Probably, but this route is the plot

Fortunately nothing bad happened on the way back. We were low on gold but Iris had plenty of seeds and tools for expanding the garden. And all the girls were happy. So it was a nice overall experience.

“Rosemary,” Master said. “Come with me.”

I nodded. The other girls were unloading the stuff from out trip, something I wasn’t going to particularly useful with anyhow.

He guided me to his room, and then showed me there was a secret room behind his bed. Inside was a shrine for the idol which he put back before it glowed. He was reactivating the charm. I felt the wave of compulsion wash over me as once again it would be entrancing everyone in the area. It felt… nice.

“You wanted to create a protection spell for this location, right?”

“Yes Master,” I said as I knelt. I wanted to insist on doing it now but that was a bad idea. The sisters said that Master would be the deciding factor. If I tried to stop him from making choices, it was more likely that I would cause him to fail. “When should I?”

“Hmm. How long will the brew take?” he asked.

“This particular brew needs my alchemical station set up, but I could have it ready by tonight if we wanted.”

“No no, I think tomorrow will be fine,” he said.

“Yes Master.”

“For now, go check on Natalia, make sure she is okay please.”

“Of course Master,” I said before taking my leave.

She was carrying most of the stuff. She had a big smile and seemed less distracted. “Natalia!”

“Yes, sister?” she asked.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

She set the box down. “Good! I don’t know why but that thing the bandit threw at me had me in all sorts of a ditz for days. I feel good to be home though. I hope I didn’t cause Master any inconveniences.”

I reached up to give her a headpat. “You are fine. Great in fact. We all have bad days. Let me know if you feel anything strangeness. Okay?”

“Right away Boss! I mean Sister!” she said chuckling. “Can’t believe I fell back into that old habit! So embarrassing.”

Looking around, I found the Lady was told to rest. She wasn’t feeling all that well from her transformation. Nothing of concern, and probably something she wouldn’t have put herself through if she relaxed more last night. She’d probably be fine tomorrow. I think half her issue was hungry. Her body generated a something quite strong and that needed calories.

I found Sofia directing traffic. “I thought you’d still be on dinner duty?” I asked her.

“Nah, Celeste is taking that honor tonight,” she said.

“Hmm, so she took cooking and you took her head maid duties?” I asked.

She nodded. “The Lady is the first to usually take such duties. But obviously she can’t. That is why we rotate like this.”

Smart. Having two backups was indeed better. I wondered if one day they would trust me enough to be head maid for a day. The thought put a smile on my face.

I bowed. “Thank you. I need to inform Celeste of something than.”

It wasn’t anything that important. I just wanted to make sure she made plenty of food, and some high calorific food for the Lady.