Chapter 63

However, the men are arguing over whether to call their beloved or not, but it's not that kind of situation anymore.

I don't have the time to mediate, either. I need to think of a solution.

Hmm. Come to think of it, it's hard to imagine Lord Aldar Saul approaching women. I've heard rumors that he receives many love letters but doesn't favor anyone. I guess the main reason is that he doesn't want to cause more trouble with women, which could complicate the Baum family's succession issue.

...Yeah, that's right.

That's it, why not use the power of 'rumors'?

Indeed, I should take a cue from the nobles.

I was a noble too, after all.

"Excuse me, lady. I believe you work in the servants' kitchen. Have you heard anything about them?"

"Um, well..."

"Don't worry, I just want to hear your story."

I suddenly called her out, so she was very surprised.

Well, of course. She was just spectating some commotion when a high-ranking person (surprisingly, I'm the head maid of the princess's palace, so I'm considered high-ranking by the regular servants!) suddenly addressed her.

If I want to hear rumors, I should start with the kitchen maids. For broader information, I should ask the nobles, and for detailed information about the city, the servants are surprisingly effective. Me? I'm not particularly good at dealing with rumors... but let's put that aside for now.

Among the servants, the kitchen maids often talk to people who come and go from the dining hall, so they might have some useful information. There are often people here who are well-liked, like the 'dining hall aunties and uncles'!

My sudden action was instantly understood by the men, and they both looked at the kitchen maid with intense eyes, as if to say, "I'm right!" Poor thing, she was shrinking back in her plump body.

I stepped in to shield her from their gazes and took her hand. Hmm, she has chapped hands... I'll have to send her some good hand cream as an apology. Her hands will hurt in the winter. It's the least I can do.

I'm sorry, I really am sorry for involving you!

"I'm sorry, you must be busy."

"N-no!"

"I just need to hear what the other servants think of Lord Aldar Saul."

"Ah, Lord Aldar Saul is known for not accepting any woman's advances. Some women are unhappy about this, as he doesn't have a particular favorite..."

"What?!"

"Thank you, ma'am. See, I told you!"

"Both of you, be quiet! Thank you. It seems there might have been a misunderstanding. Didn't Eiren say something similar?"

Yes, that's right.

I don't want to make this bigger.

No, I don't want to make this any more complicated!

I just want to restore peace and look forward to the winter bonus!!

I just want to get through the autumn garden party!!

"Don't you think so? I do. Yes, it must be so. You must believe your fiancé's words, he is a noble knight, he values honor, doesn't he?"

"Y-yes... maybe... No, maybe... I must have been worried about my fiancé getting involved in a dispute. I apologize, Lord Aldar Saul. Head Maid."

Perhaps because of my sincere persuasion, Edi apologized, though he didn't seem entirely convinced. That's settled then!

Edi must have more experience as a knight. He maintains his etiquette with Lord Aldar Saul but is a bit arrogant. No, he treats me the same way, so he must think 'knights are great!' He's the type who won't advance. Maybe that's why Eiren tried to go with someone else?

People like him might be easy to manipulate, but it's hard to develop them.

"No, I have no problem. ...Is this okay, Lord Aldar Saul?"

"Yes, thank you. I'm satisfied now that the doubt is cleared."

"However, Lord Aldar Saul. If I may, if you have someone in mind, it's best to clarify the relationship early. This will reduce misunderstandings. I don't know who she is, but there's a chance she might be taken by someone else."

"...Taken by someone else..."

Edi, don't say unnecessary things.

Sticking your nose into other people's business usually doesn't end well!

Well, he said what he wanted and left... but this incident will definitely spread as a rumor. I hope the story of how Eiren convinced the head maid of the outer palace doesn't blow up too.

It feels like I just postponed the issue, and I might still be called to the head maid and the chief maid of the outer palace later...

Please be safe, my bonus...

"Lord Yuria"

"Dragging me into this is terrible."

"I apologize for that. ...By the way, can we talk while we walk?"

"Sure, I was on my way back to the princess's palace anyway."

Honestly... I just came to check on Lady Scarlett, and I didn't expect it to take so much time. While walking, I listened to Lord Aldar Saul's apology and even made a promise to have some secret wine as an apology. Hmm? Is this considered a bribe?

"See you later."

"Lord Yuria!"

"?!?"

We passed through a door where servants come and go, and after nodding to the guards, we naturally came to a fork where we would part ways to our respective workplaces.

I was about to say my usual goodbye, and he was going to smile as usual.

But that didn't happen.

Lord Aldar Saul, who seemed uneasy, grabbed my upper arm and stopped walking.

I had never seen him like this before.

He looked troubled, anxious, and embarrassed.

With a mix of emotions, Lord Aldar Saul, still holding my arm, took a step closer. I instinctively took a step back.

He frowned slightly and dragged me behind a statue in the corridor. Before I could react, he pulled me close and breathed into my ear, making me shiver.

"Ah, Lord Aldar Saul?!"

"I declared earlier that I have someone in mind."

"Y-yes."

"If... if I told you it's you. Would you consider it?"

He leaned in closer, his expression serious.

He seemed a bit embarrassed. His hands, which held me, felt a bit awkward. I couldn't quite tell.

What did he just say?

I felt my face turn red in his deep blue eyes, and my neck heated up. This is... this is...

Being pulled close and... is this a confession...?!

No, no, wait, I didn't expect this kind of event! Lord Aldar Saul isn't even a target in the game, so this is just him... but then, could it be...

Could this be... real...?

"Lord Yuria"

"J-just teasing, right?"

"Lord Yuria"

His serious voice.

First, it was a call. Then, it was a reprimand.

Despite the softness, I felt paralyzed.

He's asking for an answer.

I understand that, but I'm in a panic.

"I, I... this is so sudden..."

"...Yes, I should have taken more time..."

"Huh?"

"No, so?"

"...Until the garden party ends, please wait. I, I'm not used to this kind of thing..."

"I understand, I'll wait. I'm good at waiting."

Whether my answer satisfied him or not, Lord Aldar Saul released me and left with a casual "See you later."

When he was out of sight, I collapsed on the spot.

Thank goodness no one was around. My legs were shaking. I never thought I'd experience something like this in real life!

Because I, I... I never thought I'd be confessed to with such a sweet voice...!!

And he even... kissed my temple subtly!!

How can I stay calm?!?!

Finally, finally, we've made progress!!

And they're still not dating...?