Autumn wind

Mei's POV

it has been four days since I have worked with him, the routine is the same. Ignore him and ignore him.

"Mei, I need you to accompany me to the guild."

I was cleaning the window and he walks up to me and asks me to accompany him. I simply continued my work and not pay him a single glance.

"Sigh~ then you better prepare me dinner or I'll report your behaviors to Mrs. Claudia."

With that, he walks away. That damn! I caught that he's smiling while threatening me! That not cool at all. Sigh~ better safe than sorry. Later on that day I made him a dinner at last.

I have a lot of work, especially when it comes to cooking. I right now is sitting on my bed, ready for another day at work. The personals here were given a lot of freedom, we don't need to wake up too early to do the routines. But they have the scheduled on what to do.

For this day, or every day and me only. I need to start work at 7:30 and prepare breakfast for the blond. At noon for lunch and 18:30 for dinner. He treated me as if I was his chef while other can cook, for example, Vinca, Rola, and Clara they are getting better and better after I taught them the recipes I used to learn when cooking. Kevin is also a good tea brewer. Oh talking about Kevin. His team too was assigned to work under the blond. Later I learn that they're easy-going people. And the brunette I met at the palace's pantry? Yes, he's with us as the handyman.

"Sigh! This is starting to bother me! That guy! If could, I would poison him to death!"

'I MUST ADVISE TO NOT DOING THAT~!"

Ah!!!! Purin-Chan! You almost scared me to death!

'Nah~! Don't be silly~! Now get to work before your boss is upset~!'

Hmph! As if I care!

'Yes~! You do care for him~! He such a handsome and brilliant man~!'

Urgh! You'll give me nausea if you described him like that. Listen, he ditched me the first time we met and later he wanted to be good with me! Who the hell make the first impression like that if they wanted to be on the good side?!

'Tsk! Tsk! You did not listen to him yet you decided that he's the wrong~? Without any real explanation still, you hated him because of that little thing....'

Purin? What side are you in?! And that little thing?! That little thing almost got myself killed!

'IT'S YOUR FAULT DAMMIT~!'

Ehh! But!

'No but please~ Now get ready for breakfast, your master will be in half an hour~.'

Alright! Alright!

'I'll take a stroll, for now, ~ Don't laze while at work~!'

*Woop!*

With a telephone ended like sound, I've felt her presence's gone. I guess there nothing than to do other than that. I get up then make my bed. I walk to the window and open it wide, taking the air and the natural mana in. I stayed on the second floor where HE exclusively assigned for me. Weird right? I wish I could stay with the other. I wanted to... Umm? Ah, Girl Talk! It's like I'm getting more and more into it now. It makes me feel at home and not lonely. I guess after to make him breakfast I'll go and talk to them for a while. They must probably be free at this time.

My room is quite big for me, for a servant at that. There are a bathroom and a dressing room here. It feels a little guilty that I got better treatment than the other. But it is convenient. I take my time in bathroom bathing, brushing my teeth and care my hair. My hair has grown longer now. It used to be at the middle back length and now it longer almost reach my waist. And its a pain the takes care of this long hair. I wish I have Vinca and Lyth do it for me.......

I take the uniform I treasured and wear it. I look at myself, inspecting my look. With satisfaction, I clipped the honored badge that was given at the "Elevated" ceremony and make sure I'm wearing the apron that Mrs. Crissy gave me. Now I'm ready for my day.

I open the door our of my room and make my way down to the kitchen to prepare the food for my dear master. I turn around to take a start down and greeted by Kevin and his friends.

"Oh! Hi Mei!"

He greeted me. I nodded and greet him back.

"Good morning Kevin."

There are Sauvel and Tim with him. I nodded at them and they waved at me.

"We're going to check your room. If you don't mind so."

Oh! Check my room for what? It away cleaned by me to perfection! Not even a single day passes without me clean the room.

"Checking what? If its check for cleanliness then, no."

He put his hand up before him in a defensive pose. Then Sauvel sighed.

"We're going to check for the possible damaged item. Master told us to do so."

