Chapter 49: Back to Work

Iro rose from his bed and stretched. The past few days had been a blissful break, with Zeltaria granting the mansion staff a full five-day vacation before calling everyone back to duty.

Uniforms were back in play, meals were a group affair, and the housework was expected to be top-notch as always.

Iro opened his closet and selected one of his maid uniforms, slipping into it with ease thanks to Aranya’s expert tailoring.

The garments were soft and silky, yet surprisingly durable, a fact that never failed to impress Iro. No matter how much he tugged or pulled, the fabric never gave way.

As he adjusted the intricate lace collar around his neck, he sighed and glanced out the window.

It was a beautiful, sunny day. The kind that made you want to lounge in the sun all day, but he knew today marked their return to the mansion’s routine.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He quickly answered, his face lighting up when he saw Mika.

“Hey there, pup. Cerys is waiting downstairs. You wouldn’t want to keep her waiting, would you?” she said, twirling lazily as she headed for the stairs. Mika had spent most of her vacation glued to her phone or computer, video chatting.

Iro suspected Beck was already planning another visit, but he wasn’t certain. He didn’t think ~he~ was Beck’s main concern anymore, even though he knew they’d have a blast whenever she arrived.

“Got it, I’ll be right down,” Iro called after the feline, who waved over her shoulder and hopped down the stairs with a carefree air.

Iro finished dressing, pulling on his stockings, the final piece of his uniform. Once he was fully dressed, he headed out, closing the door behind him.

The thigh-high stockings left his toes and heel exposed. A sturdy band of spider silk ran under his sole, keeping the stockings in place, and he appreciated the sensation of his paw pads against the floor.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he saw that most of the mansion staff had gathered. Mika was already lounging in a chair, and Cerys seemed to have given up on trying to coax her out of it.

Airy was perched on Skalla’s broad shoulders, and the shark woman seemed unfazed, simply propping up one arm to give the avian more room.

Skalla gave Iro a small nod as he arrived, and Aranya waved at him from her corner of the room.

“There he is. Good morning, Mister Iro. I trust you’re well-rested? Unfortunately, work resumes today,” Cerys said warmly. The vacation had clearly done her good; she looked more relaxed than Iro had seen her in weeks.

Iro returned her smile. “I’m well-rested and ready to get back to work.”

“~That’s what I like to hear~.”

Everyone turned to see Zeltaria approaching, with Holly trailing behind her.

The purple-and-gold dragon had spent most of her vacation adjusting to her new form, and Iro could tell she was still a bit unsteady on her feet.

But she had made remarkable progress in becoming comfortable in her own skin. It made him smile.

Cerys bowed her head in greeting as Zeltaria’s presence filled the room. Tall, with freshly polished hooves, recently buffed horns, and her imposing black dress already on, Zeltaria never failed to command attention.

“The mansion is fully staffed, Master Zeltaria. What are your orders?” Cerys asked, her voice taking on a formal tone.

Zeltaria surveyed her friends, family, and staff with a knowing smile, a look that suggested she had a personal task in mind for each of them. And as she began to speak, Iro had a feeling she did.

“Skalla, we’re hosting a banquet tomorrow, so start planning a menu. I’m expecting thirty to forty guests.”

The shark woman nodded, her expression shifting from casual confidence to deep concentration.

“Airy, I have some deliveries for you to make. Cerys will give you your messenger bag and the addresses. Can you handle that?”

Airy nodded eagerly, saluting with her feathered arm. “Airy can! J-just…need map.”

Zeltaria smiled warmly and nodded. “We can arrange that. Aranya!” she called, drawing the attention of the spider girl hiding in the back corner of the room.

“I’d like you to continue practicing your knot work. Your…practice dummy is downstairs.”

Aranya blushed, but her eight spider eyes sparkled with excitement. She clasped her hands together and nodded eagerly, her two front legs tapping in anticipation.

“Mika. You’re in charge of indoor cleaning. Start at the front and work your way back. Whatever you don’t finish today, we’ll complete tomorrow.”

Mika sighed but shot Zel a playful grin. “You got it, boss.”

Finally, Zeltaria turned to Iro. “And for our canine friend, you’ll handle the outside. Can you manage that? The shrubs are getting a bit unruly.”

Iro nodded. “I’d be happy to. It’s good to be back to work.”

Zeltaria smiled at Iro. “I’ve also arranged a little…~help~ for you. I think you’ll appreciate it.”

The Succubus clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Lastly, our ~guest~ downstairs is starting to come around, and we might be getting a new maid soon.

“As for Holly and me, we have a meeting today to wrap up last week’s chaos. We’ll be back before nightfall. Any questions can be directed to Cerys.”

Cerys nodded slightly, and Zeltaria dismissed them all with a wave of her hands. “Thank you, everyone. Let’s get to work.”

The group dispersed, each heading in their assigned direction. Airy followed Cerys to her office for instructions, Mika waved teasingly at Iro as she stayed inside to dust while he had to work outside.

Iro didn’t mind and headed for the door, glancing back to see Skalla disappearing into the kitchen and Aranya scurrying off towards the basement door.

Iro left the mansion, a bounce in his step, making his way toward the tool shed. He stopped in his tracks, though, as a familiar scent wafted his way. Turning, he found Alethria, her face lit up with a smile, and a few other dryads by her side.

“Zel asked for some help, said I’d know who to bring. Hope you’re okay with it,” Alethria, the dryad matron, said, her voice warm and inviting.

Iro nodded, moving in for a quick hug and a kiss. He pulled away after a moment, turning back toward the shed.

“Wouldn’t want it any other way.” He quickly explained what needed to be done and where, and Alethria’s dryad helpers scattered, using their natural abilities to influence the growth of the estate’s plant life.

Alethria shot Iro a smile as she moved toward a neglected part of the grounds, motioning for him to follow. He picked up his gardening tools and trailed after her.

As he walked, Iro glanced up at the old brick mansion. A smile tugged at his lips. One thought filled his mind as he looked ahead to see Alethria waiting for him.

~I love this job~.

^The End^