Leisurely Daily Life

The day after Nazarick disappeared, everything seemed to have returned to square one.

When Higashino Makoto opened his eyes, sunlight was streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in a warm golden light.

Himejima Akeno lay beside him, her red and white shrine maiden outfit having been thrown somewhere in the chaos of the previous night, now only wrapped in a thin blanket, her long black hair scattered on the pillow, her purple eyes half-open, a lazy and satisfied smile on her lips.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, you're awake."

"Um."

"Breakfast is ready; Miss Ram brought it."

Higashino Makoto turned his head and saw a tray on the bedside table with white porridge, side dishes, a few slices of golden-brown toast, and a pot of steaming black tea.

The black tea was served at the perfect temperature, clearly delivered at the exact right time.

When did Ram arrive?

"About fifteen minutes ago, you were still asleep. She didn't wake you; she just put the tray down, glanced at you, and left."

You glanced at me?

"Hmm, that look isn't very friendly."

Higashino Makoto chuckled softly, sat up, took the black tea that Akeno handed him, and took a sip.

"That Ram, she's got a sharp tongue, but she gets the job done. That's not like her at all. Could Rem have helped her?"

She's just too shy to express herself.

Akeno took the teacup from his hand, took a sip, and then handed it back to him.

"Just like Miss Rem. She says Rem's just doing her job, but she always adds an extra slice of lemon when she makes you tea."

Higashino Makoto put down his teacup and reached out to rub Akeno's head.

"You've observed very carefully."

"I only care about the people you care about."

Akeno leaned on his shoulder, her purple eyes half-closed.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, what are your plans for today?"

"I don't know, maybe we won't do anything."

"Do nothing?"

"Yes, do nothing. Lie in bed, drink tea, daydream, flirt with the maid, then have lunch, have dinner, and go to sleep."

Akeno chuckled softly.

"Aren't you going to get tired of it?"

"No. I wouldn't get tired of this kind of life, even in a hundred years."

He paused.

"But if it really happens in a hundred years, I'll probably become a cripple. So I still need to go out and travel."

Where to go?

"After we replace the secretary, let's go to the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire. See how the gardeners are taking care of the flowers."

Akeno looked at him, her purple eyes flashing with a complex light.

"The gardeners you're referring to are those kings?"

"Yes. The Holy Queen, the Dragon King Princess, and the Bloody Emperor are all in my Garden. I need to check on them regularly to see if the flowers are growing well, if there are any weeds, and if there are any insects."

"Then shall I accompany you?"

"Ha, I've already mentioned the next secretary. As for you, just keep me company and indulge in your decadent lifestyle for now."

Akeno's lips curled up slightly as she lowered her head.

"Yes, sir."

After breakfast, Higashino Makoto strolled around Novas-Étienne.

Ram was wiping windows in the corridor, her short pink hair gleaming softly in the sunlight.

The horn on his forehead gleamed with a warm luster in the morning light; it had grown to the length of a finger and was stronger than before.

Come to think of it, can't horns be hidden?

But Higashino Makoto didn't ask.

Perhaps it's because I've been away for too long, I can't help but expose myself to the sun more often.

"Ram."

"Mr. Higashino Makoto."

She didn't turn around and continued wiping the windows.

Did you enjoy your breakfast?

"Delicious, the porridge is cooked just right."

"That was cooked by Rem; Ram just brought it over."

"That's good too. You held it steady, didn't spill a drop."

Ram's fingers paused for a moment, then continued wiping.

"Are you doing this to Ram?"

Yes, I'm praising you.

"... Thanks."

Higashino Makoto leaned against a pillar, watching Ram wipe the window.

"Ram, have you been happy lately?"

Ram put down the rag, turned around and looked at him, her pink eyes showing a hint of wariness.

Why do you ask that?

"Because you look softer than before."

"Soft?"

"Yes, you weren't always this good-tempered."

Ram was silent for a moment, then chuckled softly.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, Ram has always had a very good temper."

"Perhaps."

"To be honest, Ram is very happy. The Ram is back, the power is back, and I no longer need to rely on other people's magic to live. My sister is by my side, and my master doesn't dislike me. So I'm very happy."

Higashino Makoto looked at her.

"That's good."

He turned around and continued walking.

Ram stood there, watching his retreating figure.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, thank you."

"You're welcome. You are my maids. When the maids are happy, the master is happy too."

He continued walking forward, his footsteps echoing in the corridor.

Ram watched his retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips, then turned back to continue wiping the windows.

Rem is watering the flowers in the Garden.

Her short blue hair shimmered softly in the sunlight, and her blue eyes were fixed intently on the blooming roses.

She tilted the watering can gently in her hand, the water flowing evenly over the petals, watering each flower just right.

"Rem."

"Mr. Higashino Makoto."

She didn't turn around and continued watering the flowers.

You got up late today.

"Yeah, I went to bed late last night."

Rem's fingers paused slightly, then continued pouring.

"Rem saw it. Miss Akeno came out of your room this morning."

"Then what?"

Then Rem asked her sister to bring out the cooked porridge.

Higashino Makoto looked at her.

"Are you unhappy?"

Rem put down the kettle, turned around, and looked at him with her blue eyes.

"No, Rem just thinks you should take care of your health."

"I'm in good health."

"Rem knows, but she still needs to be careful."

Higashino Makoto chuckled softly.

Okay, be careful.

Rem's lips curled up slightly.

"That's good."

She turned around and continued watering the flowers.

Higashino Makoto leaned against the Garden wall, watching Rem water the flowers.

The sunlight shone on her, outlining her figure in a golden silhouette.

I must say, Rem is really good.

As expected of a character whose popularity far surpasses that of the original female lead.

So, Emilia is really lame!

Despite being the author's handpicked leading lady, her popularity is so much lower.