Chapter 7 First Part-time Job
Wanting some pocket money, Rhiannon started looking for a part-time job and, surprisingly, found one right away.
The excellent butler, Kaine, introduced her to a place, saying, "You should be fine here".
The job Kaine recommended was a small bakery run by an elderly couple, located about a ten-minute walk from Mrs. Wezel's townhouse, at the corner of town.
"That bakery will definitely not have Sarah Belts coming by, and it's close to this townhouse."
"Ugh, a bakery? That sounds way too boring! I want to work somewhere else! A jewelry store would be great!"
Kaine gave a suspicious smile at Rhiannon's whining.
"Bakeries are essential for life, so people of all ages and backgrounds come in. Your destined person might just be among them."
"Hmm, is there really such a convenient story?"
"My lady, please think about it. That bakery is also near where you were attacked by that thug. Your destined person's living area is probably around there. So, the chances of running into them will naturally increase..."
"Ah, you're right! As expected of Kaine, you have a different perspective. I'll work at that bakery!"
"Hehehe, as expected of Lady Rhiannon, so easy to persuade... Ahem, my apologies. In any case, if you leave everything to me, my lady, everything will be just fine."
And so, Rhiannon, who easily fell for Kaine's persuasion, started her part-time job at the bakery.
Of course, she hid the fact that she was a noble and pretended to be a merchant's daughter.
"It's so cute that Rhiannon is working... If you need pocket money, I can give you some."
Mrs. Wezel, where she was staying, kept worrying, but the excited Rhiannon completely ignored her, saying, "I might meet my destined person!" Once she made up her mind, she charged ahead without hesitation.
This is Rhiannon Mimi Clahsen.
The bakery on the corner of the town is super busy in the morning, but in the afternoon, only a few people come by, so it's not that hectic.
Rhiannon was asked to take care of the shop from noon to evening.
Plus, since Kaine was hired too, even if Rhiannon makes a few mistakes, Kaine perfectly covers for her.
If she stays quiet, the beautiful Rhiannon quickly became a celebrity.
There are even customers who come just to see her.
Although Rhiannon's customer service isn't exactly friendly, among the customers, she's known as the "Ice Beauty of the Bakery," and it's rumored that if you see her smile, good luck will come your way.
Because of this, Rhiannon soon became the bakery's poster girl.
By the way, if someone tries to ask the Ice Beauty out on a date, a tall guy with golden eyes appears from the back, radiating an extraordinary killing intent.
The Ice Beauty is strictly for admiration.
The elderly couple who own the bakery really doted on Rhiannon.
Apparently, she's about the same age as their grandchild who lives far away.
"Rhiani and Kaine really help me out. We're getting older, so it's becoming tough to stand in the shop all day."
"I'm so glad to hear that."
"Hehe, Rhiani eats so deliciously that it's rewarding to make new products. So, this is the bread I'm thinking of releasing next season. Which one do you think is good?"
"It looks delicious! Can I eat all of these?"
"Of course! There's still plenty more."
"Yay, being a part-time worker at the bakery is the best!"
Rhiannon cheered happily as she munched on the new menu items like focaccia and croissants.
Completely spoiled, Rhiannon was really enjoying this part-time job.
Meanwhile, Kaine, who was watching Rhiannon stuff her face with bread, made a bitter face while kneading the dough.
(Recently, the young lady's weight has been gradually increasing due to overeating. If this continues, it might harm her health. I have to find a way to get her to exercise...)
With this new worry, Kaine frowned.
Kaine has another problem.
Actually, an old couple has been secretly scouting her to become the successor of their bakery, hidden from Rhiannon.
"Kaine, if you train hard, you have the talent to become the best baker in the capital!"
The bakery owner is passionately trying to persuade her, and Kaine is gently declining to avoid any awkwardness.
However, the pressure from the old couple has been intense lately.
They seem determined to make Kaine a baker.
Since Kaine is indebted to the old couple for taking care of her and Rhiannon, who has her own set of problems, she feels she can't just turn them down.
(This is troublesome... Sarah Belts definitely doesn't come to this shop, but I can't shake the feeling that I messed up my choice of part-time job...)
Kaine lets out a quiet sigh.
