Value
Lux’s Side
“Master! I’m so sorry I kept you waiting!”
Just as I was finally calming down from all my embarrassment, Siana came back to me at exactly that moment.
“No, it’s okay… So, were you able to check out that thing you saw at the decoration shop?”
“Y-Yes! I had a good look at it!”
“I see. That’s good.”
Feeling relieved that Siana seemed to have accomplished what she set out to do, I continued,
“Siana, just like I said earlier, let’s head to that spot with a nice view of the town.”
“Yes!”
With Siana nodding cheerfully, I started walking… but I quickly realized she hadn’t moved, so I turned back and asked,
“Siana? Is something wrong?”
When I asked, Siana blushed and said,
“M-Master… um, I…”
…It seemed like Siana had something she wanted to say, but couldn’t get the words out.
Maybe because she’s my servant, saying something to her master might take a bit of courage. But I didn’t want her to feel like she had to hold back just because of our roles, so I took a step closer to help her feel more comfortable speaking up.
“If there’s something you want to say, go ahead. You can always tell me.”
And then, once I stood right in front of her, Siana spoke, her cheeks still red.
“Master… there’s something I want to do with you.”
“Something you want to do with me?”
“Yes…”
Something Siana wants to do with me… I wonder what it could be.
We’ve already eaten delicious food and explored the town, but there are still plenty of things we could do. Whatever it is, if it’s something she wants to do with me, I want to do my best to make it happen.
“Will you tell me?”
When I asked, Siana gave a small nod and, fighting back her anxiety, nervousness, and embarrassment, said,
“I… I want to hold hands with you and walk together, Master!”
Hold hands… Come to think of it, I don’t think we’ve ever walked hand in hand before.
I looked at Siana, who had clearly pushed herself to gather the courage to say that, and replied,
“Yeah, of course… Let’s hold hands and walk together until we get there.”
“R-Really?”
When she asked that, I held out my right hand and said,
“I don’t think anyone in the world is more important to me than you, Siana. And you’ve always stayed by my side and supported me. Of course it’s okay to hold hands.”
“Master…!”
Hearing that, Siana smiled with joy and gently took my hand.
Then, still blushing, she said,
“…Holding hands with you like this feels like a dream.”
“If this is the kind of dream you want, I’ll make it come true for you anytime.”
“Master…”
Siana and I gently held hands as we made our way to the scenic spot… and soon arrived.
Looking out over the town bathed in the glow of the setting sun, I said,
“It’s such a beautiful view.”
In response, Siana nodded and said,
“Yes… Being able to see this view with you, Master, makes me truly happy.”
“I’m really glad I get to see it with you too, Siana… Hey, would it be alright if we let go of each other’s hands for a moment?”
“That’s fine, but… is something wrong?”
“…It’s nothing big.”
Siana looked puzzled, but still let go of my hand.
Then, with the evening sky over the town behind us, I turned to her and spoke.
“Today, I wanted to thank you for always supporting me. That’s why I invited you out, hoping you’d enjoy the day… But if we’re both having fun, then it feels less like a thank-you and more like just spending time together. I started wondering if that really counts.”
To that, Siana shook her head and said,
“That’s not true at all… I had such a wonderful time today, and I’m truly grateful, Master.”
“I feel the same way… No, not just today. I’m grateful to you every single day, Siana… That’s why I wanted to show that appreciation in a tangible way.”
“Tangible…?”
Then, right in front of the confused Siana, I held out the clothes I had bought for her the other day.
“…!”
As Siana reacted with surprise, I said,
“Thank you, really… for always thinking of me and supporting me. Someday, I’ll become a proper lord, someone worthy of you. I’ll be able to give you beautiful jewels and gifts that truly suit you. I’ll keep doing my best so I can be a master you won’t be embarrassed by… So I want you to keep supporting me, Siana.”
As I said that, Siana accepted the clothes with both hands, held them gently to her chest, and with tears in her eyes and a joyful expression, said,
“Of course, Master… I will always support you. This gift means more to me than any expensive jewel. Thank you… truly, thank you so much…”
Seeing Siana so happy made me smile without thinking.
After her tears had settled, we held hands again and walked back to town before it got too dark. Then, the two of us rode a carriage back to the Rodwell estate.