When I returned to the mansion, I could smell a nice smell coming from the cooking area.

　When I looked in, I saw Mei Fan was light on her feet and preparing breakfast.

''Hmmmmmmm...''

　He was in a very good mood, even humming.

"Good morning, Mei Fan.

Mr. Gerald!　Mr. Mill!　Good morning!

Mm-hm. Good morning, Mei!

　When I called out to her, Mei Fan looked back at me with a light, turning motion.

　The front coverings (apron) swayed softly.

'Are you preparing breakfast?'

Okay. When my father was alive and well, I was always in charge. Are you guys done practicing in the morning, Gerald?

Did you see that?

It's just that my father used to get up every morning at sunrise and practice with his students before he died. But before he died, my father used to get up every morning at sunrise and practice in the morning with his students. When Gerald and the others woke up, they weren't there, so I thought they were in the practice room. ...Wasn't it?

No, it's the same.

I'm glad to hear it. I'll make you something better.

　Mei Fan smiled very well and brought her clenched fists to her chest.

''Even the best of the best, Gerald!　This is our--

You're gonna say, "That's perfect for married life," or whatever it is you do.

Oh, that's great, Gerald. You know what to do.

Well, I'm not going to live my life with you.

Is that too much to ask?

You're an idiot!

Haha.... well, I don't mean to make it like that, but...

　Meir and Meir's exchange made Mei Fan look bitter.

''Well, anyway, it's almost ready, so you'll have to wait a bit.

　Well, what do I do now?

　I'm not tired because I haven't really been practicing, I'm not tired.

　However, it looks like I'm already pretty well prepared on my own, and it's going to be a hindrance to help out now.

''Well, I'm sorry, but I'll leave you in charge of breakfast today.

Okay. Leave it to me.

　We step down from the cooking area.

　Then Meir goes upstairs to get a cloth and a change of clothes to wipe off the sweat and change.

　I was one step ahead of him at the table in the living room.

'Here you are,'

　By the time Meil returned, wiping off the sweat and changing clothes, Mei Fan had finished cooking and brought in breakfast.

　A soup of dried meat from the pantry, cooked with salt and vegetables, and toasted bread with cheese and bacon on top was the breakfast of the day.

　After everyone was at the table, I reached for the soup.

　As I sipped the soup, the flavor of the meat and vegetables spread in my mouth.

　The toast was also crispy and savory on the surface, and the flavors of the melted cheese and bacon were in perfect harmony.

'Yum,'

　That's the first thing I heard. It was definitely better than the lousy food that had been served at the lodges I had stayed at.

'More!'

　After flattening it in a flash, Meil quickly thrust the empty bowl out to Mei Fan.

''Don't be in such a hurry, there's still plenty more to eat.

　With a bitter smile, Mei Fan poured the soup into the bowl.

''Both of you, please eat your fill. Otherwise, being an adventurer is a physically demanding job.''

Yeah. I'll feel free to feed you.

Yeah. Thanks, Mei!

　While we were chatting and laughing like that, we finished our breakfast.

　--well.

　For now, I'm done with my stomach.

　Meifang is putting away the dishes and the utensils used for cooking, while Myl seems to be slumped in his chair, patting his swollen belly.

　However, we can't stay here lounging around forever.

　That's when I got up from my chair, thinking it was time to get ready to go out.

　Gong, gong, the front door is rammed heavily.

　This mansion has a knocker, just like a mansion. Mei Fan says that when you hit this knocker, a trap is set to be activated.

　But since I have already disarmed the trap, it has now become a normal tool for announcing visitors.

''I wonder who the hell it is at this hour.

How could I possibly know that? I don't know. I think you should just go for it.

　Me and Myl looked at each other and exchanged words.

　Certainly, no matter what we say here, it won't get us anywhere.

''I'll handle it for now.

Yes.

　I got up and went straight to the front door.

　When I opened the door, the man there was a stranger.

　However, he is probably a member of the guild.

　He is dressed in a familiar guild uniform.

''Are you Gerald-sama?''

　The man asks in a condescending tone of voice.

'Yes, sir, but,'

Then may I have a moment of your time, please. The Guild Master is asking for you.

What?

　My first morning at my new base was suddenly going to be cloudy.