Intensity
“…”
I never imagined that Violet of all people would ignore logic and speak from emotion. I’m honestly surprised.
And on top of that…
Considering she’s served me as my retainer since childhood, her intensity as a retainer really is impressive. She might even have more presence than some duke-level nobles you see around.
But Siana is the Third Princess of this country, Felisiana.
She’s not the type to back down just because she’s been shown a bit of unexpected intensity.
And as long as she has Lux on her side, this situation won’t change.
“No matter what you say, the maid who serves my master is me…”
Just as Siana was about to say that—
“Violet-san…! Not just toward me, but toward Siana, who serves me as well, you felt that strongly…!!”
…Lux-kun!?
As Siana wavered at Lux speaking with shining eyes, Violet nodded and replied.
“Of course. Not only Rodwell-sama, but Siana-sama as well are truly precious people to me.”
“Violet-san…!”
Lux looked deeply moved.
Violet wasn’t lying at all, yet those words ended up resonating with Lux in the worst possible way for Siana.
Don’t, Lux-kun…! The Violet right now just wants you to drink the tea she brewed, purely out of personal feelings…!
That was what Siana wanted to say, but given her position, she couldn’t.
No, even if she were standing here as the Third Princess Felisiana herself, she probably wouldn’t have been able to throw words of denial at Lux.
No matter how much she hardened her heart, she couldn’t bring herself to deny him.
That was the kind of person Felisiana was.
“Then, Siana-sama… I’d like to brew tea for both of you, so may I ask that you take a seat?”
“…Understood.”
For now, realizing she had no choice but to accept it, Siana nodded and sat down in the chair.
This time, I had no choice but to accept it, but no matter what you might be plotting from here on, I absolutely won’t let you make him like you!
Lux’s Side
I took a sip of the tea Violet-san had brewed and let it slide down my throat.
“How is it, Rodwell-sama?”
“It’s been a while since I’ve had it, but it really is delicious!”
“I’m honored by your praise.”
Violet-san said that with a small bow of her head.
You could really tell from the taste that she’d spent years honing her tea-making for Felisiana-sama.
Of course, the flavor itself was wonderful, but one of the things I loved most about Violet-san’s tea was that you could feel something like all those years of devotion within it.
…That’s right.
“Siana, this is your first time drinking Violet-san’s tea, right?”
“Huh? Y-Yes!”
“So? Isn’t it really delicious!?”
“I-It’s very delicious! Drinking this tea makes me think of the royal castle!”
“The royal castle? Ah, you mean it has a noble flavor that feels like something you’d have at the castle?”
“…! Y-Yes, that’s right!”
Siana replied in a fluster.
I could definitely understand that impression.
After all, Violet-san must’ve been brewing tea for Felisiana-sama at the royal castle.
When you really think about it, the fact that we’re getting to drink tea meant for royalty might actually be an incredible experience.
“…Violet-san, you’re really amazing. From swordsmanship to taking care of the body to tea, you can do just about anything.”
When I voiced the thought that came to mind, Violet-san shook her head.
“No, someone like me…”
Then, after a brief pause, Violet-san spoke again.
“Um, Rodwell-sama, there’s one thing I’d like to ask you, if that’s alright?”
“Yes, what is it?”
As she met my eyes, she continued in a slightly weak tone.
“Rodwell-sama… if you were to become engaged, what kind of woman would you wish to be engaged to? Someone radiant, who stands firmly on her own feet and acts with her own will as her top priority… is that what you’d prefer?”