A Kind Person
…Today was two days before the swordsmanship tournament.
Just as Felisiana-sama’s letter the night before had said, around noon Violet-san arrived at my mansion in her usual black maid uniform, and I went out to greet her.
“Violet-san!”
“Rodwell-sama, it has been a while since we last met like this, just the two of us… I made a selfish request yesterday, but I hope it did not trouble your schedule?”
“No, not at all! It’s fine! Today, if I remember correctly, you said you found some tea leaves you thought I would like… right?”
When I asked to confirm, Violet-san nodded and replied.
“That is correct.”
“I understand! Then please, come inside the house!”
“Yes, excuse me for intruding.”
After that, Violet-san and I entered the Rodwell mansion together. As we walked down the hallway side by side, I led her to the guest room.
“Please feel free to use any of the teapots or teacups here.”
“Thank you very much.”
When I told her that, Violet-san gave a graceful bow and walked over to the teapots and teacups.
“…”
Watching her movements, I felt that Violet-san’s gestures somehow resembled Siana’s.
Since both of them worked in maid uniforms, it might not be unusual that their movements were similar… but for some reason, that detail stuck with me.
As I was thinking about that, Violet-san quickly finished preparing the tea. She placed a teacup on my table and poured the tea from the pot.
…The way Violet-san poured tea was truly beautiful.
Of course, the same could be said for Siana or Florence-san, but with Violet-san, it was clear from her movements that she had been brewing tea for a very long time, and it was equally clear how much care she put into treating the tea leaves with respect.
“Here you are, Rodwell-sama.”
“Thank you, Violet-san!”
I expressed my gratitude and then took in the fragrance of the tea.
…It had a very sweet aroma, and just from the scent alone I could tell how well the tea’s qualities had been drawn out.
The fragrance alone seemed enough to enjoy, but since it would be a waste to leave it at that after Violet-san had gone to the trouble of preparing it for me, I raised the cup to my lips and took a sip.
“…!”
The instant I took a sip, my taste buds were struck not only by an intense sweetness, but also by a rich depth of flavor I could never have guessed from the aroma alone. I was very surprised, but…
“I-It’s incredibly delicious!”
The flavor was the real thing.
“Thank you very much, Rodwell-sama.”
I responded to Violet-san as she bowed her head.
“No, I should be the one thanking you! The tea you brewed is truly delicious, Violet-san!”
When I told her that, Violet-san raised her head and let the corners of her mouth lift slightly.
After I shared my thoughts on the tea with Violet-san and finished drinking every last drop of the tea she had brewed, she spoke.
“I am relieved that it pleased you, Rodwell-sama… By the way, Rodwell-sama, you will be participating in the swordsmanship tournament two days from now, correct?”
“Yes, lately I’ve been practicing swordsmanship whenever I have spare time!”
When I said that, Violet-san paused for a moment before continuing.
“I am not a specialist, but I do have some knowledge of the sword. If you are willing, I would like to join you not only for tea today, but also to accompany you in your training. What do you think?”
“V-Violet-san wants to train me in swordsmanship!? I-Is that really alright!?”
“Yes… although, what I have learned until now was originally for the sake of killing others. To teach that to you, Rodwell-sama, may not be the best thing…”
I cut off Violet-san’s self-deprecating words before she could finish, clasping her right hand with both of mine as I spoke.
“That’s not true, Violet-san. You didn’t learn those skills for the sake of killing, but to protect your country and the people important to you. That is why I don’t see your strength as something untouchable, and I too want the power to protect my loved ones, including you, Violet-san. For me, being able to learn that from you is nothing but a blessing.”
When I told her that so firmly, Violet-san paused for a moment before replying.
“Rodwell-sama… thank you so much for those words, and I am sorry for burdening you with such weakness of mine…”
“No, I think you’ve simply been carrying too much on your own until now, Violet-san. So whenever thoughts like that come to mind, please share them with me. Each time, I will tell you again and again that you are a kind person.”
“Rodwell… sama…”
After that, I continued holding Violet-san’s right hand with both of mine for a while.
For Violet-san, for Siana, and for everyone else who was trying to support me like this, I swore that one day I would become someone who could make them all happy.
On that day, I renewed that determination with all my heart.