A Single Word
“…To sum up the current situation, I’ve been building a good relationship with Lux-kun as a princess, and as a maid, I’ve gotten as close to him as possible. Now, the time has come to move past all the preparation and finally express my feelings to Lux-kun openly.”
“That is exactly right.”
Hearing Siana’s words, Violet nodded as she replied.
Up until now, by carefully planning and executing every single event, my relationship with Lux-kun has deepened considerably. The only thing left is one final push as the Third Princess Felisiana. If that’s the case…
“Violet, there’s a luxury cruise party coming up soon, right? The one that welcomes royals and nobles from other countries to deepen diplomatic ties.”
“Yes, if I recall correctly, it will be held in about a week.”
“I’m going to attend that party with Lux-kun. And if I can get just a little closer to him, or create that kind of atmosphere, then I will directly tell Lux-kun that I want to become his fiancée.”
“…That setting would certainly make it easier to set the mood, and I think it’s a good idea. However, I believe Elizalina-sama will also be attending that party.”
“Yes, that’s right. But Elizalina-nee-sama also has the role of performing on the piano, so while she’s doing that, I’ll sneak away with Lux-kun.”
“…Understood, Ojou-sama.”
Violet replied with a slightly troubled expression.
That expression caught Siana’s attention, and she spoke to Violet.
“If there’s something on your mind, don’t hesitate to say it, okay? There have been times when your opinions have helped me, and more than anything, we’re close, aren’t we?”
After a short pause, Violet responded to Siana’s words.
“It’s not exactly something on my mind, but… Ojou-sama, are you truly able to express your feelings to Rodwell-sama?”
“What are you saying now? Of course I can.”
“I see…”
The reason Siana hadn’t expressed her feelings to Lux up until now was simply because she hadn’t reached that stage yet. However, if she used the luxury cruise party as an opportunity to take that final step, there would no longer be any reason she couldn’t confess her feelings to Lux. In fact, she wanted to tell him as soon as possible so they could get engaged quickly.
With that in mind, she answered Violet honestly, and Violet responded in a small voice.
“It’s rare to see you sounding so unsure of yourself. Is something bothering you?”
“When I asked whether Ojou-sama could confess your feelings to Rodwell-sama, I found myself imagining doing the same. And I realized… I could never express my feelings to Rodwell-sama the way Ojou-sama can. If that kind-hearted Rodwell-sama were to reject me…”
Seeing Violet troubled like that, which was rare, Siana responded without delay in her usual tone.
“Whether or not you tell Lux-kun how you feel… or rather, it would actually be more convenient for me if you didn’t, so I don’t want to encourage you. But I think of you like a little sister, so I’ll just say one thing.”
With those words, Siana looked at Violet with a gentle expression and spoke in a warm voice.
“Violet, from now on, live your life in a way that brings you happiness without regrets. That is the only advice I can give you.”
“…! …Thank you very much, Ojou-sama.”
Violet said this and bowed her head to Siana.
Siana, feeling satisfied that she had conveyed what she wanted to say, was about to relax when Violet raised her head and spoke.
“I feel bad saying something like this after such kind words, but… Ojou-sama, may I say one thing?”
“…What is it?”
“Why am I the younger sister?”
“…Huh?”
Siana was confused by Violet’s sudden remark, but Violet continued to explain.
“Just a moment ago, you said you think of me as a younger sister. But to be honest, I think of you as more of a younger sister to me.”
“W-What are you talking about!?”
“For example, how you suddenly cling to me after finishing a conversation with Rodwell-sama. That kind of thing.”
“T-That has nothing to do with this, does it!?”
“No, I believe it does.”
“If that’s how it’s going to be, then I have things I want to say too! Like for instance…”
After that, Siana and Violet began bickering over who was more like the older or younger sister, just like real siblings.