Vol. 3 Chapter 62: To My Cousin's Home (Part 4) (Patreon)

The boys brought my luggage into the room, and once everything was in place, they closed the door and all that remained were me and Mera. She opened the cabinets and drawers to check them for whatever reason.

“Thankfully they are without dust. Placing your clothes in, milady, will be completely alright.”

I didn’t expect her to check for dust, for her to be meticulous like this. Maybe that’s just how it was with her, the caring maid. Won’t even let dust from another's home dirty my set of clothes. Such a valuable servant.

Once she was done checking everything for the little things, she went on to open the luggages and began gently placing them into the cabinets. While I, on the other hand, sat down on my bed, I had nothing else to do but watch her work. Don’t really need to be here, but Mizia apparently wanted me to check out the room. It was pretty nice, as one would expect. Hm, actually, it was more luxurious than my room back in the palace.

The walls were embedded with lamps made up of gold and silver, with parts of it curling around and touching the walls. The chandeliers were big and bright, its glass illuminating. With all those in mind, they had to make the room bigger than usual. This room was at least twenty-five percent bigger than mine. How come a noble’s room was bigger than mine, a princess?! I want bigger toys!

Yeah like how a kid cries because another kid has a better and more badass toy than him.

Of course I was kidding. I’m not that envious, jealous… envious… fucking same shit, right? Okay, no they’re not. I’m sure there’s some sort of deeper meaning to either two.

On the bed, I plopped down to my side, while still staring at Mera — her face serious and diligent, not a trace of laziness or complaint. I couldn’t help but smile in amusement. She was kind of adorable to look at. Like a puppy. Almost makes me wanna pet her. But, as I said before, I need to simmer down on the teasing. I have already sensed something off about her since her infatuation for me had intensified for some reason.

Loving me leads to madness, it seems.

Hm, sounded like a joke, but… was that the case, I wonder? If that ever turns out true, I’ll freak out.

I grabbed one pillow from above my head and hugged it tightly into my chest, digging my face deep into it. It smelled good, and very soft.

“Say, Mera, have you been around this part of the city?”

She stopped for a moment to turn her head towards me. She didn’t reply immediately as she stared, I even saw her subtly gulping. Her gaze went from my feet up to my adorable and beautiful face before she forced her eyes away. “— N-No, it’s my first time.”

As if in an attempt to distract herself, she promptly returned to work and kept her eyes off me.

It was not even my intention to tease or something…

“Have you been anywhere else?”

“I h-have not.”

“... I see…”

She appeared to take a deep breath as she placed folded clothes in the cabinet. “Aside from the palace, I have only been able to travel around my family’s small domain… But even in that place I did not get to venture much, nor learn much.”

“You do not go out very often? Don’t you like it?”

“There were not many reasons for me to go out, and… sometimes, it’s dangerous for a noble’s daughter to go out casually.”

It would seem there were just some people that would perhaps snatch a noble’s daughter, no matter how dangerous it may seem. Or perhaps those people could become brave enough because of how low and how rough it was for Mera’s family in the past. Even being an aristocrat brings about its own hardships.

“... Well, as a first timer of going out here, how was it?”

She paused for a brief moment. “... Truthfully, it was a little unnerving….”

“I see.”

She pulled another set from the suitcase. “But, that I am with you… it makes me happy.” She smiled. A blush blossomed red on her cheek a little before turning away and continued her work.

Woah wait, did she just try to flirt? Wow, that was adorable. It was so surprising and amusing that I couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t think she had it in her.

But… that was pointless. I have tried to restrain myself from teasing and trying to hold back her feelings, but nothing seems to be working. It only made things worse.

Oh Mera, why do you agonize me so? I feel nothing for you but a mere servant. A reliable person.

Still, it’s gladdening to see someone take a step forward, though. Especially someone on my side.

Flirting at this moment with the princess, what an unexpected thing to happen.

Love also makes the best of people, it seems.

I got up. This was gonna take a while, especially that Mera alone was doing the work. I think I should at least take care of my own underwear. When the other servants along with mother were folding things up, I admit it was pretty embarrassing.

“I’ll be assisting you a little, Mera.” I left the bed and went on to one of the luggage where my underwear should be.

“Pardon? Milady, no you shouldn’t.” she rushed towards me.

“I can do it just fine. It’s my things anyway.” I pulled one underwear.

“But it’s my job—!” in her frantic steps, she tripped.

I took a step forward to catch her, holding her by the arms. Both our faces fell close to each other, by a couple of inches. She looked into my eyes, so deeply, as if she was lost in her own mind, and in shock. I could feel the air that she exhaled. She also smelled nice. Gazing into each other’s eyes, the moment felt longer than it truly was.

She must be experiencing the same thing from me as well.

I do smell good.

Her eyes lowered a little, looking into my lips. Slowly, her cheeks brightened red.

I resisted the urge to frown. “Careful, my dear maid.” I whispered.

“Y-Yes…”

Sorry, I couldn’t resist teasing again!

I slowly let her go as she regained her footing.

Mera straightened her clothes and lowered her head, face still blatantly flustered. “I-I’m sorry, milady.”

What the hell even was that? Only made things worse than it already was. I mean, really? She tripped right before me?

Ugh.

Her heart must be going crazy right now, I could see she was breathing quite heavily, although she was trying to hide it. While for me… nothing. It was a common accident. At least Mera’s fine. I couldn’t pretty well let her fall. It was helpful to help, especially a servant of mine, and someone as sweet as Mera.

