"Carol Cat-sama."
I softly called Carol Cat's ID. Perhaps because I was standing behind her, she didn't hear my voice.
I leaned forward slightly and blew a puff of air on Carol Cat's fluffy cat ears.
Carol Cat immediately bristled like an alarmed cat, fleeing to a corner of the living room and crouching defensively with her head in her hands.
"You can't do that, nya! Although I'm cute and charming, that's too sudden, nya. I'm not that kind of casual person...!"
As I thought, it's a misunderstanding.
"Carol Cat-sama, the situation is not what you imagine."
"Nya? Just playing around without emotional involvement, nya?"
"...No. It's complicated to explain in detail, but I promise I won't have any improper thoughts toward Carol Cat-sama."
"Eh? Really?"
Carol Cat turned around, with crystalline tears still hanging from the corners of her eyes. I had actually scared her to tears.
Well, considering my former identity, if I suddenly discovered that someone staying overnight with me was gay, I'd get goosebumps all over too.
So I made an especially serious promise to Carol Cat.
"I swear on my name as a maid."
"...Oh."
Carol Cat blinked her eyes, seeming to believe my promise. However, both her cat ears and tail drooped listlessly. Is it my imagination? She seems a bit disappointed.
Thinking about it carefully, perhaps my way of refusing was inappropriate... After all, Carol Cat is also a very charming young lady. I'll need to be more careful in the future.
Carol Cat sat back down on the sofa and began rhythmically swaying her cat tail again.
"I have no experience serving beastkin. If there are any offenses or inadequacies, please point them out, Carol Cat-sama."
"There aren't any, nya."
The comfort of sleep affects a character's condition upon waking. [Sleep Deprivation] is also a type of debuff. It seems beastkin can adapt to human beds—Carol Cat appears to be in excellent spirits.
"Actually, Anna-san doesn't need to be so formal. I'm Anna-san's fan, and I came to visit Anna-san because I want to become friends with Anna-san~"
I appreciate Carol Cat's goodwill, but this isn't formality—it's proper etiquette.
"My fan... Speaking of which, there's a fan club named after me in the Kingdom of Michel called Anna's Support Group. Is Carol Cat-sama also a member of Anna's Support Group?"
"Of course I am! Anna's Support Group... although it's a guild with a somewhat delicate reputation, all the members in the guild absolutely love Anna-san~"
Carol Cat admitted her membership in Anna's Support Group. This makes things much easier.
"Then, Carol Cat-sama must surely know about ‘doujins,' right?"
"Nya nya nya?!"
"Is that strange? I've had contact with members of Anna's Support Group, and they were all discussing content about these ‘doujins.’"
"Had contact?"
Carol Cat seemed startled, but I didn't pay much mind.
If Carol Cat is truly my fan, she must know about that thing called "doujins." Even the core members of Anna's Support Group circulate them within the organization—it must be proof of being a true fan.
My idea was to ask Carol Cat to verify what books are. First, this could earn Carol Cat my trust, and second, it could resolve my confusion. The next time I meet everyone from Anna's Support Group, I'll be able to happily discuss doujins vtogether with them.
"Th-this, nya... I suddenly have something to do, give me a few minutes, nya!"
"Huh?"
She immediately—logged off at light speed.
There's no helping it. Players can't spend the entire day immersed in the virtual world. She probably really does have some urgent matters in the real world.
Properly managing time is fundamental to maid work. While Carol Cat was offline, I went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast for four people, leaving one portion in the living room and bringing the remaining three portions back to the bedroom.
Returning to the bedroom, Sigrdrífa had already freed herself from her restraints, gotten dressed, and was sitting on the edge of the bed rubbing her aching arms.
I wasn't surprised that Sigrdrífa could break free from the restraints on her own. The moon elf clan has special talent in [Stealth], including the highest-level stealth magic [Phasing], which allows one's body to temporarily pass through matter and magic for a short time. It can be used both for passing through walls and evading attacks.
When I fought with Sigrdrífa, I deduced that she possessed powerful [Stealth] abilities, so she would likely be able to use [Phasing] magic. Full-body [Phasing] is extremely difficult to master, but phasing limited parts of the body like arms is relatively easier.
"Next time won't be so simple."
I put on a stern face to warn Sigrdrífa.
Sigrdrífa said "yes, yes, yes" dismissively, unceremoniously picking up a vegetable sandwich from the meal tray. Elves don't like eating meat. It's contradictory how they claim to be close to nature yet always eat vegetarian food.
"How's the situation? Is she a trustworthy adventurer?"
"I can't be certain yet. When I trust her, I'll bring you two to the living room."
"Do we have a guest, Anna-oneesama?"
I affectionately patted Lily's head without directly answering her question.
After setting down the breakfast, I returned to the living room to quietly await Carol Cat's return.
Fortunately, Carol Cat didn't break her promise. She said a few minutes, and a few minutes later she logged back in.
"Welcome back, Carol Cat-sama."
Seeing Carol Cat's amber eyes regain their luster, I respectfully welcomed her return.
This seemed to be the first time I'd said this line since becoming a maid, and it made me feel quite comfortable.
However, Carol Cat first froze for a moment, then strange rosy clouds appeared on her cheeks, and her gaze became evasive. Like a child who had done something wrong, she didn't dare make eye contact with me.
"...Carol Cat-sama?"