HE'S?!

"y-Yea That' right, would you let us? I know you don't like men to be in your roo-"

"Okay! Okay! You can do whatever you want! But don't search for the dresser!"

Kevin nodded and I quickly take off away from them. Whew! That was embarrassing. Lately, I have become more and more girly, at the same time, I start to acted tsundere when I talk to the guys.

I can't help but to facepalmed, mentally. Let's quickly make his food and meet my friends then. I had a lot of matter to consult them.

I arrived on the first floor. The hallway is large and there a distance from the start to the front door. I turn to left and though the archway to the right-wing of the mansion. The right-wing is the place for doing the household thing. Such as, eating, talking and it's the place for the guest to stay in. I arrive at the right wing's hallway and there another stair that leads to the second floor but it a narrower variant from within the main hall.

There another archway next to the stairway. I take that way and greeted with another hallway that also connected all the other parts of the mansion. You can call this is the main hallway. I arrived at the large door and open it gently, leaving it wide open. I continue to walk thought the large room that decorated with much exotic sculpture and many plants. This is the dining room. There a large table that even larger than that one when I sat at Gales's mansion. There a total of 18 seats and two large chandeliers hang above at both head and end of the table.

"Sigh! I guess I will get used to this soon."

The sight of the room is bothering me. It's so large and lonely. This guy sits only at the chair at the head of the table. I wonder if he needs more than four chairs. I walk further into the room and there a door. Behind that door is my sanctuary. The kitchen. If I would describe, The kitchen is way way way better than Gordon's I couldn't describe more than that.

It's just, truly fit for a large mansion such as this. But it's a waste that no other than me use it. At most Vinca, Rola, Lyth, and Clara would be here often but Risa and Carloe would sometime come here when they're curious about my cooking and wanted to watch I'm cooking.

Ah~ the smell of ingredients! This is soothing my nerve. I inhale as I open the door entered the sanctuary. I walk around the vast kitchen that larger than my former house. I open another door within the same room that leads to the pantry and takes 3 eggs, salt, and pepper. Then I make my way to the stove and go gather some utensils for cooking. I place what I need on the counter and start to crack the eggs. I stirred it until a foam-like texture. I added salt and pepper and continue to whisk it. After satisfied, I used my magic and created butter.

*Sizzle~!*

The sound of butter melting on the heated pan. I then adjusted the temperature and pour in the egg.

*Sizzle~!*

The fragrance rises from the pan as I stirring the egg as they were cooked. After a minute the egg starts to cook. I take the pan off the stove and then shape the egg into the pan.

"One! Two!"

I flipped the egg and put the pan into the stove again. After the outside is cooked enough and the egg is in perfect lemon shape. I take it on the plate I prepared and used the ketchup I homemade and apply them on the egg in the wave line.

The breakfast is ready. But being me, I use my magic once again to create ice and tea leaves. I used my know led and manage to create a lemon iced tea that for the breakfast and also for myself and friends.

I look outside through a mini-window that set at the cooking station and found that He not here yet. I look at the clock nearby and it says 7:50. So I decided to set the food and wait for him to eat then I may dismiss myself.

I take the plate and a drink on a tray and cautiously make my way to the table. I set the food down and stood nearby, waiting for him to come.

Not long after he came, with usually playful air around him. He looks at me and I immediately avoided his glaze.

"Chuckle~! You still the same, as stubborn as ever."

"Humph! Whatever!"

"Sigh~! Is this how you treat your master? At least you could be more positive toward me."

He whined in a fake sad tone then he takes his seat and looks at food surprised. He then looks at me. I sighed.

"It's called an Omelet! And that is an ice lemon green tea. Its a perfect drink in the summer."

He then 'o' and smirked while taking the utensil.

"I never know you cared for me~ Thanks for your hospitality~!"

"I-idiot! I just happen to make it this day!"

With that, he chuckled again and start to eat the omelet. I still stood there and I think to myself over and over again. 'No Mei! This guy is playing with you! Never show your weakness!'

I shake the negativity and look at him but I realized that he's already finished his food. I waste so much time on unnecessary thought?!

