Maid
Lux’s Side
Once the entrance celebration party ended, the blue-haired girl and I stepped out of the venue together and walked toward the gates of the noble academy.
Just as I was about to say goodbye, she turned to me and spoke.
“Lux Rodwell-sama, thank you very much for today… I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier. May I do so now, before we part?”
“Ah, that’s right… please, go ahead.”
At my prompting, she gently lifted the hem of her dress and smiled softly.
“I am Floria Florence, of the ducal house. Once again… it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Floria Florence-san of the ducal house—w-wait, a ducal house!? You’re from that kind of family?!”
“Yes.”
Florence-san gave me a quiet smile, completely free of pretension.
A ducal house… among the nobility, only the royal family outranks them. But now that I think about it…
Her gentle tone, that calm, unhurried way of speaking—something about her had always felt different from anyone I’d met before. Knowing she’s from a ducal family, it all starts to make sense.
Still, I’ve spoken with other nobles of ducal rank before, and none of them were like her. She’s… a curious one.
“Please don’t treat me any differently just because of my family background, alright?”
“I-I understand.”
“Well then… I’ll take my leave.”
With a slight bow of her head, Florence-san stepped into the waiting carriage. A moment later, it rolled quietly down the road.
…It was definitely surprising to learn she’s from a ducal house, but she said I didn’t need to be overly mindful of that. I’ll just make sure I don’t do anything rude—for the sake of the Rodwell name, if nothing else.
With that in mind, I boarded my own carriage and returned home to the family estate.
“Welcome home, Master!”
When I arrived, Siana greeted me with a cheerful smile.
She closed the distance between us and leaned in, asking,
“Master, how was the entrance ceremony?”
“Well, a lot happened, but it went off without a hitch… More importantly, how are you, Siana? Were you alright?”
“I’m perfectly fine!”
She’d said she was feeling lonely last night, so I’d been a little worried—but seeing her now, she really does seem okay.
To think she could settle her feelings in just one night… Siana truly is something else.
The two of us entered my room together, and I began telling her about everything that had happened today.
“Master, I’ve prepared some tea for you.”
“Thanks.”
I took a sip of the tea Siana had poured, then set the cup down on the table and began to speak.
“Um… so, you wanted to hear about how today went, right?”
“Yes!”
“Let’s see… In terms of something really unusual, I think what stood out most was Felisiana-sama attending the ceremony. That left quite the impression.”
As soon as I said that, Siana’s body gave the slightest twitch, and she asked,
“…From your perspective, Master, how was Felisiana-sama’s presence at the ceremony?”
“It was incredible. Her words were beautiful, sure, but more than that, the feelings behind them came through clearly. She had a real air of dignity—a true princess.”
“R-Really…?”
Siana looked slightly embarrassed as she spoke, but I didn’t understand why, so I just went on.
“After the ceremony, I got the chance to speak with her directly. She was just as kind in conversation as I’d imagined—truly a good person. And up close, she was… stunning.”
“S-Stunning… From where I stand, Master, you’re already incredibly handsome and wonderful!”
“Thanks, Siana. But Felisiana-sama was on a whole other level—no, several levels above someone like me.”
“T-That’s not true…”
Siana blushed, looking pleased despite herself.
Still wearing that expression, she asked,
“Master… if you had the chance to become engaged to Felisiana-sama, would you want to?”
“No, I wouldn’t.”
I answered without hesitation. The blush drained from Siana’s cheeks, leaving her pale as she spoke.
“W-Why not? You said Felisiana-sama was beautiful, didn’t you, Master…?”
“I wouldn’t choose a fiancée based on looks alone. And… well, even personality-wise, Felisiana-sama is a wonderful person.”
“Then why—?”
“Precisely because of that. Someone like me has no business being engaged to someone like her. Even as a ‘what if,’ saying something like that would be disrespectful to her.”
As I said that, Siana shook her head.
“T-That’s not true at all! No one understands how hard you’ve worked better than I do, Master!”
Looking at her, I simply spoke my heart.
“Thank you. You’re really kind, Siana.”
“I’m not saying this out of kindness—”
“Still, I’m more worried about you. Starting today, I won’t be home during the day except on holidays. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”
“I’ll be alright… but Felisiana-sama—”
“Felisiana-sama has nothing to do with us right now. We just happened to meet today—normally, someone like me wouldn’t even have the chance. So I don’t think you need to worry about her, Siana.”
When I said that, Siana looked down for a moment, then lifted her face with a bright, radiant smile.
“…You’re right! I’ll only think about Felisiana-sama if you and she end up connected somehow, Master!”
“Yeah, that’s a good way to look at it.”
After that, Siana and I talked about my day and other little things, just lighthearted and fun. Before long, it was time for my usual study hour, and with a graceful bow, she left the room. For now, I’ll just focus on what I can do.
Siana’s Side
Back in her room, Siana spoke the moment a girl in a black hood appeared.
“Hey, listen to this! Lux-kun… Lux-kun said he doesn’t want to be engaged to me!!”