I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 6.20
The timeline is set five to six years after “Duel (6)” and one year before the continuing canon.
Early summer. The warm and gentle air signaled the end of spring, and the season of gently sweating had arrived. However, the daily work remained unchanged. I, Shion, diligently carried out the tasks assigned to me.
Until the previous year, I had been fully dedicated to being a secretary for Lord Zex and his family. But this year was different. I had been entrusted with the responsibility of training the new maids.
Why me, you may ask? At first, I wondered as well. However, after hearing the details, I understood. These newcomers were intended to accompany Lord Zex and his companions when they enrolled in the academy. With only a year until practical training, there was no one better than me to provide strict guidance.
…I had always felt it, but when it came to education and training, Lord Zex became incredibly strict. Should I bring it up and offer some advice?
Well, it’s fine. The hardship is only temporary, and it will strengthen them. Besides, it has been a little over a month since I started the training. I felt that a touch of rigor was necessary for those unique newcomers. If I ease up on my guidance due to the advice, they will surely become uncontrollable.
Once again, I can’t help but wonder how those girls managed to pass the rigorous selection process of Forlanada. The number of applicants has been increasing every year, so the content of the examination must have been quite challenging. It’s impressive that such unconventional individuals made it through.
“Senpaai! I’m done cleaning the windows!”
Suddenly, someone called out to me.
The person with a casual tone and speech that was difficult to call respectful was one of the new maids. Her name is Garna, a girl with blue hair tied up in a chignon. Just like her tone, she has a carefree personality.
“Garna, can you do something about your way of speaking?”
With a sigh, I made the umpteenth remark, and Garna responded with a wry smile.
“Hahaha. Senpai, you never learn, do you? I speak properly in front of Count-sama, his siblings, and the guests, so isn’t it fine?”
“It’s not okay. You don’t know who might be watching or listening.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sigh.”
Garna showed no signs of reflection whatsoever. How did this girl manage to pass the selection process?
However, when it comes to sensing presence, she is exceptional. If anyone gets even a little closer, she notices it perfectly. Perhaps she doesn’t feel the need to reflect because she’s confident that no one will hear her slipped-up speech.
But work is work. Next time, I’ll have to break that inflated ego of hers. Even though she excels at sensing presence, she can’t compare to me, who has overcome hellish training in addition to my original duties. Hehehe, be prepared.
While inwardly smirking, I asked Garna.
“What about the other two?”
Besides Garna, there were two other newcomers under my care. I hadn’t seen them yet.
Garna tilted her head.
“I don’t know? When I finished, they seemed to be close to finishing as well.”
“Well, let’s wait a little longer then.”
As predicted, the remaining two soon appeared.
“The assigned task has been completed.”
“We’re done.”
One of them was a serious-looking woman with hair the color of a thousand grasses tied up in a single ponytail, wearing glasses. Her name was Teria, and among the three newcomers, she was the least troublesome.
The other woman had deep purple eyes and hair, giving her a somewhat sleepy half-lidded look. Her name was Maron, and in a way, she was more of a problem child than Garna.
More than half of the newcomers were problem children. It’s giving me a headache.
“Good work. And Maron, speak properly.”
“Ehhh, it’s such a hassle. There are only the usual members here, right?”
She said in a relaxed tone, similar to Garna.
While feeling a headache coming on, I shook my head.
“Still, fix it.”
“Muuu, fine.”
Maron, unlike Garna, obediently nodded. That’s one thing about her that makes her easier to handle. But that’s the only thing. She has a glaring flaw.
“Rumors turn into shadows.” Maron’s bad habit is triggered.
“Grrr…”
“Wake up!”
“Mnyaa… I’m sleepy.”
“We’re still working, so endure it!”
“Yes…”
Maron’s bad habit is prioritizing sleep over anything else and dozing off regardless of the situation. If you give her a proper warning, she’ll wake up, but she’s an employee who always makes me anxious if I’m not constantly watching her.
How did she get hired? Well, I understand that she’s talented. Among the active servants, she has a high level of skill that can compete for the top spot. She has an incredibly fast memory. Maron’s characteristic is that her strengths and weaknesses are too extreme.
“What should we do for the next task?”
Timing it after the chaos has settled, Teria asks in her serious tone.
Among the three newcomer maids, Teria is the only one who provides some relief. She may lack flexibility, but she is diligent, has no notable flaws, and smoothly completes her work. She’s a soothing presence. Teria is the healing one!
“Well, let’s have you learn a new task next.”
“Understood.”
“Oh, fresh tasks are exciting!”
“It’s bothersome… but I’ll do my best.”
Each of them responds in line with their respective personalities.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Teaching and guiding them is a challenging job, but I find it rewarding. They are my direct juniors for the first time, so although I know they will be troublesome, I’m happy about it.
That’s why I want to be a respected senior to them.
Well, I do hope to have a little more relaxation as a senior though.
“This isn’t part of the gardener’s job, is it?”
Suddenly, Garna voiced her dissatisfaction.
We are currently in the garden of the Makoka Mansion, cleaning the gazebo at its center.
I reprimand her.
“This is our job as servants. The gardeners are busy with the Makoka flowers,” I explain.
“If there are so many, then I understand,” Maron surprisingly agrees.
As she says, the number of Makoka flowers is staggering. I read a report recently that stated it exceeded 300,000. Now, besides creating magic-enhancing potions, we have also ventured into selling decorative flowers. Thanks to each flower being worth tens of thousands, Folornada’s finances are on the rise.
Because of the scale of this operation, we have dedicated gardeners for the garden. It’s understandable that they wouldn’t have time to manage the gazebo.
