Chapter 40

After finishing my conversation with the Marquis, I returned to the servant's room that had been assigned to me for my stay at this summer retreat. As expected of the Marquis, even we, who are only attached to Lady Primera, were given rooms as guests, and I share a room with Meinah. Similarly, the female guard knights were also given rooms to share in pairs. The view from the window offers a clear sight of the Marquis's garden.

Of course, just because we were given flower petals and cooperation, it doesn't mean we can continue to use the kitchen. After all, the cooks have preparations to make for the upcoming dinner, and I can't impose on them with my whims! So, I am currently receiving a report from Meinah.

"Such a beautiful scene, isn't it...?"

"Hey, Meinah, don't get too relaxed. How was the princess today?"

"Ah, yes! In the afternoon, she spoke with the Crown Prince and the Marquis. They dismissed everyone, so I don't know the details. After that, she worked on taming Shaina, putting on a new saddle and practicing for about 30 minutes with the guard knights. Then she did some embroidery, but the Crown Prince invited her for tea, and during that time, the attendant Aaron served. That's all."

"I see. I'll serve at dinner tonight."

"Yes, understood!"

Meinah originally comes from a merchant family and has a very bright personality. She just turned 16 the other day. She dotes on Dan like a younger brother, and she herself is doted on by the princess's maids and butlers. I brought her this time not only because she is excellent but also because I thought she could learn a lot by observing the behavior of the servants in another household... but it seems she is very tired from the tension. It's probably because she was away from her family and had just gotten used to life at the princess's palace when we came to the Marquis's house. It's only natural that she would be nervous. I, being from a noble family, was already accustomed to the life of a noble and the presence of servants (though on a much larger scale), but she isn't.

I might have been a bit too carefree and didn't pay enough attention to her nervousness. I need to reflect on that.

"Come, lie down a bit. I'll wake you up when it's time."

"Ah, no, I'm fine, I'm awake."

"It's okay, I'll wake you up when it's time."

"...Sorry, it's embarrassing."

Her face turned bright red, as is typical for a girl her age. I thought she was cute and patted her head as she sat down. She is always bright, energetic, and hardworking, but it's only natural that she would be nervous, having left her family and just gotten used to life at the princess's palace before coming to the Marquis's house. I, being from a noble family, was already accustomed to such a lifestyle, but she isn't.

I probably overdid it a bit by taking a break, and I didn't pay enough attention to her nervousness. I need to reflect on that.

"Come, lie down a bit. I'll be more relaxed too."

"...Sorry... then, um, just a little bit."

She must have been very tired. Later, I'll make her some tea using the honey we bought today. I also bought some cookies that she likes... tomorrow, I need to be more considerate. As an older person and a senior in the workplace.

I confirmed that she was sound asleep and then changed into my usual work clothes and hairstyle. I took out embroidery thread and a handkerchief from my bag.

I learned embroidery after being reborn as Yuria. In my previous life, I had no experience with sewing except for school classes, and I was often scolded by my governess for not knowing such a noble pastime. Now, I think I can sew at an average level, though not exceptionally well. Yes, probably...

I thought about what kind of sweets to give to Aldar Saul, but there's nothing special I can do. I can only think of helping with paperwork, which is pretty useless.

Helping with the Guard Knights' paperwork? No, that's not possible... Is there nothing else? I thought to myself, without anyone telling me.

So, I decided to embroider a nice handkerchief and maybe make some sweets to give... because even if the gift is expensive, a lot of time has passed, and it feels too late now!

I can just give it as a token of appreciation, right? I hope it will be accepted.

Well, if there's another opportunity, I'll buy something more appropriate. That time was just too overwhelming... but I need to reflect on that!

As the sunset began to paint the sky, the white roses below us gradually turned crimson. I slowly moved the needle, embroidering a white rose on a white handkerchief, inspired by the roses in front of me. I'm not particularly skilled, so I worked slowly and carefully, making the embroidery subtle and small so it could be used daily. I remember that white roses symbolize respect, so I wanted to give it to Aldar Saul, who works hard as a young guard knight.

The sunset quickly turned the room crimson, and although I felt it was a waste to stop while the image was still fresh in my mind, I gently lit a lamp.

(...I don't really expect him to be happy with such a common gift.)

He must have received many presents from various people. It might get lost among them, but I don't like the feeling of just receiving without giving back.

When will I use the hair accessory I put away in the drawer? Should I show it to Aldar Saul at least once? It wouldn't be right to say I haven't used it. It would be a waste of his thoughtfulness. After all, I can read the room, being Japanese! (Even if I have a prefix...)

"Mm..."

"Oh! Meinah, Meinah, it's time to wake up!"

"Mm... Lady Yuria...?"

"Yes, it's me. Come, wash your face. We should go to the other maids to confirm the dinner arrangements. Although the general flow was set in the morning, we need to check for any changes."

"Okay..."

"I'll go ahead, so make sure to check your hair in the mirror!"

Meinah, still sleepy, rubbed her eyes and smiled.

Ah, she's so cute. If I had a younger sister, it would probably be like this—needing a bit of attention and always worrying about her. My younger brother is very reliable, so I never had to deal with this. ...I wonder if Merlek is doing well. And Father... I haven't seen him since then, but I should probably meet and talk to him once.

Last time, I only criticized him. He must have had his own struggles... Sigh, I thought I was an adult, and with my previous life added, I should have a pretty high mental age, but it seems I still have a lot to improve...

"Oh, Lady Yuria! It's just in time!"

"...Is something the matter?"

"Yes, the dinner preparations are going well. No, the princess has called for you... Is it okay if the dinner arrangements remain as they are?"

"Yes, please proceed as planned. Meinah will be there a bit later, so please follow the schedule... I will go to the princess. Excuse me."

"Yes, understood."

I bowed to the Marquis's maid and changed my destination from the kitchen to Lady Primera's room.

...What is it? Is it related to that mischievous look?