Reunion
Lux’s Side
After finishing breakfast at the Florence Ducal House, Siana and I picked up our belongings, and Florence-san accompanied us all the way to the gate where the carriage that would take us home was waiting.
“Florence-san, thank you so much for everything yesterday and today. Yesterday’s meal was wonderful, and the breakfast you just served us was delicious too.”
“No, thank you as well… I am sure the chef will be pleased to hear that, so I will be sure to tell him… however, if it is all right with you, Lux-sama, today begins the holidays, so it would not be a problem if you stayed a little longer, you know?”
“N-no. We cannot impose on you for such a long time. But… I had a wonderful time, so after some days have passed, I would like to ask again. Next time at my mansion.”
When I said that, Florence-san widened her eyes, then smiled happily and said.
“Well, in that case, I shall look forward to that day from now on.”
“Yes. I am really looking forward to it. Siana, you are excited too, right?”
“Eh? Y-yes.”
Maybe because I brought her into the conversation so suddenly, she seemed confused for a moment, but she quickly answered with energy.
Then Florence-san spoke to Siana.
“Siana-san, thank you very much for taking the time to come all the way here… I truly hope you will continue to support Lux-sama as his attendant.”
Hearing those words, Siana turned toward Florence-san and said.
“Yes, from now on as well, I intend to support Master more than anyone else right at his side.”
“…”
“…”
After the two of them gazed at each other for a short while, Florence-san gave us a small bow and said.
“Well then, Lux-sama, Siana-san, please take care on your way home.”
“Yes, thank you very much. Shall we go, Siana?”
“Yes, Master.”
When Siana nodded at my words, the two of us boarded the carriage in front of us.
With the Florence Ducal House behind us, the carriage began to head toward the Rodwell Count House.
On the way, Siana and I happily talked about the delicious food we had been served during our stay and about how the decorations in the rooms and the living room were different from those of the Rodwell Count House.
Siana’s Side
Once the carriage arrived at the Rodell Count House, Lux and Siana stepped down from it.
Immediately after, Siana spoke.
“Master, there is something I would like to go out and purchase, so may I head into town to buy it?”
“Yeah, of course, that is fine. Thank you for everything, as always, Siana.”
“Not at all. Then, I will be going.”
After bowing her head to Lux, Siana climbed into the carriage again.
And once the carriage began to move…
“Ojou-sama, I believe there were originally no plans for you to go out today, but may I ask what you intend to do?”
Running alongside the carriage, Violet asked through the window.
In response, Siana said.
“Perhaps I am worrying too much, but it seems Elizalina-anesama has been acting suspiciously, so I am going to the royal castle to investigate a little… There are plenty of guards at the mansion, so for now, you are to get in this carriage and accompany me to the castle.”
“Understood.”
With that reply, Violet entered the carriage with a light and graceful movement, and despite having been running alongside it just moments before, she sat down quietly without being out of breath.
Then Siana looked out the window and murmured in a small voice.
“Elizalina-anesama… what are you plotting this time?”
Lux’s Side
“A guest for me, I wonder who it could be.”
After returning from Florence-san’s mansion…
I had been studying for a while when I was told that a guest had arrived for me and was waiting at the mansion gate, so I began walking toward the gate.
“Siana… left just a moment ago, and she would not be called a guest in the first place… maybe Florence-san came to return something we forgot.”
Having found a convincing answer in my mind, I walked while imagining Florence-san waiting at the gate, and at last arrived there.
And then…
“It has been a while, Rodwell.”
The one standing there was Remina-san, a dignified woman with long, glossy wine-red hair and sharp red eyes.