I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 479: Preparing for a breakup (2)

"Lilith."

"Yes, Young Master Ethan."

"Just to be sure... if Queen Rainy ever asks you again to join her as a maid, you wouldn’t...?"

"You don’t need to worry that much. I have no intention of defecting to Defrin Kingdom, Young Master."

"...Alright. Thank you."

On the journey back to the Argentia Empire, Ethan kept bringing up Queen Rainy’s offer, clearly unsettled by her words and seeking reassurance from me over and over.

‘Given how dependent he’s become, it’s clear that I’ll need to go through with my plan to leave by the end of this winter break.’

Of course, I never had any desire to join Defrin Kingdom, but I also didn’t see any reason to abandon the plan I made months ago to eventually part ways with Ethan. I’d spend some time back at Blackwood Mansion with Isabelle and Katarina, reminiscing and chatting, and take my time with Ethan before leaving, so I’d have no regrets when the time came.

Suppressing the lump in my throat, I settled into the carriage alongside Ethan.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

"Welcome back, Young Master."

"It’s good to see you again, Dietmeyer. It’s been a while."

"The Master returned about two weeks ago. He mentioned there’s much he wishes to teach you this semester."

"...Sigh, I see. I suppose I won’t even have time to recover from the journey."

Harold was clearly preparing to start Ethan’s formal education as the Blackwood heir, teaching him everything necessary to manage the estate.

Seeing Ethan’s already exasperated expression made it clear he’d be quite busy for some time. I doubted we’d have much time alone together.

As I lifted my luggage out of the carriage, Isabelle and Katarina came rushing over, each grabbing my bags from my hands before I could react.

"Lilith~! Let me carry that for you!"

"Huh? It’s fine. It’s not that heavy, and besides, I’m stronger than you, Isabelle..."

"P-Please, just let us handle it, Miss Lilith! You must be tired from the long journey...!"

"Really, it’s okay. And, Katarina, you’re even weaker than Isabelle..."

Ignoring my protests, they each grabbed a bag and hurried into the mansion.

Seeing them acting like this immediately upon our reunion made me realize that, at the very least, I’d been lucky to have made good friends here. They were the first friends I’d made since I’d come to inhabit this body... though Katarina still treated me like some kind of superior, which was a bit awkward.

With the help of other servants and maids, Ethan and I returned to Blackwood Mansion. Despite it having been a while, the mansion felt familiar, almost more comforting than the academy or anywhere else. As I headed up to the upper floors, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm.

"...Ah."

As soon as my eyes landed on a particular spot, a small sound of surprise escaped my lips.

"Lilith?" Ethan asked, looking back.

"What’s wrong, Lilith?"

"Miss Lilith...?"

Ethan and the two maids stopped on the stairs, turning back to look at me with concern. I couldn’t explain to them that I was recalling a scene from my dream, so I simply shook my head and resumed walking as if nothing had happened.

"It’s nothing. I just felt a sudden sense of... coming home."

"Is that so? Well, if that’s all..."

"Lilith and I have been working here for almost ten years now, so sometimes I feel the same way about Blackwood Estate. It feels like home," Ethan remarked.

"Miss Lilith will be staying here at Blackwood Estate forever..." Katarina added softly.

The three of them nodded, accepting my impromptu excuse. Though others might not know, I felt I should leave a letter or two behind for these three when the time came.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

-Splash.

"Haaa..."

Sinking into the warm bath, a pleasant sigh escaped my lips. The days of travel back from Defrin Kingdom seemed to melt away in an instant.

"Lilith, does it feel nice?"

"Yes... all the fatigue is just draining away..."

"Take your time, Miss Lilith. You must be exhausted from the cold nights camping outdoors..."

To be honest, it hadn’t been as grueling as Katarina imagined. Thanks to Say and Sally, I never had to worry about the cold or heat while traveling outdoors.

With no misfortune from Princess Rainy, we’d been able to stop at villages without restrictions and hadn’t encountered a single bandit or monster. I assumed her wish for us to travel without mishaps had worked.

Even so, spending several days in a carriage was tiring. No inn could compare to the Blackwood Mansion’s bathhouse and beds.

With Ethan’s permission, Isabelle and Katarina joined me, giving us a rare chance to talk freely.

"By the way, I wanted to ask you both something."

"Yes?"

"What is it?"

"How long do you two plan to work here at Blackwood Mansion?"

"Huh? Why do you ask?"

"...."

"I just wondered."

Perhaps it was too forward, asking them how long they planned to stay. Isabelle seemed suspicious, but Katarina saved me with her answer.

"I-I suppose... about ten more years, probably..."

"That long?"

"The Blackwood Mansion is stable and pays well. This is the only work I’ve ever known. While I work here, I don’t need to worry about food or shelter, so I’d like to stay as long as possible."

"But won’t you be in your 30s by then? What about romance or marriage?"

"What are you talking about, Lilith? Katarina is already dating, isn’t she?"

"...Oh, that’s right."

I remembered spotting her with Dietmeyer just before I returned to the academy last time. I wasn’t sure how they’d ended up together, but looking at them now, they seemed like a good match.

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

Dietmeyer’s protective nature probably complemented Katarina’s timid personality, and perhaps, through that, a deeper connection had formed.

"It’s... it’s not like that..."

"Calling him by a pet name out of habit isn’t exactly ‘just friends,’ Katarina. Not to mention the subtle glances you exchanged in front of the mansion earlier."

"Th-That was just a coincidence..."

"When Lilith wasn’t around, I tried asking her about it, but she wouldn’t admit to anything. Still, I think it’s pretty obvious they’re dating~."

"W-Well..."

Katarina was shy, so it was no surprise she wouldn’t go around discussing her love life. Perhaps she worried about causing any trouble for Dietmeyer, the mansion’s head butler.

Maybe I’d have to approach Dietmeyer or hint to Katarina to permit her to open up about her relationship.

"We’ll talk more about that later. What about you, Isabelle?"

"As for me... I think I’ll keep working here as well."

"For how long? Surely not for life?"

"Hm? I wouldn’t mind staying at Blackwood Mansion forever. As long as Lilith stays, I’ll stay, too."

"...."

Isabelle seemed quite certain that I’d stay with the Blackwood family forever.

Given my current connection with Ethan, I suppose it wasn’t strange for her to assume that. If I maintained this relationship, I could likely keep my position as Ethan’s personal maid and perhaps even secure a spot as a second wife or concubine.

Despite appearances, Ethan was quite sentimental, so if I wanted that, he’d probably make it happen. Being a duchy’s concubine was often more comfortable than being the primary wife of a lower noble.

"If you do end up with a higher status, then maybe I could be your personal maid, Lilith."

"Well, if it’s you, Isabelle, I wouldn’t mind."

"Right? Then I’ll keep working here. We’re friends forever, after all!"

"...Yes, that sounds nice."

With her cheerful response, there was no way I could tell her that I planned to leave Blackwood.

Each step toward leaving the mansion felt heavier.