturally relax, but your eyebrows drop in anxiety. ......

I'm too embarrassed to look at you, but I really want to see your face .............
No, no, no!I can't. I just can't right now.

Master Yashiro. Please remove the face and bury it.
'I wonder, your tirade is coming from an unexpected angle...'

You throw a word and it comes back.

How 'special' is that?
For me, ......

As the head waiter, I wait and wait until I am called upon, I do not waste words, I only respond to what is asked of me. ......



That's why you're ......

You always give me what I want.
If I talk to you, you answer me.

Somewhere along the line, I began to search for the words to make you smile.

What can I say to make you smile?
What can I say to make you happy?
What can I say to ...... make you look at me?

Searching for such words has become a part of my daily life. ...... More than that, I have more time to think about the words you gave me.
I don't need a Conversation Record.
I don't need a "Conversation Record" to remember what you said to me. ...... Your words are always there in my heart, speaking to me over and over again.

'I'm sorry', as if caring.
'Thank you,' he says, beaming.
'Take care of it,' with trust.

Behind the scenes to help someone. Support.
That's what I do.

Nothing makes me happier than to be counted on. ......

Even if it's hidden behind something else.
Even if they can't look at me. ...... I'm ............

'Hey. Are you blushing?'
'What?

There was Yashiro-sama's face in front of me.

I guess I was being uncharacteristically sentimental and didn't notice ...... the approach.
This is a great way to make sure that you do not get caught off guard. ...... I guess I let my guard down because I am Yashiro-sama. ............

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

With a worried look on his face, Yashiro-sama put his hand on my forehead .......

'--?

...... Ah, I must have let my guard down.
This is ...... an emergency.
I feel my pupils dilate.
My whole body is sweating, my heart is contracting like crazy, and my breathing is ...... labored.

The same ...... as that time.
That time ...... when I opened my heart to Yashiro-sama, even if only a little, and ......

'Don't move a bit'.

Then, just like that time, I put my hands on my cheeks and pulled down my lower eyelids. ......
He looks into my eyes and stares.

Master Yashiro. I've said it before, haven't I?
I thought you were going to kiss me because you touched my cheek and stuff.

Why are you doing it again now?
And why do you make me think the same thing again now?

...... to me, who has opened up his heart far more than he did then.

'You've got a bit of a fever, after all. Do you want me to bring you some antipyretics?
'I don't need antipyretics, just some disinfectant, please.
'......, didn't you say something like that before?

I don't have a choice.
If I don't say so, you'll be nice to me all the time, right?
Wouldn't you be worried about me and look at me like you're protecting me?


If you did that, I'd want to spoil you.


I'm not as strong as you think I am.
I want to jump into your chest right now and be selfish.

'Please remember me.
Call me by my name.

And--

'If I've made you feel that way, please take responsibility and ...... kiss me.


My carelessness may have come from wishful thinking.
I did not allow him to approach me because I was careless,......, but because I did not allow him to contact me,.......
You may have let your guard down because you wanted to.

It can be a little forceful.
It can be gentlemanly and smart.
Or awkwardly, like a boy who doesn't even know what love is.

I want you to hug me.


But you can't say that, can you?
That's why I say joking things, you know.
I look for words that will make you dumb, I do.

I'm the head waiter.
I'm the head waiter. I'm the one who supports and sustains.

If I'm supported, I'm a laughing stock.

'Your fever is fine.
'Are you sure?
'Will you be using the Judgment of the Spirits?
'Haha. No.'

It is because I faithfully perform my duties as a waiter that he trusts me like this.
What Master Yashiro wants from me is ...... the skill and consideration to do my job properly.

Other than that, ......

'You should take a break once in a while. I'll go out with you if you like.'
'............'



Do you really want to ......

'...... Do you want to ruin me?

Why are you being so nice to me?
I don't understand you.

'I can only find meaning in my existence by doing my job faithfully. Playing .......'
'There are plenty of reasons to exist, you know.

Interrupting my attempt to deny him, Master Yashiro gave me these words: ......

'I enjoy being with you. That's enough to make it worthwhile.

...... Ah, it's ruined.
No matter how hard you push on the brink, you'll never be as good as this guy.

Are you sure about that?

I don't know much about pampering, so I'm sure I'm not very good at it.
You won't know when to stop and you'll be spoiled endlessly.

'Please don't be too gentle. ...... makes me want to spoil you.'

See, it's already getting out of control.
He wants you to care for him.
You want me to care about you, and that kind of obvious ulterior motive is evident in every word you say.

And you, the perceptive one, noticed it and said ......

I'm not sure what to say.

...... You say that to me.
You can accept me. ............

It's a good thing you're aware of that.

So, I'm screwed.
If I indulge now, ............ I'll never be able to go back.

I'm going to put my ...... head on Yashiro's shoulder.
Oh ......, I can feel the warmth of Yashiro's body through my forehead.

Slowly, you are patted on the back of the head twice.

...... overflows.

You can't stop it, ...... even if it ends up being ridiculous, ...... as if the supporters who should be in the shadows are stepping up to the center of the stage.

Yashiro-sama ......, look at me, please.

'Remember me, ......'.

Speak any words ............ to me alone, speak to me.

'Call my name ......'.

And ...... if you can, ......


If you make me feel like it, take full responsibility and ...... kiss me ............



'...... Natalia.'
'--Huh?

Remember me and ...... call me names. ......

'I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. Don't worry, I remembered you.

...... Ah.
I'm still no match for you.

I always get results when I need them. ......
You remembered me. ......
You called my name ...... again, didn't you?

Just as I wanted you to ......

I was uncharacteristically elated and ...... a little bolder.
I put my lips on ...... yours and ......... my lips on ............ yours. ...


Bam!


'Hot!

You wouldn't believe it. Master Yashiro brushed my head away.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
Not .............
That's not possible, I.

I can't. I can't.
Just thinking about it makes my body temperature soar ten degrees.

If you kiss me, ............


'Mhhhhh!
'What's the matter, Natalia?

You can't help it!This is unavoidable.

You've skipped too many steps.
I was just a shadow and you brought me out into the sunlight. He was watching me too.
That's all that matters.

You can't monopolize that. ............

There's an order to things.
There should be a procedure. ......

So ......

'Master Yashiro: ......'
'What is it?
'Let's have an exchange diary!
'...... Well, that's too much work, so I'll pass.'

Oh, ...... that dumbfounded look on your face ............ is frustrating, but it calms me down.

You'll find a small seed lying at Yashiro's feet.
Are they the seeds of a demon plant?

...... Hmm. Now you'll never forget me.



That's right. Let's be content with that for now.
So, just one last thing.

'Flattened!
'So, why are you agitated?

...... I turned my frustration at my inadequacy into an excuse to take it out on her, and slammed her into Estella-sama's office.


If that makes Yashiro-sama smile as usual,......, I'm satisfied with that for now.
For now--