The Letter
Siana and Violet had been arguing for some time, but since they couldn’t settle whether one was more like an older sister and the other a younger one, they decided to end the discussion for now, and Siana spoke.
“I’m going to invite Lux-kun to the luxury cruise party now, as Third Princess Felisiana.”
“…Right now, Ojou-sama? Even if you’re going as Third Princess Felisiana to see Rodwell-sama, perhaps we should prepare in advance…”
Just as Violet began to say that, Siana sat in her chair, faced the desk, picked up a pen, and began writing something on a letter.
Seeing this, Violet said, “I see, so that’s what you’re doing,” and stopped her previous line of thought.
After writing everything that needed to be included in the letter, Siana stood up from her chair with the letter in hand and spoke to Violet.
“I’m heading out.”
When Siana said that, Violet bowed her head and replied.
“Have a safe trip, Ojou-sama.”
Hearing Violet’s voice behind her, Siana opened the door to her room, stepped out into the hallway, walked over to the door of Lux’s room, and knocked.
“Master, may I have a moment of your time?”
When Siana said that, she heard Lux’s usual gentle voice from inside the room saying, “Sure, go ahead,” so she entered, approached Lux as he sat in a chair studying, and spoke.
“Master, I apologize for disturbing your studies.”
“No, don’t worry about it… Did you need something from me?”
Lux spoke in his usual gentle tone and expression. In response, Siana held out a letter and spoke.
“While you were studying your lessons at the noble academy, this letter arrived at the Rodwell estate.”
With those words, Siana handed Lux the letter she had been holding.
What was written there was…
[To Lux-kun. Lux-kun, it’s been a little while, hasn’t it? I hope you’ve been doing well. The reason I’m writing you today is because I’d like to invite you to the luxury cruise party that will take place in about a week. I imagine it’s a bit troubling to be invited so suddenly, but I would be very happy if you accepted. From Felisiana.]
That was the message.
After reading it, Lux spoke in surprise.
“Huh!? An invitation from P-Princess Felisiana-sama!?”
“That’s such wonderful news!”
Since it’s a strict rule that a servant must not read a letter addressed to their master without permission, Siana acted as though she had just learned the contents now. Lux, nodding, replied in a slightly flustered voice.
“Yeah, of course I’m happy… but it’s a bit of a problem too.”
A problem…? Considering Lux-kun’s personality, is he perhaps feeling intimidated by the idea of the luxury cruise…?
Making that assumption, Siana spoke to Lux.
“Since it was Princess Felisiana-sama herself who extended the invitation, I don’t think you need to worry about the fact that it’s being held on a luxury cruise!”
Siana tried to anticipate Lux’s thoughts and steer them in a more positive direction. Even so, Lux still looked flustered and said,
“Of course, the idea that someone like me would be invited to a luxury cruise is already overwhelming… but the truth is… someone else already invited me to go on the cruise too.”
Siana was genuinely stunned by that statement from Lux.
Someone other than me has already invited Lux-kun to the luxury cruise party…? For someone to invite Lux-kun to an event he wasn’t originally planning to attend, there can only be so many individuals who would even think to do such a thing…
As soon as she thought that, one particular person came to Siana’s mind, and she asked Lux.
“I see… and who was it that invited you?”
When Siana asked that, Lux answered.
“Someone named Elina.”
“Elina…-san. Would you be willing to describe her appearance for me?”
Then, upon hearing Lux’s description of the person he called Elina, Siana murmured to herself.
I had been wondering how Elizalina-nee-sama, who should have had no connection to Lux-kun, got close to him… so that’s what happened.
With this new information about Elizalina in mind, Siana slightly raised the corners of her lips and said,
“Thank you for telling me, Master.”
“No, not at all. If you ever meet her, Siana, be sure to talk to her. She’s cheerful and kind, so I’m sure she’ll be easy for you to get along with.”
Lux said this with a gentle expression. Hearing Lux compliment another woman, especially Elizalina, Siana nearly felt a surge of jealousy. However, she held it back and nodded.
Then, after a short pause, Lux continued.
“…I was torn about which of the two invitations to accept, but I think it would be rude not to go with Elina-san, since she asked me first. I’m sorry to Princess Felisiana-sama.”
“…What?”
This is bad… At this rate, Elizalina-nee-sama will… If it’s come to this, I need to give up on the idea of attending the cruise with Lux-kun and instead propose a compromise.
Choosing not to pursue both options and risk losing everything, Siana picked up the letter Lux had placed on the desk and, where he couldn’t see, quickly scribbled an additional note on the back of it. Then she showed Lux the reverse side and spoke.
“Master, it looks like there’s a message on the back that says, ‘If you already have prior commitments, please feel free to disregard this invitation. However, if we meet aboard the cruise ship, I would love to chat with you then.’”
“Huh? R-Really!?”
Seeing the message, Lux exclaimed and then continued.
“I’m glad… This way, I won’t have to give Princess Felisiana-sama a painful rejection after she went out of her way to invite me. I’ll make sure to write her back and mention that I’m looking forward to seeing her on the ship.”
Saying that, Lux immediately took out a letter and grabbed his pen.
Lux-kun… just how kind can you be…
Moved by Lux’s kindness, Siana suddenly felt the urge to hug him… and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him from behind as he sat in his chair.
“S-Siana? What’s wrong?”
“…I just felt like hugging you, Master.”
“…I see. Then please go ahead and hold me for as long as you like, until you’re satisfied.”
“…Thank you very much.”
Though she never truly felt satisfied, after some time had passed, Siana eventually released Lux from her embrace, whispering in her heart, “I’ll continue this as Third Princess Felisiana… on the cruise ship.” One week later, the day of the luxury cruise party finally arrived.