Chapter 90

Lerena came to me and said, "I want to work as a lady-in-waiting."

I had planned to have her live in the detached palace and arrange for her food, clothing, and shelter, but that alone wasn't enough—no, it might have been too much.

To Lerena, I am a complete stranger, with no blood relation. It seemed that she felt guilty about relying entirely on me for her daily life.

"Lerena, you don't have to be so anxious. You've just come to the detached palace, and the environment has changed a lot. It's fine to take it easy and rest for a while."

"…Thank you. But, staying in my room alone all the time makes me feel uneasy…"

Lerena didn't back down. Unlike me, who loves to take it easy, she seemed to feel more at ease when she was active. …It also seemed that when she was alone, she would think about her hometown and Crona, which made her sad.

"That's true. …Then, how about starting to work as a lady-in-waiting trainee once everything is ready?" "Yes! Please!"

After nodding, I asked Lerena a few questions and decided to proceed with the formalities immediately.

Thinking about it, Lerena's proposal was also welcome to me. I had promised Crona to take care of Lerena. Since I had made that promise, I was concerned not only about her immediate life but also about her future.

Lerena had lost her parents, who were merchants, and had no one to rely on. Since it was difficult for her to continue their business, it was more practical for her to learn a trade. The servants in this detached palace were gathered for the Queen, and overall, they were of high quality. If Lerena learned as a lady-in-waiting trainee under such servants, she wouldn't have to worry about finding a job after leaving the palace.

"Since you'll be a trainee, I can't pay you much, but…"

Even so, the amount of money Lerena would receive would be considerable, even as a child's allowance. She could use it or save it. Given Lerena's seriousness, it was expected that in a few years, she would have enough funds for independence and would become a full-fledged lady-in-waiting.

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To officially make Lerena a lady-in-waiting trainee, I obtained permission from His Majesty through a letter and completed various procedures. While making jam with berries, cherries, and seasonal fruits, the day of the tea party with Lord Keith and Lady Natalie arrived.

"Lord Keith, Lady Natalie, welcome today."

"Good day. I appreciate your hospitality today."

"…I also appreciate it."

In response to my greeting, Lord Keith and Lady Natalie replied in turn. Lord Keith with a loud, quick voice, and Lady Natalie with a stiff, small voice. Both seemed to be nervous.

"Please, this way. I have prepared some tea and snacks."

I led them to the tea set arranged in the front garden. On the table were cookies and dried fruits. It might have been a modest tea party for my detached palace, but I wanted to focus on conversation today, and there was another reason.

"Oh…?"

Lord Keith murmured, looking a bit disappointed. It seemed she had been looking forward to the sweets in my detached palace.

On the other hand, Lady Natalie sat quietly without changing her expression. It was a face she didn't show when it was just the two of us, a face that gave no hint of her emotions. I understood it as her way of dealing with people she didn't know, but Lord Keith found it difficult to approach.

Today's purpose was for the two of them to get to know each other. I would play the role of listener and observe the conversation. …But.

"These cookies with apricots are lovely. How about you, Lady Natalie?"

"I think they are delicious. Lord Keith, do you like apricots?"

"Yes. I love both the taste and the aroma. Lady Natalie, what fruits do you like?"

"I can enjoy any fruit."

"…I see."

The conversation faltered again. Lady Natalie, you are not good at talking…

I understood that she was worried about saying something that might not match the other person's preferences and could only give safe answers. I understood, but if they continued like this, they wouldn't get to know each other.

Additionally, Lady Natalie's face was almost expressionless during the conversation. Lord Keith was also hesitant to take a step further with such a Lady Natalie.

Lord Keith, who is bright and proactive, also understood that she was emotional and clumsy. Since she had been in opposition with Lady Natalie until recently and there was a difference in species between a beast and a human, she couldn't push too hard. I had tried to help the conversation a few times, but it was a delicate balance not to overstep.

"This tea is also delicious…"

Clank.

Lord Keith's teacup made a sound.

…It's awkward. Lord Keith was already on her third cup of tea today. She kept reaching for the teacup and snacks, perhaps to fill the silence.

Hmm, even though they are about the same age, it's not easy for them to get along right away. In my previous life, it took a while for the class to get comfortable after a class change.

The current situation between the two is like this. It's like trying to gauge the distance with a friend of a friend? Time might solve it, but I had prepared something just in case.

"Lord Keith, Lady Natalie, do you have a little time after this?"

"…Lady Letitia?"

"What? What is it?"

Lord Keith and Lady Natalie turned their faces towards me at the same time. They didn't get along, but at that moment, they seemed to be in sync.

Thank you for reading.

Thanks to everyone, the book version was released today, the 20th! I plan to update on the weekend as a celebration. In today's activity report, I have included a rough sketch by Mr. Nagakasumi and the URL and illustrations of the comic version. Thank you for your support!