Oh, Satie, look who's here.

　The sound of a bell ringing.

　While I was in the middle of shopping, I opened the door to a bakery that I was already acquainted with. When the woman smiles at me, I greet her with a small smile.

　Her bread is very popular in Ivalice, and the owner tells me it's delicious. Today's menu will be a stew with lots of turnips harvested by four-wheeled cropping method of the master's own devising. We tried various kinds of bread, but the bread that goes perfectly with the sweet melted turnip is the bread maker here.

Do you have the usual bread, aunty?

'There are some, but you should have a fresh one anyway. I'm making a new one. It'll be ready in a few minutes.

'Well!　That's lovely!

　I jumped up and down with joy.
　No matter what kind of bread, it's always better when it's freshly baked.

　I'm sure your husband will be delighted when you serve him some freshly baked, sticky bread. Just thinking about his smile makes me look forward to dinner.

Well, I'm going to have to wait. May I sit down?

Sure. Yeah, you want some?　I'm sorry to leave you with my leftover snack.

　As she said it, the woman offered me a pastry made of fried bread crusts and sprinkled with sugar.

'Thank you very much. I'll take it.'

　When I received my plate, I took one in my mouth first.

　It has a unique crunchy texture and immediately the sweetness of the sugar and the sweetness of the bread come together in my mouth. The sweetness of the bread and the sweetness of the sugar spread in my mouth. You will take two or three bites before you know it. What a terrible snack! Let's serve it with the master's tea next time. I am sure he will be very pleased.

Oh, you're eating well. Are you hungry?

No, it's just so sweet and delicious... Do you have any tips on how to make it?

It's not that big of a deal. I just cut and fry the leftovers and the parts of our bread that we don't serve in the shop. ...You like it that much?　Maybe I should release it as a new product next time.

I think it's a good idea. I think it's perfect for your husband's tea time.

　As I say this, my hands take the second and third bread ears to my mouth on their own.

　Perhaps it's this slightly burnt bitterness that I like. The faint bitterness accentuates the sweetness of the sugar and the bread itself, and once you eat it, you can't stop.

　The sound of crispy, crispy bread echoes through the store.

Master, huh........Satie-chan's master is the lord of this town, isn't he?

'What?　Yes, I know, but....

　----It has been many months since I became the master's maid.
　It seems like a long time ago that I came to this city of Ivalice. When I first came here, the fortress was crumbling and the townspeople seemed somewhat lifeless. No, if anything, I think they looked terrible, as if they were overcome with despair.

　The master had been sent to this city to govern the city of Ivalice and to increase the tax revenue.

　He did a wonderful job, even from my point of view as a maid. Nowadays, there are few people in Ivalice who are afraid of the demons and devastated by grief. These days the city is even more vibrant, with traveling entertainers and the like stopping by.

　All of this is thanks to my master's efforts.
　I'm proud to be his maid of honor.

I've always thought of her as a strange person.

It's changed.......by your master?

Yeah, that's different. Satie, you're going to pay for it again today, aren't you?

And of course.

　While answering the abrupt question, I take out my wallet from the pocket of my maid's uniform.

　I've got some important money inside that was entrusted to me by my master. I'm here to shop, so I'm not going to step on the money. If I did that, my master would be very angry.

That's what's so unusual about it. We've been told by our bedtime stories that the demon tribe is a vicious bunch that doesn't care about humans. It's natural for them to commandeer food and funds for their war effort from humans. I was scared every night that there were demons who would kill and rob people and eat them.

No, I wouldn't do that!

Yeah, we were surprised to see some of the demons that didn't do that.

　She props her elbows on the counter and smiles at me.
　........I also remember being surprised at first.

　As a former slave, I don't remember my mother telling me a bedtime story, but even so, I'm sure I thought the demon tribe was something to fear.

　I always thought that if they attacked me and found me, I would be killed.
　But that was not the case.

　On the contrary, the master kept me, a human, by his side as a maid.

　I remember feeling relieved when I came into direct contact with the demons, who were kind and lacking in some way, just like humans.

'It was Lord Ike-sama who fixed the citadel and taught me a new farming method. Moreover, he said that even humans would give me a salary for the things I worked for. ........in the old days, there were some people who were willing to serve the city for free. It was normal for them to work with us commoners to build fountains and fortifications, but they didn't pay us a single salary, or even a word of thanks. What about now? We have a better life now than we had when people ruled. It's all thanks to you, Satie, master. I can't thank you enough.

'Thank you. I'm glad to hear you say that, Master.

　----I know my master's secret.
　I know that my master is actually a human being.

　But master is the person who needs to be in the Demon King's army. And even though he belongs to the demon tribe, he is also a human being, which means that he can understand the feelings of both the demons and the humans.

　Master hopes for a world where demons and humans can coexist.
　And I am sure that he will make it happen.
　Because he is the master.
　I believe that he will definitely make it happen.

　In the city of Ivalice, demons and humans work hand in hand to make a living.

　Just as your aunt said, things may be better than when the humans were ruling the city.

'Oh. It's about time.

　My aunt muttered and went behind the counter.

　I heard the sound of a kamado lid opening. At the same time, a sweet and gentle aroma filled the shop.

　Soon after, the lady brought us a bag of bread that was still steaming.

It's ready. Hurry up and take it home. After all, freshly baked bread is the best.

Wow, this looks so good!　Thank you, Auntie!

No, thanks. It is I who should be thanking you. The lord has done a lot for me. Please give him my regards.

　I nod and put the bill on the counter.

　I grab a piece of freshly baked bread to go with the stew and hurry home. The bread has to be freshly baked, just like my aunt said. I want the master to taste the aroma of the bread.

　Besides, I am happy to hear the good news today.
　The people of Ivalice are indeed happy because of the master.

　It made me happy to hear that. On the way home, I couldn't help but skip a few steps.

　I wonder what the master's face will be like when he hears this.
　I wonder if he would give me that kind smile.
　As I was thinking about this, I began to look forward to mealtime.

　Jumping up and down on the stone pavement, I walk at a fast pace towards the master's mansion where he is waiting for me.