Pride
As the three of them made their way toward the garden,
Siana cast a glance at Violet walking beside her and spoke in her mind.
To take action like this without getting my permission. She’s probably trying to grow closer to Lux-kun, or at least make him aware of her as a woman, but I won’t allow that.
Today had originally been meant as a day for Siana to spend alone with Lux.
It wasn’t a day meant to bring about any major change in their relationship, and that was likely why Violet felt free to act without Siana’s permission, but…
For Siana, none of that mattered.
Every moment I get to spend with Lux-kun is special to me. I’ll make her regret taking that away without permission.
“This is the garden of the Rodwell household.”
“It’s a wonderful place.”
“Right? Siana takes care of it, and she does an excellent job. Every time I come here, I’m captivated by it, and I’m always grateful to her!”
“I’m simply doing what’s natural as one who serves her master, so your gratitude is more than I deserve…!”
“No, I’m really always grateful. Thank you, Siana.”
Saying that, Lux turned a gentle smile toward her.
Lux-kun… ah, what a wonderful smile. I love you, Lux-kun.
As Siana cried that out in her heart, deeply moved, Lux sat down on one of the chairs in front of them.
Then Violet asked Lux,
“Rodwell-sama, if you don’t mind, may I brew the tea for you today?”
“Eh!? V-Violet-san is going to… are you sure that’s alright for us?”
“Yes. That’s precisely the duty of a retainer. Now then, Siana-sama, please have a seat as well.”
Saying that, Violet urged Siana to sit.
“Underst—”
Her tone was different, but as usual, Siana was about to sit down while leaving Violet standing.
However, she recalled Violet’s words about brewing the tea and stopped to think.
So that’s it. Violet’s trying to win over Lux-kun with her specialty, tea.
Reflecting on how she’d almost fallen for Violet’s plan, Siana opened her mouth so it wouldn’t happen.
“No. Lux-sama is the master I serve, so if tea is to be brewed for him, then I’ll be the one to brew it.”
“Siana-sama isn’t the only one who wishes to serve Rodwell-sama. I do as well.”
If Siana and Lux were to be joined one day, then the ones Violet would formally serve would be both Siana and Lux.
From that perspective, Violet thinking that she wanted to serve Lux, or even that she should serve him, wasn’t entirely wrong.
But… not yet. I won’t allow it.
“Violet-sama is a guest today, so I don’t think it’d be right to have you brew the tea. Please, do take a seat.”
Siana’s intent was to keep Violet, who’d acted without permission, from being seen by Lux as a woman.
However, on the surface, it was a reasonable and considerate statement, so…
“Ah… that’s true.”
Lux agreed with her.
By using logic, the situation, and Lux on her side, Siana managed to restrain Violet, who usually spoke through logic and circumstances rather than emotion.
With that, Siana was convinced of her victory.
You really are capable and talented, but impulsive actions without a plan just don’t suit you.
Siana didn’t want to obstruct Violet’s happiness.
If anything, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she wished for Violet’s happiness more than anyone else. Even so…
I won’t yield Lux-kun to you either…
Just as she was thinking that.
“…!”
Violet, who should’ve had no way left to argue back, spoke in a heavy voice while giving off an overwhelming presence.
“I’m very sorry, but on my pride, I can’t allow Siana-sama to brew tea before my eyes. If you say you won’t sit down, then… I’ll make you sit, even if I have to force you.”
What lay there was the desire to brew tea for Lux.
And in addition to that, an immense pride as a retainer serving the Third Princess Felisiana, a pride that wouldn’t allow her to let her master brew tea herself.
Violet, who bore both loyalty to the Third Princess Felisiana and love for Lux, was now someone even Siana could no longer predict.