Chapter 10

“Lady Yuka, it’s morning. Please wake up.”

Lil-chan shook me gently, and I woke up to find it was already 9 AM. Since I went to bed around 2, I got about seven hours of sleep. Outside of holidays, it’s been a long time since I slept this well. Maybe that’s why I feel great. Like, really great.

“Good morning, Lil-chan.”

“Good morning, Lady Yuka.”

We exchanged morning greetings as I pulled back the curtains and opened the window. A refreshing morning breeze flowed into the room. The soft sunlight gently lit up the space. There was none of that weekday gloom or lazy holiday sluggishness. I felt like a brand-new person. Well, technically I was reincarnated.

“Ah, this feels amazing. I feel alive again.”

“What!? Were you undead, Lady Yuka!?”

“No. That’s not what I meant.”

After that little exchange, we got ready and headed out for breakfast.

◆◇◆

Lil-chan guided me to the dining hall, and wow—this place was huge. Way beyond what you'd expect from a restaurant. The white tablecloths were spotless, not a single stain, and the chandeliers lit up the whole room brightly. There were only a few people inside, so it was nice and quiet.

“What kind of food is available right now?”

“At this time, we have the ‘morning set meal’ and ‘rice with raw egg set meal,’ among others.”

They have raw egg over rice in this world too? I wonder what kind of egg it is. Half excited, half scared. Maybe I should go with the safer option—the morning set meal.

“Excuse me. I’ll have one morning set meal, please.”

“I’ll have the ‘morning set meal’ too, please.”

Silence.

“Huh, is no one here?”

“No, someone’s here.”

“Wait, where?”

“Behind you, Lady Yuka.”

“...Huh? Hyaaaaahhh!?”

I turned around when Lil-chan said that, and he was standing right there.

Apparently, he’s the cook of this dining hall. He wore a chef’s hat and coat, like a proper cook. The problem was his appearance. I couldn’t be sure about his gender. His jet-black hair hung down like a crow’s feathers, completely hiding his face. His arms dangled loosely by his sides, and his slightly hunched back added to the effect. Honestly, he looked like one of those vengeful spirits from a cursed videotape.

“G-G-Good m-morning! My name is Yuka—I just arrived at the mansion yesterday! It’s nice to meet you!”

“Good morning, Mr. Karu.”

While I was practically stuttering myself into a panic, Lil-chan greeted him like nothing was unusual. So his name is Karu, huh?

Karu-san stared at me for a while. Even though I couldn’t see his face, I could feel his gaze. Honestly, it was scary.

“I think Karu-san likes you, Lady Yuka.”

“Wait, seriously?”

That’s what Lil-chan said. Did I do something?

“He’s saying, ‘It’s been a long time since someone greeted me properly when meeting for the first time. I’m looking forward to working with you, Lady Yuka.’”

“Wait. I didn’t hear a thing.”

“You’ll get used to it. More importantly, breakfast. Karu-san, two morning set meals, please.”

“……(nods)”

Without a word, Karu-san nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

“He says, ‘I’ll make you a breakfast so good it’ll blow your mind, so sit tight and wait.’”

“Ehh…”

Is this really okay? I’m starting to get kind of nervous.

“(I guess… I just have to get used to it.)”

No point in worrying too much. I’ll take it one step at a time and try to get used to this new life.

By the way, the morning set meal was absolutely delicious.