Hollow Light
Lux’s Side
On the way back from noble academy to the Count Rodwell’s estate.
I sat in the carriage, my thoughts tangled in a frustrating knot.
“To think I got into an argument on my very first day at noble academy…”
Normally, even if someone had said something like that to me, I wouldn’t have responded. Past experience has taught me not to. But this time, he looked down on Felisiana-sama—someone who’s shown me such kindness. Hearing that, I just… wanted to say something back. I did say something back. And while I know I should reflect on that, I can’t bring myself to think I said anything wrong.
Even if others decide I was in the wrong, I still want to believe that what I said was right.
…That said, the fact remains that I’ve now got a strange entanglement with someone from a marquis family.
What if Zald-san keeps picking fights with me from now on at the academy?
What if he holds a grudge, and starts harassing the Rodwell domain to get back at me?
As I stewed in all these unpleasant possibilities, the carriage arrived at the Rodwell estate before I knew it. I stepped out.
Waiting to greet me was Siana, who walked over, stopped in front of me, and bowed her head.
“Welcome home, Master!”
“Yeah, I’m back, Siana.”
She lifted her head and looked at my face, pausing for a moment before speaking.
“Master… did something happen at noble academy?”
—If she asks whether something happened, then yes, something definitely did. But telling Siana would only worry her. It’s probably best not to say anything unnecessary.
Still, even without a word from me, she could tell just by looking at my face. Siana really is amazing. All the more reason I don’t want to make her worry.
“No, nothing happened. Anyway, were you okay today, Siana?”
“Yes, I was just fine.”
The way she said I was made it clear—Siana was convinced something had happened to me at the academy.
Right after that, she took my right hand in both of hers and said,
“Master! If I’m wrong, then I’m sorry, but if anything’s happened, please tell me. I promise I’ll help however I can!”
…I really have been blessed with such a kind maid.
That thought filled me with quiet gratitude. But still, I didn’t want to lean too heavily on that kindness, or cause her unnecessary worry. So I told her,
“Just knowing how you feel is enough. Thank you… I’ll be sure to tell you when I really need your help.”
“…Yes!”
When I said that, there was a moment where Siana seemed caught off guard. But then she smiled and answered cheerfully.
Siana’s Side
While Lux was changing after coming home, Siana returned to her own room.
As she entered, a tall girl wearing a black hood appeared inside.
“Sorry to jump right in, but can you explain what happened with Lux-kun at noble academy today?”
“Your insight never fails to amaze me, Ojou-sama.”
“He told me there was nothing, as a maid would, but the look on his face—it was the first time I’ve ever seen him look that down. What matters now is figuring out if it’s something Lux-kun blames himself for, or if an external cause made him feel that way. If it’s the former, I’ll support him however I can. If it’s the latter… then we’ll need to eliminate that cause entirely. So—which is it?”
“The latter. Specifically… remarks made by someone from a marquis family that belittled you, Ojou-sama, and insulted Rodwell-sama.”
“They… insulted Lux-kun?”
Hearing that, Siana’s eyes lost their light.
A blank, emotionless gaze—completely devoid of the radiant, jewel-like glow she showed in front of Lux. What replaced it was nothing but a cold, hollow fury.
“That’s not funny at all. Tell me everything.”
“Yes. The conversation went like this—”
The hooded girl recounted the entire exchange between Lux and Zald.
“He interrupted Lux-kun’s introduction, looked down on him as ‘just a count’s son,’ and said we shouldn’t associate. And as if that weren’t enough, he insulted me too. It’s impressive, really—how much idiocy he crammed into a single conversation.”
“Under normal circumstances, I should have silenced him the moment he disrespected you and the one you care for, Ojou-sama. But I thought, in this case, you’d handle it more thoroughly than I ever could. Please forgive me for allowing such disgraceful remarks to go unanswered.”
The hooded girl gave a slight bow, but Siana raised a hand to stop her.
“It’s fine. If it were just insults to me, I would’ve left it to you. But this time, they involved Lux-kun too. In that case, your decision was correct.”
“I’m honored by your words.”
The girl lifted her head.
Siana’s eyes regained a faint glimmer, her expression a mix of quiet joy and something heavier.
“So Lux-kun got angry—for my sake.”
“Yes. If nothing else, this confirms Rodwell-sama doesn’t dislike you.”
“But that means it’s my fault. I wasn’t supposed to attend the entrance celebration party at all—just greet him at the ceremony. But I got emotional, acted off-plan, and drew attention to Lux-kun. That’s what led to this mess.”
No physical harm came to Lux this time. But just imagining if things had gone further… the thought alone made Siana shudder. Sensing her fear, the hooded girl spoke.
“We can grieve later. For now, let’s focus on punishment.”
“…You’re right.”
Siana once again shut off the light in her eyes, devoting all her thoughts to retribution.
—For the next several minutes, she sat in her chair, silently deciding on her course of action.
“I’ve made my decision.”
She shared the details of her chosen punishment with the hooded girl.
“As expected of you, Ojou-sama. It’s a terrifying punishment.”
“I think it’s kind, actually. I’m not taking his life. Though… if he dares insult Lux-kun again, that could change.”
“Understood. Shall we begin tomorrow?”
Hearing that, Siana rose from her chair, a faint smirk playing at her lips, her eyes once again void of light.
“Tomorrow…? Honestly, your sense of timing is always too soft in moments like this. Do you really think I’d let the one who insulted Lux-kun sleep peacefully tonight?”
“…Forgive me. I’ll act immediately.”
“Good. Still, I’m worried about Lux-kun. I’m going to check on him first.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare the documents we’ll likely need.”
“I’m counting on you.”
As the hooded girl set off to gather materials, Siana headed toward Lux’s room.