Master’s Smile

C132 – The Lady and The Happy Maid

Long time no see.

It’s been a while, but it seems like you haven’t changed at all, Mel?

“Yes. Because of a certain stupid young lady, my body can’t grow anymore.”

“Ara? Were you talking about me, by any chance?”

I dismounted from the horse and gently patted Mel.

She’s about the same height as Laladi so it’s very easy to stroke her head.

Looking back from my old memories, Mel certainly showed no sign of physical growth at all.

I would be worried if she were a normal human being, but she’s actually a vampire’s retainer, so it comes as no surprise.

“Who else could it be but you? You’re still ‘huh’ as ever.”

“What do you mean by ‘huh’!?”

Mel lashed out her sharp tongue at Vampir while still being patted by me.

…Eh? These girls have, more or less, a hierarchical relationship between a vampire and her retainer, right….?

Though, they’re both quite lively, so I guess there’s no problem.

Speaking of which, I heard that the reason why there are no people right now is because of the “Assembly of True Ancestors”, but what’s that?

“It’s a meetup of “true ancestor” vampires, like that stupid young lady over there, who set up the policy for the vampire territory. Although there are only a few of them, they still wield tremendous power.”

Mel told me while scoffing.

She was obviously mocking Vampir, but…Vampir didn’t seem to notice.

Rather, Vampir was looking content being told that she’s strong.

I only know of one true ancestor other than Vampir, which was overthrown long ago…or rather, it was the one I defeated, but he was certainly very powerful.

There can’t be that many vampires with that much power, can there?

…But then again, can our Vampir make a decision that would be influential enough to move the entire vampire territory?

…Will everything be fine? I’m very, very worried.

I’m still proud of her, you know? That Vampir, who is like my own daughter, is in a high position with so much responsibility.

But she’s stup-…ahem, not very flattering nor smart….

I’m concerned if she will make strange decisions.

“I’m grateful for your concern.”

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“What? What were you discussing? Allow me to join as well.”

Mel, who was sympathetic to my feelings, and Vampir, who had no idea that this was about her, came up to me.

Well, this kind of silliness is cute, though!

“Speaking of, why are you here, Mel? I thought I placed you in charge of the house.”

“Master-sama was coming here, so I came to get him.”

“Ara, is that so? Quite admirable, you are…Eh? What about me?”

There was no need to welcome me, though….

“No, no, Master-sama is my benefactor. This kind of thing is not a big deal. Besides, the vampire territory must be new to you, so please allow me to at least show you around.”

“He’s my Master!!”

I see. If Mel is willing to go that far, then I’ll be grateful for the favor.

She must be calling me her benefactor because of the time I first met Vampir and Mel.

Well, it’s not something I should recall now, so I digress. But still, I didn’t do anything to be called a benefactor in the first place….

And Mel is right, I rarely visit this place, so it was very helpful that she came to show me around.

I’m sure I’ll be fine because I’m with Vampir, but…I honestly don’t trust her that much…and I’m scared we might even get lost.

“Well then, I’ll take you to the idiot’s mansion.”

“Hey! Is that idiot person supposed to be me!?”

…These two are really close, indeed.

I can’t believe they are a master and a servant.

◆

With Mel’s guidance, Vampir and I were able to get to the mansion without getting lost.

It’s the mansion that she owns in the vampire territory.

As a true ancestor vampire, she was also given a magnificent mansion.

…Fufu~ even if it doesn’t look that amazing to me, I’m still proud of her.

It’s nice that we’ve arrived at the mansion, but….

Why am I wearing a butler uniform?

“It looks great on you, Master-sama.”

Mel clapped her hands and looked satisfied for some reason.

Why, thank you.

I’m not completely sure if I’m being dressed for an occasion, but I was praised.

…So? Why am I wearing a butler uniform?

“Vampir-sama will now head to the venue for the Assembly of True Ancestors and Master-sama is going to accompany her, right?”

Yeah, well…I was going to use my far-sight magic to watch her if I’m not allowed, though….

“It’s already hard for normal vampires to enter the venue, so a heavenly being like Master-sama, more or less, a human Master-sama! Would probably not even be allowed to enter.”

I nodded at Mel’s explanation.

I see. If even vampires are not allowed to enter, then it’s only natural that I, who are considered as food, won’t be either.

Nevertheless, I wonder why she used words like “heavenly being” and “more or less” so strongly.

I’m actually an ordinary person, you know….

“However, the only exception to this rule is that the true ancestors are allowed to bring one companion. So, if you want to follow Vampir-sama, the only way is to be her companion.”

Yes, yes, I understand.

But, I don’t see the point of wearing a butler’s uniform.

I guess a companion means a servant for the vampires.

…Wait? Can I even be her companion?

Wasn’t this originally Mel’s role?

“Ah, no. It’s not like I wish to follow Vampir-sama.”

…I’m sure if Vampir heard that, she would make a fuss again.

“Besides, I also….”

Mel mumbled in a tiny voice.

Hmm? I wonder what she said?

Nevertheless, Mel reminds me of that girl in “Yelquchira”.

That girl being Schwarz, who is also a maid and has difficulty expressing herself like Mel.

Well, their appearances are totally different, though.

Mel has pale skin like a vampire, whereas Schwarz’s skin is tanned brown.

Also, in terms of height and style, Schwarz has more…, well, let’s not go any further.

“Heee, I’d like to meet and talk with her once.”

Sure, If you want, I can introduce you.

I’m sure Schwarz doesn’t have any friends outside of guild either, and I’d feel a lot safer if Mel became her friend.

Fortunately, both of them have something in common: Vampir.

“Speaking of which, I’ve heard that in the kingdom, there are many relationships between servants.”

Mel suddenly clapped her hands together.

W-What’s up with her all of a sudden?

Well, I guess it happens, doesn’t it? I think it was called “workplace romance”?

If they are living and working in a place like the royal castle, the only place to meet is indeed, at work.

…And, what about it?

“No, I just think we look exactly like them now.”

Mel nimbly came up…and snuggled up to me.

I have a high tolerance for “Yelquchira” members, but it will make me agitated when other girls besides them approach me…or not.

Well, I mean, what can I say…. Mel has a very childlike figure, like Laladi.

Honestly, it would be dangerous to even feel that way…as a human.

It only feels like I’m dealing with a spoiled child, though….

“Heeey! Are you still not ready yet!? I’m fed up with waiting!! I’m opening the door!!”

With a bang, the door blew open, and in walked Vampir, the impatient young lady.

“Ara, Master! You are so wonderful! I wish you could be my eternal food!”

I thanked Vampir with a smile as she praised me with twinkles in her eyes.

…Was it my imagination that her words sounded a little disturbing?

“A-n-d y-o-u!!”

After giving me a round of compliments, Vampir turned her crimson eyes to Mel, who was glued to me.

“Why are you snuggling up to Master like that, Mel!?!”

“Because I’m a maid.”

No, it has nothing to do with being a maid.

“You can stick to Master if you’re a maid!?”

No, you can’t.

Vampir and Mel were arguing with each other.

I’ll be, they are both really good friends.

It must be good for Vampir, who is rather selfish and never bends her own opinion, to have someone outside the guild who she can argue head-on with.

I hope they will continue to get along well together.

“Good grief!! It’s not proper for a servant to try to approach Master!!

“It’s been a long time, so I’m a little pent up.”

“What are you saying!?”

…I’m glad they’re lively.