Chapter 87

The character design has been revealed.

The artist is Abeno Chako!

She is the creator of manga such as "Dantalian no Shoka," "Esca & Logi," and "Gate Gaiden."

---

The chirping of birds, chirp-chirp-chirp, woke me up.

I raised my body and looked around the dimly lit room. Outside, birds seemed to be playing, and their intermittent chirping could be heard.

Reluctantly leaving the warmth of the futon, I got up and headed towards the sliding door.

When I opened the sliding door all at once, the morning sun streamed into the room.

Squinting at the brightness, I stretched and took a deep breath.

The fresh air flowed smoothly into my nose, into my lungs, and throughout my body, giving me a pleasant feeling. I could feel my drowsy body tightening up.

This action has become a daily routine since I was reincarnated into this world.

I tried something similar at the inn in the capital, but it didn't feel quite right.

Probably due to the difference in the air.

As I gazed at the lush green lawn spread across the grounds, a gentle breeze blew, rustling the grass and trees.

It felt as if the nature of Koriatt Village was greeting me in the morning.

"...Good morning."

I muttered this to no one in particular and left my room.

After washing my face at the well and feeling refreshed, my stomach growled.

I thought about what today's breakfast might be as I made my way to the dining room.

When I arrived at the dining room, the entire family, except for me, was already seated.

Well, Elinora-nee was in the awkward position of standing up from her seat.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

I responded to the synchronized morning greetings from the entire family.

If they greeted me one by one, I would have to greet each of them, which would be troublesome.

Probably, the noble people in the capital greet each other individually, saying things like, "Good morning, Father, Mother."

Looking at the table, I saw Elinora-nee snort and sit down.

What's wrong with her? It's such a refreshing morning, yet she doesn't seem to be in a good mood.

While I was thinking this, Silvio-nii leaned over and whispered to me.

"Elinora-nee was just about to go wake you up."

I see, that explains the awkward position.

However, that's something Silvio-nii should do.

When I looked at Silvio-nii with a puzzled expression, he chuckled and said,

"Even if I went, Al wouldn't wake up, right?"

"Ah, I see."

I was surprised by Silvio-nii's reasonable answer.

If I had woken up a little later or had a second sleep, I wouldn't have had such a refreshing morning.

Given Elinora-nee's nature, she would have burst into the room, ripped off my futon without mercy, and dragged me out of bed, all the way to the dining room. No, I would probably get a light slap as part of the wake-up procedure.

I don't want such a heart-stopping wake-up.

"...What?"

"Nothing."

I avoided Elinora-nee's gaze and looked at the items on the table.

In the center of the table, a large plate held bacon that smelled fragrant, along with lettuce, tomatoes, a plain omelet with tomato sauce, and a large serving of cabbage.

The plain omelet was something that Bartolo had recreated on his own after I taught him how to make omurice.

He is indeed a chef. He tried various things without me teaching him everything.

Unlike me, who only thought about putting rice in it.

Next to it was a small cup of creamy-smelling soup.

On another plate were two slices of freshly baked bread. The butter was in a container in the middle, so we had to spread it ourselves.

For a rural baron's household, this is quite a luxurious breakfast, but it's normal for the Slowlett family.

Thanks to the chess, shogi, and recently the spinning top, our household finances are doing well.

With Elna Mother, who is the daughter of the famous Lazares Trading Company, we don't have to worry about money. Plus, both of them were former adventurers, so they still have savings.

Regular visits from the Triella Trading Company and others allow us to shop even in Koriatt Village, but the Slowlett family, who have little desire for material things, naturally spend their money on food.

Recently, we've been buying a lot of sugar.

If there were a large shopping district like in the capital, we might go shopping on a whim, but the area around Koriatt Village is mostly nature.

"Looks delicious today, too."

"Yeah, I've been liking the plain omelet lately."

Elna Mother and Nord Father were having a friendly conversation in front of the breakfast.

"I do too. It's creamy and delicious when it has cheese inside."

"Is that so?"

"Mine should have cheese inside because I asked Bartolo. Want to try half of it?"

"Thanks, I'll take it."

The conversation is so gooey, like cheese. Please don't do the "ah-ah" thing.

While being enveloped in the sweet atmosphere of our parents, my siblings and I started eating.

---

After breakfast, the Slowlett family's dining room was filled with a leisurely atmosphere.

Today, Elna Mother, Silvio-nii, and unusually, Elinora-nee were sitting in their chairs. They seemed to have no practice or anything to do, so they were quietly drinking tea.

By the way, Nord Father wasn't there. He had just returned from the capital and had a lot of work to catch up on.

If there was no practice, I usually spent my time here drinking Royal Feed or taking a second nap on the sofa.

"Al, you're being too lazy in the morning."

I was lying on the sofa, relaxed, when Elna Mother scolded me.

I was sitting with my feet on the back of the sofa and my head on the seat, a slightly improper posture. Everyone was comfortably full and relaxed.

But I know that Elna Mother also relaxes in the same way when no one is around.

"So, Elna Mother also sometimes—"

"I don't."

"..."

Not only me, but Elinora-nee and Silvio-nii also gave her a disapproving look, but Elna Mother sipped her tea with a composed expression.

"I don't, okay?"

Everyone in the house knows that Elna Mother relaxes on the sofa when no one is around.

The looks they gave me earlier were not out of suspicion but out of exasperation, thinking, "You do it too, so why are you acting so innocent?"

If I keep this up, I might get scolded again, so I got up from the sofa and sat at the table.

I asked Mina, who was waiting in the room, for tea, and she quickly served it to me.

While chatting a bit, I enjoyed my morning tea.

Ah, today's morning is quite peaceful. It looks like it will be a good day.

Just as I was thinking this and asking Mina for a refill, Elna Mother spoke in a solemn voice.

"Hey, Al. It's been a week since we returned from the capital. When will the new sweets be ready?"

At her words, Mina stopped in her tracks.

Come on, just pour me a refill.

When I gave her that look, Mina moved the teapot away.

It seems I won't get a refill until I answer Elna Mother's question. I'm not a pet...

I suddenly looked straight ahead and saw that Elinora-nee, who had been resting her cheek on her hand, had suddenly sat up and was looking at me with curiosity.

I can't escape.

I had completely forgotten. When we bought the magic stove in the capital, I had made a deal with Elna Mother to increase the production of sweets and create new ones.

"So?"

I was asked again. Her usual gentle smile, but I felt an immense pressure.

"Of course, it will be ready today."

"That's great, I'm looking forward to it."

When I said it would be ready without any problems, Elna Mother smiled and sipped her tea.

It feels like when a boss asks, "Is the document not ready yet?" and when you say it will be done by evening, they leave looking satisfied.

Mina also seemed satisfied with my answer and poured the tea with a smile.

This damn maid.

I need to provide a dish that will make them think buying the magic stove was a good idea.

Now that the magic stove is here, adjusting the heat is much easier, so I might try frying something.

There are so many dishes and sweets I can think of right now.

"If you make something weird next time, I'll beat you up, okay?"

"...I understand."

---

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