"As always, Your foods were able to surprise me to no end."

"Hmph!"

YEAH! I know it is! Because I spend too much time perfecting it!

"Then!"

I take the plate and empty glass and place it on a tray. As I about to walk away he called me.

"Mei. There is some matter I must discuss with you."

"Ah! What is it now?!"

I half-yell at him in annoyance while looking at him sideways. He stands from his seat and walks closer to me. As an instinct, I back away.

"There is a guest who will come staying for the business here at noon and she'll be staying for a week."

That is? That got nothing to do with me!

"She is a... Um... A troublesome woman so... I please this time. Tries to act polite and refined for me? If she finds out about you she may....."

What is he trying to tell me? I know how to treat people! And you the exception! I'll never acknowledge you as my master and neither follow your orders!

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"So? I guess I could do just fine! Then I'm leaving."

"Sighed~ It's important but I'll make sure to keep you at bay."

Blah blah! What an idiot! I take plate and glass into the sink and wash it spotless.

I take the teas I made earlier. I created a cube of ice and drop them in the tea, making them cold and chilly fit for fighting the heat of the summer. For the past four days, I have worked for him. I've learned the more possible ways to use my magic. For example, I could imitate the chilling characteristic of the ice into a portable air conditioner while imagining the ice's coldness cover around my body like another layer of clothing and making it cool my body, prevent me from getting sweaty and you know. Maid's uniform isn't that breezy and lose. It's tight and easy to beat a sweat while wearing one.

I walk back into the dining room and him still there, still waiting to say something. So I took pity on him.

"What do you want to tell me, now elaborate!"

He flinched silently, he scratching his blond hair and give me a serious expression.

"She's the reason I couldn't help you back then."

"She is my fiancee. Wiela Alp Riceliac."

His fiancee?! I knew he wasn't giving in the engagement as he prioritizes work more.

There a Siri sound like speak, the information has been discovered. This is how I gain info? Still inconvenient.

"She is cunning and sometimes she can be harsh to those whose she despise. Especially females."

Oh no! A Yandere! I sweated drop and he noticed it.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she's bay."

With that he hand be a pentagon-shaped stone that glowed green and a slight mix of purple.

"This is commanding spell stone, this could help you when in a harsh situation."

I look at his hand. Would I accept his kindness? No its just a little thing he may use to won over me! I got the magic that Purin-Chan gave me. I can defend myself even from the demon lord.

"No. I can look after myself just fine. So later."

I'm about the walk past him and he pulled my shoulders gently, as I stopped, he then looks at me but with more serious and concern.

"I know you capable of miracles but, in this situation, you may not want to expose your talent to the unknown. Especially the prince."

Oh, that true. If I were to be discovered. I could be forced to become a hero and doing the pointless thing that I don't even care about.

I take my time and thinking, he's right. I couldn't use my power to solve everything. So with a Hmph! I hastily take the stone from his hand with my free hand and quickly left the room.

"Dismissed!"

After that, I'm on my way to the garden where I could spend my time with my friends there. Hmmm. I think I could invite Kevin and his company too but. The table isn't enough for all the people so just Vinca, Lyth, Rola, and Risa are enough.

***

After some time, I found the usual spot for us to talk. The area is suit for magic pat icing too. There are overflowing of magic here. I could refill my mana pool here while talking.

I set the tray down on the table and head back inside the building to find my friends. I walk back to the main where the staff room is there. They stayed on the first floor and just below my room is the female quarter.

*Kon! Kon!*

I knock a door two times before open in. There I greeted with the usual face but there other from Kevin's team too. Their name is Sarah and Quincy, they're both lovely girls. Sarah is optimistic and playful while Quincy is serious and intelligent. They talked the same topic as me when I first talked with them so you can see we get along pretty well.

"Oh~ Morning Mei!"

"Mei-Chan! Good Morning!"

"Good Morning....."

"Mei!"

They greeted me as I stood as the doorway. I nodded.

"Good morning too, I got the free time so, would you like to have tea with me in the garden. We could talk there."

