Tokai Natural, current occupation: single mother.
Side job: being the "kept woman" in a hidden-away home.
For Tokai Natural, who'd already been living in Maruzensky's home for a week, there was no point arguing against this description.
Because, frankly speaking, it was exactly the truth.
The only thing was that Maruzensky hadn't done anything questionable to her yet.
Moreover…
Glancing at Maruzensky, who sat quietly on a wooden chair nearby, Tokai Natural's expression barely changed.
As to why Maruzensky had been staying home for an entire week straight, Tokai Natural didn't know—and she didn't particularly want to find out.
After carefully observing Maruzensky in silence for a while, Tokai Natural cautiously opened her mouth to speak:
"Um…"
"Hm?"
"We're out of food."
Hearing those words, Maruzensky, who was still thinking about how to fully revise Tokai Natural's personal records, blinked in confusion. Then, after a brief pause, she suddenly realized that for these past several days, Tokai Natural had indeed been cooking all the meals. Which meant…
Looking directly at Tokai Natural, Maruzensky quickly thought of a certain possibility—a subtle yet troublesome possibility—and without hesitation asked bluntly:
"Have you been eating instant food this whole time?"
Maruzensky's question was very direct, as if she had already confirmed the answer herself.
Realizing that Maruzensky had caught on, Tokai Natural could only nod slightly. "Mm."
"So, you've been spending your own money cooking meals for me every day?"
"Y-yes…"
Tokai Natural's movements were cautious and hesitant. Combined with her petite build—small enough that Maruzensky could easily lift her off the ground until her toes couldn't touch the floor—her anxious manner made her appear even more pitiable.
Watching Tokai Natural's nervous face, clearly afraid of losing her shelter once again, Maruzensky remained quiet for a few seconds. Finally, she responded gently:
"I'll handle this matter from now on."
"Eh? Won't that be troublesome for you?"
Tokai Natural's question was sincere, but deep down, she knew Maruzensky had ulterior motives in helping her. Precisely for this reason, she needed to demonstrate her usefulness clearly so she wouldn't be kicked out.
After all, she didn't even have a proper legal identity right now. If she got forced out, then probably…
This was exactly why Tokai Natural said what she did.
"Oh, it won't be troublesome at all, because…" Maruzensky paused, looking directly at Tokai Natural before continuing. "The dinners you cook are actually quite delicious."
Saying that, Maruzensky slightly adjusted her posture.
She still remembered clearly the information she had gathered.
Tokai Natural was a frail girl. If she kept shouldering these burdens for long, she'd inevitably collapse from illness.
Considering this, Maruzensky asked another question:
"You seem quite skilled at cooking?"
"Mm. But I've never really had a chance to show it."
"Is that so? Then you don't need to eat instant food anymore. Your body needs better nutrition, doesn't it?"
Tokai Natural wouldn't reject such genuine kindness. She knew her own body better than anyone; if her nutrition continued to suffer, then perhaps…
Imagining the consequences, Tokai Natural's expression softened into a faintly grateful look:
"Um…thank you."
"Just think of it as payment for dinner. Labor costs should be properly compensated anyway."
With those words, Maruzensky stood up. "Come on, let's head out together."
"Eh?"
"We're going shopping for dinner ingredients. Don't you care about these things?" Maruzensky asked, noting Tokai Natural's puzzled reaction.
After hearing Maruzensky's explanation, Tokai Natural glanced at her and then turned her gaze toward the stairs.
To more easily handle the chores Maruzensky had assigned her, Tokai Natural had left her child upstairs.
Precisely because of this, she hesitated now, worried about leaving her daughter alone.
Noticing this hesitation, Maruzensky quickly understood the source of Tokai Natural's anxiety. Fortunately, she was empathetic enough not to push further on that point.
"Do you have any dietary restrictions?" Maruzensky asked instead.
Tokai Natural replied timidly: "Ah… No, none at all."
Maruzensky could clearly tell this wasn't the truth. But she also understood why Tokai Natural chose to lie at a time like this. She merely nodded gently:
"Alright, then I'll head out now."
Saying this, Maruzensky stood and headed toward the entrance.
"Come back soon," Tokai Natural replied, softly, naturally—like family would.
And once again, silence filled the room as the front door gently closed.
...
After closing the door and stepping back into the outside world, Maruzensky's first thought was one of quiet regret.
From what she'd observed these past few days, Tokai Natural had been doing everything she possibly could to manage her situation. Had she been born into an ordinary family instead of a powerful one, maybe she would never have faced such misfortunes.
But now…
"After helping her get a proper identity, I guess I should help her find a job too…"
Thinking this, Maruzensky turned her gaze slightly to the side.
Tokai Natural, as an Uma, wasn't exactly overflowing with charm. At first glance, or even upon initial acquaintance, she didn't give the impression of being especially captivating.
Yet precisely because of this, after spending more time around her, Maruzensky gradually realized something:
If someone were looking for a good wife or mother, Tokai Natural's temperament was perhaps one of the most ideal imaginable.
This sudden thought caused Maruzensky's movements to pause momentarily. After a brief second of hesitation, she continued as if nothing had happened.
She still had to think about what to have for dinner, and also—
"No dietary restrictions," Tokai Natural had said.
But even though Tokai Natural insisted she had no restrictions, Maruzensky—being quite mature herself—fully understood that there were definitely things mothers should avoid eating soon after giving birth.
She'd need to carefully select appropriate ingredients to ensure Tokai Natural's health.
After all, as an old JK who'd survived since the Showa era, Maruzensky knew she might not be as trendy as the newest Uma students—but when it came to worldly wisdom, even if she gave them a handicap, they'd still be no match for her.
Thus, even if Tokai Natural didn't want Maruzensky to consider such matters, Maruzensky had already quietly resolved to do so.
At this thought, Maruzensky fell silent for a few seconds. Finally, speaking softly as if to herself, she murmured quietly:
"Maybe next time, I should properly ask what foods she actually likes…"
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T/N: hehehehe