Duty
Lux’s Side
Balancing a tray with three cups of tea, I returned to the guest room where Felisiana-sama and Violet-san waited, and gently placed each one on the table.
Since Violet-san was seated behind Felisiana-sama, I hesitated for a moment, unsure where to set her cup. But when she told me it was fine to leave it on the table, I did just that, then took a seat directly across from Felisiana-sama.
“Lux-kun, may I try your tea now?”
“Y-Yes!”
When I answered, Felisiana-sama gave me a smile, lifted her cup, savored the aroma with a graceful motion, and then took a sip.
What if she says it’s terrible? I know—just like Violet-san said—that Felisiana-sama isn’t the sort to say something like that, but I couldn’t stop the thought from echoing in my head.
After taking a small sip, Felisiana-sama set the cup back on the table and smiled.
“It’s delicious, Lux-kun.”
“Ah…! R-Really!?”
“Yes, very much so.”
The moment I saw her expression, a wave of relief and joy washed over me.
“Thank you so much!”
“I should be the one thanking you. You made this for me, after all. It’s truly lovely… Lux-kun, won’t you have a taste yourself?”
“Okay!”
Encouraged by her words, I took a sip of the tea I’d made—and to my surprise, it was far better than I’d imagined.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time watching Siana brew tea up close.
But… that’s exactly why I think this:
“I know it’s strange to say this about something I made, but yes, it’s pretty good. Still, the tea Siana makes is several times better. I just wish she were here now, so you could taste something truly special, Felisiana-sama.”
At that, Felisiana-sama gently shook her head and said,
“That’s not true. The tea you brewed is genuinely delicious, Lux-kun.”
Hearing her say that, frustration welled up in me. I leaned forward without thinking, closing the distance between us.
“No! I’m serious. Siana’s tea really is the best in the world!”
“L-Lux-kun… y-your face is a little too—”
“If you think my tea tastes good, then you’ll absolutely love the tea Siana makes!”
“I-Is that… so?”
“Yes, absolutely! And it’s not just tea—Siana’s good at all sorts of things. She’s kind, and really cute, too!”
After saying everything I wanted to say, I happened to look at Felisiana-sama again—and for some reason, her cheeks were tinged pink, and she looked almost shy.
“Felisiana-sama…? Is something the matter?”
“N-Not at all.”
Right then, Violet-san, who had been standing quietly behind her, spoke up.
“Ojou-sama appears flustered because Rodwell-sama’s face came quite close to hers!”
“Huh…?”
“V-Violet…!?”
While I stood frozen in confusion, the two of them seemed to exchange whispers, too soft for me to catch.
“What are you saying…!?”
“Showing a little vulnerability can help close distances. It’s my role to do what’s necessary for your goals, Ojou-sama.”
“Even so, that doesn’t mean—”
In that moment, I realized how close I’d gotten to Felisiana-sama. I quickly leaned back and lowered my head.
“I-I’m so sorry, Felisiana-sama! I got carried away and said way too much…”
As I bowed in apology, Felisiana-sama spoke to me gently.
“Y-Yes, it’s all right. I’m fine, so please lift your head. Truly, I’m not bothered by it.”
Hearing her words, I raised my head to meet her eyes again.
“R-Right… Of course, there’s no way someone like me could rattle Felisiana-sama’s emotions.”
“T-That’s not exactly what I meant, but… anyway, really, don’t worry about it.”
“Ojou-sama? Your ears are turning quite red.”
“Ugh… You—!”
After that comment, Felisiana-sama paused, then looked directly into Violet-san’s eyes and said,
“…Even I get a little flustered when a boy leans in that close.”
Her words surprised me.
I’d always thought Felisiana-sama was unshakable, but it turns out, in some ways, she’s just like the rest of us.
Somehow, in that moment, she felt a little more real… No, no!
“I really am sorry, Felisiana-sama!”
As I bowed again, she quickly responded,
“Y-You really don’t need to apologize! I was the one who got flustered on my own.”
“R-Right…!”
When I raised my head again, this time, it was Felisiana-sama whose face was very close to mine.
Closer than I had ever gotten. Close enough that if either of us leaned in just a little more, our lips might meet.
“…So, Lux-kun, how do you feel, being this close to me?”
Her eyes, like polished sapphires, framed by long lashes. Porcelain skin, elegant features, and glossy lips. The more I looked, the more beautiful Felisiana-sama became. My face flushed with heat. I pulled back slightly, lowering my gaze as I spoke.
“Y-You’re… beautiful. That’s what I think.”
“Ah…! …I-I see.”
A quiet moment followed. Then, little by little, we found our voices again. Though our conversation started off awkward, it soon returned to its usual rhythm, and we shared the tea together.
Violet’s Side
“Y-You’re… beautiful. That’s what I think.”
“Ah…! …I-I see.”
Watching the two of them blushing and flustered, Violet could only murmur in her heart,
At this point, shouldn’t the two of you just go ahead and get engaged already?