They look at each other for a while then they nodded.

"Of course!"

"Yes."

There many people than I prepared the drink so I need to make more.

"So you can head there before me, I need to fetch something in the kitchen."

"Ok~"

With that, we went together and separated the way in the main hallway. I gather four lemons and a jar of sugar. I went there as fast as I can.

I arrived and they all look at me with a lemon iced tea in their hand. Then there is Rola asking me a question.

"M-Mei! W-What is this delicious drink?! I know what ice could do but I never know that ice could be used in a drink before! And the sourness and the fragrance of unknown... herb?"

As curious as always. I scan the other face and they demand an answer as well. So I chuckled as their cuteness~ Ahem! Healed me indeed.

There an empty chair between Quincy and Vinca. I sit and place all the stuff on the table.

"So This is what this drink is made from?"

Risa asked and I nodded as an answer. I take one and held it high enough for them to see clearly. Oh and in this world, this so-called lemon is call lemon! Funny right? Only the minority thing in this world has the same name as on earth.

BACK TO THE LEMON~

"This is sour right?"

They nodded. Sighed~ It is like I'm teaching the kindergarten but I'll gladly do it because they are indeed a good sight.

"If you squeeze it and mixed it with water it will get diluted and lose its taste."

I put down the lemon and continue.

"Instead you may want to brew these first."

Then with a snap. Green tea leaves appear in my hand. They surprised by this. especially Quincy and Sarah who never seen magic before.

"This is called green tea leaves."

Then Rola asks me.

"What does it differ from black tea?"

"That a good question. They only smelled different. They're just the same but also different in color. You could use either one to make this drink."

"Oh~ Why wouldn't you make the black one?"

Risa asked.

"Because I wanted the drink to be crystal clear."

"Ohh! so that is.."

We continue to talk about the drink until Quincy asks me a question.

"Mei, may I ask you what that shiny thing underneath your skirt pocket?"

She means the stone Louis gave me right?! I don't know what it even is! Purin! I need help!

....

No!

"Mei, you're spacing out. Are you feeling unwell?"

Sylastah's voice pulled me back from mu thought. I shake my head and remembered the stone. I took it out of the pocket and showed them.

I use "Keen Eyes" to identify it.

The spirit stone is created from the combination of natural mana and spiritual essence condensed in a small area. The spirit stone has a total of eight tiers.

Tier one, the spirit stone gathered enough for it to have the physical form of a stone. This tier of spirit stone is best for harvesting. The magic power can be harvested by extracting with a high tier spell or highly skilled alchemists.

Tier two, the spirit stone gained its elemental aptitude and will glow depend on its aptitude. The magic power is too great the be harvested by a human, require the highly advanced alchemy tool for harvest.

Tier three, the spirit stone of this tier is called "Trigon" due to it has the shape of triangles. This spirit stone can now materialize into a form of creatures and can sign a contract with. The spirit is considered young and still weak when compared with the older stone.

Tier four, similar to tier three but its more docile and is easy to control.

Tier five, this tier is best for the new spirit holder to have. It has quite the power and also not too hard to train the spirit. But if the holder managed to upset it, the spirit would flee and dispersed into the spiritual realm.

Tier six, the spirit is matured and is as powerful as a dragon. It could go on a rampage if the holder couldn't train it. The supervision is needed when obtaining the stone tier higher than five.

Tier seven, it's as its adulthood and it is hard to train and it is more violent. One could provide the power to single-handedly won the war, also may lead to the cataclysm.

Tier eight, there was a tale about the great war of creation. The war that most believed that lead to the creation of Dareem, and the remnants of the war remain asleep in four continents.

Cloud, Wave, Floor, and Darune.

With great power blessed by God, one may revoke the sleeping spirit that may lead to another war of creation.

Every two-thousand years the spirit stone may evolve into a greater tier.

No! No! No! No! This is more than necessary. How can I explain such a dangerous thing!

"Mei? Are you listening?"

Then I guess the only way out is telling them the truth.

"It an S-Spirit S-Stone!"

"..."

