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Amy said she came to check up on me, but that was obviously not everything. She also wanted to discuss the current situation of our books and how we’ll proceed. I hadn’t given her the manuscript for the next release, even though the new school term started, so sales numbers were really low.

“Well, considering everything that happened I can’t really blame you though. At least the losses I suffered weren’t major, so don’t worry.”

Translation: I’m sorry for what happened. But try to make it up for me, okay?

I think I’ll have to do something more for her to be satisfied.

“You heard that? Don’t worry about the books then.”

Olivia doesn’t understand what Amy was hinting at, taking what she said at face value. I’d feel more relaxed if that was the case. I actually like how she handles topics like that, and that’s why I’m comfortable making business with her. Either way, I’ll have to think of a way to make it up for her.

Now that I think about it, I’ve been working myself to the bone every single day of my life. But it’s not like they forced me to do that, helping Ophelia and then Olivia is just so much fun I can’t help myself.

But the next day Oliva tells me to relax and do nothing. I really want to get back into the rhythm of things and help around the house, but I didn’t want to make her worry more, so I just remained laid back like she told me.

I’m not even wearing my maid uniform. This is the first time I’ve had so much free time ever since I came to this world.

At least I can read as much as I want now.

During the last break from school I had taken various books from Ophelia’s study, including novels, textbooks, reference books, basically anything that caught my attention regardless of genre. I always had them in my magic storage, but never had the time to read them until now.

I finish a book and close it, taking a deep breath. Looking outside I see the sky has already gained a red tint. I don’t get hungry as a magic automaton, so it’s easy to lose track of time when focused on reading.

But I should start thinking about preparing dinner now. And where is Olivia? She left earlier saying she would do the laundry, but I haven’t heard from her since.

Someone knocks on the door just when I’m about to stand up. Who could it be?

Olivia usually lets herself in without knocking, and we aren’t expecting any visits. Wondering that, I open the door, and the moment I see who it is I remain speechless.

“Milady, your dinner is served.”

It’s… a maid. It’s Olivia… wearing a maid uniform. She bows politely as she greets me like that…

“…”

“Natalia?”

Olivia’s black eyes peer into mine and my brain finally starts working again. But I still can’t figure out what’s going on here.

“Umm… Young Lady, may I ask what you’re doing?”
“Heheh, thank you for asking. I’ve made dinner today to commemorate your return, and to thank you for everything you did before. The maid uniform is just to enhance the ambiance a little.”

Wait, really? The sentiment is more than enough for me. But the way she looks all proud of what she’s done is also really cute. Olivia is really cute. I almost wish I had a camera to take a picture of her and then go show it to Ophelia’s grave.

“But what about those clothes?”
“These? I borrowed them from you.”

Wait, is this why she insisted on doing the laundry earlier? She really didn’t have to go through the trouble though. I have plenty of identical outfits, and even if they get damaged I can fix them with alchemy. Somehow knowing she was wearing my clothes feels a bit embarrassing though.

“Does the size fit you?”

My maid uniforms were tailor-made to my measurements by Ophelia. Olivia has grown as tall as me, but there are other dimensions that might not match.

“My chest feels a bit tight, but other than that I’m fine.”

Ah, she’s actually overtaken me then. I’ve always been kinda proud of my chest though…

…But I’m not mad or anything, okay?

“Now, let’s get to the dining hall.”

Olivia leads the way, and when I enter I notice the walls have been decorated a bit, and Amy is there with around five other students.

“Ah, Natalia actually woke up.”
“I’m so glad.”
“Congratulations!”

Everyone looks glad to see me back. I recognize these students as the ones that eat with us whenever the dorm mother has a free day.

“Things got a bit crazy while you were inoperative.”
“Mhm, I’m really glad you can help out with cooking again.”

Olivia usually eats a lot, so I really don’t feel like I was doing much those days. They always covered the expenses for their shares anyway. Though I guess they appreciated the convenience of not having to leave the dorm.

“Alright, I’ll go bring the food then.”

Olivia goes to the kitchen and I sit down with the other students.

“I’m really glad you got to wake up though.”
“Olivia looked so worried all the time.”

I see. All that time I was worrying about protecting Olivia, but she also worried about me while I was gone.

