The Maids of Muno Castle

"Hey, did you hear? That black-haired young man who brought back Lady Karina is going to become a noble."
He has a name, and it's Satou-san.
"Oh? I wonder if they intend to match him up with Lady Karina."
"Probably. Lady Karina really needs to marry before it's too late."
As I listen to the other maids loudly gossiping, I feel down for some reason.
"If he's going to marry into nobility, then what is he going to do with those other girls that are always with him?"
"They apparently sleep in the same bed, so won't they just be left as concubines or something?"
Did I eat something bad for breakfast? My stomach feels kind of weird.
Maybe that potato was rotten or something.
"Wasn't that rumor debunked?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I cleaned the sheets in his room, but it didn't have that kind of smell."
Smell?
What kind of smell would prove that?
What are they even talking about?
The maids that already have a lover nod to each other with their know-it-all faces. How annoying.
"If those girls aren't his lovers, then what's their relationship?"
"If they were mere slaves or guards, then they wouldn't need such expensive clothes and accessories. They have such nice skin and hair too."
I find myself nodding in agreement.
Those girls, especially Arisa and Mia, have such nice and cute clothes. I'm jealous.
Just once, I'd like to wear clothes like that and have a lovely dance--.
"What's wrong Elina? Got a cold or something?"
"I-I'm fine. I'm always healthy."!
I cover my red cheeks with my hand and try to forget about the dancing daydream.
Wait, why is my dance partner Satou-san?
It must be because they were just talking about him. That must be it.
"Can anyone help out in the kitchen?"
"I'm pretty much only good for peeling potatoes, but I can come."
As I get lost in my thoughts, I hear a request for someone to come help in the kitchen. I decide to go for a change of pace.
"Hey Elina, Tarna, so you two are the helpers?"
"Yes, how can we help?"
Gege, why is Satou-san in the kitchen?
"I need you to taste test these. There's going to be some failures, so make sure you give me your honest opinion when they are bad."
"Understood."
"G-got it."
Satou-san hands us a plate with a smile. On top are dark brown round objects that smell really good.
My stomach was feeling weird before, but now my heart is racing for some reason.
To get my mind off it, I take one of the 'karaage' and stuff it in my mouth.
As I bite into the firm crunchy outer layer, the piping hot meaty juices flow out.
--It's delicious!
As if in a trance, I begin devouring them. Before I knew it, the plate was completely empty.
"Which one did you like the most?"
"I was too focused on eating and don't remember."
I answer Satou-san's question honestly, but I ended up getting fired from taste-testing.
But, I got to see his rare confused smile. And he also assigned me to the new job of taking care of the failed dishes. This is fine by me.
"Hey Elina. Were you only after the karaage? Or maybe--?"
I answer Tarna's question with a grin.
"Isn't it obvious?"
--Why not both!