There a pause.

""""What?! Spirit stone?!""""

As expected from them, their reaction is normal.

"S-Spirit stone?! In-Incredible!"

Risa yelled with enthusiasm.

"A-And it's a tier five! It's a tier five!"

Sarah yelled why she cups her face intensely.

"Uhm? Do you mind tell me what exactly is that?"

Vinca inserted. She still not known the true power and value of this stone. Ignorant yet so innocent.

"I-Its a remnant of the old lore! You may not see it but I bet you may have read it once!"

Quincy answers her. Slowly. Vinca's complexion turned pale. As white as her hair, she nervously looks at me with doubt.

"I know you are capable of many things but you can't make one out of your magic right?"

She asked. I have no idea whether I can make it or not but if I'm thinking logically. The spirit stone is made of natural mana and spiritual power. And I can't use spiritual power so that is a no.

"No, I c-can't make it....."

I reply to her with a low voice but it comes as loud as I was yelling at Louis's face.

"... So that was......... wait."

"How do you manage to own such an overly rare artifact?"

That the bomb! I hate to say that guy's name! And his reason is absurdly unnecessary! Let's find how to reply properly without trigger another land mine.

Now all eyes gathered on me, waiting for my answer.

"Uhm~? How can I say this? The- Master ga-gave it to me......."

"".....""

""""Ba-Baka! That must be a lie!""""

"Excuse me  for being rude, but they're no way he'd gave it to a servant right?"

"Or he could probably have something going with YOU!"

"You did not play sweet behind our back right?! and I demand an acceptable answer!"

"Uh? What? I must've misheard it."

They have a different reaction and those only hinder my thought, there a lot going on right now.

***

After a long while, they finally calm down and ready to listen to my explanation. I cleared my throat and speak.

"Yes, he gave it to me. It for security purposes and he also told me that there will be a guest arriving in this noon, she'll stay here for a week."

"That doesn't make sense at all!"

Quincy inserted. I raise my hand for her to let me continue.

"Master told me that the guest is um... Quite troublesome and maybe? dangerous?"

"He wanted me and especially all-female personals to make as less contract with her as possible, I don't know what else she could do other ordering us around?"

They nodded and there a pause for a moment then Sarah added.

"But doesn't that mean he treasured you? You got better treatment than us... Not to make you feel bad or anything, it just my remark."

Risa nodded and the other as well.

"I know, you told us once. But if there still anything left. You can tell us, we always pleased to listen."

Sylastah speak. I already told them once how I met with that guy. They thought that time he may be in a dire situation, or so he had no choice. Of course, I don't tell them about my near-death experience.

"Yes, thanks! That's all there nothing about us other than I had told."

"Oh, Okay Oh look! There goes my break time! C'mon Quincy! Let's get to work!"

Sarah quickly stood from her seat while took Quincy's hand and take her away. I heard a faint 

"Thank you for the teas." from Quincy before they disappeared into the building.

"Oh, I guess it about my time to go too."

Risa brushes away the dust on her uniform. She stretches her arm high in the air and takes the tray. I try to halt her but she said "Let's me take care of this" and soon left my sight.

All left is me, Lyth, Rola, and Vinca. 

"Since my shift is two hours away~ I guest we can continue our talk?" 

"This time let's make it not too intensely."

Sylastah speaks up while taking off her glasses and clean it with a piece of clean cloth she somehow had.

We nodded then Rola is the first one to start the new topic.

"I always wanted to ask this But! I wanted to know you more! I mean we just become friends just five days ago yet I know not much about you other than the talk on that night."

S-She! Please! Not that look, please! I may die of losing blood! Calm down! Okay! 

She wanted to "Get to know" me. Uh? I guess I can ask them in return as well! I wanted to update the database of "Keen Eyes". 

"Yes, I-I also wanted to know you more too."

Rola's expression brightens up drastically, I needed to cover my eyes with an imaginary hand for now.

"Then! Ask me as much as you want! But! No personal matter."

"Yes!"

Then we exchanged our word. As the conversation goes on, Lyth and Vinca also joined us as well. 

