Position
Lux’s Side
“Master, you seem tired again today…”
When I returned home from the noble academy, Siana said that and handed me a chilled towel. I took it, pressed it to my neck, and replied.
“Thanks, Siana… Yeah, I’ve been practicing swordsmanship for the upcoming tournament lately. It’s tiring, but it’s fun.”
“I’m glad to hear that… However, if you keep practicing like this every single day, you might wear yourself out. How about taking a break soon?”
“Nah, I’m totally fine. It’s true that it’s hard to notice changes in your own condition, but my practice partner, Florence-san, keeps a close eye on me. She makes sure we take breaks at the right times, and if it seems like continuing would affect me the next day, she calls it off.”
Florence-san said she can manage her own condition, so I don’t need to worry about her health. Even so, I still want to help her somehow.
As I was feeling a renewed sense of gratitude toward Florence-san and wanting to repay her in some way, Siana widened her eyes and spoke.
“M-Master… the person you’ve been practicing swordsmanship with almost every day recently… is it only Florence-san, or rather, Floria Florence-san?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
When I said that, Siana looked even more surprised, but I continued.
“Florence-san is really kind. Whenever I say I want to practice, she’s always willing to join me. I know I shouldn’t take advantage of that kindness, but I can’t help it. Lately, after class or after school, I’ve been asking her to stay and practice a bit more with me. So I’m sorry I’ve been getting home a little late lately.”
“That’s… fine, but…”
Even as she said that, Siana’s lips pouted slightly for some reason. I wondered what was wrong… maybe she was bothered by me coming home later than usual. While I was thinking that, she asked me something I hadn’t even considered.
“Why does Master practice alone with Florence-san? Wouldn’t training go better with more people?”
“Ah, yeah, I thought that at first too. But not everyone is entering the swordsmanship tournament, and people’s skill levels vary. Considering that, Florence-san said it’d be better for just the two of us to train together, since we trust each other and can focus. I agreed. Honestly, I think part of why practice has been so enjoyable is because it’s just the two of us.”
“Just the two… I see… Excuse me, Master! Please pardon me for a moment!”
With that, Siana left my room.
…She seemed a little off. If she still acts strange the next time we meet, I’ll make sure to ask her about it properly as her master.
Siana’s Side
“That woman…! Knowing full well that I can’t move freely at the noble academy, she dares to openly practice swordsmanship alone with Lux-kun…!”
Returning to her own room, Siana let out an angry voice. In front of her stood Violet, wearing a black-hooded outfit but with the hood pulled back, who asked,
“Ojou-sama, I believe I already informed you that Rodwell-sama and Florence-sama were training together in swordsmanship. Why are you so upset about it now?”
“I never imagined she’d still be his only practice partner all this time! Sure, Florence is skilled enough to be a good match for Lux-kun, so maybe that’s not an issue… but swords differ from person to person, and it’s basic training to work with multiple partners so you can adapt! That’s how I did it, and even Rezamiliana-nee-sama trained that way!!”
“I see, so that is what has angered you.”
Understanding Siana’s feelings, Violet gave a small nod. Siana then continued.
“Ugh! I can’t get the image of that woman smiling out of my head! She’s probably enjoying being alone with Lux-kun while I’m not around!”
“Whether she is enjoying it or not, it’s a clever move. She’s taking advantage of a position you do not have, that of a fellow schoolmate.”
“Don’t you dare praise her! But… if she’s going to make full use of her position, then I’ll make full use of mine too.”
“There are many things you can do by using your position as a maid, but… what exactly do you have in mind?”
When Violet asked that, Siana loudly declared,
“Today… I’m going to take a bath with Lux-kun!!”