Basic Manual for Beginner Assistants
Huh... no one's here yet?
It's almost departure time...
Ugh! These Savior Party people are hopelessly lazy!
Ms. Bell.
Oh, Claire?
Good. I'm not late. I was worried the train might have left already.
What brings you here? This early in the morning, all the way out here.
What about preparations for opening Candle Square?
Something was bothering me, so I left the work to Scarlet and Emily for now.
O-oh?
It'll probably be a disaster when we get back.
Anyway, what exactly were you worried about?
I'm worried about you, Ms. Bell. This is your first long-distance assignment.
Candle Square isn't a local institution in NOA. It's an international organization spanning all of Lavistar.
Meaning, if a Candle Square maid were to make a mistake elsewhere...
It would tarnish the honor of Candle Square as a whole.
...What are you trying to say?
In short... we need to make sure you do this right.
H-hey! Even so, I'm still a Senior Maid, you know! That's a bit dismissive!
Nightshade root, banshee tree sap, and a portable gravestone for each person...
I prepared everything we need for the mission. Thoroughly!
I'm not worried about that. Your abilities, as well as Emily's and even Scarlet's... are unquestionable.
The problem is that every Senior Maid currently in Candle Square is catastrophically bad at basic life skills.
Did you at least bring a toothbrush?
Of course! What do you take me for?! I actually brought two!
And toothpaste?
Huh? Toothpaste...?
Uh... well...
What about cosmetics for decorum? Extra undergarments? Cooking gear and blankets for field camping?
Well... Aganon is a big city, isn't it?!
I can just buy the small stuff there—
Long-distance missions come with unpredictable conditions—that's fundamental!
You must carry emergency supplies to support the Saviors accompanying you.
If something goes wrong and instead of helping, you become a burden, what then?!
S-shut up!
If anything happens, I'll figure something out! Stop nagging me!
And who do you think you are, Claire? My sister?
...
...
S-sorry...
You were worried about me, and I snapped...
It's all right. Scolding you isn't what I came here for.
Here. Please take this.
That's one huge bag... What's in it?
I packed supplies just in case.
This should cover most situations you might encounter.
Uh...
Th-thanks... I'll put it to good use.
I always knew you were amazing, Claire.
Not just your skills—you never miss anything, even details like this...
It's nothing special.
I'm simply following what's written in the [Basic Manual for New Maids].
[Basic Manual]...?
Don't tell me...
Yes. It's the handbook written by the missing Master Maid, Ms. Carnelia.
She gave it to me on my very first day in Candle Square.
...
...Now that I think about it, the Orbital Search Team sent us a notice.
Apparently, one of their confidential reports meant for the eyes of Polaris was intercepted.
Th-that's...
Their investigation suggests the leak may involve the underground group known as the [Hubble Network].
They also confirmed Candle Square had come in contact with [Hubble] concerning the recent [New Captain Welcoming Banquet].
They asked if we had any information that might help.
Wait! Claire! I can explain everything!
Of course, I replied that I knew nothing.
Huh...?
As far as I know, a Candle Square maid would never cooperate with a criminal for personal gains.
And even if she does, there must be a very, very good reason.
As the acting Master Maid, I have complete faith in my fellow maids.
Mm...
Th-thank you... Claire.
...Ms. Bell.
Truth be told, I wanted to take this mission myself.
But if we consider priorities...
This time, you clearly have the rightful claim.
...Because it's a family matter.
...
So just this once, I'll yield the role to you.
If... by any chance you meet her in Aganon...
If I meet her...?
...
Please follow the instructions as per the [Manual].
As a maid of Candle Square.
...
Good morning, Claire. You came to see us off?
Whoa! Don't sneak up on me like that!
Ah, you've arrived, Captain.
...
Did you by any chance... overhear our conversation?
Huh? Well...
What are you all doing?! Run!
At this rate we're going to miss our train!
*Huff* *Huff Huff*
This is all... because... it took you... forever... to pack!!
Shut it!
This is our Savior Party's first trial!
If we fail because we missed the train, I won't forgive you!
...It seems everyone has arrived.
Then, Voyager Savior Party and Ms. Bell.
May you all complete your mission safely.
Candle Square will be praying for your success.