A Brilliant Idea
Just as I was studying in my room after returning from the noble academy, Siana came in carrying a teapot and cups. As she began preparing tea beside me, she struck up a conversation.
“Master, how was your second day at the academy?”
“The difficulty of the classes and school life itself weren’t really an issue, but there were two things that caught me off guard.”
“Things that surprised you?”
Siana asked that, her hands never pausing as she continued preparing the tea.
Since it wasn’t anything I needed to keep secret, I decided to tell her both.
“First, the person I argued with yesterday… apparently, he passed away today.”
“…I see.”
“Sudden deaths among nobles aren’t exactly rare, and it seems that person had done things that could be considered serious crimes, so maybe it was inevitable. Still, it was the first time someone I’d spoken to just the day before had died. It really caught me off guard. I’d actually been thinking maybe we could talk things through more calmly.”
“…I understand.”
“Sorry for bringing up something so gloomy.”
“Not at all! I was the one who asked, Master. You have no reason to apologize.”
After saying that, Siana seemed to finish her preparations. Holding the teapot, she looked at me and asked,
“What was the second thing that surprised you?”
As Siana asked that and began pouring the tea from the pot into the cup, I answered.
“The second thing is, someone from a duke’s household invited me to tea on our next day off.”
“—!?”
When I said that, Siana did something rare—no, something she’d never done before.
For the first time, her hand wavered while pouring the tea. It nearly spilled, but her quick reflexes and precise control saved the situation.
“Siana? Is something wrong?”
“N-No…! It’s nothing at all!”
Siana resumed pouring the tea into the cup.
…It wasn’t quite as noticeable as before, but compared to her usual movements, her hand still seemed to be trembling just a little.
As I was thinking that, Siana spoke.
“Master… how did you respond to that invitation?”
“I didn’t have any reason to turn it down, so I agreed to join them for tea.”
“I-I see… A tea party with someone from a duke’s household… I wonder if it’s in a place with a beautiful view?”
“No, she said she’d be inviting me to her home.”
“Her… home!?”
Once again, Siana’s hands trembled, but she somehow managed to suppress it and finish pouring the tea into the cup.
Then, with a graceful motion, Siana placed the cup of tea on my desk and said,
“…Is this person from the duke’s household a woman?”
“Yeah, her name’s Florence-san. She’s kind, calm, and beautiful. We haven’t had any deep conversations yet, but you can tell just from the way she talks that she’s thoughtful—more so than me. Probably because she’s from a duke’s family.”
“I-I see… Forgive me for asking, Master, but… going to the home of a woman you’ve only just met, and from a duke’s family at that… wouldn’t it be better to think it over a bit more first?”
“Thanks for worrying about me, Siana… but I don’t think anything will go wrong with Florence-san. It’s just tea at a friend’s house, nothing unusual.”
“I suppose… you’re right.”
I took a sip of the tea Siana had made.
…It was rich. I could tell she’d used very fresh tea leaves.
Tea’s flavor can change depending on who prepares it—but Siana’s always tastes the best to me.
“Your tea is delicious again today, Siana. Thank you, as always.”
“I-I’m honored by your praise.”
Siana said that, but her words sounded just a little less confident than usual.
I didn’t know why… but then she asked something completely unexpected.
“…Just now, Master, you said Florence-san is beautiful, didn’t you? Between her and Felisiana-sama, who do you think is more beautiful?”
“That’s not something someone like me could compare. They’re both far beyond me.”
I said that, but Siana pressed on without a pause.
“Th-Then! Which of them would you rather spend time with?”
“Spend time with… I’d want to be around both of them.”
“Then, who do you feel is easier to be around?”
“…Felisiana-sama is, without a doubt, the most dignified and kind person I’ve ever met. But Florence-san is a fellow student at the noble academy. Even though she’s from a duke’s family, she’s gentle and calm. So if we’re talking about who feels more approachable, I’d say Florence-san.”
“…”
After a short silence, Siana said,
“Forgive me for interrupting your studies. I’ll be in my room, so if you need anything, please call for me.”
“Alright. Thanks.”
Siana bowed her head once, then quietly left my room. Something about her seemed a little off today… I wonder if she’s okay.
…If she still seems the same tomorrow, I’ll try talking to her and see what’s on her mind.
With that thought in mind, I decided to get back to studying for now.
Siana’s Side
“Lux-kun… Lux-kun said! That woman at the entrance celebration party with the revealing outfit is easier to be around than me!”
Back in her own room, Siana was speaking to a tall girl in a black hood. The hooded girl responded calmly.
“At this stage, that’s likely true. That’s exactly why you’ve been working on a plan to get closer to Rodwell-sama, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but… Lux-kun’s going to that woman’s house for tea, you know.”
“It sounds like they’ve already grown quite close.”
“‘Quite close,’ she says! What am I supposed to do… I can’t just use my royal status to cancel a private tea invitation. Even if I did, stirring trouble with a duke’s family would be a political nightmare.”
“According to my research, the Florence ducal house is involved in agriculture, architecture, and clothing, among other industries. I’d advise against using forceful tactics.”
“Ugh, what should I do?”
Watching Siana fret, the hooded girl sighed and spoke, sounding exasperated.
“Honestly, when it comes to Rodwell-sama, your usually sharp mind gets all muddled. It’s hard to believe you’re the same Ojou-sama who confidently voices her opinions on national policy.”
“Oh? Are you saying you have a better idea, then?”
“Yes… It’s simple. You should attend the tea party as well, Ojou-sama.”
Siana replied with a sigh and a skeptical tone.
“…Did you even hear what I said? Even if I don’t cancel it, a royal like me showing up at a private tea party would be completely unnatural.”
“Which is why you should attend as Rodwell-sama’s maid. That way, you can observe the tea party yourself, and if anything happens, you’ll be able to intervene.”
After thinking over the suggestion, Siana nodded slowly.
“…That really is a brilliant idea. Let’s go with that.”
“I’m honored you’ve accepted my suggestion.”
After that, the two of them began planning both for the upcoming tea party and for how to help Siana and Lux grow closer under her identity as Felisiana.
And so, the day arrived for Lux to have tea at the Florence ducal estate.