Chapter 48

BBQ (2)
"Are you all eating enough?"

I called out to the group of the private soldiers.

"Ah, Young lady. Thank you so much for today."

[Thank you very much!]

Everyone expressed their gratitude.

"Ah... Y-you're welcome... uh, eheh."

The unexpectedly loud response startled me, and I ended up stumbling over my words. I tilted my head and smiled to cover it up.

[Oh no, she's adorable!]

For some reason, everyone’s faces turned red.

Did they drink too much because of my sudden loud voice?

"So, how is it? Are you all full?"

"Yes, it's been a long time since I’ve had such delicious food..."

That was Nat, who spoke up.

Among his peers in the private soldiers, he’s the smallest, but his nimbleness is his strength in combat.

"Hehe, no need to force yourself to use formal speech. And please call me by my name."

"No, no, no, that’s—"

"Ah, it’s okay. My Father has already approved of being called by my name."

"Young lady J-Joan... I’m not used to formal speech, but I’ll try my best."

"Eh, you really don’t have to force yourself! I’ll be visiting the private soldiers’ dorms often, after all."

"Are you really going to teach us cooking?"

This came from Gan, who asked curiously.

He’s the third son of a family that runs a carpentry and woodworking shop. With his sweet looks, he’s known to attract attention from girls whenever he’s in town. He’s also a classmate of Brother Noel and currently works part-time with the private soldiers on weekends.

"Yes, I’ll be the one teaching, though I’m sorry if I’m not very good at it. I’ll do my best, so please look after me."

I conveyed my enthusiasm and bowed my head.

"Ah—please raise your head!! I-I’m just a commoner!!"

"Even so, I believe that whether someone is a noble or a commoner, it’s only proper to bow one’s head when asking for a favor."

"Does Master know about this?"

Mats, a veteran swordsman among the private soldiers, asked. He was part of a monster subjugation squad, like Al.

"Of course. Everyone in the manor knows I bow my head when making a request."

"You’re really something else, Young lady Joan."

That comment came from Martin, who had crafted the iron plates and grills for the barbecue. As the blacksmith's second son and a classmate of Gan, he also works part-time with the private soldiers on weekends.

"Hey, Martin! That’s rude!"

Orki, with his striking purple hair, scolded him.

Orki is the tallest among the private soldiers, and I feel like my neck might snap when looking up at him.

"It’s fine, Orki. Being unique isn’t a bad thing—it’s my individuality. However, I won’t stop bowing my head. To me, it’s a matter of etiquette for everyone."

[......]

"And I’d like to get along with everyone in the private soldiers, so formal speech is banned, okay?"

"Are you sure about that? Won’t it be disrespectful?"

"It’s fine. I’ve already discussed it with my father."

Of course, I had already received permission. The only condition was not to force anyone. To emphasize, I added:

"Please? Is it not okay?"

I clasped my hands together and tilted my head sweetly.

I tried imitating my youngest grandchild, Niko. When he does this, it’s incredibly effective—even my son was completely charmed.

"Hold on a moment."

Orki spoke, and the group huddled together to discuss in hushed tones.

"What do we do?"

"No, it’s impossible, right?"

"But... I can’t say no after such a cute request from Young lady Joan."

"She said her father already gave permission."

"Then it’s fine, isn’t it?"

"Yeah."

"If we stop using formal speech, maybe we can become closer."

[Yeah.]

Finally, they returned.

"So, what’s the verdict?"

"Alright, we’ll speak casually. But in exchange, will you teach us to cook?"

With a friendly smile, Martin asked.

"Yes, of course! I’ll do my best to teach you—let’s get along."

I smiled back at him.

[She’s so cute!!!]

Alright, now they don’t have to force themselves to talk!

This marks the private soldiers and the kitchen as my new safe havens.

I clenched my fist in a small celebratory gesture.

The private soldiers watching this were...

(She’s dangerously cute!)

(Am I the only one who wants to hug her?! Is something wrong with me?)

(I want to carry her.)

(I want to pat her head.)

(She’s 5 now... only a 6-year age gap. Is this possible?! But she’s a noble… Though it’s hard to believe she’s Gene’s sister.)

Suddenly, my perspective shifted upward.

"Yo, Young lady. Are you enjoying yourself?"

It was Mr. Abe.

"Geez! I said not to call me Young lady—use my name!"

I puffed out my cheeks in frustration. Strangely, the younger members’ faces turned red.

"Hey now, Young lady, don’t make that cute face. The youngsters might get the wrong idea."

Mr. Abe pinched my cheek playfully.

"Hm?"

"Well, if you don’t get it, never mind. Hey, you lot, if Young lady’s going to teach you cooking, you’d better behave!"

[Yes!!]

And so, I was finally accepted by the private soldiers.

Next, I decided to visit the servants.

I need to hand out some “bribes” to make things smoother for myself in the future.

Still in Mr. Abe’s arms, I was carried over to the group of servants.