[???: … Subaru-sama, are you awake?]
There was a knock on the door from outside, which informed him of his usual wake up time. Subaru cleared his throat as he heard the gentle voice that had asked him that. Then, clapping his hands to his face, and making sure he was smiling using the mirror, he gave a very dispirited reply of: [Coome in],
Hearing that, the door slowly opened, and a young girl entered the room.
[???: Good morning, Subaru-sama. Today is once again a splendid morning y'know.]
Saying that while smiling, was the little girl in her maid uniform―― Petra Leyte, Subaru's personal maid.
When he had met her, she had still been a young bud yet to flower. But now she was entering the growing season, and was in the process of blooming beautifully. Her height, and arms, and legs had grown a lot compared to before, and she was increasingly becoming more and more suited to her pretty maid dress too.
That behaviour and conduction was not lost against her cute dress. From the start, she was a good girl who was well-taught and quick-to-learn. And now, as a maid, Petra had reached top notch levels.
A 14 year old flower… Seeing Petra's matured smile, Subaru replied with a smile.
[Subaru: A good morning to you too, Petra. I agree, it's indeed a splendid morning. Today too, I was able to see Petra's cute face in the morning. I'm pretty satisfied too.]
[Petra: Subaru's still saying such things. … Ah, but there are clouds hanging over the sky beyond the forest, it seems that the weather may get worse this afternoon. I have plans to go shopping this afternoon, I hope it'll stay sunnyyyyyy.]
Inclining her head towards Subaru's greeting, Petra turned her eyes towards the window and muttered that out. In those words, there was a trace of her childish immaturity in them, and Subaru gave a small chuckle.
[Petra: Ah! No, Subaru-sama.]
[Subaru: Nono, just now, the beautiful shell of a Maid was broken just a little. How very like you, Petra.]
[Petra: Jeez, please stop treating me like a kid like that. I'm totally grown up. I've been a maid already for two years… cuz of that I've become an adult!]
Shaking her auburn hair, Petra's cheeks blushed and her lips tapered in embarrassment. In front of the figure of his cute little sister, Subaru stroked the smiling girl's head. Petra narrowed her eyes in happiness and let out a reluctant sigh as Subaru stroked her head.
[Petra: So, what will you be doing this morning? It's still early for breakfast, but…]
[Subaru: Ahh, for the time being I'll just finish my usual routine and then if it goes well, we can have breakfast with everyone. If it doesn't go well… then, the usual.]
[Petra: …Okay]
Casting her eyes down slightly at Subaru's reply, Petra's face turned quite serious. Shedding silent tears at making such a young sweet girl make such a face, Subaru stroked the cute girl's head as she made this face,
[Subaru: Anyhow, thank you for today as well. Especially for coming to wake me up.]
[Petra: …]
[Subaru: Petra?]
[Petra: Subaru-sama really is clumsy.]
Saying that to Subaru, who was trying to awkwardly change topic, Petra gave an exasperated sigh. And then the girl shook her head, putting on a smile like a bloomed flower.
[Petra: No, even this is my job. Besides, it's far better because Subaru-sama won't sleep too much….. Even if he shouldn't be so careless.]
[Subaru: Huh?]
[Petra: It's nothing. Well then, I'll see you later. Excuse me.]
Every morning, after acting as Subaru's alarm clock Petra would give him a curtsy with her skirt. And then, after seeing off Subaru, she'd leave the room. The door would close, and Subaru would nod his head in satisfaction seeing Petra's growth. .
Subaru: Petra has become splendid as well. As a big brother, I am proud.]
"Echidna: But from her side, she doesn't seem to think of you as a big brother."
[Subaru: Didn't I tell you to be silent except for when I need you? Witch-sama sure is quick to break promises.]
In her monologue, Subaru was struck by the witch's persistence and weakness to not be able to tolerate the silence. But, leaving behind a resigned sigh, he turned around to look at the door Petra had disappeared through.
[Subaru: I'm that girl's big brother, you know? So, Petra's my cute little sister. That's why I will make that girl happy. ――That much I will absolutely do.]
"Echidna: You'll absolutely make her happy you say…? Those words might unexpectedly become terrible words."
Hearing Subaru's firm tone, Echidna said that without poking any fun at him. Ignoring the words of the witch, Subaru left the room, lightly stretching himself. The mansion's corridor had become quite cold as a sign that it was early morning . Shivering, Subaru walked out.
―― His everyday『routine』was about to start.