Chapter 75: Miss Patricia and Roll Cake 

　The man in charge of the farm returned with a man in uniform. He was probably the security. The man questioned me in an intimidating manner. I kept the message magic active so that Henry-san could hear our exchange.

“Miss, how did you get in?”

“I climbed over the fence with a ladder.”

“You were going to steal vegetables, weren’t ya?”

“No, I wasn’t. I heard someone crying, so I called out to them from the top of the fence before coming in. Since there was no answer, I assumed it was an emergency and entered. The young lady said she couldn’t walk, so I carried her on my back. That’s all. I’m sorry for coming in without permission.”

　I was the one who had trespassed. I was worried about Sophia, so I apologized profusely to get it over with quickly.

　While I was answering about my name and address, I heard a rustling outside the hut and the door was opened. Kyrias-kun was the first to enter. Behind him was Mr. Henry.

“I’m sorry, Mai. This is my farm. You, this person has no need to steal. She helped Patricia, didn’t she? Let’s end the interrogation now. Come on Mai, let’s go.”

“But, Mr. Kyrias, sir!　She was trespassing.”

　The man in the knight’s uniform didn’t seem convinced, but fell silent when Kyrias said in a quiet tone, “Don’t make me repeat myself.”. Then Mr. Henry said, “I’m Henry Howler, the Head Civil Servant. She’s the woman I’m dating. If there’s anything, please contact me or the Howler family from now on,” he calmly asserted.

　The man in the knight’s outfit was just doing his job. There was nothing wrong with that. I bowed to him, said, “I’m sorry,” and left the hut.

　First of all, I apologized to Kyrias and Henry.

“ I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. I am truly sorry.”

“It’s fine. Contacting me was the best decision. What exactly happened?”

　As we walked, I explained the details of the situation to Kyrias-kun, who comforted me.

“Thank you for what you did for Patricia. You wouldn’t have been able to judge her condition from the top of the fence, and never mind that you went in there. But still, you did climbed over that fence with a ladder, right?”

　He chuckles. Yes, I did. It was quite high to get over.

　Kyrias-kun went straight back to the castle. I got on Iris with Mr. Henry and hurried to the “Hideaway”. Mr. Victor was in the store and Sophia-chan was playing with him.

“Mai-tan! Fee-chan told grandpa, ‘No!’”

“Huh?　What do you mean, “No”?”

“Sofia insisted on not opening the door and wouldn’t let us in. She was obeying Mai’s instructions carefully.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about that!”

No, no, no. Be that as it may.”

　Victor looks up at the wall as he steps outside.

“Did you go over that? It was so obvious to us that on the other side of the wall was the Marquis of Halford’s plantation. We forgot to tell you that.”

“No, I was trying to take the shortest possible route, and I didn’t think it through.”

　Most people would probably take the time to go around the fence and contact the property owner. But what would they do if they found someone who didn’t respond to their calls and had collapsed? People can die in a matter of minutes.

“Mr. Victor, I’m sorry to have called you when you’re busy. Sophia, thank you for letting me know about the crying sound. It’s amazing. Sophia can hear sounds that I can’t hear at all.”

“I can hear a lot, Fee-chan, when I’m woof-woof!”

　Victor tells me.

“Dog-type beastmen are superior to ordinary people in terms of athletic ability, hearing, and sense of smell. Anyway, I am glad that both the young lady and you are safe.”

　With that, Victor went back to his work.

“Mr. Henry, what should I do if something like this happens again? If I prioritize my own safety, I should find the main gate and report it, even if it takes a long time, but if my priority is the life of the person who fell, I think I should climb over the wall.”

“I agree. If the person who had collapsed had had a heart attack or was choking on something, they would have died during the detour.”

“I realized that I still don’t understand the priorities of a world where the nobility have so much power.”

　I must have looked dejected. Mr. Henry looked at me with a very kind expression.

