"At this rate, I’ll be buried under paperwork. How did all these documents pile up?"
After managing affairs back in my domain, I returned to find an impressive stack of paperwork on my desk—almost as tall as I am. I’d never felt the urge to escape reality more than at that moment since being thrust into this world.
‘But if I escape, I’d be leaving Chloe behind too. So, I buckled down and got through it.’
Though I managed to conquer the mountain of papers, I swore I’d never endure such a grueling workload again.
"I need to promote Antonio, who has been managing the first branch of Café Medici since its opening, to oversee coffee distribution across all our locations. If I keep trying to handle everything myself, I’ll work myself to death."
There's a certain madman back in my world who likes to send shiba inu memes into space and insists that people should work a hundred hours a week. But if you keep that pace, you’d end up with a heart condition or stroke in no time.
Besides, the point of working hard is to live well, not to make work the sole purpose of life.
"I need a break. Maybe chatting with Chloe will clear my mind."
Seeing her get all puppy-like and playful when I ruffle her hair makes life worth living. Without her, I’d probably be suffering migraines like some ancient general.
Lost in these thoughts, I opened my door to find Chloe waiting for me.
"Welcome back, Master."
"You wouldn’t believe how much paperwork I had to get through."
"Shall I offer you a lap pillow?"
"Please."
Chloe sat on the bed and patted her thighs, inviting me to rest my head there. The moment I laid down, I could feel the exhaustion melting away.
"Do you enjoy my lap pillow that much, Master?"
What kind of man wouldn’t enjoy a lap pillow from a beautiful young woman? Even if a man only found attraction in other men, I bet he’d still find this comforting.
"If I could, I’d take the whole day off tomorrow just to stay like this with you."
"I’d be happy to do that, Master, even if it’s just for today."
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We shared a comfortable silence for a while, and I felt an unusual sense of peace. Just as I was enjoying this rare moment of tranquility, Chloe spoke up.
"I know you’re tired, Master, but may I talk to you about something important?"
Though we’d been together for over a year now, this was the first time she’d ever asked to discuss something serious. Whatever she wanted to say, it must’ve been weighing on her mind for a long time.
"What is it?" I asked.
Chloe’s voice was filled with a longing tone that reminded me of someone confessing a long-held crush.
"I know I’m just a maid, and maybe I shouldn’t ask, but... how do you feel about me, Master?"
Even though I’ve never been in a relationship, I’m not oblivious enough not to understand what she’s hinting at. This is what you’d expect before a confession. It seems the seeds sown since I first took her in as my personal maid have finally borne fruit.
"I see you as family, Chloe," I began.
She took a deep breath, casting her gaze around as if looking for the courage to continue before speaking again.
"I love you, Master."
Before I could respond, Chloe continued, pouring her heart out.
"Watching you focus so intently in your office brings a smile to my face. I love that you eat cake every day for my sake, even though you don’t particularly like it. These days have been so wonderful, I wish they’d last forever."
Sometimes, when I’d stretch after a long day of work, I’d catch her smiling at me. If our eyes met, she’d quickly pretend she wasn’t looking, burying her face back into her books. Her face would turn as red as an apple.
"And now, I find it’s not enough just to be by your side like this."
A teardrop fell onto my face, obscured by the view of her chest, but I could tell she was crying.
"Even though I’m just a maid, I can’t help but worry about the others around you. Miss Christina, the other maids... it feels like they’re all slowly falling for you. It’s only a matter of time, right? You’re so kind and charming that you’ll soon marry some noble lady. I know I can’t monopolize you, but still..."
She clutched my hand tightly, her fingers trembling.
"I don’t care if I’m not the only one; I just want to be yours. So I’ve been doing everything I can to become the kind of woman you’d love. I’ve studied hard, exercised to keep my figure, and I even massaged my chest to... well, you seem to like larger chests. I thought about you every time."
In romance dramas, this is often the moment where the protagonist interrupts with a kiss. But that didn’t feel right. I needed to hear everything she had to say.
"Every time I touched myself, I imagined it was your hand instead. And that only made my heart ache more..."
Chloe gently lifted my head from her lap. We locked eyes, and I saw the tears brimming in hers. I could see the fear, the hope, and the desire not to let go. Every emotion was laid bare.
"Please, Master, make me yours."
Only a fool would ask, "Are you sure you want someone like me?" That’s just a stupid question.
"I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner."
I reached up, brushing her hair and stroking her cheek. She smiled, and although her eyes were still glistening with tears, relief was evident.
"Master, please accept me."
Instead of answering, I leaned in and kissed her. She began to undress, revealing a delicate negligee beneath her maid outfit.
She blushed deeply, looking away as she stammered, "I saved up my wages to buy this. I wanted to look my best for you. I heard that the first time can be painful, so I even drank two cups of coffee to stay awake."
Coffee might be a stimulant, but it certainly doesn’t work as an anesthetic. She took my hand, placing it on her chest, and whispered.
"Please make me yours, Master, until the night ends."
That night, I finally crossed the threshold into adulthood. The next morning, when I saw her sleeping, I couldn’t resist pulling her close again. By the time I was done, I was in no state to get any work done.
Sebastian, ever the mindful butler, had prepared a restorative meal for me, filled with aphrodisiacs like eel, oysters, almonds, and garlic in a seaweed soup.
"Master, you have a guest waiting."
I clicked my tongue. "Who is it, Sebastian? I’ve got enough work to catch up on."
"It’s Baron Ducat, commander of the First Division of the Toscan Empire."
So, it seemed the Emperor had finally come through with that promised chance to earn military merit. I’d suspected I might be drawn into some kind of service, but the First Division—the very one that Pereira had profited from?
"I have no idea what they want, but it can't be good. Damn it."
The Emperor never gave me an easy job. Here’s hoping he twists his back while training one day and has to rest in bed for a week.