The Elf Saint is a NEET, so I Forced Her to Work in Another World

Catching Up (Part 2)

**Kuro**

After the incident at Arles, Maddie started giving me some 'odd jobs' around the palatial gardens. Ranging from helping with moving supplies, or stocks, to sweeping the pathways clean, she never let me have idle time.

Well, I guess she understands that I'd go looking for work once I have nothing to do.

"..."

It's not that I took offense with what happened. If anything, I was amused by everyone's reaction to the incident. However, I did realize, Arles was under the jurisdiction of the Savoian duke, while the Holy Palatial Gardens was ruled by the Human Saint. For short, it was a diplomatic incident. And I didn't want to trouble anyone with my capricious whims.

So, I stopped looking for a job...at least in Arles.

Not that I couldn't look for work anymore, considering that the territory of the Holy Palatial Gardens also had villages scattered around. But, though it never sunk unto me until the Arles incident, I was already a 'legendary hero'. While the common folk would surely love a person of similar status, such as mine working under them, Maddie and the others balked at the idea.

"You shouldn't be working anymore at all," was Eris' words for me.

"I know you love to serve, but you should take a break!" Lily would demand occasionally.

"You know people," Maddie added. "And I also know you. You would gladly accept demands even when you're getting the short stick. So, as your fiancée, it's my duty to protect you from predators aiming to exploit you and your legendary status!"

Well, it's not that I disagree with them. I mean, I'm aware of my stupidity; it's just that, I find happiness in serving. But yes, people could exploit me, so I'd just stay put. I didn't want to be taken advantage of, after all.

And so, here I am, doing menial jobs inside the safety of the Holy Palatial Gardens. Sweeping pathways of fallen leaves, and...

"..."

Wow, this is nostalgic. When I first came here, it's also what I do often; sweeping pathways since Lily didn't want me taking over the other maids' responsibilities. Now, some of the servants would bully me, dumping leaves and scattering those so I'd have difficult time in cleaning. Well, it was still the same...though, this time, the maids were covertly putting the leaves they cleaned on my dump.

"Hey!" I called out to the girl I caught. "What's the big idea?"

The servant was surprised, though she didn't even try to run away. "M-My apologies, Lord Kuro! We're just trying to help!"

"Eh?" I looked around, and indeed, her companions were sweeping and emptying their dumps on my own. I asked, "Did someone request you to do this?"

She shook her head, but explained, "We did it on our own accord, milord! After all, we can't let you do everything on your own."

"I-I see..." I couldn't help but blush from embarrassment. "I'm sorry for getting angry."

"It's okay, Sire!" the maid flashed a sweet smile.

----------

When my break came, I took the time to 'reorient' myself to everything, since the years I disappeared took its toll on my mind. I couldn't even go far a few paces from my place, because the layout of the entire compound felt alien to me once again.

"..."

Nevertheless, compared to before, the wandering nuns and templars were more welcoming to me. They would either flash a smile, or bow whenever I give them my respects. The paladin guards were also amicable, though I thought a pair of them followed me from a distance.