January 2024 Short

A Beautiful Housekeeper, A Former Viscount’s Daughter, Captured My Heart and Stomach

Author: Izumi Akira

“Welcome back.”

　

Upon arriving home, I was greeted with a three-finger salute, causing me to stiffen involuntarily.

What is this? Who is this?

Surely I lived alone, right?

I thought it was strange that the lights were on.

　

“Master Carter, you may have forgotten, I’m…”

　

The woman looking was familiar.

　

“You’re Ms. Sato, aren’t you? Of the Lalique family?”

“Oh, as I expected from Master Carter. You have an excellent memory.”

　

She seemed genuinely surprised, but how could I forget?

Sato Lalique, a black-haired beauty with cool eyes, is the daughter of the former Viscount Lalique.

We were in the same class at the Universe Royal School of Study, where she was known as an unparalleled talent, particularly in the field of magic.

However, she withdrew from school voluntarily with one year left before graduation.

There are rumors that her father, the viscount, had passed away and that her uncle took over the household, possibly leading to her eviction, but I’m not sure if it’s true or not.

　

“How are you, Ms. Sato? Your resignation from Universe was so abrupt. It’s been three years since then, and I’ve been wondering about you.”

“I see. How kind of you! I am deeply touched.”

　

Well, it seems that she doesn’t intend to discuss anything significant.

But I was indeed concerned about Ms. Sato.

During lectures related to practical magic, I prefer to emulate Ms. Sato rather than the professor.

Additionally, Ms. Sato is quite attractive.

　

“So, may I ask why you are here, Ms. Sato?”

“Right, I am currently employed as a housekeeper.”

　

A housekeeper is a highly skilled professional maid who can manage all household tasks.

So is she my housekeeper?

I must say I’m grateful.

My life tends to be unpredictable.

　

“Here is a letter of introduction.”

　

I understand that Ms. Sato is highly skilled.

I would hire her if I could afford it.

Although I did not attach much importance to the letter of introduction, it was from my father, the Marquis of Oliver Mackintosh.

　

【Carter. The young lady of the Lalique family had burst in. Currently, Miss Sato is a commoner, but that is inconsequential. She presents a unique opportunity. Make it happen no matter what.】

　

Huh? What is this?

This isn’t a letter of introduction.

You’re telling me to take Ms. Sato, in other words, to persuade her to be my bride, right?

Although you mentioned “the Lalique family”, I only know that they are a Viscount Family.

　

【Furthermore, I will cover Miss Sato’s salary, so you need not worry about it. It would be an unexpectedly auspicious event for you, my second son, to be associated with the Lalique family. Be mindful.】

　

It says that it will be paid for and that there will be connections.

My father’s intentions were clear, but what advantages would come from being related to the Lalique family?

In the first place, if Ms. Sato is a commoner, isn’t there a strong possibility that she was expelled from the Lalique family?

I am unsure of my father’s thoughts.

　

“So, what do you think?”

“Of course, you’re hired.”

“Really? I’m so happy!”

　

Ms. Sato is overjoyed.

I thought she was reserved, but she was surprisingly emotional.

　

“I don’t mind if you’re a commuter or a live-in, but what would you prefer, Ms. Sato?”

“I’d appreciate a live-in position, please.”

“Very well.”

　

For some reason, it seems that she already had the keys to the house.

Well, there’s a spare room.

　

“I’ve made dinner, so please enjoy.”

“Might You Be Goddess?”

　

Did she anticipate the time when I would return?

As expected of Ms. Sato.

I’m really grateful.

I quickly walked to the dining room.

　

　　　　　　　　　　◇

　

“Master Carter. It’s morning. Time to wake up.”

“Hmm…”

“Breakfast is ready. Please proceed to the dining room.”

　

Plenty of salad, white fish meuniere, with ham and eggs.

My ideal breakfast, so perfect that it brings tears to my eyes.

I am unable to prepare it myself.

Due to my job as the personal attendant to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I am required to be able to move around at a moment’s notice, and since I may find myself on the battlefield, it is ideal for me to be able to do everything independently.

As a general rule, we should not have servants except for the wife.

　

“This soup is most unusual. It tastes very rich.”

“It is a miso soup that has recently appeared in the Royal Capital. It appears that there is a desire to promote it, hence the significant discount. Is it to your liking, Master Carter?”

