Sudden
Elizalina’s Side
“Elizalina-sama! Thank you so much for resolving our family’s issue the other day!”
“You really don’t need to worry about something like that.”
“Elizalina-sama! Thank you for assisting with the negotiations with the other nobles!”
“That was simple too, so don’t worry about it.”
Words of gratitude poured toward Elizalina one after another.
In the past, she had considered such gratitude one of the rewards of her work, and even now, it remained a source of fulfillment. However, at the moment, her mind was entirely occupied with thoughts of Lux. If possible, she wanted nothing more than to go to him right away.
After about ten minutes, the stream of thanks finally quieted down. Elizalina took that opportunity to step away and begin searching for Lux.
“Now then, where could he be?”
She wandered through the crowd, looking only for Lux. But no matter where she searched, he was nowhere to be seen.
“…”
The idea that she might not get to see him began to stir a sense of impatience within her.
Elizalina had never experienced this kind of restlessness before. It was proof that Lux had become someone truly indispensable to her.
From then on, she resumed her search, doing her best to appear natural so that no one would find her behavior suspicious.
Violet’s Side
The dress she wore was of high quality, with elegant colors and a neckline that dipped just slightly at the chest. A light perfume had been applied, just enough to leave a subtle fragrance.
To Violet, dresses were something worn by royals, noblewomen, or those blessed with beauty.
She had never once thought of herself as beautiful. In fact, she had rarely even thought of herself as a woman. For that reason, she had never worn a dress before. Even now, as she wore one for the first time, she couldn’t help feeling uncertain.
Was it really acceptable for someone like her to wear a dress like this? She lacked the grace and charm of someone like Felisiana, the noble lady she served. Could someone like her truly wear something so refined? Yet despite those doubts, Lux had said,
“You look absolutely stunning!”
He had spoken with honest, straightforward eyes that held not a trace of deceit.
Rodwell-sama… You shine such light into the darkness of my heart. At first, I believed that spending even a little time with you would be enough to make me happy. But now, it seems I want more. I want you to desire me. Is that wrong? Is it wrong for me to feel this way?
Even as she continued her conversation with Lux, those thoughts lingered in the back of Violet’s mind.
Lux’s Side
“Violet-san, the tea you brewed is truly delicious.”
“I am honored by your praise, Rodwell-sama.”
Violet-san had made the tea for us at the start of our conversation. We had been drinking it together for a while now, and even so, it tasted wonderful.
“Siana and Florence-san both make amazing tea too, but I think I like yours the best.”
“…!”
When I said that, Violet-san looked surprised. The teacup in her hand trembled slightly.
She then placed it back on the table and asked,
“Pardon me, Rodwell-sama. Could I hear that once more?”
“I said I like Violet-san’s tea the best.”
When I repeated myself, she picked up the cup again, took a sip, and began murmuring.
“Not me, but my tea, that’s what you meant, right? Even so, hearing my name in the same sentence as the word ‘like’ is…”
“Violet-san?”
I called her name gently, having heard her whisper to herself. When she responded, her voice was unsteady, and she seemed more flustered than usual.
“My apologies. It’s nothing, really. Please pay it no mind. I just can’t help feeling ashamed of myself.”
I wasn’t sure why she would say that, but the look on her face made it clear that pressing further would be unkind.
As I was thinking that, Violet-san spoke again, her voice now calm.
“Rodwell-sama, have you ever felt romantic feelings for someone before?”
“E-Eh?”
Romantic feelings… That means liking someone as a woman, right?
“I haven’t felt that way about anyone yet.”
I answered shyly. After a short silence, Violet-san began to speak again.
“Then, if…”
She started the sentence but stopped herself. Then she stepped behind me. At the same time that the soft scent of her perfume reached me, I heard her voice.
“Rodwell-sama, please keep my presence here a secret.”
“Huh?”
When I turned around in surprise, Violet-san was already gone.
What just happened? And what did she mean by keeping it a secret? As those questions circled in my mind, the door suddenly opened.
“Huh?”
Still lost in confusion, I turned toward the door. Standing there was a beautiful figure with bright pink hair tied in two bunches, dressed in a vivid red gown. It was Elizalina-sama.
I had no idea what was going on anymore. My thoughts came to a complete stop.