Chapter Text
*** This story takes place before the Offering Dance
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It is winter time at the Bauer Kingdom. It has been snowing non-stop since yesterday that most of the students have not been able to go outside.
"ACHOO!!"
"Goodness Rae, never would I have expected you to get sick of all people"
Claire Francois exclaims as she places a warm towel on Rae Taylor's head.
"Don't worry Claire-sama, I'm fine."
Rae groggily said and then tries to get up.
"I'll get back to wo- ACHOO!!"
Rae sneezes and falls back on the bed.
"Stop being stubborn. You are in no condition to work. I have already requested for a temporary maid to take care of my needs. You only need to rest and recover."
"But serving Claire-sama is my hob-- is my job! I can't let anyone else take my place."
Rae says sulking.
Claire sighs and flicks Rae's forehead, at least someone is happy.
"I think you almost said something annoying, however, no one is taking your place. As I said this is only temporary until your fever has subsided. For now I need you to rest and recuperate."
"Claire-shama worried about me makes me incredibly happy hehe. Claire-shama ish wonderful."
Rae slurs her words as she starts to drift to sleep.
"Honestly, even when you are sick you never fail to give me a headache."
"..."
Surprise at the lack of response, Claire looks at Rae and sees she's fast asleep.
"Sigh, finally she's quiet."
Claire stares at Rae's sleeping face.
"If only you are calm like this everyday, you would be so cute."
Realizing what she just said, Claire blushes and looks at Rae again to see if she heard it.
"zZzZz.."
Rae is out for the count.
"Sigh, I guess I should let her get some rest and I still have some errands to do. Misha did mention she will be back as soon as she can. Hmm..."
Claire walks towards a basket and on the basket is a tiny transparent blob. It's a baby Water Slime. Claire holds out her hand towards the slime and it jumps on Claire's palm.
"Ralaire, I need you to be a good girl and look after Rae for me? If she starts saying things I need you to find me, do you understand?"
"Mhh!.."
Ralaire bounces up and down seemingly trying to say she understood.
Claire pats Ralaire's head and places her back in the basket.
"That's a good slime. Then I leave Rae with you."
Claire opens the door and glances at Rae one last time.
"zZz.."
"Fufu, Rae's sleeping face is just adorable."
Claire giggles as she slowly closes the door.
Ralaire determined not to disappoint Claire, gets off of her basket and observes Rae intently.
After a few minutes, Rae starts mumbling something.
Ralaire moves closer to Rae to hear what she's saying.
"...ku.."
"..dai..ku...-sama.."
Rae continues to mumble words as Ralaire listens intently.
"...Claire-sama....many...Daifuku.."
Ralaire bounces up and down finally understanding what Rae wants.
Remembering what Claire said, Ralaire immediately heads towards the door and twists the knob, effortlessly opening it bouncing off to find Claire.
"...Claire-same...you bought too many Daifuku...I can't eat anymore..."
It would appear Ralaire may have missed a vital information before leaping into action.
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