Chapter 1 - Episode 1: The Clumsy Maid's Request
Scene: A street in Landsol.
About a month has passed since Yuuki began living in Landsol.
One day, this happened.
Kokkoro
Master, I'm extremely sorry, but... We have no more money.
Kokkoro
When I left my home village, I received money for travel expenses from my village elder. And now, we have used it all up. Landsol is a big city, so the cost of living is high here.
Kokkoro
So we will have to do something to get by, such as finding a cheaper hotel, and rationing our food...
Kokkoro
Though we have not been good at economizing so far, we must do our best. My wallet is quite empty now.
Kokkoro
This being the case, Master... Shall I go find a job?
Kokkoro
I would like to leave your side as little as possible, but if I were to get a job... I am thinking that, once I begin to earn wages, I will be able to cover our living expenses.
Kokkoro
As for you, Master... Please leisurely do as your heart pleases, whether that is playing games, or eating delicious food.
Kokkoro
Here is today's spending money. Please, accept it.
Kokkoro
... What is the matter, Master? Your complexion does not look well.
Kokkoro
Your health must be deteriorating because of our these conditions. I am worried... Moreover, your spending money is insufficient, is it not?
Kokkoro
I apologize. What I just gave you was the last of the money I had.
Kokkoro
Hmm... I suppose it cannot be helped. If I sell my hair ornament, then we will have some extra money, yes?
Yuuki
1. "Wait."
Kokkoro
... Unyu!?
Kokkoro
Master, it's most troublesome for you to hug me all of a sudden, since we are in public. What is the matter? Could it be that you feel helpless when I am not by your side?
Kokkoro
Huh... Master, you would like to work as well?
Kokkoro
I would like to shoulder all of the burdens of physical labor. But do you feel guilty for enjoying yourself while having another do all of the work?
Kokkoro
If those are my Master's feelings, then I respect them. Ha ha, Master is a kind person...
Kokkoro
And certainly, it will be more efficient if both of us are earning money. Then, let us proceed with that.
Kokkoro
Um... In this plaza, it seems that many job requests have been posted on a bulletin board.
Kokkoro
I am thinking that we should try to find some good-sounding jobs on that board. Master, would that be acceptable?
Kokkoro
Then, let us hurry... Ah, there it is. The board that I mentioned previously.
Animated cutscene.
Suzume
Just a little higher...!
Suzume falls down and lands on Yuuki.
Suzume
Owie...!
End of animated cutscene.
Kokkoro
Uh, are you all right? Were you the one who just loudly fall down...?
Suzume
Ouch... Wah, I'm sorry! I'm okay, nothing to worry about!
Suzume
Ehehe... I was standing tiptoe on a stepladder to stick a poster up there, and I accidentally lost my balance! That was no good... Clumsiness is really just a part of the name Suzume, huh!
Kokkoro
... Suzume?
Suzume
Huh? Oh, it's Yuuki!
Suzume
I haven't heard from you in so long! I guess you just saw a pretty embarrassing side of me, huh?
Kokkoro
Master, is this one of your acquaintances?
Suzume
Ah, yes! Yuuki was one of my very good friends, some time ago!
Suzume
This girl... Um, she must be your little sister, right?
Suzume
My, how cute! Little girl, how old are you? Are you out on a date with your big brother today?
Kokkoro
Um, I am not his younger sister... I am his servant. My name is Kokkoro.
Suzume
Is that right! Then, you're kind of the same as me, aren't you?
Kokkoro
The same? Are you also one of Master's servants?
Suzume
Oh, no, that's not it! Sorry, I didn't explain well!
Suzume
Um, as you can see, I'm a lowly maid, yes? I also serve an important person!
Suzume
Today, for Mistress... I mean, for the person I serve, I came here to hire some help for a job. See, I worked really hard to make this job request poster!
Kokkoro
Hmm... Moving assistance, I see. Packing luggage, and if possible, serving as guards for the carriage? This seems like a simple job, but the reward is quite considerable, is it not?
Suzume
Heh heh! My mistress is quite a cheapskate -- or should I say, thrifty -- but she's quite generous in times when money ought to be spent!
Suzume
Yuuki and Kokkoro, since you two seem to be using this job board. If you're looking for work... If you're willing, why not take this job?
Suzume
Of course, if your circumstances allow it. Compared to getting somebody I didn't know at all, I would feel much more comfortable asking people who I had met before!
Kokkoro
Hmm... It seems that it would be suitable -- the conditions seem quite reasonable, and the undertaking seems to be one we can do.
Kokkoro
But I cannot decide on my own. Master, what do you think?
Yuuki
1. "First, I'd appreciate if you could move."
Kokkoro
Huh? What do you mean? Ah... Suzume fell down earlier, and she's been sitting on top of you ever since?
Suzume
Ehh? S-S-S-Sorry, sorry!
Suzume
It was totally on accident! I've been casually talking to you while straddling you this whole time!
Suzume
P-P-Please excuse me! I'll get off right away... Awawa, ahhh!?
Kokkoro
Oh, she was in a panic and lost her balance again. Now, instead of sitting on top of Master, she's tangled up and sprawled on top of him.
Kokkoro
Um... She really is a clumsy person, huh.
Kokkoro
Now that they're so entangled, it'll be difficult for them to get up. I should probably help them.