Sharing the Burden
After the small wind that had swept through Candle Square had mostly died down...
The Journey with Carnelia proceeded without much trouble after that.
In fact, it was more than that. It went extremely smoothly.
Morning, Carnelia.
Good morning, Captain. Did you have a good night's sleep?
I've always been in the habit of waking up early...
But ever since the Journey began, I find myself waking up even earlier than usual.
Fufu, maybe I'm more eager than I realized.
That is thanks to your excellent guidance, Captain.
According to the schedule, today's training should be endurance training.
Shall we proceed as planned?
Yes, let's.
Carnelia was an exceptional Savior, enough to make it immediately clear that people calling her Candle Square's finest Master Maid was no exaggeration.
Still, one thing did bother me slightly...
Unlike the previous session, when we had to change the training due to the equipment's durability issues...
Thankfully, there appear to be no serious issues today.
Despite Candle Square's management, the training equipment was consistently prepared far too perfectly.
Even supplies for secondary contingencies had already been arranged.
...
...Captain? Is something the matter?
You seem to have something on your mind.
N-No, it's nothing.
I knew there was no reason to go digging up trouble, but...
I couldn't keep my doubts to myself.
...The sun isn't up yet.
The training grounds were shrouded in morning fog as it was before sunrise.
Nothing had been set up for today's training yet.
Just as I started worrying that I had arrived too early, I sensed someone from the opposite side.
...I've noted what we need for today, so I'll start by setting up the dummies...
Hopefully, they're still in the third storage room.
Carnelia?
...Captain?
What brings you here at such an early hour?
...I was making preparations for today's training.
After returning to Candle Square, I remembered how I used to prepare for the Saviors in the past.
I recalled where the equipment was stored and which items were needed for each session.
Some of the equipment is kept in areas restricted to authorized personnel...
So other than those exceptions, I've been setting things up myself.
Fufu, tiring? This much is no trouble at all.
Besides, if I handle the preparations myself, it makes things easier for the maids assigned to the task as well.
...Of course, given my current standing, perhaps I was meddling where I shouldn't have.
For both you and Candle Square.
...Fufu. Thank you for saying that.
Still, if Candle Square raises any concerns...
This was something I did on my own, so I will take responsibility if needed.
Please don't concern yourself too much, Captain.
That won't be necessary, Ms. Carnelia.
There is no problem on that front.
Claire?
Even if the storage rooms are accessible, the items inside remain Candle Square property.
That said, I know you would never take training equipment out without permission.
You had already requested approval from the one in charge of the storage rooms beforehand.
Had another Savior made the same request, I may have had to deliberate...
But once I heard that Ms. Carnelia was the one making the request, I saw no reason to object.
After all, it is only natural that you know more about training preparations than anyone in Candle Square.
I see. That was what happened.
I only asked ahead of time to prevent any possible issues, but I'm glad I did.
Thank you for allowing it, Claire.
I had no intention of keeping it from you, Captain.
As you are right now... I had a feeling you might be concerned.
I started doing it because I had nothing else to do but wait when I woke before training time...
And yet I seem to have worried both you and Claire.
...
As you continue training, you may eventually need equipment from storage rooms off-limits to unauthorized personnel.
But when it comes to the two of you... I would not consider you unauthorized.
You may access the storage rooms whenever needed.
Thank you, Claire.
...It is Ms. Carnelia who deserves your gratitude.
Had she not taken action herself, things wouldn't have reached this point.
I am merely providing support as the Acting Master Maid.
...
I was on my way to attend to work matters, but I seem to have spoken longer than necessary.
I shall take my leave.
That's a relief.
...Indeed.
Claire... has grown into a much finer Master Maid while I was away.
Fufu, I feel as though a weight has been lifted.
...Huh?
You intend to... help me prepare for training?
Part of me would like to say I should do it alone.
...
But for some reason, I cannot bring myself to turn down your offer.
I appreciate it.
I could feel Carnelia's heartfelt gratitude.
And that was how I came to prepare for training with Carnelia every morning.