Chapter 51

"Alright, let's calm down, shall we?"

In front of me is Lord Aldar Saul. But it's not like I'm going to look him straight in the eye and start a conversation!

In front of me, a steaming cup of delicious black tea sits.

Hmm, hmm, even though it's still hot, black tea is delicious whether it's hot or iced.

This shop, called Wild Strawberry, has strawberry and strawberry flower motifs adorning the dishes and interior, making it very cute, but it's not overly decorated, so it doesn't seem out of place for a man like him to be here. Well, it does have a somewhat feminine atmosphere...

Ah, well, it doesn't matter.

It's no use being so careful with my words.

That's right, this is a perfect place for a date!

How about that! I said it outright!!

...Hmm, no one is going to praise me for that.

The two-seater table where we are sitting, as well as the tables to the left and right, are bustling with couples and families... creating a very warm and peaceful atmosphere.

I'm sure I'm the only one feeling uncomfortable in this shop. I can say that with certainty.

I can't afford to miss this opportunity, so I need to start by giving him the gift I came here for.

"I asked you to come today because I wanted to thank you for your usual kindness."

"Oh, there's no need for such consideration. ...However, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, thank you."

"N-no! It's nothing much!!"

I couldn't help but look directly at Lord Aldar Saul's smiling face.

What a powerful presence... The best strategy is to give him the gift, have a meal, and leave as soon as possible. Yes, of course, I promised to have a meal together, so I won't let it end there. It would affect our future relationship.

Since Lady Primera is considering a positive relationship with Sir Dean Dain, I want to avoid forming a bad connection with his family. Lady Primera hopes for a relationship where they can respect and love each other as a couple, and I think Sir Dean Dain is the most suitable for that... Ah, yes, why am I so bad with handsome men?

No, this is work. A part of my job. It's important to build good relationships because a workplace with bad human relations is not good. It might seem a bit exaggerated, but I don't get this nervous with other colleagues, maids, or juniors!

That's right, if I can just switch to maid mode, I can do it. I can get through this!!

Come on, Yuria! Take the gift and give it to Lord Aldar Saul.

That will complete the first mission! Easy peasy!!

Just take it out of the bag and hand it over.

See, I did it!

"Thank you, may I open it?"

"Yes, please."

The contents are a homemade brandy cake and a handkerchief, very simple.

I tried to put a lot of gratitude into it. I think the taste is good, as I've been letting it sit for a few days to let the flavors blend well.

The handkerchief, well, the material is good.

I don't have much confidence in the embroidery, though. Whether he uses it or not is up to him.

...Who am I explaining this to?

Honestly, if you consider my age, I should already be married with a child, and it wouldn't be strange to have a second child... In other words, I'm a late bloomer, so having such a naive reaction would be laughable.

It's strange, in my previous life, I was 21, almost 22, which is the prime of one's 20s! The marriage age in this world is just too early!!

Well, that's the "role" of a noble lady, so it can't be helped.

Yes, yes, I can't say anything because I chose to run away instead of facing it head-on. I'm aware of that, so I'm sorry.

That's right, that's it.

I may not be married, but I am a fully grown 'adult'!

If I give a gift and get a thank you, I'll say you're welcome, then have a meal and go home!

It's just a very ordinary day out with a friend, isn't it? Hehehe, why was I so nervous?

"This is... a brandy cake, I see. I'll enjoy it. And a handkerchief. ...I'll use it, thank you very much."

"Y-yes..."

Oh no.

I looked directly at his bright smile. ...He's so handsome, yes. He's undeniably handsome.

I couldn't look away, his eyes were sparkling, and I couldn't hide it. My face turned red. My ears were hot. What should I do, it's so embarrassing to react like this at my age!!

I understand that my lack of romantic experience was revealed during the last dance, but I wanted to act a bit more mature!

Lord Aldar Saul looks at me with a gentle smile, but it's such a tender look, as if he's looking at something adorable!

Ah, yes, I get it. Please don't look at me like you're seeing Sir Dean Dain's naivety. I understand, I'm sorry for being so naive at this age.

"Please don't laugh."

"I'm sorry, you were just so cute."

"Stop saying things like that!"

That's why men who are good with women are scary!!

I want to glare at him, but if I do, our eyes will meet again and my heart will race, so I can only look away. It's a bit frustrating.

"By the way, I heard you met Viscount Fandied recently."

"Already spreading to the guards?"

"Of course, when something happens at the castle, it's hard to keep it from spreading."

Lord Aldar Saul smiled bitterly, and I frowned.

Yes, I had written a letter to my father, planning to have a proper talk with him. The garden party is coming up, and I'm busy, so I thought we could repair our relationship in the winter. However, my father suddenly visited the castle to see me.

It's not strange for a viscount to visit the castle, and since he officially requested to see me, who works in the castle, no one could stop him.

The meeting room was a large parlor, and if I wanted, I could have been given a private room.

So, before my father could say anything strange, I tried to move to a private room, but he did something unexpected.

Well, he apologized. He didn't bring up male pride and was able to apologize for his mistakes, which is important.

He said he caused a lot of trouble and that it was wrong to make his daughter clean up after him, and he was sorry.

That was fine. Yes, I didn't go into the details (I think my father was reprimanded by the prince and the prime minister).

But, there are a lot of people working in the castle. Of course, there are multiple meetings in the meeting room every day, and those who are allowed to enter have a certain level of trust.

In front of all those people, a middle-aged nobleman was sobbing, and his daughter, dressed as a maid, was there.

Furthermore, the nobleman said, "I feel so sorry for you, who wasn't born beautiful," "It's our fault as parents, but it's even more pitiful that you work despite that," "If you were beautiful, you could have chosen any marriage, but you're a maid, a behind-the-scenes worker, and you can't even become a noble's mistress!"

He said all sorts of things.

I was being apologized to, but was I being unilaterally insulted?

Yes, well.

The guards at the entrance to the meeting room looked at me with very sympathetic eyes, but I'm too scared to ask what that means. The events in the meeting room are supposed to be confidential, but I can't say for sure that no one will spread this story.

What, is it so pitiful to not be born beautiful? It's just that I don't have the trendy face.

Well, I do think it would be nice to be beautiful, but not being beautiful doesn't mean I'm ugly.

Working without hesitation... I really enjoy being a maid. What's wrong with working women?

Choosing any marriage? No, no, I can't and don't want to be a lady who attends tea parties and social events, just to gossip.

Being a noble's mistress? I thought someone might want that, but being told directly was a big blow.

I would refuse any man who would do such a thing!!

In short, instead of repairing our relationship, my father unilaterally shattered my self-esteem.

I think it's only natural to frown at that.

My father, my father... he doesn't have any ill intentions!! (That's why it's so bad.)