Chapter 15

Given the paid leave, I had three days.

First, I spent a day in a family meeting.

Or rather, it could be said that it was a rekindling of the bond between mother and daughter while we talked.

I will only say that the conversation was very calm because we were both adults (or rather, because I had become an adult).

The meeting, which involved house hunting in the father's study, was so touching!

The father I remember was a serious man with no redeeming qualities, who occasionally watered the flower beds and, when it came to me, offered a somewhat awkward consolation that someone would surely see my inner beauty despite my looks. I thought he was a "good guy" type who found it a bit difficult to attract people.

Would such a man ever get involved in gambling? He was a solid, reliable man with no decent hobbies.

On the other hand, it could be that he was forced into a situation where he had no choice but to do so, or that he found gambling interesting.

In any case, the only person who could have led him to it was the Talbot Company, which lent him the money he lacked at the gambling den.

However, I don't think I would be taken seriously if I went straight to them with a naive approach, and I don't think I could win with words alone against seasoned merchants.

On this day, my stepmother, my younger brother, and I, the three of us, gathered around the dining table.

There was still no word from Father.

The second day.

On this day, I had letters to send.

There were three letters.

One was to the young master of the Rizil Company, who had offered to cooperate, expressing my desire to meet with the Crown Prince. I thought it would be impolite to go directly without asking the Crown Prince, who had offered to help.

The next was to the Jenda Company. This was actually the birthplace of Lady Primera's mother. They had no ambition to become a royal supplier, but were solid and community-oriented, and very honest. Due to various circumstances, a senior maid who had served as a concubine's attendant had retired and was now working here, and she knew Lady Primera's parents and secretly kept them informed of Lady Primera's growth. I wrote that I would visit them soon.

And the last one.

To Lady Bianca, the wife of the Prime Minister of this country.

When His Majesty specified that Lady Primera's teacher should be a woman, Lady Bianca was the one chosen to teach etiquette.

She was a very kind and beautiful lady, and both she and her husband had a sweet tooth.

I wrote that I wanted to consult with her and sealed the letter with wax, as a maid like me, but as the eldest daughter of the Vandied Viscount family.

However, I asked for the replies to be sent to my room in the castle! The paid leave is almost over.

My relationship with my stepmother was still a bit strained, but we could talk.

...I hope my hand didn't shake when I held the cup. My brother had a sweet smile on his face.

When I thought how angelic he was and patted him, he got angry and said, "I'm already 15, you know?!" I don't understand.

Father didn't come home today either. ...I hope he's safe.

The third day.

I didn't ride a dragon like last time. I got a private carriage. It's expensive, but it's much faster than a public carriage!

By the way, could Father ride a dragon...? According to my memory, he was even questionable on a horse, but I heard that the Crown Prince left on a dragon, and the one I rode wasn't there, so he must have ridden one.

In any case, it took time to get back to the town, so I promised to contact them again soon and left my parents' house.

I decided strongly in my heart to keep my visit home moderate. It was intense.

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I returned to the town and immediately went back to my room in the castle.

My colleagues, or rather, the maids and servants, showed relieved expressions at my return.

When I went to greet Lady Primera, she was very, very worried.

"I'm so glad Mother Yuria is safe... I was worried even though Uncle told me everything! I know you needed more time with your family... I'm so selfish, I'm sorry!"

"That's not true at all!!"

Her worried look as she gripped her dress tightly!

She looked like she was about to cry, thinking she would be scolded!

Aaaaaah, my princess is so cuteeeeeee!!!

Still, what did the Crown Prince tell Lady Primera...?

In any case, although there will still be some turmoil at home, I declared firmly that I have no intention of quitting as a maid and want to continue serving her. Her crying face turned into a beaming smile, and she said, "I'm so glad!" I was glad too.

"Still, Yuria, what are you going to do?"

"I will rely on some connections. I don't intend to push too hard, but it depends on how the other party reacts."

"Right... What about Lady Bianca?"

"I have already asked her."

"Yes, Lady Bianca will surely give good advice. If she cooperates, the Prime Minister will likely help too."

"Well, I hope so..."

To be honest, I like Lady Bianca, but I'm not very good with the Prime Minister.

He is quite cunning, as befits a politician.

He looks very handsome, but...

The Prime Minister is the head of one of the three ducal families in this country, the Trimer family.

His wife's family is different, but... as a Prime Minister, he is very fair, but as a friend or acquaintance, he is very picky, to put it mildly.

This man's love for sweets is incredible. He has three confectioners who work full-time!

I was greatly praised for inventing the chiffon cake.

Yes, I don't think anyone has ever praised me so much before.

In fact, I am known more for praising the chiffon cake.

"Ah, Yuria!"

"Yes, what is it?"

"...I've dismissed everyone."

"Yes, I see."

Lady Primera's face turned red, and her cheeks puffed up.

Nnnn, so cute.

But I tried to keep a straight face, even though I felt like my smile was about to break, and looked back at her. This time, she opened her arms wide.

"Can you give me a hug right now?!"

Of course, I hugged her without hesitation!!!!

Aaaaah, so cute, so cute, so cute!

She's my pride and joy! The person I serve!

Really, it serves the King and Queen right not to know about such cuteness. Hah, serves them right!

Oops, I went too far!

...Does the Crown Prince know?

No, I should know the most about Lady Primera...

What am I supposed to do, feeling jealous of the Crown Prince?