“We were also worried about you though.”
“Mhm me too.”
“Nah, I’m sure you missed her food more than anything else.”
“I-I was actually worried! And I’m thankful she’s back too!”

Hearing them talk like that brings a smile to my face. I never noticed before, but it seems everyone appreciated my food more than I realized.

“But it’s not just us, everyone is grateful for you Natalia, even the seniors that already graduated, and the students that haven’t arrived back from their break.”
“Mhm, and that’s why…”
“I really hope you can forgive us.”

What?

“We couldn’t stop her no matter what we tried.”

What are they talking about? Before I can ask, they all step away.

“Sorry for the waittt~”

I nervously turn to Olvia and the plate she’s bringing.

“Th-Thank you for-”

This is the second shock I’m having today. What… am I looking at?

“This is Olivia’s special stew.”

STEW?! But this looks more like bubbling purple slime with coal and ashes mixed in?!

“This was my first time cooking so it might not look the best, but I really put my best into it.”

She tells me with a slightly embarrassed smile. That’s not fair! I have no choice but to eat it now!

I grab a spoon and scoop up some of the stew (if it could even be called that) and plunge it into my mouth before I could even smell it.

“Ghgh!”

An intense pain assaults my tongue and spreads to the rest of my body. I feel like I deserve a medal for not throwing up right away. But what is this thing?! It’s awfully sweet, bitter, sour, and spicy all at once!

Unappetizing doesn’t even cut it to describe it! This is basically as bad as the pain Flute put me through!

I look up and see Olivia is watching me very attentively, looking forward to my reaction.

…Argh whatever!

I take a deep breath and take a second spoonful.

“It looks like you’re having fun then.”
“I mean… okay, I guess you can call it fun.”

After I relate all my experiences so far, she smiles happily while sitting next to a flower bed, where she came to see me.

“And so, how’s Olivia taking it?”
“Well… she seemed pretty stressed with what happened to me, but I don’t think she got fed up with me at least. I guess she appreciates my loyalty enough?”
“Loyalty… only that?”
“Hm? Is there anything else? Like if she thinks of me as family?”
“Listen now…”

For some reason she massages her temples while sighing. Why is she reacting that way though? She built this body so I could support and help Olivia, and I thought I was doing just that.

“Nevermind. It’s not something I should intervene with, it’ll all depend on what Olivia does.”
“What do you mean?”
“Forget I said anything. Also, I think you should be heading back soon or you might not make it.”
“Huh? That can happen?!”
“Just look at yourself, you were barely visible at first but you’re looking more solid now. If you fully materialize here it’ll mean you actually died.”

She’s right, I looked more like a shadow when I first got here, but now I can hardly see what’s behind me.

“Wh-What should I do then?!”
“Don’t worry, I’ll send you on your way.”

Saying that she stands up and slowly raises her palm at me.

“Divine thunder, tear through the skies.”
“Huh? What are you-”
“Show the world your might.”
“Wait, no-”
“Lightning of Wrath.”
“Gyaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!”

Ophelia’s powerful lightning magic knocks me away from the entrance to that world and back to reality.

“…a! …ta…a! Natalia!”
“Hah?!”

Olivia’s voice shakes me awake.

Huh? I feel like I was just talking to Ophelia, even though she passed away, was that a dream? Or had I actually gotten that close to dying?

“That was so weird. It seemed like you were eating and then you just froze.”

Oh right, I’m supposed to be eating Olivia’s special cooking right now.

“My apologies, Young Lady.”
“No, it’s fine. But maybe you should try eating a bit more to regain your spirits if you still aren’t feeling the best. There’s a lot left so eat as much as you want.”

Olivia innocently picks up a piece of charcoal with a fork and brings it close to my mouth.

Through the corner of my eye I see the students huddled together. One of them is crying, another is trembling while embracing her head, and another is covering her eyes while shaking her head.

Yeah… I know.

After that I kept getting bounced between the Gardeland mother and daughter many times.

I guess this is what it feels like to be murdered. By who you ask? By both of them.

Eventually I figured out that I can open my magic storage inside my mouth and pretend to eat while throwing away everything that got in my mouth. I’m sorry Olivia. But I feel like I’ll actually die if I finish eating all of this.