Part 262: Frederick C
Hmm...
Ah, Maribelle. I hope you are well.
Yes, thank you, Frederick. It's good that you're here; I wanted to talk to you. Is it true what they say? That you're a professionally trained steward?
A steward? Gracious, no. I wouldn't have a clue about such work. I am a knight, milady.
Oh? That's not what I heard. But I suppose rumors have a way of......Er, what are you doing?
I am laying out Princess Lissa's garments for the morrow.
...That seems like something a steward would do.
I suppose. But I only do so if I have spare time after... killing and such.
And what will you do after you finish laying out these garments?
I shall check on the dinner preparations and then plan tomorrow's menu.
You ARE a steward!
My good lady, while some of my duties may resemble those of a steward, I assure you-
I have spent a lifetime in noble houses, and you, sir, are a steward! Serving tea? Dusting china? Polishing the good silver? You are most definitely a-
I AM NOT A STEWARD! ...I just like things to be neat and tidy.
Well, you're terribly good at it. So perhaps you should come to my manor and instruct my staff?
Milady, I don't think-
Frankly, it's impossible to get good help these days! Our head steward is so old, and he's off with the gout nearly every other day. Now, we don't want to work the poor man to death - just think of the scandal! But a house can't maintain itself, and what will we do when he kicks the bucket?
...Your sympathy is touching.
Eventually yes, we'll have to put out our poor old steward out to pasture. But I would consider it a personal favor if you trained our young staff in the interim. I'm sure there are so many things you could teach them! ...This is just until we have a new man in place, of course.
Milady, for the last time, I am a knight! I am not, nor have I ever been, a ste-
Fine! Then just show them how to tidy up or whatever it is you do around here! You teach recruits how to fight, yes? This is the same, except you fight filth.
Well, yes. It's true that I help instruct the younger Shepherds...
But they are the best and brightest of the realm, and I merely offer advice.
Oh, good heavens. You couldn't POSSIBLY make this any more complicated! Fine then. Why don't YOU teach ME so I can teach THEM?
Teach... you, milady?
I'm nothing if not best and bright! So, yes. You shall teach me tidiness. And once I've learned your secrets, I can put our manor back to order myself!
Well, I suppose that is acceptable...