The craftsman went to look at the kitchen and laundry. He checked for clogging in the drainage pipes or any other such flaws, then nodded.
"There's nothing in particular to fix."
"Mister,[5] there's one thing I'd like to discuss with you."
The client suggested something, and then the craftsman's eyes lit up.
"You've come up with something pretty interesting, haven't you? But we don't have the materials, so it might be expensive you know."
"I'll create the materials with magic."
"So you'll manage it somehow, huh? ...That's pretty good. Alright, I'll make it work somehow."
The client's idea was entrusted to the craftsman.
------
The next day. 10 of Balda's subordinates gathered and began the renovations.
------
First Part - 『The Door』
Early in the morning, a large door was brought there. It was a door cut from high grade timber. It was a solid door with a lion-styled knocker attached to it, and there was a small magic circle on the side that functions as a burglar alarm.
"The magic square isn't anything great. If you force the door open, it makes a huge sound ring throughout the house."
"Alarm clocks are the same, aren't they?"
At the craftsman's idea, the client laughed boldly.
------
Second Part - 『The Laundry』
This room underwent a huge renovation at the hands of the craftsman. The room was split into two sections.
The section further from the door had tiles laid over its stone floor, and in the corner of the room a slanted ditch was dug.
Then in the corner of the room there was a stone box. It was large enough that three people could lay down in it. There was a slight indent left at the bottom of it.
Moreover, a small window was created near the ceiling. Just what was this supposed to be?
------
Third Part - 『The Basement』
The craftsman and the client were standing in a dark basement.
"It's a good basement, huh. Like this, there basically won't be mice."
"Yes. So, it's about this concealed door but... inside this room, I want you to make something like this."
"Why something like... Ah, no, I won't say anything. Though I'm of the Milis Faith, you were different huh, Quagmire."
At the request of the client, equipment was brought into the room, and the stain on the corner of the concealed door was cleaned off.
------
Two weeks later, the renovations were finished, and it was time to show it off.
The client had brought his bride with him.
"I wonder what it is that you wanted to show me~ I'm really looking forward to it~"
"You're speaking in monotone, Sylphy. Could it be that you've secretly gathered information and already knew in advance?"
"Ehhhh? What are you talking about? I have no idea."
While flirting with the girl who was speaking in extreme monotone, the client walked through the snow.
"While we were separated, that meek and obedient Sylphy had turned into a liar. Thinking about it, it might be something to be happy about. But if you can tell such a huge lie like this, I'm worried that you'll lie again in the future."
"Uuu... But it's your fault, Rudi. You used Ariel-sama's name, and even until the end you didn't say anything about it to me."
"Sorry about that."
It seemed that their flirting wasn't going to stop.
"Since you didn't say anything, I got worried you know. I mean, since you're cool, Rudi..."
"You thought I was cheating? I'm surprised."
"No, I mean, look, I'm, you know, I'm not really, look, I'm small so..."
The moment he saw his bride's anxious expression, the client made a weird face and clung to her.
"Whaat, you're worried about your chest? Don't worry, you know, uncle(I) is someone who believes in equality, and I'm different from bastards who discriminate. Uhehe."
"By uncle, you mean... Ah-, wa-, don't suddenly rub me, I said no.... We're in front of people!"
"You're right. I'm sorry."
By the time he arrived in front of the house, the client was downtrodden like a dog who had been scolded until his tail drooped. The bride fixed the position of her sunglasses while saying "Geez." a little angrily.
"You need to pay attention to the time and place. That kind of thing is for nighttime, when we're in bed! Okay?"
"Okay, Sylphiette-san. It won't happen again."
"Ah, b-, but if it gets to the point that you can't hold back anymore... ummm, -mumble mumble-"
"Whaat? I can't hear you... Uncle's ears are pretty bad, you see."[6]
That pair went to look at the house.
--Before-- The rocks had moss growing on them and the walls had ivy. Here and there the windows would be broken and a broken door was set against the wall near the entrance. The Rudeus Mansion had an atmosphere that seemed like a witch lived there. ---
--After-- The mossy rocks were cleaned up nicely, and the walls had fresh white paint applied to them. The darkened roof whose original colour was unrecognizable was coated with a bright green, and at the entrance were double doors that were a dignified dark brown. The shining and golden lion at the door was like a guard dog. ---
Seeing this, the bride brought a hand to her mouth.
"How is it?"
"Uhm, umm."
"I made the colour of the roof similar to the colour your hair used to be. Though it's something you might hate, it was something I quite liked after all."
"Eh? Ah, okay. Haa~..."
It was probably closer to her ideal than she had imagined. With her hand still at her mouth, the bride let out a voice of wonder and looked at the house.
"Come now, please have a look inside."
At the client's suggestion, the two of them entered. A mat for drying feet was left at the entrance.[7] You could tell from it the client's worry and regret over this world's shoe-wearing culture.