“Next time something like this happens again, please do what you think is best so that you will not suffer from regret.  The most important thing to me is that you don’t have to suffer. And if anything else happens, please rely on me again.”

　Saying this, Henry also returned to the castle. Was this the best course of action? Yes. Next time, I’ll rush over with a potion. I lived out my life once, riddled with regret.

　And I’ll figure out a way to do it without relying on Mr. Henry.

“Mai-tan, how are you?”

“Hey. Can I smell you, Sophia-chan?”*

“Sure.”

　I put my face against Sophia’s cheek and take a deep breath.(Oh, it smells so good!) and sniffed her until I was satisfied. Strangely enough, she didn’t smell like a dog. I’ll have to sniff her next time she transforms.

　Sophia gently stroked my hand and said, “There you go. You’re a good girl.” I guess that’s what she’s always told.

　A few days after that happened.

Mr. Kyrias and  a girl with a sprained ankle came to “The Hideaway”. The girl was carried into the store by the knight in his arms like a princess. It was eleven o’clock and there were no other customers, which was fine, but the casual vibe of the store and the girl being carried like a princess were completely at odds with each other. The girl, who was gently placed on the floor as if handling glasswork, looked at me and says.

“I am Patricia Scholes, the eldest daughter of the Count Scholes. I heard from Mr. Kyrias that you had a frightening experience. I thought I should visit you and apologize and thank you in person. I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you. Please forgive me.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was my fault for entering without permission.”

　Once the two of them were seated, the knight left the store.

 “Patty, everything here is good. You can look forward to it.”

“Oh really? I’m looking forward to it, Kyrias-sama.”

　Suddenly, Miss Patricia looked toward the kitchen.

“Is that your child?”

　When I turned around, Sophia-chan was peeking out from between the curtains, looking my way. Her plump cheeks were pink with excitement.

“No. I only look after her in the morning. Sophia, don’t peek at the guests.”

“Feee-chan, I want to see the princess! You’re so beautiful!”

“Oh, my. Thank you.”

　Miss Patricia smiled elegantly, and Sophia’s breathing became even more intense. I hope she doesn’t get too excited and turn into a dog. I quickly retreated to the kitchen, sat Sophia in a chair, gave her a picture book, and waited for Kyrias-kun’s order.

“Stewed meatballs for two. And something sweet after the meal, if you have.”

“Yes, sir.”

　I quickly laid out the food and served the roll cake last. I was glad I had made the roll cake for my own enjoyment.

　Illustration (By Mitemin)

　They were happy with the meatballs and the roll cake too.

　Miss Patricia was apparently ten years old, and when she left she was smiling and looking as cute as her age. In seven or eight years, she will be a shining, beautiful young lady. She and Kyrias-kun, who was escorting ever so gently, looked very well matched.

　After Karin-san and Sophia-chan left, I got busy dealing with takeaway orders for hamburgers and hot dogs in addition to the lunch customers. I wonder when those young monkey-type beastmen will come.

　Mr. Henry came over after closing and we had dinner together. In the middle of that, there was a knock at the door.

　I was about to get up, but Mr. Henry stopped me with his hand, opened the door, and was discussing something with someone. After they finished talking, he looked back at me.

“Mai-san, he is a servant of the Howler family. Apparently the Scholes family has asked for you to teach them how to make the meatballs and cake that Miss Patricia ate today, and they will pay you.”

“I don’t mind, but what are bout the mincer?”

“Hmmm. ……”

　The man is asked to enter the store. Mr. Henry looks thoughtful.

“I guess the young lady must’ve really liked your cooking. Also, since I told her that I was your boyfriend, it probably also serves as an apology to the Howler family. I’m sorry to bother you, but is it okay if I give a reply to the Scholes family after consulting with my father first?”

“I don’t mind. I will leave it to you.”

　“I wanted to relax a little longer,” said Henry, as he headed to the Howler house with the male servant.

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