I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 478: Preparing for a breakup (1)

"Hmm, so they're returning to the Empire. Well, it's about time we headed back as well," Ethan remarked.

"I agree; we've stayed quite a while. Considering travel time, we've essentially been here for almost a month," I responded.

"Spending the entire winter break in Defrin Kingdom wouldn’t do. We've received ample recognition for protecting Princess Rainy—no, Queen Rainy—so there’s no reason to stay longer."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Unlike me, a mere maid, Ethan was the heir to Blackwood Estate. This trip wasn’t even part of his winter plans, so if he didn’t return soon, things could get a bit troublesome.

"Now that I think about it, don’t Natalie and Thomas have to pass through Blackwood Estate on their way home?"

"Yes, Hero," Thomas confirmed.

"In that case, we could ask Queen Rainy to lend us two carriages. We can split up: Blaze Estate lies on the way to the World Tree’s Forest, so I’ll ride with Silena and Agnes. Ethan and Lady Rosewood can go with Natalie and Thomas."

"That would be efficient. Natalie, Thomas, are you both comfortable with this?"

"Yes, Lord Ethan. I think it's a great idea," Natalie replied enthusiastically.

"I- I also think it's the best option," Thomas added, his agreement equally fervent.

With that, the Defrin Kingdom expedition group settled on the travel arrangements, dividing ourselves into groups of three and four for the journey back.

Today, naturally, would be the last chance I had to pass along the Whispering Leaf to Gebmojosheriqiat. After all, when the Hero returned to the academy next semester, I most likely wouldn’t be there.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Later that night, just before going to bed, I sneaked out to meet Gebmojosheriqiat in the palace’s secret garden, as we’d arranged during the day.

“You’re here,” he said.

“Damn, how’d you know? I was using a Silent Dagger for stealth.”

“One of the artifacts I collected around the capital the other day was a detection item. They call it Circe’s Eye.”

“Ah, that’s where you get that. You’ve been in this world for years now, yet you still remember every detail.”

“I organized the Lumiarca storyline «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» in my mind as soon as I possessed this body. But did you call me here just to chat?”

“...I was just surprised when you spoke so suddenly.”

Well, he was right; there wasn’t much time to waste on small talk. I’d only sneaked out while Ethan was in the bath before bed, and although this was a secret garden, it’d still be a hassle if I didn’t return to the guest room before he finished.

"Here, take this."

"The Whispering Leaf? What’s this for?"

"It’s for you to use from now on."

“...Huh?”

Gebmojosheriqiat looked puzzled, surprised that I was giving him an artifact from Blackwood Estate. But I just handed it over with a simple explanation.

"I thought it might come in handy. Like during the princess kidnapping incident last time. As the story progresses, there’ll be unexpected events, and this might be useful."

"Well... you’re probably right."

“I’ve changed a few things in the story myself, so it’s better for you to carry this to keep the plot on track.”

"Suddenly? You were so adamant about not giving it up at the start of the semester."

“...People can change their minds. Just because you ate bread for breakfast yesterday doesn’t mean you can’t want rice today.”

"Well, put that way... it makes sense.”

“Just take it already.”

After forcing Gebmojosheriqiat to accept the Whispering Leaf, I headed toward the garden exit.

“I’ll leave first, so wait about a minute to avoid any misunderstandings before you follow.”

“Hey, wait. Did you really ask me here just to give me this?”

“Yes.”

“Then why not just hand it over at the academy? It’s not like I’ll need it in the World Tree’s Forest.”

“...Just take it. I might not want to give it to you by then.”

“Fine. I’ll make good use of it, then.”

Ignoring Gebmojosheriqiat’s lingering, uncertain gaze, I left the garden. ...This way, even if I’m not here, he won’t be caught off guard by any storyline developments.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

"...Take care on your way back, everyone."

The next morning, after the hero’s party announced their departure for the Empire, Queen Rainy bid us farewell in front of the grand carriages waiting at the palace entrance.

"Thank you for everything, Queen Rainy," I said.

"No, it is I who owe an immeasurable debt to you all. Without the help of the Hero, Miss Lilith... and the rest of you, I would never have become the Queen of Defrin Kingdom."

"Now that you’re Queen, you won’t be able to return to the academy, will you?"

"...Yes. Although I wish I could spend even one more year with all of you at the academy... as a queen, I can’t afford to study abroad."

Besides, the recent change in the kingdom’s monarchy had left the country in a delicate state, both inside and out. If the ruler left during such a time, it would be the perfect opportunity for a coup or rebellion.

"Next time we visit Defrin Kingdom, we’ll stop by again."

"Yes. If it’s you all, I’ll always be ready to welcome you, so please visit whenever you wish."

"Thank you for your kind words, Queen Rainy."

I watched Gebmojosheriqiat’s farewell with Queen Rainy and felt a slight sense of relief. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like the Hero had raised any “flags” with her.

If she had truly fallen for him, she would likely be clinging to him, crying. The fact that they were speaking normally suggested that her feelings hadn’t reached that level. Given that the Hero already had three main heroines enchanted by him, I was glad there wouldn’t be another addition.

Now, Queen Rainy approached the carriage where Ethan and I were waiting.

"Miss Lilith."

"Yes, Queen Rainy."

"In the end... you’re really leaving."

"Yes, neither Young Master Ethan nor I can remain here forever."

“Sniff... sniff...”

“...Queen?”

Queen Rainy clasped my hands as if to say goodbye, but then tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. Everyone around, including me, was caught off guard by her sudden reaction.

"Sniff, Miss Lilith...”

“Yes, Queen Rainy?”

“Would you... perhaps consider working here in the palace as a maid?”

“...Excuse me?”

"I mean it. I really don’t want to let you go. If I were to lose someone like you, I’d regret it forever...”

“....”

Why does everyone want to hire me as a maid? From Seraphine to Lizzy, it’s like anyone with money or status wants me in their service. Am I really that convenient to have around?

"Queen Rainy, Lilith is my...”

"I’m sorry, Queen Rainy, but I’m already Young Master Ethan’s personal maid. I can’t simply change my allegiance now."

"...I understand. Thank you for saying so, nonetheless...."

"...."

“...Queen Rainy, please wipe away your tears.”

"Thank you, Lydia..."

After pouring out her tears just before we parted, Queen Rainy wiped her eyes with Lydia’s handkerchief. Her position now prevented her from ever returning to the academy, making her parting all the more emotional.

Having spent the past few weeks with her, I, too, felt a bit of attachment.

‘I’ll miss her, but this is for the best.’

Departing like this was likely the last chance for us to part on good terms. If I had to see her and Ethan sharing affectionate moments before me, pity would turn into resentment.

"If you ever find yourself in Defrin Kingdom again, please stop by the palace, Miss Lilith."

"I’ll do so, Queen Rainy."

"And even if you’re no longer Ethan’s maid... I’ll always keep a position here open for you, Miss Lilith."

"Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment."

With that, our tearful parting with Queen Rainy came to an end, and the Defrin Kingdom expedition group, split between two carriages, began our journey back to the Argentia Empire.