3. "Every day life with Dear Milord. Milord, I lo..."
I've decided to call him "Dear Milord".
Since he's not my family, calling him "Onii-sama" would sound odd. But since I am not his servant, calling him simply "Master" would be strange as well. And we're not too far apart in years to call him "Uncle".
That's why it's "Dear Milord". At first, he wasn't happy about that, but soon after he started to warm up to it.
Dear Milord, the laundry is finished.
Is there anything else I can do for you?
Ah... that's right. I'll go clean the room.
Eh? ...no, I'm... it's really not too much work for me. It's just that Milord hasn't fully recovered from his wounds yet, so it's only a matter of course that I want to return a bit of a favor.
So, if there's anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to tell me.
...ah, would you like to eat meat? Then I'm going out hunting. I'll get some tasty meat, just for Dear Milord.
...no? But... I won't make any mistakes, and even if a monster attacks, no problem.
...fine. I understand.
Well... I'll go clean the room then.
* * *
...phew. That should do it.
Ah... the sun's already setting.
...once in a while... I should make dinner.
Milord still hasn't fully healed yet, so he can't cook. Recently we eat nothing but simple meals, like meat and vegetable sandwiches.
...but even I can do as much as cook. I still remember the taste of mother's cooking for my human father. Besides, I helped her out many times...
...alright.
I'm gonna make a lovely meal that will delight Dear Milord.
* * *
...
What on Earth did I even make here...?
...what is this?
I did cook meat and vegetables together, but this is...
How come it's turned out black as coal...?
...but it's the same like Mother always made it...
Uuu…….
There's no way I can serve this to Dear Milord...
Mi-, Milord?!
No, I uh, I mean... thi, this is a magic experiment, you see. I gave it a try, and I had a little blunder...
...yes.
...I'm sorry. I just... I wanted to make dinner for Dear Milord... but it turned out like this...
Ah... no, Dear Milord! I can't let you eat this...!
...eh?
It's... delicious?
...p, please. Don't lie to me just to spare my feelings. Instead, I have to apologize...
...honestly?
It might not look like much... but the taste is delicious?
...really?
Mh... ahm, mgmg... chew.
Hm...
...no, it's really not that good. But I guess... it certainly is good enough to eat.
B, but it's not praiseworthy at all. I still made a mistake...
Uu...
...say, Dear Milord.
If you've got any time to spare...
Could you please teach me how to cook?
I mean... I'd like to make tasty meals for Dear Milord...
...a half elf cooking for a human sure is strange, isn't it?
...
...thank you very much.
I'll do my best to please you, Dear Milord.
But first.. we'll have to do our best to eat up Milord's charred meal...
No, I'm going to eat it all up. Milord, please have a normal sandwich...
...geez.
...Milord is just too kind.
* * *
Night. Just about bed time.
Recently, Milord and I go to sleep in the same bed.
Milord's would has healed considerably, but something isn't right. Should the wound hurt again, I sleep right next to him, so I can look after him right away.
Dear Milord.
Could I sleep next to you again tonight?
...yes, thank you very much.
No, it doesn't bother me...It's just my duty to look after your wound. It's only natural.
Besides... sleeping beside you feels very relaxing.
It's warm and gentle ... I feel much more at ease than when sleeping alone.
So if I'm not being a nuisance, I'd like to join you until your wound is healed.
...I'm being so selfish here. Please forget what I said, Dear Milord.
Dear Milord? If you don't mind, can I ask you a question?
...yes.
Does Milord have a lover, at the moment?
...you don't? Really?
No... I was just wondering, that's all.
But there's no woman who could ignore such a kind and wonderful person like you.
....no, I really mean it! I don't know anyone who is more amazing that you, Milord!
Miilord, you have been nothing but kind to a stranger like me... Milord, you have completely turned me around. With Milord around, my heart feels really warm.
That's why... I find it so strange that you have no one.
If it was me, I would never leave your side.
...ah. Eh, uh... Uhm... I... what am I even saying?
Ah... no uh, that's no what I meant, right now...
Uh, uhm... p, please forget what I said.
I, it just came over me because I'm really sleepy. It's time to go to sleep!
Go, good night, Dear Milord!
...what did I even say?
Certainly, Milord is wonderful... being with him makes me happy... and warms my heart...
...he's so stunning...
I...
* * *
The wound has healed, Milord.
A little scar might be left behind... but it's already completely closed.
You won't need those bandages anymore.
...
...ah, no. It's nothing.
It's just... that. Now that I look at your body... you sure look strong.
Ah... n, no I didn't say that!
Ah, yes, clothes! Here's your clothes, Milord! Please put them on, or you'll catch a cold!
Milord, congratulations to your recovery!
Uuuuh... I uh... I'm gonna go clean up now!
N, no Milord! I'm really fine! I'm not blushing... it's just too hot! There's nothing I'd feel shy about...!
Please excuse me!
Uu, uu...
I'm so strange...
I should be glad that Milord's wound finally healed...
...I can't look him straight in the eyes...
...this shouldn't be happening...
Uuu...
* * *
M, Milord?
*ahum*... a cart has arrived...
Uh... is that the merchant from the other day?
He seems to come by regularly, right?
...I see. Since Milord doesn't leave the house much, you ask this merchant to bring you the necessities?
Ah, yes, I understand. He's waiting for you. If anything happens, please let me help.
Looks like you talked to him for a long while, Milord.
What did you buy? Food, medicine... and clothes. And then these cloth pieces, are those ribbons?
Eh... clothing, for me?
Ah... no, I mean... Certainly, I've been borrowing nothing but your clothes, but... that you would buy clothes for me...
I mean... it's such a waste of money...
But...
...Dear Milord.
...it makes me happy.
That you... very much.
...uh, should I try it on right now?
...yes♪
How... do I look?
...cu, cute? That is... that can't be... It's because the clothes and the ribbons are so pretty...
...thank you very much.
I have never worn such pretty clothes before. I've always had to wear crude rags and such...
Really... I'm so very happy. Dear Milord.
And also... the size fits perfect. And the ribbons are so adorable...
Perhaps, you had them ordered from the merchant when he came here last time?
...fufu. Milord. What would you have done with them if I ran away in the meantime?
...no. I have no intention to run away anymore. Please let me stay here until Milord lets me go.
Milord...
I am truly thankful.
...but.
My chest hurts.
Milord only gave me something.
Apart from my house work, Milord really does everything himself around here. I have nothing to return the favor.
There has to be something I can give him back.
The thing only I can do.
That is...