I've much information just by talking with them?!  Let's keep that for later.

"So you were the daughter of the master of culinary? No wonder you'd be this good when it comes to cooking."

Sylastah she said while making a thinking pose.

"And also! You'd even good at household chores, gardening, management and I guess. Singing too."

"Eh?! Singing? I never sang before."

She then shakes her head lightly.

"Your voice, it is truly angelic and when I heard you spoke for the first time. I felt like being enveloped by a warm aura that reminds me of my parent's hold."

Parent's hold...... I'm getting a distorted image of two-person, male and female. They look at me happily. They face were shrouded, who are they? I get a feeling that yesterday I still know them but now? How come I forget the persons that I hold dear?.

"You'll be a good singer in no time if you do as I told."

"Get it?"

Lyth's voice slowly clears the image away. Like an autumn wind. I look up to her, don't know how to reply. Then, Vinca comes to rescue.

"I guess she'd be a good empress candidate too."

"Judging by her talents and gift. She got everything. So perfect that I must say I felt bad for her being a maid, but I don't mean to insult you or make you hesitant."

"I'm glad that you be on our team. I may say thing again, thank you."

Eh? What going on? Isn't this getting more and more saturated? 

"N-No! I mean... I'm too glad that I had a chance to work with you girls!"

"Aha! Aha! I guess we made a great team!"

Vinca is laughing?! She is laughing?! That unusual! 

"I guess it is that way~ Hahaha! I also glad to work in such a wonderful team! meeting you girls is the gift that even wealth cannot archived!"

Lyth? You too? 

"Y-Yes! I felt the same as you! S-Since I've met her and everyone, they turned my life upside d-down!"

Rola..... Did she blush? Also what with that shyly look? It is killing alive! So cute!

Then I realized they're talking about the old topic once again. A topic about how they overcome their old self.

How about myself?

"Mei! Please! Befriend from now on!"

Their voice boomed away a blanket on my thought and lit the darkness of my mind.

A single drop of tear escapes my eye that I unconsciously let again. I smiled and take their hands on to mine.

"Yes! Together as a friend! We'll work our way out of hardship together with you! Together with everyone!"

"Together!"

"What are you getting in your girls? A mad spirit?"

Suddenly there a voice that I despise, I look back and see him leaning onto the wall while looking at us amusingly. 

I suddenly felt my cheeks lit and the other as well have their cheek dye in red. Who could still act like nothing ever happen when your master is there?

"It about time~ Now let's get the places clean and neat."

"Y-Yes! Master"""

The other stood up and scramble separated way. Hate you! I hate you when you smirking like that! 

"Huh? Look like you have something to talk to me~"

It is "As if I'd follow!" 

"Hmph! Whatever!"

I stood rashly and walk away past him and instead, he blocked me from my way.

"Huh? What is it now?"

His expression then changed into a concerned look. Th-That wouldn't be effective on me!

"The stone... Do you able to summon it?"

What? Just this? Disappointing.

"Not yet! I'll do it once I require it!"

He looks surprised for a moment then continues to ask another question.

"I've just received a new Intel from my kin. Prince Ralies is seeking the one with harmony in element, or so it's you."

"What it has to do with me? I'd rather work for him instead of you!"

"He's not taking you as a servant, he's taking you as a weapon."

Kidding me? Did you get some serious mental illness?

"And? I could just use my power and protect myself."

"You may not understand it but you know it yourself that how rare that your aptitude is!"

"And that why I gave you the stone! You can't use your power to make yourself obvious!"

"And it is the real reason why I taking you in!"

"You and your magic must be kept away from him!"

W-What?...... H-He's treated me because of my magic? Not as an individual? Did I waste my talents and effort on this person? I thought he is hopeless who need my help. This kind of person is the worst! I hate him HATE HIM! 

"Oh! okay! Then EXCUSE ME!"

I walk and hit his shoulder harshly. He stumbles a bit but he stood his ground, not looking at me.

Just like that time. He as unreasonable as then, can't even apologize properly. I can't have any hope for him.