In a hall filled with built-in cabinets and mirrors, intended for the property's staff to change their clothes, Arata stared at his own reflection.
He was wearing a tailored suit whose sleeves were so long that they completely covered his hands, with excess fabric hanging everywhere.
This suit is huge on me! - Arata complained, shaking his arms.
It really is much bigger than you... - Emma commented, scratching her cheek with an awkward smile. - Sorry, Arata.
It's just that I genuinely didn't expect you to ask to work here. I thought your reward request would be something like becoming a permanent resident of the mansion, or something like that.
Arata froze in place, widening his blue eyes as he processed the information.
Ah... What an idiot I am! I didn't even think of that possibility! - he lamented, dramatically bringing his hands to his head.
In the background, the Tsumurugi twins watched the scene with their arms crossed.
What do you think about this, Sis Loiry? - Sumire asked in a low voice.
He... Is quite noisy - Loiry assessed, examining the boy from head to toe. - His eyes are kind of scary, his shoulders are strange, his legs are pretty skinny, and he can be annoying sometimes, Sis... Even though he is probably a good person.
But he's pretty weak and weird.
Hey! I'm a great person and I'm really strong, okay?! - Arata protested.
To prove his point, he pulled up the long sleeves of his outfit and flexed his biceps, displaying muscles that, in reality, weren't anything impressive; they were simply the ordinary arms of a young man his age.
Such ordinary muscles... - Sumire commented, letting out a bored sigh. - You're awfully arrogant sometimes for someone so weak, Atara-kun.
Hey!!
Anyway, we can't let you work here wearing something like that - Sumire continued, straightening her posture.
The guests would question our employer Joseph's dignity and good taste. Loiry, could you sew a custom outfit for him?
I'll try... - Loiry nodded, picking up a sewing box.
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Seeing that the situation was being handled, Emma said goodbye with a gentle wave.
Well, now I need to go to my room and study for a while.
See you later, everyone. Good luck on your first day of work, Arata.
See you later, Emma! Don't worry, I'll ace this job! - Arata exclaimed confidently.
Loiry approached the boy carrying a measuring tape in her hands.
I need to take your measurements - she instructed professionally. - Please stand completely still and keep your posture straight.
As the white-haired twin approached to measure the width of his shoulders and chest, Arata, uncomfortable with the proximity, began letting out a few loud and awkward sighs.
Try not to make those strange noises, please. It's uncomfortable - Loiry asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
Okay! - he replied, holding his breath.
Later...
Now wearing a suit perfectly tailored to his body, Arata walked through the mansion's corridors right behind Sumire, who was leading the way. The black-haired twin stopped in front of an enormous door and pushed it open.
Upon entering, Arata found himself in a monumental bathing room.
The center of the place was dominated by a huge marble bathtub connected to an artificial fountain that perfectly simulated a waterfall.
On the side wall, there was a panel filled with magical buttons for changing the temperature of the water, which was currently releasing warm, relaxing steam.
This is the area where the residents and staff take baths - Sumire explained.
Wow! There's even a fountain that imitates a real waterfall! What an absurd level of wealth is this?! - Arata asked, wide-eyed.
Now, let's continue with our tour of the mansion - she called, indicating the exit.
Ah, I wish this tour were holding hands with Emma so badly... How I would love that! - Arata murmured dreamily.
I don't care whether I'm meeting your strange romantic expectations, Atara-kun. Let's go - Sumire retorted coldly.
And besides, could you please stop screaming every time we enter a room?
The two left the bathing room and continued along the long corridors until Sumire opened the next door, revealing an authentic medieval-style kitchen.
The place contained stacks of dishes neatly organized in the sink, along with shelves filled with jars of exotic spices and magical herbs of various colors.
Wow, so this is the kitchen!
Yes. Let's continue with the tour - she cut him off, keeping her steady pace.
Over the next few minutes, Sumire showed him the service room, where the clothes were washed and the household cleaning tools were stored, until they finally stopped in front of the monumental Library of Knowledge.
Oh, I already know this place! - Arata smiled, spotting the familiar silhouette in the distance. - Hey, Lia-chan!
He walked briskly toward the golden-haired little girl who, just like last time, was sitting on her wooden stool.
Lia slammed her book shut and fixed her grumpy gaze directly on him.
Her eyes immediately found the single white streak among the boy's dark hair.
She stared at it for a brief moment.
It was still... a beautiful streak.
...
She looked away.
— This again? I would say you're an extremely insolent and annoying person - she hissed.
You don't have to be so rude to me, my dear! - Arata joked, approaching without the slightest hesitation.
You're such a cute spirit, you know? And why do you repeat that "I would say" so much? Is it some kind of verbal tic?
Without thinking about the consequences, Arata reached out and gently fiddled with the girl's beautiful golden pigtails. A vein of pure irritation bulged on Lia's forehead.
Get... Out... OF HERE!!! - she shouted.
In a reflex identical to the first time, Lia channeled her energy and fired a blast of spiritual force that struck Arata head-on, sending him flying out of the library.
Seeing the boy lying in the corridor, Sumire cleared her throat and bowed slightly toward the little girl.
I apologize for the inconvenience, Lady Lia. I guarantee that this annoying boy won't disturb your peace again.
I would say so...? - the little blonde grumbled, crossing her arms.
Sumire left the room, and with a simple wave of Lia's hand, the heavy library doors closed on their own with a loud slam.
On the corridor floor, Arata massaged his back while trying to get up.
Man... That girl is incredibly grumpy, isn't she! - he complained.
You can be pretty annoying when you want to be, too - Sumire commented, watching him.
Thank you very much for the compliment, Sumire! - Arata replied sarcastically, as comical cascades of tears dramatically sprang from his eyes.
After the boy got back up and dusted off his new suit, they continued exploring the mansion.
Sumire led him through the VIP Room, an apartment decorated with luxurious green velvet sofas, followed by the meeting hall, the guest rooms, and the common bathrooms equipped with sinks and fine porcelain toilets.
Finally, the two left the main structure and stopped at the edge of the large backyard garden.
And with that, our explanatory tour comes to an end - Sumire announced, turning toward him.
Thanks for the help... Although I still would've preferred to have taken this tour holding hands with Emma, but that's okay. Life is all about compromises - Arata accepted resignedly.
Now that you know every corner of this mansion, it's time to begin your practical duties, Atara-kun - Sumire declared, displaying a stern smile that made Arata gulp.
End of Chapter 22...
Continued in Chapter 23...