CH 56

56 – Florence’s Desire

Arriving at the entrance, Celine was standing there before I knew it – the sheep steward who did not ride in the horse carriage we took from the outdoor theater to here.

「Welcome back, milady, master.」

「M-master?」Since this is supposed to be my house and she’s a steward, I guess that’s not so weird?

「Apologies for the late introduction. I am Celine. I serve as milady’s secretary.」

「O-oh. I’m Rain, nice to meet you.」

「One of my duties is to manage and maintain the Rain Manor, and after the Master’s arrival, I will act as an intermediary between you and milady. It is a pleasure to serve.」Celine politely bows.

「Uhh, I haven’t decided whether or not I’ll be living here yet.」

「Is that so? Does something displease you?」

「No, nothing like that.」

「Now, now, Sebastian.」

「It’s Celine, milady.」

According to what Florence said later, she calls Celine Sebastian because that’s just what a steward should be called. I’m not sure I get it, but I guess that’s a common name for stewards or butlers? I guess it doesn’t matter if she’s a woman.

「Why don’t you show him around first?」said Florence.

「…You are right, milady.」said Celine.

When the door opened, there were maids all lined up to welcome me. 「These maids, butlers, and gardeners are permanently stationed here, awaiting the day Sir Rain arrived.」said Florence. She says it so simply, but this must cost a substantial amount.

After that, we passed through the entrance hall decorated with a huge portrait of me and the two of them showed me around the mansion.

Anyway, there were so many rooms that I thought there were an infinite number of them. It was overwhelming. Other facilities included an outdoor pool for a large number of people to enjoy, a stunning garden, and there’s even a sports field.

「This is really amazing…」I said.

We arrived at the gazebo built in the garden. It was a simple structure built with pillars and a roof. There was a table and chairs arranged under the roof of the gazebo. I suppose this mansion was built under the assumption that you could gaze at flowers in the garden while sipping tea.

I sat opposite Florence and enjoyed the tea and baked goods that Celine brought to us. Then Celine stepped away, perhaps for the sake of her mistress.

「What do you think, Sir Rain?」

「Yeah, it’s a nice place.」

Smiling with joy, Florence holds my hand in hers.「Isn’t it quite so?! Lodgings at the Royal Castle are wonderful, I’m sure, but it is important to have a castle of your own. A place to return to.」

「You might be right…」

「Indeed. We can arrange for the children who you are currently spending time together with, as well as any others you desire, to stay with us at the manor. If I’m not mistaken, Lejie’s older sister is assigned as your maid?」

Despite Eleanor preventing our reunion, talk about me seems to be the topic among the other Seven. She must have heard about Ferris through Lejie.

「You’re right. I think this place is really nice…」

「…I sense a “but” coming.」

Even when I was with the Saviors, there were those who tried to give us a residence; but their offers were based on their own self-interest to keep us there. Greed. They wish to monopolize the Savior’s power.

But Florence is different. Much like the other Seven, she wishes for my happiness and prepared a place for me to return to.「…But, this isn’t something I can decide right away.」

Florence cast her eyes down sadly for a moment, she quickly smiled again.「Then, please, do let me know once you have an answer.」

「Sure, I got it.」

It was already evening. Illuminated by the evening orange glow, the garden looked like a fairy-tale scene. I stood up and gazed at it.「Florence.」

「Yes?」

I look at her.「Thank you for preparing a house for me, despite not knowing if or when you might meet me again.」

Florence froze. She popped open her fan and hid her face. I noticed her face was turning red when I saw her ears, which couldn’t be hidden by her fan, turning red.

「P-please, this isn’t worth a mention… I only wished to repay you even a fraction of the favor I received from you, Sir Rain.」

「That makes me happy.」

「Hau…! D-do you think you could stay? Just for today? I shall provide you the utmost in hospitality.」

「Sorry, I gotta go back today. I didn’t tell anyone about me going out today. But I think staying over is fine. Is it alright if I bring everyone by next time?」

「Why, of course!」Florence immediately replied, her face beaming as it emerged from behind her fan. But that face soon looked lonely.

「However, I don’t believe Eleanor would be pleased about Sir Rain meeting me… This may be the last time we meet…sob」Hiding her mouth with her fan, Florence looked up at me as her eyes tear up.

「I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but it’s not like you hate each other, right?」

I don’t sense any hatred from Florence when she talks about Eleanor.

「That…well… Our paths may have diverged, but we are comrades who have gone through the same pain…」

「If that’s the case, can’t you two reach a compromise? Let’s set up a meeting. I’ll talk to Eleanor when she gets back.」

「If that is what you say, Sir Rain, then I shall try.」

It was time for me to head back, I started up the Teleportation spell. Before it activated, I called out to Florence.「If anything comes up, feel free to come visit me just like the others.」

「In that case, I shall visit you every day.」

「Every day might be a problem…」

「Every other day, then.」

「That…well, let’s discuss that next time.」

Wanting to change the topic, I say what pops into my head.「Oh, right. Show me around the festival. No, wait, you’re the promoter, so I guess you’ll be busy?」

「Not a problem! Leave everything to me!」

「I’m looking forward to it.」Then, I returned to my room in the Demon King Castle.