Chapter 50

While I was lost in thought, time passed by without me noticing.

What on earth...

Of course, there’s no way I would ever cut corners at work!!

I’ve prepared the handkerchief embroidered with a thank-you message for Lord Aldar Saul (I put in a bit of effort to sew roses and the pattern of the most popular guardian deity in this country. Well, it’s a simple and clear design that even commoners can understand...), and the brandy cake that Metabon, who was a little teary-eyed, gave me. I’ve also wrapped it nicely. I made sure to check that my blue dress had no wrinkles.

Yes, I shouldn’t have any oversights. I’ve finished my work for today so that it won’t inconvenience others, and I’ve properly reported to Sebastian. It’s the basics of being a working adult!!

According to Mein, my idea of basics isn’t something you hear much elsewhere... but I think it’s fine to try things that I think are good, based on my past life experience. I think it would be wonderful if everyone thoroughly practiced things like “okashi mo” (a snack) during earthquakes or fires, but if I suddenly suggested that, I’d definitely be seen as a weirdo!

The castella we made together was also a huge success. It was great... although Metabon’s eyes were bloodshot when he tasted it, which was a bit scary. Honestly, I was taken aback. Dan almost fainted.

When I served the castella with straight tea, Lady Primera was as delighted as when she first tried chiffon cake, so it was a huge success!!

I was taken aback when, later, the Prime Minister sent someone to ask for a share if any was left. But since he’s an adult, I didn’t press the matter and thought of it as a thank-you for his help with my father’s issue last time. I gave him a lot of the leftovers from the trial batch. I can guarantee the taste, but they were a bit misshapen or didn’t turn out fluffy.

I was planning to use them for rusks, but... well, it’s fine, right? I did explain that these were the ones that tasted good but were a bit of a failure.

Metabon, who I taught how to make rusks in a frying pan, divided them into small portions for our tea time. He’s a considerate man, indeed.

While I was thinking all sorts of things, my heart was already pounding.

Why did I choose to meet in front of the fountain in the town, a place with a lot of foot traffic? Well, it’s a common meeting spot because of the high foot traffic.

“...Ah, Lord Aldar Saul... S-Sorry to keep you waiting?!”

“No, Lady Yuria. I just arrived myself. ...You’re wearing blue today, which suits you very well and gives you a calm, noble appearance. I’m also pleased to see you wearing the hair ornament I gave you.”

“Eh, ah... Y-Yes...”

Oh, oh.

To greet me with such a gentle smile, praising my outfit and even noticing the hair ornament. How skilled he is!! Is this what a man who has been in society is like? Will Meric be like this someday... No, no, no. This is just social niceties. If I react and blush every time, he might think I’m a troublesome woman!!

Still, as “Yuria von Vandied,” who isn’t working, I don’t know how to handle such situations!! After all, as a maid, Yuria is never complimented on her appearance or attire... and when my work is praised, I can honestly feel proud.

Lord Aldar Saul is also in civilian clothes today since it’s his day off.

A white shirt, black odd vest, charcoal gray trousers, a belt at the waist, and a knight’s sword. He looks refreshing.

Considering that the sword and boots are issued by the knight’s order, is he on standby even on his day off? Or does he trust me enough that he doesn’t need to dress formally?

Ah, no, that’s not the case.

He’s working hard to help his younger brother find love!

“Lady Yuria, the shop we talked about is a bit of a walk. Is that alright?”

“H-Ha, yes, of course it’s fine.”

“That’s good. I thought you might like it... Ah, let me carry your bag.”

“No! It’s light, really!!”

“Is that so? I can carry it anytime.”

“T-Thank you for your concern...”

What should I do? I can’t keep up with my usual pace in conversation.

Don’t just casually offer your elbow and look at me as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Why is this person so perfect in everything he does!! After the dance last time, I can’t help but feel embarrassed when I look at him!! Oh, is this the difference in experience... I don’t have the nerve to be so relaxed.

I’ve never been so grateful for my ability to keep my expression neutral, a skill from my past life.

Well, to be honest, I can’t maintain my usual poker face as well as I do at work. Still, I’m proud of myself for not showing how flustered I am.

Oh well.

I have to thank him!

After Lady Primera marries and I go with her, I’ll still see her brother-in-law! Before that, I’m a supporter of their relationship!!

I gently extended my hand and linked it with his arm. Yes, this is the proper way for a noble lady to be escorted. I did this with the Marquis Nashanda. I am the daughter of a viscount, a noble lady. This is normal, natural, and necessary. It’s almost an obligation.

Still, at first glance, Lord Aldar Saul seems slender... but he’s definitely well-built, as a knight. I thought the same during the dance. He’s completely different from Meric or, to be honest, the Marquis Nashanda. I’m of medium build and height, but a bit taller and stockier, so I tend to look bigger (but I’m medium build and height, okay?!)... but standing next to him, I might look even bigger... but with his muscular build, he might not look that way.

Lord Aldar Saul is tall to begin with. He’s probably a head taller than me. I don’t want to look too tall, so I’m wearing low-heeled shoes, but I think it’s fine to wear heels when I’m with him.

Ah, but still, being treated as a woman is... so, so embarrassing.

It’s completely different from being treated as a maid. This person always treats me as a woman, whether he’s writing me letters or meeting me in the castle. He’s known as a stern man with no scandal, but the maids who work in the knight’s order say he gets a lot of confessions and letters from women, and I can understand why...

“There it is. Look, the sign has a strawberry flower and fruit, isn’t it cute?”

“Oh!”

It’s a shop a bit off the main street in the center of town.

I usually don’t come this far and just stick to the main streets, so I didn’t notice it.

The sign with white flowers and red fruit is indeed cute!

“Let’s go in. I haven’t been here before, but my colleagues say the food and desserts are delicious.”

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it.”

The doorbell chimed, and twin waiters in cute white uniforms greeted us with smiles.

The interior is decorated with beautiful flowers, not luxurious but simple and pleasant.

This might be a good shop. Thinking that, a smile naturally came to my face.

“I’m glad, you finally smiled.”

“Eh?”

“Come, this way.”

Lord Aldar Saul saw that moment!

I’m so embarrassed I could die! Dying of embarrassment in this life would be no laughing matter!!!!!

No, no, calm down, Yuria.

I have ambitions to serve Lady Primera after her marriage, to see her children, and even her grandchildren if I live long enough!

I won’t die here. People don’t die just from embarrassment. I hope.

But I’m so, so embarrassed!!!!!!!

What should I do, am I making the protagonist too shy and awkward...?