Chapter 217: Ashidancera’s Morning Routine
Ashidancera = Ayame Zero’s morning does not start particularly early. Every day, she awakens at the sound of the clock tower’s bells ringing.
The time is 7 AM. In summer, the sun has already risen high in the sky, while even in winter, the morning light bathes the room.
As the Awakening Process completes, a maid employed at the mansion knocks on the door.
“Lady Sera, good morning. I have come to assist you in your preparations.”
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
The maid quietly enters the room and bows to Sera, who is seated on the bed. She swiftly tidies up the vanity, dusting it off and pulling out a chair.
“Please, take a seat.”
“Mm.”
Sera stands from the bed and walks over, plopping down into the chair the maid has prepared.
“I shall attend to your hair.”
The maid, with practiced hands, begins to comb through Sera’s silver hair. Even though she is a Communicator Android, a night spent lying in bed can tangle her hair somewhat. Sera patiently waits as the maid detangles and braids her hair, marking the start of her day.
“What hairstyle would you like today?”
“I’d like Rakusui today.”
“Understood.”
In response to the maid’s question, Sera specifies a randomly chosen hairstyle. Fortunately, the maid seems to have the skill to braid it properly. If she hadn’t, Sera would have had to call for another maid.
Sitting quietly in front of a large mirror, Sera waits as the maid skillfully braids her hair. Ashidancera’s hair has a gentle wave to it. The Rakusui hairstyle represents flowing water, resembling a waterfall, making it a fitting choice for her hair type. Although it was a random selection, the styles chosen are generally not extravagant, having been approved by Commander Eve and RINGO.
While Sera observes the maid’s work intently, her hairstyle is soon completed.
“Shall we change your clothes now?”
“Mm.”
Sera removes her nightgown and changes into her uniform, which is distinctive enough to clearly indicate her affiliation with Paraiso. However, despite being called a uniform, it is more akin to fashionable attire. While wearing crisp, formal clothing is not a bad thing, it is not to Commander Eve’s taste.
Thus, Sera possesses a variety of outfits gifted by Eve, which the maids also appreciate. Currently, the latest fashion trends in the Royal Capital of Moa are produced by Paraiso.
Today, she chooses a loose, milky-white blouse that conceals her figure, paired with brown gaucho pants that resemble a long skirt. When going out, she completes the look with a beret, a shoulder bag, and boots, transforming into a relaxed, fluffy silver fox girl.
In her imagination, her older sister, Eve, gives her a big thumbs up.
Of course, Ayame Zero meticulously records Ashidancera’s appearance and sends it to RINGO. This will be used for the report she submits to her sister.
“You look absolutely adorable today as well.”
“Perfect.”
Once she finishes changing, the next step is breakfast.
“Now, shall we head to the dining hall?”
“Mm.”
Sera follows the maid, who walks quietly ahead, her little steps matching the maid’s. Everyone they pass in the mansion greets them with smiles.
Although breakfast does not offer much variety, Ayame Zero is generally satisfied. The table is set with a fresh green salad, crispy sausages, buttered bread, and tea.
“Delicious.”
The Kingdom of Repuitari is a prosperous land. While the rural areas may differ, the urban centers allow everyone to live relatively well. When there is abundance, culture flourishes. Thus, research regarding food has advanced significantly compared to other nations.
Strategic AI Ayame Zero greatly appreciates this culinary landscape. She actively offers advice to the chefs at the embassy, making it not only a hub for the latest fashion but also a source of exquisite cuisine.
After breakfast, if there are no scheduled plans, it is free time.
Today, there are no appointments. Sera decides to take a stroll through the city, accompanied by her guards.
Her escort consists of two Communicator Androids with random genetic traits and three soldiers from the Kingdom of Repuitari. The Communicator Androids are rotated every few days. Today, they are individuals with the genes of a black cat and a light brown rabbit. Both are clad in combat uniforms, hands resting on their Assault Rifles, flanking Sera.
Leading them is one of the guard soldiers, while the other two maintain a slight distance behind.
“Shall we head to the morning market as usual?”
“Let’s do that.”
The morning market in the Capital Moa is bustling with people and goods. Being the capital, the security is generally good, making it an ideal place for market research.
It takes about thirty minutes to walk from the embassy. While carriages or automobiles could be arranged, the sheer number of people often makes movement difficult, so Sera and her companions usually prefer to walk.
Their appearance is striking. With their well-groomed looks and sophisticated fashion, they draw attention wherever they go. The presence of guards typically results in a crowd of onlookers gathering around them. Since they often head to the morning market when there are no plans, many people come to see them.
However, the embassy is located at the edge of the political center, where public housing is prevalent. There are many security personnel, and recently, there have been no major disturbances. The onlookers have learned to behave themselves after the initial chaos resulted in injuries and arrests.
“There they are.”
“Oh, if it isn’t Lady Sera!”
They arrive at a stall where Sera has become a regular customer, known for its unique ingredients that Ayame Zero particularly enjoys.
“Do you have anything new?”
“Ah, we just received some rare yams from the continent. Would you like to take a look?”
“Yes.”
The stall owner, a cheerful woman, beams at Sera’s nod and retrieves a long wooden box from the back of her cart.
“Here we go… Look at this.”
She brings the box to the front of the stall and pries open the lid with a crowbar, revealing it to be filled with wood shavings.
“Just a moment.”
The woman digs into the shavings and carefully pulls out a long yam.
“…A yam. It’s long.”
“Yes, they call it Ryumpoto over there. Apparently, it grows vertically buried in the mountains. It’s quite rare to find such a long and impressive one, and even if you do, it often breaks while being dug up, making it quite a challenge.”
“Fascinating.”
This yam is delicious when cooked until fluffy, but it is highly recommended to eat it raw. Its sticky texture allows it to be enjoyed simply sliced and sprinkled with salt.
“I definitely want to try it. Is this something you can consistently procure?”
“Yes, a trading caravan that travels back and forth is bringing them in. It’s a tough job to transport them, but they manage to bring them here. Thanks to the excellent carts made by Paraiso, the journey that used to take a month can now be done in two weeks!”
“That’s wonderful. If the roads are improved, I believe it will become even faster.”
“Well, for now, this is all we have. I’ve asked them to bring back a bit more next time! They should return in about a month, so how about then?”
Sera gives a thumbs up and decides to purchase the Ryumpoto in front of her. Part of it will be analyzed by Paraiso, while the rest will be handed over to the head chef immediately. Securing new ingredients is a priority. Of course, it is also because Ayame Zero loves them, but the ultimate goal is to ensure her sister, Eve, enjoys them too. They will analyze whether the new ingredients can be cultivated and, if possible, mass-produced.
As usual, the group calls for a porter to load the purchased wooden box onto a cart. Once it is full, they will have it delivered to the mansion.
Having struck gold with her first find, Sera walks through the market with a light step, searching for new ingredients to taste and, of course, to deliver to her beloved older sister.