“Yes, it’s delicious. Will you marry me?”

“Ohoho. I’ll consider it.”

　

She thought I was joking, apparently.

Ms. Sato is beautiful and highly capable, and I couldn’t ask for more.

In the end, is she that concerned about the difference in status?

Nevertheless, since my father, the Marquis, approves of our relationship, I see no issue.

　

“Thank you, Ms. Sato. I enjoyed it very much.”

“Well then, have a good day.”

　

I’m sure it will be a fun day.

　

　　　　　　　　　　◇

　

“Carter, what’s going on with you lately?”

　

During my office hours, I was questioned by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Cornelius.

What was the question?

　

“What do you mean?”

“Look in the mirror. That is not the face of a man at work, who should be focused and relaxed.”

　

What a terrible thing to say.

Ah, but His Highness Cornelius is engaged, isn’t he?

　

“May I ask a question, Your Highness?”

“Hmm? Well, I’ll allow it.”

　

It was rude to answer a question with a question, wasn’t it?

The trust between His Highness and I will not be broken by something like this.

　

“What is love?”

　

Is something wrong?

His face was so strange that I couldn’t believe he was the same person who complained about people’s faces earlier.

　

“Carter, you…”

“There’s a wonderful woman. I keep asking her to marry me, but she just laughs and brushes me off. I wonder what I’m doing wrong?”

“You! There is a woman you are in such an advanced relationship with? And you never told me!”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Who is it that a simpleton like you is in love with?”

“Her name is Ms. Sato.”

　

As I thought, if the other party is a commoner, there will be opposition.

I am also aware of the power dynamics among the high-ranking nobility.

　

“Sato? That’s an uncommon name. I recall that the young lady of the Lalique family was named Sato.”

“That’s her, Ms. Sato.”

　

I was surprised.

I can’t believe that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince remembers the daughter of a Viscount.

Is it because Ms. Sato is beautiful?

　

“Oh, that Lalique family. Good for you, Carter!”

“Huh.”

　

Isn’t this the same tension that my father, the Marquis, expressed in the letter when he said, ‘Do whatever it takes’?

　

“Ms. Sato, she’s a commoner now.”

“What? Is your father, Lord Oliver, opposed to it? If you need help persuading him, I will assist you.”

“No, my father is also in favor.”

“Then there’s no problem, is there?”

“The main issue is that I can’t get Ms. Sato to accept it.”

“Hmm…”

　

His Highness Cornelius tilts his head for the first time.

I’ve been discussing this from the beginning, but we’ve gone off on a tangent.

　

“What could be happening?”

“Even if you ask me, I’ve never seduced a woman before.”

　

I understand.

His Highness, he’s been engaged since before he could remember.

　

“Don’t women admire strong men?”

“Oh, as expected of Your Highness! That may be so.”

“Carter, aren’t you the strongest magic swordsman in the kingdom?”

“Even if I proposed to her, she wouldn’t accept.”

“Hmm, have you ever revealed your strength before Miss Sato?”

“…… No, I haven’t.”

　

Although I won the swordsmanship tournament in our final year at Universe, Ms. Sato had already left the school.

It was even later that I discovered magic and acquired my current favored sword.

　

“Also, you only perform civilian work.”

“I am a close attendant to Your Highness, so it’s only natural.”

　

Actually, not many people know me for my skills.

Given my position as Prince Cornelius’s last shield, it might be better that it is not known.

　

“Hmm, Carter’s house is warded, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Then, there will be no intrusion by unscrupulous people… then outside.”

“Outside?”

“Yes. You can go out to dinner or go shopping with Miss Sato.”

“A place that sells interesting wares, but is an unsafe place to be? Is this a strategy to vanquish the ruffians who attack us? I know a good place.”

　

Ms. Sato appears to have an interest in exotic seasonings and spices.

There are very few stores on the main street that carry particularly rare items.

I’m probably more familiar with the backstreets of the capital, so I can show her around.

　

“It’s a date. A chance to get to know each other.”

“The problem is that I don’t get much time off.”

“Circumstances being what they are. I’ll help you.”

“Thank you. But what is the Lalique family?”

　

I thought I was asking lightly.

However, His Royal Highness had a surprised look on his face.

　

“…… Didn’t you ask Lord Oliver?”

“I haven’t.”

