“Hello! I’m Kyle Paylun!”
“I’m Jack Wilde.”
“Emilia Siegfried.”
“······.”
The three people sat on the *living room sofa.*
All of them had applied to be my *attendant.*
But that woman sitting on the far right······
is a *spy* from the *Intelligence Agency* of the *Trud Kingdom.*
And the protagonist’s, *Hertlocker Siegfried’s,* younger sister.
‘Here we go.’
What might have been a trivial event in the original story has become quite important to me now.
I need to desperately thwart the *Empire’s* *sabotage plan* from the *Intelligence Agency,* and Emilia is my only link to either the agency or the protagonist.
If necessary, I could abduct her and use her as a bargaining chip with the protagonist.
······No, what am I thinking?
“I will explain the *working conditions.* You may commute, but we will basically provide accommodation and meals. All *housework*, including *cleaning* and *laundry*, will be your responsibility.”
“Ah, I don’t know how to do laundry.”
“I’m a bit iffy on cleaning…”
“······.”
Suddenly, we had our first reject.
I mean, is it reasonable to apply for an *attendant* position and not know how to do *cleaning* and *laundry*?
Thinking back, I remember that in the original story, everyone but Emilia was portrayed as underwhelming too.
But I never expected that setting to be this convenient.
“What about you, Emilia?”
“I’m fine with everything.”
“Then, it will be Emilia as the *attendant.* The other two may leave.”
“Ugh······.”
Don’t be disappointed, you *losers* who can’t even handle *cleaning* and *laundry*. Don’t you have any *conscience*?
What was that Kyle guy’s name again, and who was the other one?
Anyway, after sending those two away, I faced Emilia.
Now, the serious negotiations begin.
“Will you be commuting?”
“No. I will stay in the *dormitory.*”
Right. I figured as much.
That way, she can stay at the *Imperial University* 24/7 gathering information.
“I’ll give you a detailed explanation of the *working conditions*. First, you’ll have to *clean* and do *laundry* for the mansion daily, and you will need to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’ll cover the food expenses, but it’s your job to bring the *groceries*. And also······.”
“In other words, you expect me to act like a *maid.* I’m used to it, so there won’t be any problem.”
Just as I thought.
Emilia had thoroughly trained as a *maid* before being sent to the *Empire.*
She could step into an upper-class home without any issues.
I probably won’t even need to give her detailed instructions; she’ll handle everything well.
“Then what about the *salary* – ”
“1000 Tirions.”
“······.”
At that one firm statement, Emilia’s mouth closed momentarily.
A monthly salary of 100,000. Even with meals and accommodation provided, I think that’s way too low.
But Emilia kept a faint smile on her face.
A true professional spy, huh?
She hides her emotions thoroughly, only showing the mask needed for her mission.
In that respect, Emilia is perfectly tailored for espionage.
It’s safe to assume that all the emotions and expressions she shows me are likely lies.
“Does 1000 Tirions mean the *monthly salary*?”
“That’s correct. Is it too little? Should I look for someone else right now?”
“No. It’s sufficient.”
Emilia replied with a gentle smile. Behind that smile, she’s likely cursing wildly······.
Even if I undercut her salary, Emilia won’t be able to refuse.
Now that *Hertlocker* has failed to enroll, she’s the only one who can infiltrate the *Imperial University.*
With the unprecedented situation of a commoner being the top student, the *Imperial University* has certainly become the Intelligence Agency’s top surveillance target. So, I can’t give up on her.
Truth be told, I could probably exploit her for free if I wanted to, but that feels a bit excessive.
Maybe I’ll raise her pay later if I manage to reclaim my investment and have some *financial leeway.*
If Emilia quits her position in anger, I would be in trouble too.
Without eyes watching the *Imperial University*, the *Intelligence Agency* might resort to more extreme measures.
Keeping the agency’s activities within the bounds of my expectations and as close to the original story as possible seems to be the best course of action for now.
“All set.”
“May I now tour the *mansion*?”
“I’ll guide you.”
Just as I was about to stand up after drafting the contract,
*grumble-*
“······.”
“······?”
A loud sound echoed from my stomach.
Embarrassed, I squeezed my eyes shut and sat back down.
“*Hahaha… I’m so sorry.*”
“*It’s alright. I haven’t eaten in a while…*”
“Then I’ll prepare a meal for you.”
Emilia burst into laughter and approached the kitchen, tying on an apron.
Her smile as she looked back at me with her hair tied up was dazzling.
That smile is just an act, huh······.
It’s a bit bittersweet.
I’ll never get to see the true character of someone I created.
“Please wait a moment. I’ll serve it shortly.”
Living in this large *mansion* and hiring a *maid* makes me feel like I’ve become rich.
Of course, that *mansion* isn’t even mine, and the *maid* is an enemy agent sent to keep an eye on me.
“All done.”
Before long, Emilia laid out the dishes on the table.
*Bacon* and *omelet rice.*
She must have prepared something quick, considering my situation.
*Inspection.*
[Bacon]
[Description: Hot, just grilled. A common pre-packaged item.]
[Omelet Rice]
[Description: Hot and freshly made. Comparable in taste to a top chef’s dish.]
Just to be sure, I checked the menu, but there was no mention of poison.
The taste was······ if I exaggerate, I’d say it matched that of high-end restaurant cuisine.
Bacon is already cooked and sold, so that’s one thing.
But the harmonious blend of well-seasoned rice and a soft omelet was fantastic.
I’m curious as to how they managed to create such flavor without any sauce or spices.