Being too capable can be a hassle.
* * *
"Ugh, I finally got a month's worth of pay! But still, I can't even buy one dress!"
Holding her hard-earned part-time wages close to her chest, Rhiannon lets out a big sigh on the bed.
Kaine, who had been silently working on paperwork, glances up at Rhiannon.
"Do you understand how hard it is to earn money?"
"Ugh, working to earn money is really tough. I wonder if I could just dig a mountain and have gold and silver treasures pop out."
"That's a ridiculous idea. However, if you really want to dig, please do it on the Clahsen family's private land. I'd rather avoid any unnecessary trouble."
"Of course, I'm just joking, you idiot!"
Rhiannon quickly throws a pillow at Kaine.
Kaine, busy with her paperwork, effortlessly catches the pillow with her left hand while continuing to work with her right.
"Tch!"
"Honestly, throwing things at people and clicking your tongue... Since you're a noble lady, shouldn't you be a bit more refined?"
"What do you mean 'since you're a noble'? I'm a bona fide noble! I really don't need to work part-time, you know!?"
"Yes, yes, that's right."
"......"
Rhiannon, who had been shouting angrily, suddenly falls silent.
In the eerie silence, Kaine momentarily stopped his paperwork.
He knew that when Rhiannon went quiet, she was usually thinking of something troublesome.
In response to Kaine's wariness, Rhiannon looked down and started mumbling.
"...Earlier, I said I didn't have to get a part-time job, but I do appreciate you introducing me to one, Kaine."
"Oh, you suddenly got all modest. What's up with that?"
"Nothing, really? Well, working part-time has broadened my horizons, and I feel embarrassed about how I used to spend money without thinking."
"Uh, huh..."
Kaine was trying to maintain a cool expression despite Rhiannon's unusual statement, but inside, she was panicking.
Maybe her master was coming down with something.
"...By the way, Kaine, um, I have a question... Do you, uh, want anything?"
"...Huh?"
"I'm asking if there's something you want! I've decided to use my first paycheck to buy gifts for the people who've helped me. I already have gifts in mind for my aunt and Father. But I have no idea what you want... So, I thought I'd ask."
"!?"
Hearing Rhiannon's words, Kaine's golden eyes widened, and he suddenly stood up, looking extremely flustered.
The chair fell over with a loud bang, but without caring about that, Kaine hurriedly placed his hand on Rhiannon's forehead.
"Eh, what──."
"What on earth is going on!? Do you have a cold? No, you don't have a fever... Did you hit your head somewhere...?"
"W-What are you talking about! I'm perfectly fine! I didn't hit my head at all!"
"No, that can't be! It's absolutely impossible for you, my lady, to want to give something to someone else. The word 'gift' coming out of your mouth is just... unsettling!"
"Hey, that's really rude!?"
Kaine was deeply unsettled.
So much so that his hand, which had been writing, completely stopped.
"Just in case, let's call a doctor right now! You didn't eat something weird somewhere, did you? I told you, picking up food like that is really bad..."
"Hey, are you even listening to me!? I'm fine, and I'm totally sane! I didn't eat anything weird!"
"...Is that really true?"
"Of course it is. So just hurry up and say what you want. Well, I can't buy anything too expensive, though..."
Kaine wobbled back the rolling chair, and after letting out a deep sigh, still unable to hide his agitation, he let out a light groan.
"...I don't particularly want anything. As long as you, my lady, are healthy and happy, I'm satisfied. Though I would be even happier if you would occasionally insult me, but lately you've gotten too clever and hardly ever do that anymore..."
With that, Kaine showed a slightly worn-out expression, causing Rhiannon to frown.
"Insults aside, my happiness can't be bought with money! Don't you want anything else? Like a ring, a dress, or some sweets...?"
"Isn't that all what you want, my lady?"
"Well, yeah, but... that's all I can think of. I hardly know anything about you, Kaine."
Rhiannon stared intently at Kaine's face.
"What I want is only Lady Rhiannon's happiness."
With that response, Kaine narrowed his mysterious golden eyes, which hid his true feelings.
To that one line, Rhiannon let out a half-exasperated sigh, thinking, "What a perfect student you are".
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)