“Important thing is that you’re alright.” I smiled kindly. “But seeing you’re so eager to take care of everything, then I’ll leave it to you.”

I looked at the undergarment already in my hand. Yeah, this was hanging on my finger when I caught her. This was the embarrassing part for me. I slowly slipped it back into the case. Which reminded me… Mera had seen me naked many times… so I guess it was not that big of a deal to leave things even the matter of my underwear to her. Still, I’m a young woman, I should be the one handling that kind of stuff… but I was still an aristocrat and that sort of thing was somehow normal.

“Yes, m-milady. T-Thank you.”

“Are you alright?” She was acting weird, her legs were trembling slightly. Her hand was placed on her chest. “Are you having difficulty breathing?”

“N-No, milady. I was just so scared there for a moment.”

Uh-huh, really?

“Then sit down for a few minutes. These cases won’t run away.”

“But…”

“Sit and calm down.” I pointed at the chair closest to her.

Since I said so, she had no choice but to do it and sit down. While I, on the other hand, sat back down on my bed.

“Starting to calm down now?”

She looked at me. “Yes.”

“Good… Then maybe we can talk for a while.”

“Talk…?”

“Your birthday is the month before mine, right?”

She nodded.

“Turning eighteen, your debut has already passed. How was it?”

She recalled for a moment. “My family called me back for a celebration. It was fun. There was a lot of food, and a lot of people.”

“What did you wear?”

She smiled, as if feeling nostalgic. “It was a silver and blue gown. Honestly, it was a bit embarrassing when there were dozens of people.” she awkwardly chuckled.

“Your parents must be very proud to see you that way.”

“I think so… Yes, maybe they were.” She cast her gaze downward shyly.

“A shame, we were not yet acquainted at that time, you might have been able to invite me.”

“My family tried inviting the royal family. But it was too far, and the crown would not go all that way for people of our standing.”

“.... Of course. I suppose that’s to be expected.”

“And… I don’t think at that time you would come if we’re still unacquainted.”

“Yes, that is true.”

She held her hands together. “I didn’t think you would know of my birthday.”

“Of course I know the birthdays of my servants.”

“... Thank you.”

That’s not something to be thanked for…

“Your departure from the palace may be coming soon, Mera.”

Even though she was my personal maid, the crown would not hold her away from her household. Mera was the second oldest, and perhaps the best among her family. They wouldn’t just let her go to waste in the palace for too long, especially if she was turning eighteen.

Her family might already be searching for a noble of higher standing for her to meet and to take her hand in marriage. Even more so given that she did not have a fling with anyone whatsoever. If her family requests that she be returned, or she herself requests to leave, the crown would find it hard to go against it.

Mera lowered her head. “I… Yes… I don’t know when but… it may happen anytime.”

“You do not intend to request a leave?”

“Your debut is coming, milady. I would prefer not to miss it.”

“Oh.”

“And… I should still have plenty of time available. Maybe until I’m nineteen. When my family heard that the princess took me as her personal maid, by letter to me, they said they decided to keep me in the palace a while longer.”

“Would that be alright with you?”

“Of course!” She fixed her intense gaze on me. “I… I…I…”

“I… what?”

Her gaze faltered, hesitation growing within her. “I… don’t want to go.”

I sighed. “Mera, despite being my personal maid, you have no obligation to stay with me forever.”

“But there have been maids and servants in the palace that have been working for decades—”

“Their position is different. Mera, you have contributed greatly to your family. They will not let you go, and you’re the second eldest child. They will take you back, and the crown will return you.”

“N-No…”

“Mera… don’t let your responsibility as my maid hold you back from your life. You have a lot to live for, to experience. You have to let go of some things in life to have a future better than before.”

“B-But, milady…” her hands trembled, but she tightened her grip to hold it. Still, her eyes told that she was on the brink of crying.

“Mera, you should think about yourself sometimes.” I smiled softly.

“I don’t understand, princess.”

Hm?

She continued. “I don’t understand.”

“What?”

She shook her head. “Please don’t let me go.” Her eyes were moist. But…

Ooooh, crap. “... I’m not letting you go just yet. Besides, it won’t be happening now, so you don’t have to worry just yet.”

“... Oh… yes. There is still a lot of time.” Her eyes brightened in relief, and she smiled widely.

I think I saw some sort of crazy eyes from Mera right there, holy shit. That’s why I said that. The disadvantages of my charm and beauty were too scary sometimes!

“Still Mera… even if you go back to your house, it doesn’t mean our connection is completely cut off. We can still meet and talk when there’s an occasion.”

“Oh. That is a relief to hear. But…”

“Enough with the buts, Mera. Cherish the times you have in the palace, and then you will be ready to return home when the time comes.”

“... Very well…”

As much as I would like to keep a loyal servant like her, I will let her go for her own well-being. I am a kind boss. And that will be her reward.

Although, she was still a bit creepy right now.

A knock came on the door. “Estelia? Are you done checking your room? Let’s have a tour.”

It was Mizia! She was earlier than expected. Way early. But —

Yes! I’m saved! Mizia my cousin, get me out of here! Mera still needs time to chill out.

“I will be leaving things here to your care, Mera. See you later.”

“Y-Yes milady.”

I quickly rose from my seat and quickly reached for the door, greeting a widely smiling Mizia. My sunshine! “Let’s have a tour then.”