“That was delicious. It tasted wonderful.”
“Really? I’m glad it suited your taste.”
I’d wager no one in this world has a differing opinion on it.
I had put in the setting that Emilia’s cooking skills were top-notch.
I never thought a little note I scribbled back then would become this useful.
“Now, I’ll show you around the *mansion.*”
“Sounds good.”
I took Emilia and showed her around the *mansion,* much like how *Mary* had shown me a few days earlier.
I discussed specifics on when I sleep and how the *cleaning* and *laundry* would be managed.
I decided to give Emilia a large room.
As we went along, the sun began to set.
“Over there is the *training room.*”
“The *training room*, you say…?”
“It’s where I study and train my body. I won’t allow access to that area. Besides, with the *barrier*, you won’t be able to enter anyway.”
“Got it.”
Emilia immediately replied, but I sensed something unusual in her gaze.
I should not rule out the possibility that she might attempt to breach the *barrier* and spy on me someday.
It might be good to add another safety measure.
“I’m going to the *training room* now. If you want to call me, just knock on the *barrier.*”
“Yes, Hainkel.”
“······.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Let’s change how you address me.”
Calling me “master”…
It definitely didn’t feel awkward when writing it in the story, but hearing it in person makes me feel embarrassed to death.
“How should I address you instead?”
“Just call me by my name. We’re only a little apart in age, after all.”
“No, that won’t do. How can an *attendant* address their master that way…”
“Then just add ‘Mr.’ or something.”
“Mr. Hainkel?”
I meant to call me “Mr. Schlus.”
It feels a bit distant, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
After all, Emilia and I will never be able to get close.
“Yes, that works perfectly.”
I bowed my head while Emilia who was bowing behind me entered the *training room.*
Today’s activities won’t be any different from yesterday.
*Training in swordsmanship* using the “Memory of True Self.”
And *study of magic.*
Then I need to raise my remaining *stats* to open the shop.
I have a lot to do.
*
*Hmm…*
The door to the *training room* closed.
Watching this, Emilia’s smile disappeared, leaving only a blank expression on her face.
Finally alone, Emilia lightly rubbed her aching face from holding back her expressions.
She quickly returned to the *mansion* and headed toward Schlus’s bedroom.
‘Hmm. This won’t work.’
Her target was the *safe* she saw earlier.
However, it was protected by a thick steel plate, a double dial, and a *barrier,* making it seem impossible to open without calling in professionals.
Even if she called in a professional, there’s no way the work could be carried out discreetly, so she decided to give up on opening the safe.
As Emilia stepped out into the corridor, she entered the room she was supposed to stay in.
It was the same size as the room where Schlus stayed.
She had expected them to use this room as an *audience room* and give her a smaller one, but······.
That was a bit unexpected.
‘Schlus Hainkel. Not a typical commoner.’
From her first meeting with Schlus, Emilia was a bit surprised.
She had clearly heard he was a commoner. But how could a noble-looking young man come out from within?
Only after hearing his name did she realize he was her surveillance target, Schlus Hainkel.
With ingrained grace, familiarity, and a dignified demeanor, he gave her enough reason to mistake him for a noble.
So, did Schlus Hainkel leave a good impression on Emilia?
‘And that jerk.’
Absolutely not.
What kind of lunatic offers a *maid’s salary* of 1000 Tirions?
Even with accommodations provided, that’s an outrageous payment.
She thought he would at least adjust it a bit. Yet, with his firm voice indicating he would look for someone else, Emilia had no choice but to accept.
Without her, surveillance at the *Imperial University* would become impossible.
It would be inconceivable to give up on monitoring a place with so many important figures gathered.
‘What, is he the son of some rich family?’
A *rich young master.*
That was Emilia’s guess about Schlus’s identity.
The *Intelligence Agency* had yet to pinpoint much about him.
Maybe he’s someone whose information is as tightly controlled as that of the nobles.
Or perhaps he’s so ordinary that there isn’t much information to gather.
Emilia thought the former seemed more plausible.
After all, this was the guy who offered a *maid’s salary* of 1000 Tirions.
Just how lacking in economic sense could he be to do that?
Moreover, he was the top student enrolled at the *Imperial University.*
Magic education needs to happen from a young age, and it is incredibly expensive.
Even low-rank nobles can barely dream of it.
So, having a commoner family afford magic education means they’re not just an average-rich family.
Perhaps he is the son of a massive trader, benefitting from the Emperor’s protection.
“Tsk.”
Emilia’s fists clenched tightly.
Some kids have grown up without parents in war-ravaged cities, starving.
Yet here in the *Empire*, such a wealthy commoner exists.
Schlus had done nothing wrong regarding this matter.
But no matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t help but have a poor impression of Schlus.
‘Peace is indeed important.’
The *Kingdom* and *Empire* had certainly fought the same war.
However, unlike the *Kingdom,* where the entire territory was scorched, the *Empire* remained peaceful outside the frontline areas.
Peace translates to national power, i.e., strength.
And that strength comes from······
‘So we should destroy the *Empire* and keep destroying it.’
It stems from *fear.*
That must surely be the words of the *Intelligence Agency,* emphasized repeatedly.
Emilia reflected on that statement often, and as she did so, she imagined a future.
A future where they plunge the *Empire* into chaos through acts of destruction.
A future where, once the *Empire* crumbles, peace finally comes to the continent.
Emilia had unwavering faith in the peace that the *Intelligence Agency* constantly spoke of.