It seems Garna’s previous comment was just a complaint. Garna seems to understand the situation as well and lets out a sigh, saying, “I understand.”
“But isn’t cleaning here quite bothersome? It’s inconvenient not being able to use magic. Can’t it be a little easier?” Garna suggests.
“No, it’s not allowed. If magic is used carelessly, it could have a negative impact on the flowers. Endure it,” I respond firmly.
Certainly, even simple tasks like preparing water can vary greatly depending on the presence of magic. However, since the Makoka flowers belong to Lord Zexus, even the slightest risk is unacceptable.
When I firmly refuse, Garna slumps her shoulders.
“Then, can we at least chat while we work? I want to liven up the mood a little,” Garna pleads.
“Such unnecessary distractions…”
“Please!”
“Sigh…”
Being begged so desperately makes it hard to refuse. It seems I still have some lingering weakness. I’ll consider it a challenge for the future.
“Just a little, and remember, you can’t stop working,” I concede.
“Thank you!”
Garna jumps with joy and promptly resumes her work. She’s really in good spirits.
“What should we talk about during our chat?”
Maron asks the question, and Garna smirks with a mischievous smile.
“At times like this, there’s a classic choice: love talk!” Garna suggests.
“You mean like a sleepover with friends, right? That’s…” I respond, finding the topic choice quite absurd.
As I express my exasperation, Garna tilts her head in confusion.
“Oh, is that so? Well, it’s fine, isn’t it? I just want to talk about love!” Garna insists.
“If that’s the case, then you should be able to provide a topic to discuss, right?” Teria, who had been quietly cleaning all along, interjects. The way she raises her glasses gives the impression that she has a strong interest in love talk.
Garna, on the other hand, smiles wryly.
“Hahaha. I guess it has to come from me, huh?”
“Of course,” I affirm.
“Well, I have someone I like. Lately, I’ve found someone who fits my ideal type,” Garna reveals.
“Oh?” I inadvertently let out a sound of surprise. I had assumed Garna just wanted to pry into other people’s love lives. It was unexpected for her to provide a topic of her own.
Maron asks, “Have you confessed to them?”
“Not at all. They haven’t even noticed me, so I have to start by getting to know them,” Garna replies.
“It’s surprising that someone like you isn’t even noticed. Your appearance is quite attractive,” I comment.
“Senior Shion, please don’t emphasize the ‘like.’ It’s simply rude,” Garna retorts.
“It’s the truth,” I reply.
“It is indeed the truth,” Teria agrees.
“Both of you are terrible!”
Setting jokes aside, it’s true that Garna has an appealing appearance. In fact, all three of the new recruits have remarkable looks. The men around them wouldn’t leave them alone.
“Do the three of you have any romantic experience, including past relationships?” I ask out of curiosity, thinking it might provide insight for approaching Lord Zexus in the future.
“Oh, Senior Shion is getting interested too. Unfortunately, the answer is none. I have high standards,” Garna replies.
“No way, it’s too much of a hassle.”
“I have a boyfriend.”
“Eh?!”
Garna and Maron’s answers were as expected, but it was a shocking revelation that Teria had a boyfriend.
As the three of us widen our eyes in surprise, Teria tilts her head.
“Didn’t I mention it before? My boyfriend used to work at Foranada, so I joined here,” Teria explains.
“Oh, I see. I was wondering why top-ranked Teria-chan wasn’t working at the royal palace, but that explains it,” Garna remarks.
“Surprisingly passionate,” I add.
“At the time, even the faculty members were surprised,” Teria recalls.
It’s understandable. If level-headed Teria prioritizes love, anyone would be surprised.
It’s interesting how the conversation takes an unexpected turn.
As I marvel at this, Garna speaks up.
“Now it’s Shion-senpai’s turn.”
With Garna’s words, I realize that it’s not a situation where I can avoid talking.
Wait, do I have to share too?
When I look around, the three of them are looking at me with great interest. Especially Garna, whose eyes are sparkling.
“As an elegant and mature woman, Shion-senpai must have plenty of romantic experience. I would love to hear your insights!” Garna says with excitement.
“Um, well…”
“We’re looking forward to it.”
“Um, well…”
Cornered by Garna and Maron’s pure expectations, I struggle. What would happen if I were to say, “I’ve never been in a relationship and I’m devoted to Lord Zexus”?
However, my dilemma comes to an abrupt end because Teria drops a bombshell.
“I’m very interested in the intimate moments you’ve shared with Lord Zex,” Teria says.
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
The room falls silent at Teria’s words.
“Oh… Shion-senpai, you are dating Lord Zex, aren’t you?” Teria continues to press.
We finally regain our senses.
“Wa-wait a minute. Hold on. What? Shion-senpai and Lord Zex… Huh?!” Garna stammers in shock, while Maron nods in approval.
I, too, am bewildered.
“Why… Why would you think that?” I ask.
“If you were paying attention, you would have noticed,” Teria says with a perplexed expression. It seems she was well aware of my feelings. Well, I’d like to believe it wasn’t so obvious since the other two hadn’t noticed.
Oh no. I feel like disappearing into a hole. I never expected my subordinates to expose my feelings like this.
I cover my face with both hands.
Observing my state, Teria speaks.
“I see. So you’re not at the stage of being in a relationship yet. I apologize for the assumption.”
She apologizes with a composed expression.
Retracting my previous statement, Teria is not a source of comfort. She’s a super-class natural airhead. These three new recruits all have peculiar sensibilities. Is this another trial, Lord Zex?
After that, I am bombarded with questions as expected. I swear never to engage in love talk with them again.