(Rem x Reader) Re:Reader - Starting YOUR New Life in Another World

Chapter 152: Full of Broken Thoughts

Chapter 152: Full of Broken Thoughts

The entire expedition to one of Roswaal's many villas has concluded a few days ago, and during this time of return, the Margrave had set about upon plans to utilize the dolls that had haunted their arrival to revitalize various other neglected properties he owned. All of that, of course, was in the name of convenience and security for Emilia as she embarked further into her quest for the Throne.

However, with all three maids having been absent from the main residence for so long, chores had piled up.

Ram: —Of course Barusu slacked on his duties. Typical.

Frederica: I should not have expected Garf to do well at them...

Petra: Ottototo was too busy with his other work to do any of it, to be fair.

Algol: If Aniki had stayed behind, he would have made sure they did their duty.

Seeing how frustrated his staff was, and how hard they had to work to catch up, Roswaal began to recognize this as a limitation. It wasn't like he could just hire new staff. After all, finding someone who fit the Camp's dynamic would be extremely challenging.

This all came to a head one night at dinner, —perhaps the only meal of the day YN was ever in proper attendance for.

The Margrave expressed his intention to personally oversee the rejuvenation of another property, relying primarily on the use of the dolls. However, he noted that such an endeavor would still require the maids to accompany him for support. At the same time, he voiced concern about their workload piling up again, acknowledging that Subaru, Garfiel, and Otto each had their own duties that worked in concert with the maids'.

Subaru had to train and was essentially Emilia's emotional support (all but in name).

Garfiel too, had to train, but also patrol.

And Otto dealt with enough paperwork that he could be called a one-man bureaucracy.

At an impasse to a solution though, the conversation drifted at dinner, and it moved onto the topic of just how Otto managed so much paperwork.

Garfiel: —If the maid's work can pile up, what happens when you don't get to yer stuff? Wouldya' ever be able to get outta' that hole?

Otto: Ah, maybe... I'm quite used to handling backlogs of vouchers, permits, and commerce logs. I do come from a merchant background, and grew up as the son of one, too.

In response, Subaru more directly questioned Otto about his past. Though hesitant at first, he eventually began to open up, —helped along by Emilia's evident curiosity and by Roswaal, who had Frederica pass the green-tunic'd merchant a glass of brandy to loosen his lips.

Hearing of it, this had fostered an idea in the Margrave: Why not give Otto some personal leave?

Roswaal: —After all, you've worked most diligently for the Camp, it would make me look like a slaaaaaave driver if I did not afford you a holiday.

Subaru: Yeah, that is a good idea. Do your parents even have a clue you're working for the Margrave now?

Otto: Well, they probably still think I'm just trying my luck at being a merchant...

Garfiel: Ya gotta tell em' then. The longer ya wait, the more it'll seem ya didn't want em' to know.

Markedly surprised to hear such respect for elders out of Garfiel, Frederica went wide-eyed for a moment before returning to her own meal.

With enough pressure though, Otto agreed to the vacation, and as such, Roswaal pushed his solution to the previous topic; have Subaru and Garfiel accompany Otto.