“I’m a little reluctant to talk about it. Carter, you have a right to know if the engagement to Miss Sato has been decided, so I’ll tell you as much as I know.”

“Okay.”

　

If His Highness is saying this, I should listen without interrupting him.

There seems to be some kind of important secret.

No doubt it has to do with the Lalique family, but Ms. Sato seems to have left the house.

I don’t understand the connection.

　

“It is of no disadvantage to you. That I swear.”

“No, it’s enough.”

　

There is no doubt that Ms. Sato is a beautiful and wonderful person.

I’m looking forward to my day off.

　

　　　　　　　　　　◇

　

“It’s a pleasure to shop with you, Master Carter.”

“Me too, I’m glad the weather is nice.”

　

On my next day off, I went out to the city with Ms. Sato as planned.

I’m really having fun.

I’m so euphoric.

　

“I apologize for the inconvenience of carrying the luggage.”

“No, it’s fine. This is the responsibility of a strong man.”

　

I feel that Ms. Sato’s eyes are gradually becoming more favorable toward me.

If I continue like this, she will likely accept the marriage proposal.

I’m excited.

　

“That’s right. Ms. Sato, it seems that you have an interest in rare seasonings.”

“Yes. Whenever I come across a new spice, my mind races with excitement about how to use it.”

“Then, shall we go to a store in a backstreet?”

“The backstreet? Um, I have heard that it is unsafe because it is beyond the reach of the military.”

“It’s true that the security measures are inadequate. However, because of that, the land prices are low, so they sell rare items that would be unprofitable to sell in the stores on the main street.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But never go there without me to accompany you. It can be dangerous.”

“Of course!”

　

Haha, I was as good as promised another date with her.

A man in love is a schemer.

We walk down the alley.

　

“It’s a very complicated and confusing area, isn’t it?”

“Unlike the main street, the pathways and architecture are not so well laid out. Here we are. Gran, are you here?”

　

We entered the store.

An old woman, the storekeeper, opens her eyes wide.

　

“Oh, this is a surprise. If it isn’t the second son of the Marquis Mackintosh. I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“This old lady is reputed to be the most knowledgeable in the capital when it comes to medicinal herbs.”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed. It’s all thanks to Gran that I excelled in Pharmacology when I was a student.”

　

My father was the one who informed me about this store.

Pharmacology is not a compulsory course, but it is often chosen by high-ranking nobles to gain knowledge about poisons.

　

“Isn’t this young lady a beauty? You smooth operator.”

“She’s a good cook in search of rare spices. I believed Gran’s store might carry some.”

“Yes, I have a wide variety of spices. For sale.”

“It’s only natural to sell them in a store.”

　

Ahaha we laugh at each other.

　

“If you have any recommendations, please let me know.”

“Very well”

　

Gran, of course, is very lively, as is Ms. Sato.

I’m sure she’s really enjoying this.

　

“This herb is not yet common in the capital, but it’s easy to grow. Can you plant a field at your home, miss?”

“May I plant it, Master Carter?”

“Of course you may.”

“Oh, is she your wife?”

“No, she’s my live-in housekeeper.”

“Housekeeper?

“I’m proposing marriage, but I can’t get her to accept it.”

“Kakakaka! I did not expect a wealthy man like you to get rejected. Where is she from?”

“The Viscount Lalique”

　

Gran’s expression changes.

What is it?

　

“The Lalique family? Then, you are Lady Sato?”

“Y, yes. Do you know me, Gran?”

“They’re after you. Quickly run away.”

“What do you mean? What do you know?”

“Just about ten days ago, a group of people visited this store looking for Miss Sato.”

“Why are they after you, Ms. Sato?”

“I don’t know the details, but it’s an internal dispute within the Lalique family, isn’t it? Then, could it be related to demons? I’ve heard that the death of the previous head is quite suspicious.”

　

About 10 days ago, that was around the time that Ms. Sato approached my house.

Demons? The death of the previous head?

I am uncertain about the situation, but it appears that I may encounter some difficulties.

It’s my specialty, no cause for concern.

　

“Gran, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You are aware of the hazards associated with the backstreets.”

“Indeed.”

　

I leave Gran’s shop.

　

“……”

　

Ms. Sato looks a little pale.

I’m worried.

Hmm? The atmosphere is strange.

I stop and look around cautiously.

　

“I’m sorry, Master Carter. It appears that I have involved you in my affairs.”

