A New Facet
“Lux-kun, are you enjoying your time at the noble academy?”
As we sat speaking together, Felisiana-sama gently shifted the topic and asked me that.
Am I enjoying life at the academy…? Well, there were a couple of incidents, times when things didn’t go smoothly, and I felt uncertain. But even so…
“The classes are filled with exactly what I’ve been wanting to study, and during breaks I get to chat with Florence-san, so yes, it’s been really fun!”
“I… I see. So talking with Florence-san is enjoyable for you.”
“Yes! Oh, but of course, getting to talk with you like this, Felisiana-sama, is also something I really enjoy!”
“…!”
When I spoke my feelings plainly, Felisiana-sama’s cheeks colored with a soft blush.
“It makes me happy to hear that… I enjoy our conversations too, Lux-kun.”
“R-Really!?”
“Yes, really.”
Her words filled me with such happiness that I leaned forward before I even realized it.
“Thank you so much, Felisiana-sama!”
“Y-You don’t need to thank me. I just said what was on my mind.”
“Even so, I’m truly glad to hear it from you, Felisiana-sama!”
“…”
Felisiana-sama looked at me quietly for a moment, her cheeks still faintly pink, saying nothing. But after that pause, we went back to chatting and passed the time pleasantly together.
After a little while, Felisiana-sama spoke again, her voice calm and composed.
“I’m sorry, Lux-kun. I need to step out for just a bit. Would you mind Violet keeping you company while I’m away?”
“Of course!”
When I answered, Felisiana-sama gave me a kind smile, then quietly left the room.
And so, I was left alone in the guest room with Violet-san, who had been standing silently behind Felisiana-sama’s sofa.
I’d been meaning to talk with Violet-san anyway, so it felt like the perfect chance. Just as I was thinking that, she spoke to me first.
“Rodwell-sama, may I ask you something?”
“Hm? Sure, what is it?”
As I asked, Violet-san stepped behind my sofa and posed her question.
“Between the tea I prepared and the ones made by Siana-san and Florence-sama… which did you find more delicious?”
…Ah, come to think of it, I vaguely remember Felisiana-sama mentioning that Violet-san can be surprisingly competitive.
Still, if I just say her tea was the best to spare her feelings, that probably isn’t what she really wants to hear.
“I think your tea was the most delicious, Violet-san. I do feel a little biased toward my own maid, Siana, but with your tea, I could truly taste the experience and care you’ve poured into each cup.”
I didn’t need to tiptoe around it. Violet-san’s tea genuinely was the best. So I answered honestly.
Violet-san brightened and spoke in a cheerful tone.
“Thank you very much!”
Her reaction was completely different from earlier when I commented on the tea. I suppose Felisiana-sama was right—she really is competitive.
“The more I talk to you, Violet-san, the more new sides of you I discover.”
“…Do you think so?”
“Yes. When I first met you, you seemed so composed and elegant, like a calm, refined adult. But after speaking with you, I’ve come to see your cheerful side, and today, your competitive streak too. I’d love to see even more of your different sides, Violet-san.”
“I… see.”
Though her voice sounded the same as always, there was a subtle note of sadness in it.
“…Violet-san?”
Concerned, I called out to her, and Violet-san answered, her tone suddenly bright again.
“Ah…! It’s nothing at all! Oh, that reminds me, Rodwell-sama, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask you!”
“One more…?”
“Yes! I’d like to know what kind of clothes you prefer on women!”
Clothes women wear… my preferences?
“I don’t really mind most outfits, but I do think dresses are beautiful.”
“I see… But even with everyday clothing, people usually have some sort of preference, don’t they? If it’s hard to picture, try imagining me in different outfits right now. Isn’t there something you’d like to see me wear? Or maybe something you wouldn’t?”
Clothes I’d want Violet-san to wear… or not wear.
I gave it some thought…
“Violet-san, you’re a very beautiful person, so honestly, I think any outfit would suit you just fine.”
When I said that, Violet-san replied in her usual tone, but there was a quiet depth to her voice.
“I am not beautiful… Words like that are meant for someone like Ojou-sama.”
“Felisiana-sama is beautiful, yes, but Violet-san, you’re beautiful too.”
Just as I was about to finish, Violet-san cut in, her voice low and steadier than I had ever heard it before.
“Rodwell-sama, I am not beautiful. Because… this is who I truly am.”
As she said those words, the moment I blinked, Violet-san had pulled up a black hood, concealing her face from view.
Then, with that same calm, quiet voice, she asked.
“Rodwell-sama… even like this, can you still call me beautiful?”