Father and Daughter at Odds

"Swish, swish."

"Swish, swish."

Watching the black-haired maid standing in the courtyard and constantly sweeping with her broom, Golden Softie's eyes instantly welled up.

Tap, tap.

Her emotions in turmoil, the Queen of Complaints unconsciously stepped a little harder, producing a faint sound that startled the petite maid, who had been focused on her work.

"L-Lucy?"

Hearing the elderly maid's cry, the servants nearby all gathered around.

"Miss Lucy! It really is Miss Lucy!"

"Wonderful! Miss Lucy has finally come back!"

"Miss Lucy, it's so wonderful that you could return... sob! (Grandma Spetta, tears and snot streaming down her face)"

"Miss Lucy, this is a newly published textbook from the Erus Empire!"

"Miss Lucy, you've been studying magic diligently, right? (Pero)"

"Miss Lucy, where have you been all this time?"

"Could it be... you fell for someone and eloped?"

"How could Miss Lucy possibly have a boyfriend?"

"You can't say that. Miss Lucy is of age now, after all!"

As the voices around her drifted into her ears, an image of a pink-haired figure uncontrollably surfaced in Golden Softie's mind. However, she quickly shook it away, replacing it with a waterfall of sweat.

"Grandpa Pero, don't worry. I've always kept up with my magic studies, and this trip also gave me a good chance to hone my practical combat skills."

Hearing Golden Softie's answer, the magic instructor nodded in satisfaction, while everyone else continued discussing the elopement.

Just then, crisp footsteps sounded from the corridor, followed by a clear, efficient report that rang in everyone's ears.

"Miss Lucy, the master is waiting for you in the study. He hopes you will see him as soon as possible!"

As they looked at the innocent-looking maid standing bowed at the end of the corridor, the area around Golden Softie instantly fell silent