Feelings
Lux’s Side
The day had finally arrived for my visit to Felisiana-sama at the royal castle, and from early in the morning, I was already riding in the carriage heading toward the royal grounds.
It was unusual not to have Siana there to see me off this morning, as she apparently had some errands to take care of. But we’d spoken at length last night, so I didn’t feel lonely.
In fact, after our long talk yesterday, the nerves I’d been feeling about going to the castle had nearly vanished, and now, more than anything, I was simply looking forward to spending time with Felisiana-sama.
Normally, anyone, even someone close to me, would probably feel at least a little tense about visiting the royal castle. But Siana hadn’t shown the slightest sign of nervousness when I told her I’d be going. Maybe spending time with someone like her is what makes those feelings fade.
Lost in such thoughts as the carriage rolled along, I soon found myself arriving at the gates of the royal castle. When we stopped, I stepped down from the carriage.
“Th-this is… the royal castle…”
It soared so high I couldn’t even guess how many floors it had, with more windows than I could possibly count and several sections shaped like towering spires.
I’d seen it plenty of times from a distance, but standing this close, being invited here, no less, was something I never could’ve imagined not long ago.
“I-I’m really… going inside this place now…”
For a moment, the sheer grandeur of it all made me feel like I didn’t belong. I almost shrank back in doubt. But I shook my head and steeled myself.
As Siana’s master, I can’t allow myself to be so weak or pathetic…!
That’s right… and…
“Not just Siana, Felisiana-sama also said I would become a wonderful lord someday…!”
Florence-san, too, though she said talk of marriage was still too early for me, told me I seemed like someone who would grow into a fine head of a household!
I need to hold my head high and meet their expectations. No more looking down in shame. I have to walk proudly!
Resolving myself, I lifted my head and moved forward with more confidence than before.
And when I arrived at the gates of the royal castle, she spoke to me.
“Lux-kun, I’m so glad you could come.”
“Felisiana-sama! Good morning!”
As I replied, I gave her a respectful bow.
“Good morning, Lux-kun… But really, there’s no need to bow. I’m not meeting you today as a princess, but as someone who’s here in a personal capacity.”
“M-My apologies.”
I quickly lifted my head, embarrassed that I’d bowed out of habit.
Then Felisiana-sama spoke again.
“Violet, greet him properly.”
At her words, Violet-san, the woman standing beside her, dressed in a black maid uniform and with purple hair, gave a polite bow and spoke.
“Good day, Rodwell-sama! I’ve been truly looking forward to meeting you today!”
“Me too, Violet-san!”
When I answered, Violet-san raised her head and met my eyes.
“…”
…I wonder why.
Violet-san gave off a warm and cheerful air, but the look in her eyes as she gazed at me… seemed somehow pained.
“Well then, Lux-kun, let me show you to the guest room.”
“Y-Yes!”
I was still curious about Violet-san’s demeanor, but she didn’t seem unwell, so I decided not to worry about it for now, and the three of us entered the royal castle together.
Just beyond the entrance was a grand hall. In its center stood a staircase that likely led up to the second floor, and red-carpeted hallways stretched out to the left and right.
“We’ll take the stairs straight up to the third floor.”
It seemed the guest rooms were on the third floor, so we began climbing the stairs together, making our way there.
Violet’s Side
As they ascended the staircase, Violet was lost in thought.
When Rodwell-sama looks at me with those clear, bright, and innocent eyes, it feels as though the darkness within me is laid bare. Even if it’s just part of my mission, pretending to be someone I’m not in front of Rodwell-sama is… agonizing.
Until now, Violet had always evaluated her assignments based on difficulty. But this was the first time she’d found herself weighing whether a task felt painful.
To draw out Rodwell-sama’s preferences in clothing… I’ve received countless orders from Ojou-sama in the past and carried them all out, no matter how challenging. But this time… Can I really do this? Can I keep pretending to be someone so completely opposite from who I truly am… in front of Rodwell-sama? Ojou-sama, is this truly something I’m capable of?
As she continued pondering these thoughts, climbing the stairs from the second floor to the third, Violet’s foot suddenly slipped.
“…!”
The misstep threw her off balance. Normally, Violet’s exceptional reflexes would allow her to twist midair and land gracefully, but…
What a disgrace. No. I must focus on the mission.
Realizing she’d lost concentration, Violet tried to twist her body to recover, but just then, a voice called out.
“Violet-san!!”
It was Lux’s voice. He had been walking just ahead of her. In an instant, he reached back and grabbed her arm, placing a steadying hand on her back to keep her from falling.
“Are you okay!? Violet-san!”
With a look of panic on his face, Lux called out to her, deeply concerned.
For someone like Violet, whose abilities, especially her physical prowess, were exceptional, being worried over like this was a first. But now, here was Lux, holding her steady, gazing at her with those unflinchingly sincere eyes.
“…Why are you so concerned for me? Even if I had fallen, it would only be from here back down to the second floor. It’s unlikely I would have suffered any serious injury.”
Forgetting to maintain her usual mask, Violet let the question slip out unguarded. But Lux immediately raised his voice.
“What are you saying!? Even if it wouldn’t be serious, I still don’t want you getting hurt at all, Violet-san!”
“…!?”
Violet had never been on the receiving end of such emotion. Shocked, confused, overwhelmed, her mind couldn’t keep up.
And instinctively, she lowered her head to hide her expression.
“…Violet-san?”
Lux, puzzled by the sudden change in her demeanor, called out gently. Violet responded in a quiet voice.
“Rodwell-sama… we should continue on to the guest room.”
“Ah… yes, of course.”
At her words, Lux nodded and let go of her.
Siana, who had silently watched the entire exchange, now spoke.
“Is everything all right now?”
At her question, Lux and Violet answered.
“Yes, everything’s fine!”
“…No issues.”
Hearing their responses, Siana turned to face forward and said,
“Then let’s head to the guest room, shall we?”
With that, the three of them began walking again.
By then, Violet’s expression had returned to its usual calm, but earlier, when she’d bowed her head, her cheeks had been tinged with a faint blush.
“I… I don’t…”
Violet couldn’t fully comprehend her own feelings, but even so, she knew she couldn’t afford to let herself falter again. She refocused on her mission and followed the other two into the guest room.