“Don’t worry, I’m the one who brought you to the backstreets. Besides, I want to be actively involved in Ms. Sato’s affairs.”

　

The magic power increased, and it appeared.

At first glance, it looks strange, but I see, it’s a demon.

　

“…… Argatus “

“Princess, I’m sorry, but I’m your enemy now. I must restrain you.”

“Damn it!”

“Hey, did you just say you’re Ms. Sato’s enemy?”

“…… Huh?”

“Don’t move.”

“Wh, when did you…”

　

I thrust my sword at the neck of the demon with the head of a male goat.

　

“I am Carter Mackintosh, the kingdom’s strongest magic swordsman.”

“I was not informed of such a guard! H, hot! What kind of sword is that?”

“It’s a little magic sword. It can cut through anything, whether it’s a radish or a demon. You mentioned being Ms. Sato’s enemy, correct? Be aware that any movement on your part will result in your disappearance from this world.”

“Hiyaaaaaah!”

　

This weakling.

He says he’s going to detain Sato?

What a joke.

He deserves a million deaths!

　

“Master Carter. This demon, Argatas, is an old friend. Can’t you help him?”

“Why? He’s trying to harm you, Ms. Sato.”

　

I ask without taking my eyes off the demon.

If the creature attempts to escape, I will immediately cut it down.

　

“He’s wearing a collar, isn’t he? It has a slavery curse. He must have been deceived or coerced into wearing it. Your magic sword should be able to remove the collar. With the slave contract gone, Argatas will listen to me. Please…”

“Okay.”

　

I cut off the collar with a snap.

I don’t trust the demon.

Even now, if he acts suspiciously, I’ll cut him in two.

　

“P, princess…”

“Argatas. How is it that a demon of your stature should be enslaved? I command in the name of Sato Lalique. Answer.”

“I fell into a trap. I thought it was the usual Sabbath, but I was trapped in a barrier. If I wanted to get out, I had to become a slave.”

“How terrible. Did a member of the Lalique family betray the demons?”

“It was the princess’s uncle.”

“Uncle Lao, as I thought. That bastard!”

“Hey, sir. We are originally servants of the princess, who is a direct descendant of Lalique and possesses the most magical power. I was only compelled to obey due to the collar. Would you be willing to assist us with that sword?”

“I won’t listen to you.”

“Master Carter, please.”

“I’ll gladly listen to Ms. Sato’s wishes. Bring them all.”

　

　　　　　　　　　　◇

　

“It is said that the Lalique family is descended from the ancient Demon King.”

“The Demon King.”

　

I’ve brought all the demons into my house and listened to Ms. Sato’s story.

I see, if you are a descendant of the Demon King, it’s only natural that it should be kept top secret.

By the way, my house has a barrier, but the entrance is the only structure that can be freely accessed.

　

Even so, there are many demons.

More than seventy (?) I think.

　

“As a general rule, when the head of the Lalique family dies, the person with the highest magical power among the legitimate successors will become the next head.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“When my father, the previous head of the Lalique family, passed away, I removed myself from the family registry and went into hiding because I knew that my Uncle desired to become the head of the family.”

“However, we opposed it. Because the princess is the next head of the family!”

“The princess may not like conflict, but we support her!”

　

Ms. Sato smiles wryly.

　

“I believed that if I were to remove myself from the family register, I would lose my eligibility for the right of succession.”

“That would have been true if the previous head had removed you from the family registry before his death. However, it is not possible to remove you from the family register after you have become our Lord.”

“The demon’s rules are strict.”

　

That I can see.

　

“I had trained as a housekeeper near the Sacred Mountain, just in case I was followed.”

“Have you been to the land of the Holy Spirit? I thought as much, but I did not express my opinion to the false lord Lao.”

“The other day I met Marquis Oliver at his place. When he asked me to be Master Carter’s housekeeper, I didn’t know what to expect, him being a man of ties. But Lord Oliver was very enthusiastic about it, so I went to visit Master Carter.”

“Hmm, I understand.”

　

Father, Well Done.

　

“If the princess’ husband is someone as strong as Master Carter, then she will be safe.”

“Yes, he’s a great partner!”

“We are all grateful. We hope you will be our lord.”

“The demons are good fellows. Ms. Sato, please marry me.”

“Huh? Um, are you sure? I’m just a commoner.”

