Chapter 11 The Birth Of A Female Bureaucrat
After that, Robert apologized profusely to Rebecca and somehow managed to get her forgiveness. Rebecca seemed to have a pretty intense personality.
Rebecca, with a gracious smile that didn't show any signs of anger, arrived at the dinner table escorted by Robert. Sara, who was already seated, thought to herself, "This is going to be a great atmosphere," but didn't express it on her face or in her words.
"Ms. Sara's table manners seem to be okay."
"Thank you, Miss Rebecca."
Rebecca's dignified remark made Sara feel relieved, thinking that her etiquette was almost the same as in her previous life.
"I might not have much to teach you, Ms. Sara."
"No, I'm still inexperienced. I have many shortcomings, and I'd like to receive your guidance, Miss Rebecca."
Just then, Robert (the airheaded guy) chimed in.
"Did Sara's cat come from Arthur?"
This was a total blunder.
"Rob! You really are something!"
Rebecca's anger flared up again. Even Sara didn't try to cover for him this time.
"Uncle, could you please help us out? Miss Rebecca said she doesn't have much to teach, but the way you're saying it is just... If you're going to say something, shouldn't it be 'I'd be happy to lend a hand during my free time'?"
Cornered by the 2 women, Robert panicked. Having lived alone as a man for a long time, he seemed to have forgotten the obvious thing ―― "to be considerate of women."
"...I apologize."
As Robert hung his head, he looked like a big dog with its tail between its legs. Sara and Rebecca couldn't help but exchange a wry smile at the pitiful Robert.
After that, the 3 of them decided to have dessert and tea (Robert had liquor, though) in a separate game room.
"Ms. Sara, places like this game room are originally for men only."
"That's true, it's a very masculine room."
This was Robert's favorite spot, equipped with a bar counter, card tables, chessboards, and billiard tables. It wasn't just masculine, but had a decadent atmosphere.
"This building is where the bureaucrats work. Today, I'm hesitant to talk to you because I want to chat with you, but the bureaucrats often gather here at night. Well, the number of users has decreased significantly lately."
"Is it like a place to unwind after work?"
"That's part of it, but it's more accurate to say it's a social hub for bureaucrats. It's also used for meetings with merchants, so there are various reception rooms of all sizes nearby."
"In other words, it's a place where women like us can't enter, and money is being exchanged, Ms. Sara."
"I see."
"Umm... it's not like we're excluding women or anything..."
Earlier, Rebecca explained that it was a "men-only" place, but in reality, they sometimes brought in mistresses or pr**titutes. Either way, it wasn't a place where kids could enter.
"So, do you guys do your shady dealings here too?"
"Well, since this place is open to all bureaucrats, it's not really suitable for shady dealings. When that happens, it's usually in the b..."
"Robert di Grandchester! If you say any more in Ms. Sara's ear, I'll pull your ear like when you were a kid!"
Rebecca scolded Robert, interrupting his words. Sara suspected that Robert was about to say "brōtḥel." There were probably high-end shops catering to nobles and wealthy merchants in the capital's red-light district, serving a role similar to Ginza's high-end clubs or Akasaka's ryotei.
Of course, Sara, who could read the atmosphere, didn't show any signs of understanding. Instead, she maintained a suspicious, puzzled expression.
"I understand that shady dealings happen outside the castle, Uncle."
"Sara, you seem to understand, but it's a bit scary..."
I kinda feel like I'm being used, but I shouldn't think that way.
"So, why did Uncle bring us here?"
"I think it's because I want you guys to use this place someday. If you help with the work, it'll eventually pay off, I think."
"Are you serious about making us work that hard? I thought we'd just be doing secretary-like work in Rob's office..."
"At first, I thought so too, but then 2 bureaucrats collapsed from overwork. We don't have that kind of luxury anymore."
'This is a seriously messed-up, black company!'
"Rob, are you sane? I won't let Ms. Sara work in a place like this, no matter what. Does Marquis-sama know about this?"
"No, it's my own decision. I think Revi might have some idea, but in this situation, we can't do anything but turn a blind eye."
"What about Ms. Sara, then?"
"Miss Rebecca. Grandfather doesn't know about my... ability, but... I think it's completely beyond his expectations."
"Yeah, I think so too. But Grandchester doesn't have the luxury to spare capable people right now. Even just having someone to help with calculations is a big help."
Rebecca's expression changed to one of shock. She stared at Robert, then turned her gaze to Sara.
"Ms. Sara, you don't have to do this awful job, you know? No, you should refuse. You're still a minor, and you shouldn't have to do this kind of work."
"If I don't do it, the work will fall behind. If we can't make it in time for the national audit, the Grandchester house might go bankrupt. As a member of the Grandchester family, it's not someone else's problem."
'No way, if the Grandchester house goes bankrupt now, I'll be in trouble. I can already see myself getting kicked out. My perfect, independent plan will be ruined!'
"Ms. Sara..."
"Isn't Miss Rebecca the one who's been dragged into this mess and become a victim of the Grandchester family's affairs?"
"That's definitely true, isn't it? ...There's no way around it. Since my student is trying their best, I, as Governess, can't just abandon them."
"By the way, I've already told the bureaucrats that women will be working, and some of them looked skeptical, but the rest are eager to lend a hand, so they won't mind about gender."
"I think it's okay to be a little concerned about that, though..."
And so, it was decided that 2 female bureaucrats would be born in Grandchester. However, it would be part-time. Sara is a working student, and Rebecca has a double job, so it's only natural that they prioritize their main job.
"I heard from my cousins that 'Uncle Rob is enthusiastic about education,' but isn't he suddenly cutting down on study time?"
"Well, those guys (nephews) don't study at all, so as an uncle, I'm worried, Sara. If things stay the way they are, I can only see uncertainty for Grandchester's future."
"Can't you direct that worry towards me?"
"Rather, I think I'm the one who should be worried, though..."
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