Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 16

Yumika clutched Amy’s hand, pleading adorably, “Lady Amy! Let’s take a bath together! Come on, hurry up!”

Judging by Amy’s expression, she was already under Yumika’s spell.

She’s quite the femme fatale.

“Hehe, I’ll get ready right away, so just wait a moment, Yumika. Alice, could you please prepare Yumika’s bath?”

“Certainly, ma’am.”

[T/N: Okusama (奥様), married lady]

Ma’am… That has a nice ring to it. I’d love for her to call me more casually instead. Maybe I’ll ask her next time.

“Oh, come on! I’ve told you not to call me that! Miss Alice, you’re so mean!”

“But Lady Amy, you’re my brother’s bride, aren’t you? Then, you’re the lady of the house, right? Or am I wrong?”

“Yumika is correct. Though we haven’t received a formal response from your family yet, it’s unthinkable they’d refuse. Therefore, it’s only proper to address you as the lady of the house.”

Yumika pressed on with her innocence, while Alice supported her with cold logic, cutting off any escape route.

My wife is visibly flustered—maybe they should give her a break.

“But… it’s a little embarrassing. I’ve been through so much, and I never even used to go out in public. I rarely spoke with men either. And now, I’m supposed to be the wife of the Lord Protector… It’s overwhelming.”

“Lady Amy, you’re so cute! You’re like a maiden in love! I’m so excited to live with you!”

“I am left speechless by my lord’s insight, recognizing your qualities and arranging this marriage so swiftly. Truly, if only all men in this world possessed the decisive strength of our lord.”

Hmm… this atmosphere feels a bit strange. Is she talking about him? Yeah, definitely him. I think some things would change if he just took one more step.

“Oh, does Alice have someone like that in her life too?”

“What? No… I’ve dedicated my life to House Hesselink. I have no time to waste on love.”

“That’s right! Big Sis Alice is going to marry Father and become Yumika’s mother, right?”

“What?”

“Oh my!”

Yumika just dived right in with no hesitation! Our household angel strikes again—her boldness knows no bounds.

“Y-Yumika? I’ve told you before, that’s not how it is. Sir Odolski and I are not in that kind of relationship. We are simply colleagues, supporting our lord together.”

“I know. I just think it would be nice if it happened, that’s all. But Father has dedicated his life to House Hesselink too. So, even if he and big sis became a couple, nothing would change. Besides, I love Big Sis Alice so much!”

Upon hearing Yumika’s earnest wish, Alice covered her face with both hands and collapsed to her knees. “Oh… an angel…! God, I thank you for sending an angel to my side!”

I get it! I understand, Alice. Yumika is adorable, and that’s an undeniable truth. But as for Alice and Odolski… I might need to give them a little push.

“She’s so powerful! I totally understand why Lord Rex is wrapped around her finger. Hey, Yumika, would you call me sister too?”

What!? No, Amy! That’s too dangerous!

“Really?! I’m so happy! Umm, let’s see, Big Sis Amy!”

The young lady of the Canilunya family, like Alice before her, dropped to her knees. It was super effective! “Oh! The Archangel has descended! All the suffering I’ve endured up until now was for this very moment!”

Aaaaaah! So cute!!! And Amy, who’s now melting over Yumika, is so adorable too!!!

All right, I should step in before Amy completely drowns in the swamp that is Yumika.

“Okay, let’s stop there. While I wholeheartedly agree that Yumika is an archangel, any more would be dangerous. Come on, Yumika, go take your bath. My lady, you’re welcome to join too if you’d like.”

“Hah! M-my apologies. I got carried away by Yumika’s cuteness.”

“I’m in no position to blame you for that. Tonight, over dinner, I’ll share some stories of Yumika’s adorable moments. Perhaps I’ll invite Odolski as well.”

“Oh, stop it, big brother! That’s so embarrassing!”

Ugh! I want to shout out how cute she is too. But I’m the dignified Count Hesselink. Stay strong, stay strong, Rex Hesselink!

“Hahaha, even when you’re mad, you’re adorable, Yumika. Now, Alice, I’m counting on you to take care of them.”

“Understood. Well then, ma’am, shall we? Yumika, let’s go too.”

While the women were taking their bath, I summoned the men to the study. Jean-Jacques, Odolski, Mahdavikia, and Mary quickly gathered, each taking their usual seats.

“Alright. The reason I’ve gathered you all is to discuss how we’ll handle Lady Amy moving forward. There are two main issues. The first one, Mahdavikia.”

“Ah, she’s got quite the appetite. We’ll need to set aside a good chunk of the budget for food, probably more than just a bit. Meat and fruit can be sourced from the soldiers’ provisions, but we don’t grow rice or wheat here. And about manpower—if the marriage proceeds as planned, I’d like to request a few extra hands.”

“Understood. We’ll figure out the budget soon, but we can make it work. We’ve always been frugal, so no need to cut back too much. If necessary, Odolski and I can hunt down some high-value targets to cover costs. As for manpower, that’s no issue. You’d prefer younger staff, correct?”

“As you say, young master. When they’re too seasoned, they come with habits. I don’t mind if they’re completely green. I’ll train them myself.”

“Jean-Jacques, handle the arrangements.”

“Understood.”

“And the second issue. We’ll need to travel to the capital soon for the official introduction. I want to discuss who should accompany me and who should stay behind. I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

To put it simply, it’s about who’ll be staying back to guard the house.

“If we go by the usual setup, Big Bro Odo stays behind, and me and Gramps would head out, right?”

“That’s right. But considering the upcoming marriage, I thought it might be better for Jean-Jacques to stay here and handle the preparations.”

“That makes sense. So, that would leave me and Jean-Jacques here, with Mary as your sole companion? Normally, I’d oppose that, but given that the lady of the house is no ordinary woman, having fewer guards may not be an issue.”

Exactly. Amy turned out to be far stronger than we expected, so there’s no real need to increase her guard. It’d be more efficient for Jean-Jacques to stay behind and manage things here. The only question is whether the retainers will accept this plan.

“I don’t see why not. It’s not like anyone would target those gaudy Hesselink cloaks, and I’m more than enough to handle any trouble. Besides, Gramps would be better off here to deal with some of the things we discussed earlier.”

“Jean-Jacques, what’s your opinion?”

“No objections. Odolski will continue with his usual duties, Mary will accompany Lord Rex, Mahdavikia will focus on managing the kitchen staff, and I will handle the marriage preparations. Is that agreeable?”

Everyone nodded without hesitation. It was impressive how well they each understood their roles.

“Alright. Mary, make sure you’re ready to depart at any time. And Odolski—”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Join us for dinner tonight. Lady Amy is eager to hear some cute stories about Yumika.”

“Hahaha! Well, well! This could take a while! I can’t leave out the first time she called me Father. And—”

“Don’t overdo it, Odolski, or you’ll scare her off.”