“Ms. Sato, I want you.”

　

I’ve admired Ms. Sato since my student days.

She was the reason I decided to study magic.

　

“…… please treat me well.”

“Thank you.”

　

Hooray! I love the way Ms. Sato turns away, blushing.

I hugged her tightly.

Ms. Sato spoke to digress.

　

“Even so, I can’t forgive Uncle Lao. Why did he even consider enslaving the demons?”

“Perhaps he was determined to become the head of the Lalique family.”

　

If his goal was to become a Viscount, he had already achieved it.

In order to become the master of the demons, he had to eliminate the true master, Ms. Sato.

To this end, he had to force the demons into servitude.

Even though the demons resented him, he probably believed that as long as he could become the true head of the family, it wouldn’t matter.

　

“Lao was the one who killed the previous head of the family.”

“What!”

　

Here’s a bombshell statement from the demon.

Ms. Sato raises her willowy eyebrows.

　

“Poison, most likely.”

“I thought it strange that the demons were generally kept out of the scene.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“I have no physical evidence, but the doctor was silenced by the money grabbers. Some of the servants are aware of it.”

“Princess, please bring the false lord Lao to justice!”

“No!”

　

This is unexpected.

She said she couldn’t forgive him.

　

“I forbid everyone from approaching the Viscount Lalique residence. Please comply, and Uncle Lao will surely get what he deserves.”

　

At the time, I didn’t understand what Ms. Sato was referring to.

However…….

　

　　　　　　　　　　◇

　

“I heard that Viscount Lao Lalique has passed away.”

“Eh?”

　

While he was in office, His Highness Cornelius mentioned this, as if suddenly recalling something.

It’s only been about two months since Ms. Sato forbade the demons from approaching the Viscount’s mansion.

　

“The cause of death was bizarre.”

“What was it?”

“Death by emaciation, possibly starvation.”

“Starvation?”

　

That’s terrible.

However, given the Viscount’s actions towards Ms. Sato and the demons, it could be seen as a form of karmic retribution.

　

“As for wooing Miss Sato, don’t you have something in mind?”

　

Not without a reason.

　

“Your Highness, you were aware of the relationship between the Lalique family and the demons, right?”

“Yes. I suppose you have more knowledge on the subject than I do, Carter.”

“For the demons, Ms. Sato was their Lord, but they were forced to obey Viscount Lao with a cursed tool. I used my magic sword to release the spells binding the demons, and they followed Ms. Sato’s lead.”

“I heard that much. And so?”

“Ms. Sato forbade the demons from approaching the Viscount Lalique’s residence.”

“Really?”

　

From here on, it’s just speculation.

　

“What would the Viscount think when he suddenly lost contact with the demons?”

“I see. He would believe that the demons have come to the service of the true lord Miss Sato.”

“Ms. Sato is angry, the demons are angry, and I think the Viscount was too scared to leave the enclosed mansion. The servants who were aware of the situation fled to avoid any involvement in the matter.”

“If the food stockpiled in the mansion is used up, he will end up starving to death. That’s scary.”

“Maybe?”

　

Ms. Sato said that Lao would surely get what he deserved.

Had she anticipated this?

This is a frightening prospect.

　

“As to who will succeed the Viscount. May I ask Miss Sato?”

“Huh? Ms. Sato is a commoner now that she’s been unregistered.”

“All the legitimate heirs have declined. They all agree that Miss Sato should take over.”

　

Haha, the demons persuaded the Lalique family relatives, didn’t they?

　

“Isn’t Miss Sato the most suitable candidate to inherit the Lalique Family, given her support from the demons?

“Understood, I will inform Ms. Sato.”

“Well, Carter will now marry into the Viscount House. I believe congratulations are in order.”

　

Oh, I didn’t realize that I was causing His Highness so much worry.

If I had continued to serve His Highness, I would have become a baronet for only one generation, but it would be better if I married into the Viscount family.

　

“How are things going with Miss Sato?”

“We are madly in love.”

“Damn you.”

　

I’m blessed.

Surrounded by the angelic Ms. Sato and the good-natured demons.

Oh, I want to go home early and eat Ms. Sato’s dinner.

“Hey, Milord. What is the name of that magic sword of yours?”

“It’s called ‘Demon Slayer’.”

“Seriously, do you actually slay demons?”