Chapter Text
Sakuya's POV:
A new day…
I’m not exactly sure what I was hoping for when I thought that. It's not like anything new was about to happen.
As usual, I got up and changed my night dress to my maid outfit. I stepped out of my room and walked across the hallway, making sure my footsteps weren't loud.
It is still early in the morning, so it is naturally quiet as the rest are still sleeping—As a maid who has been working here for what felt like centuries, I know better than to wake up the fairies who will most likely make a mess.
And it was a mess that I did not want to clean.
While I walked, I made a mental checklist for today's schedule.
Preparing breakfast, cleaning the left wing, brewing tea for the mistress’ afternoon tea, serving tea to Patchouli and cleaning the library, check on Meiling’s guard duty, ensure the fairies do not cause more chaos than necessary…
And a whole lot more.
But it was work I was used to.
And it was work I had to do.
As the Chief Maid of the mansion, I had an appearance to uphold.
However, it feels like I am forgetting something… But I am not exactly sure what it is exactly.
Suddenly, my legs made a reflexive sharp turn to another hallway—My body was too used to the layout of the mansion.
But as someone who maintained the inner spatial structure, it was a complete given.
So, I finally stood in front of the kitchen door and reached for the doorknob. I stopped as my hand touched the knob, hearing humming from the inside. Once I opened it, my nose picked up on the smell of tea.
When I entered the room, I came face to face with someone.
His posture left much to be desired due to the fact that he was slouching a bit while wearing a butler's outfit. I could feel an eye twitching because the collar wasn't properly adjusted and the bowtie looked crooked.
Right, this is what I forgot…
He stopped humming. Those eyes that should belong to a delinquent grew wide, and so did his smile.
“Morning Sakuya!”
He greeted me with a casual smile and a happy wave. I simply bowed and walked to the kettle that was boiling—From the smell, I can tell that it was the morning tea I usually prepared.
Natsuki Subaru.
Someone we hired recently.
From the way he spoke, we deduced that he was an Outside World human—despite the fact that when we found him, he wasn't wearing clothes that would fit the Outside World.
I turned my head and faced our new employee.
“What were you doing?”
“I was preparing tea for us! I know the fairies aren't waking up and we need to be energized for the day right?” He explained and grabbed two cups, pouring the tea for both of us.
He was… An odd one.
Yes, odd, that is the word.
Yet, it felt like an understatement.
Despite being a human, Subaru was not really afraid of us, even if he knew the fact that most of the residents here could kill him; in fact, I am a human too—but I had ways of defending myself.
Him on the other hand? He really had nothing. All I know is that he is physically stronger than the average human and his reflexes are good.
He also carried a whip—though he had never properly demonstrated it—he seemed to be confident with it.
Other than that, he really had nothing.
No magic, no abilities, no flight…
If he encountered an average youkai, he might just end up dying.
A heavy sigh escaped my lips, my hands slowly reaching up to his collar; I had to fix both his collar and his bowtie.
“You should always try to look presentable Subaru.” I had to scold him, or he would never learn. A sheepish chuckle came out of his lips, as he rubbed the back of his head.
“Right, sorry, I was in a rush.” He said with a smile, how someone can say that with a smile like that is beyond me.
However, it did make me raise an eyebrow, “A rush?” I don't really know much about him honestly, he wasn't really the type to talk about his past—only that his employment terms were for Patchouli to find a way to send him back to wherever he came from.
Of course, the librarian accepted because a magic gateway was an interesting enough research for her.
Subaru took a moment to answer my question, either he was preparing himself to reveal his past or he honestly forgot about a lot of things…
“Hm… Well… It's just… Back at this old mansion I used to work at, there were only two maids who managed the entire place… Well, technically one but that's besides the point. When I was hired, there was a lot to do; so, most of the time I had to wake up early to get started or else Nee-san would have kicked me out of bed.” His answer only raised more questions for me.
A mansion… Which was odd because I’ve heard recently that the Outside World does not really do them anymore, not to mention about the ‘technically one maid’ part…
However, it isn't within my standards to probe one's past.
So, I decided to let it go this one time.
Unless the situation demands it, I will most likely have to look past a lot of things about this strange boy.
Still, Subaru is, in his words, a ‘huge upgrade’ from the fairy maids since he was actually capable.
It made managing the mansion a lot easier.
With a sigh, I flicked his forehead, “Well, put those skills to use and help me prepare breakfast.”
“Yes ma’am!”
He theatrically gave a salute and grabbed a bowl. Right, his loud boisterous personality was the reason the mistress decided to hide him.
“He will make the mansion livelier, Sakuya! Also, a hyperactive butler would boost the authenticity of my mansion!”
Those were her exact words.
Though, knowing the mistress, she most likely had other reasons she did not want to speak out.
But I won't ask, it's not like she will answer.
“Uh… Sakuya?” I turned my head to face Subaru, looking through the cabinets, “Where did you put the mustard?”
“Why would you need that?”
He turned around and snapped his fingers with a wide grin, “Because I'm preparing the condiment for kings- er, queens!”
“... What condiment?” I tilted my head, I’m not exactly sure whether I should take him seriously or not… Well, he seemed to have a lot of useless skills, so maybe I should trust him this one time?
“It's called mayonnaise! I’m sure you will like them!”
“... I know what mayonnaise is Subaru.” I could feel myself deadpan, I don't understand why he was acting all dramatic like that.
“No way! It doesn't matter if you know it or not! Mayonnaise should be there for every household! It's a must have!” He countered with a happy grin.
…
“... The mustard is in the pantry.”
“Oh, thanks Sakuya! You won't regret it!”
I’m sure I won't.
I grabbed the cup and took a sip… Hm, a little bit too sweet for my taste; though, it's not like I talked about my preference to him.
He suddenly chimed, “How would you rate my tea, oh wonderful senpai?”
“A bit better than what the fairies can make that's for sure.”
“I’ll take that as a 10/10!” He said with a peace sign.
It's no longer quiet with him around.
And somehow, it wasn't as bad.