Master, how would you like your tea today?

　Ivalice's mansion, in her office.
　Satie asked me quietly as the clock struck three in the afternoon.

　Thanks to the recent completion of public works projects in Ivalice, the number of documents that need to be dealt with has been decreasing. There are only a few more sheets left today, and I sometimes miss that pile of paperwork from the early days of my reign.

　By the time afternoon teatime arrives, it's enough to give me a break from work in this way.

''Well I'll take the one from Ivalice, please.

I'm sorry, sir.

　Nodding deeply, Sati left the room without a single footstep.

　As she walked off to the kitchen, a sweet smell wafted through the open door. She must have been preparing the cookies in the oven so that they would be ready to bake at this time. All of Satie's pastries are delicious, but her cookies are the best. I'm sure they could be compared to the best pastry maker in Ivalice. I can't help but smile as I look forward to tasting them.

　I looked over the few remaining sheets of paperwork and waited for the tea and cookies to arrive.

　Within ten minutes, the clock on the wall chimed the sound of a music box. At the same time, Satie emerged pushing a teapot filled with tea, a warmed cup, and a cart with freshly baked cookies on top.

　The table, cleared of work, is quickly transformed into a teatime worthy appearance.

　The rich aroma of tea and the smell of butter from the cookies. It's a fascinating scene that will make you salivate.

　I took a bite of the cookie as I watched Satie pour the tea into the cup. Then the sweetness spread through my mouth, and I almost choked on the scent of butter that escaped my nose. The cookie was so delicious that it was a shame to swallow it right away.

　When I quickly sipped my tea, the subtle bitterness seemed to reset the sweetness in my mouth, and I immediately wanted to feel the sweetness of the cookie again. The combination of coffee is hard to dismiss, but the combination of tea and cookies is truly magical, and if time permits, I could eat it endlessly.

'Yes, delicious. I think you're getting better again.　Satie.

'Really?　I'm glad to hear that.

　Satie smiled back at me and bowed modestly.

　At teatime, Satie is the best person in the world. I'm here to vouch for that. I'm sure there's no one better at matching cookies and tea than her. I'm sure you'll enjoy the aroma of the cookies as much as I enjoy wine.

''Mmmm.''

"?　What's up, Satie?

'No, your husband was very busy until just the other day - it was nice to see him taking his time like this.

'Yes. It's true that just a few weeks ago I was so busy I couldn't breathe.

　Looking back, it feels like a long time ago.

　Just a short while ago, I was working on the biggest project in the history of the Demon King's Army. Relocation of the Demon King's Castle. Relocation. The relocation of the Demon King's residence from Dvorberg to Azuchi was an unprecedented project. The people who actually carried out the construction work were the dwarves and giants, but Luthrara and I, who were put in charge of overall command, can only shake our heads if you ask me if we had any free time.

　In addition, the battle with the League of Kings was also in its climax.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.

　Fortunately, we have also succeeded in creating a large hole in the enemy forces, and we can expect the standoff to continue for some time. We can't be too careful, but we think that now is the time to give each other's forces a break.

　In fact, wars aren't fought all the time at all hours. In a previous world, there was even a Hundred Year War, a war that lasted literally 100 years. However, after repeated battles and truce, it finally lasted for 100 years. The war between humans and demons is similar.

But now, although it's only for a short while, it's still peaceful. We have to stretch our wings once in a while.

"?　Does your master have wings as well as the Demon King?

"That's not what I meant by 'spread your wings'. It's an idiom meaning to take a break.

Oh, I see you're right I'm sorry.

　Sati, who turns away in shame, is probably blushing so hard that even her ears are red. It's a funny thing.

'Satie, you don't mind taking a break from time to time, do you?　I used to leave them to take care of themselves during the war. It's important to have time once in a while to do what you want to do, to do what you want to do.

'I'm my master's maid and what I want to do, I'm not really sure what I want to do.

So what's the fun in it?　When I'm doing this, I feel at ease or upbeat.

'Ummm ... oh!　I enjoy it very much when I'm making a meal for my master. It makes my heart feel fluffy.

Okay.

　After all, she is a maid to the core. She is the type of person who feels satisfaction in doing something for others rather than herself.

　I don't think there's anything wrong with that, but as an employer, I think it's a shame that she's so selfish.

Then why don't you try cooking something that takes a long time to prepare?　Well let's say........for example, curry.

Curry?　What kind of food is curry?

'Oh, you don't know. Well it's a thick, filling soup seasoned with several spices. It's served with rice or bread. It's brown in color and spicy in flavor.

'There is such a dish, isn't there? What exactly are spices?

'Ummm ... it would be easiest to understand if I had some ready-made curry powder. As I recall, I used to add pepper, turmeric, saffron, cloves and nutmeg. Well, I don't have any specific ingredients. I don't care what the ingredients are, as long as it gives it taste, color and spiciness. You put the powder and the bouillon together and stew it. I like to use potatoes, carrots, onions and meat.

Curry powder...you mean special curry powder. If you can use any ingredients, does that mean I can make my own original curry?

Yeah. Satie's original curry. I'd love to try it.

I understand!　This sati, I'm sure I'll make up a curry to suit your master's taste!

"...you don't have to be so tense, okay?　It's just a way to relax.

　I said it, but Satie didn't seem to hear me. It seems that she is completely occupied with making her own original curry.

　But to be honest, I'm looking forward to it.

　Satie's cooking skills are as good as those of the best restaurant chefs in Ivalice. He is going to make his own curry from scratch. It is understandable that this is exciting. Being Japanese in a previous life, curry is a family affair. It's been a long time since I've had it, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

　----The next moment, as we were talking about this, the space in front of the office desk was empty.
　The next thing you know, the space in front of the office desk suddenly became limp and distorted.

"Hey, back off, Satie.

　Quickly giving instructions, I pick up the circular snake staff that I had propped up on the desk and stand up.
　The distortion of this space is due to the 《transference》 magic.