Chapter 7

Later, people would say that Yuria von Vandeed was nothing more than a nondescript maid.

But she had certainly influenced this country.

...Mainly, the confectionery situation, perhaps.

While narrating in my head, I was enjoying my day off.

But to be honest, I missed the air conditioner. This country of Kuraum, surrounded by mountains that serve as a natural fortress, was unbearably hot.

Summer was just around the corner, and it was a tough time.

Oh, UV-cut BB cream...

By the way, you might wonder, but even maids get days off.

At the tea party the other day, I was given a day off along with words of encouragement from Lady Primera.

As expected of my princess! My angel!!

What? If you respect the princess so much, wouldn't you think it's out of the question to take a day off?

That's not the case.

No matter how capable a maid is, she needs a day off. She's human, after all.

Yes, a human who cries, laughs, says mean things, and goes to the bathroom.

I'm often called a poker face, but I know, hehe.

As a head maid, I am given a private room.

It's quite an honor, but as the head maid, I am given a private room.

The same goes for the head butler.

This is because the room contains documents related to the person they serve, customer information, notes on the latest trends, and various other matters.

Being a maid isn't just about being by the princess's side from morning till night.

Of course, when it comes to official duties, it's not my job.

Special secretaries are assigned for that.

However, Lady Primera currently has no official duties planned.

Until her debut in society, she focuses on refining her qualities as a lady, studying imperial science, and practicing embroidery and poetry as part of her bridal training.

After her debut and formal engagement, she will learn about her future husband's land and the duties of a lady of the manor.

Putting aside my role as the head maid for now,

I am currently conducting an experiment. This is a revolution.

In this world, I am attempting to bring about a revolution!!

What am I making?

Why, ice cream, of course.

With sugar, cream, and eggs available, there's no reason I can't make it.

After all, this private room is so well-equipped that it even has a mini-kitchen.

Perhaps it's because I sometimes have to work all night...

Oops, I just had a flashback to my days as an office lady, working alone late into the night, but I won't let it bother me.

The past is the past!!

"...So, why are you entering through the window, Your Highness?"

"Well, I just felt like skipping my duties! I was trying to escape by climbing a tree when I saw you in your room, so I thought I'd drop by."

"Excuse me, but that's not something to be proud of."

"Hahaha! You're right!!"

Sigh. Well, it's almost done, so it's fine.

With the magic power I have, which isn't enough to make me a wizard, I can still freeze and move things in the bowl in front of me.

Using that, I freeze, move, and mix. Once I shape it...

"Ho, you've made another strange confection!"

"Would you like to try it? Lady Aldar Saul will be here soon, so I'll prepare some tea."

"That stiff-headed guard. Hmm. Well, I'll join you then."

"Understood."

Lady Aldar Saul is supposed to bring a letter from her brother today.

Since the writing is a bit unique, I received a letter last night asking me to help with the explanation and translation, so I'm preparing some tea and snacks.

After all, she is Lady Primera's fiancé's brother.

It's only natural to welcome her as a guest.

There was an unexpected intrusion by the prince, but the vanilla ice cream I made is in a decent quantity.

I might as well make a strong coffee and serve it as an affogato.

No, no, I want them to taste the ice cream itself, so I'll serve it with regular tea.

No sugar, just straight.

"Your Highness"

"Call me Albert."

"That's not appropriate. Calling the first name of a noble is only allowed for family members, lovers, fiancés, and wives. Besides, I haven't made my debut in society, so please understand."

"That's no fun..."

"It's the rule."

I might call you by your name in my head, but the rules must be followed.

Especially as an older maid, it's important to set an example for Lady Primera.

Adults must show a proper demeanor!!

However, regarding Lady Aldar Saul, calling her by her title as a guard would cause a reaction from others, so I consulted with her and was asked to call her by her name.

As expected, she wants to maintain her position of having retired from the line of succession and has told the other maids and servants to do the same.

Of course, if you don't want to inherit the earldom and are constantly watched with curiosity or whispered about, it can be troublesome... especially since she has a good relationship with her brother, which can be tiring.

I have a younger brother, and I'm relieved that he is capable enough to inherit the title, but if he were a fool, there might be people who would consider making me a countess.

The noble society is truly complicated.

I could relate to Lady Aldar Saul a bit.

However, the prince in front of me doesn't seem to understand.

Noble men have two names.

One given by their father and one by their mother.

These are combined into one name.

The official name is the combination of both, but the name with the most meaning is the first name given by the father.

Therefore, only family members, close friends—lovers, fiancés, and wives—are allowed to use it.

Despite this, this person, amidst his numerous affairs, is trying to make a lowly maid like me use his special name, which is a bit ridiculous!!

"Hey, why don't you become my wife? I don't think I'd get bored with you."

"I must decline."

Honestly, his jokes are not just jokes, which is troublesome...

I'm glad this isn't a hallway!!

This person is only 30, not much older than me, and I've heard that the king wants his younger brother to get married because he finds him cute. Since I come from a viscount family and am not part of a family that could be involved in a power struggle, I might be a suitable match.

I do have my dreams, but I'm not young enough to get married on a whim, so I firmly decline.

By the way, this is the umpteenth time we've had this conversation.

Seriously, the prince, you escape too much. I'm not saying you should become a carriage horse, but you should work.

Oops.

"Welcome."

"I'm intruding, Yuria. ...And Your Highness. The attendants, military officials, and secretaries just scattered in all directions with blue faces."

"Oops, that's a bit much. But well, if they try Yuria's new confection, they'll come back. Your business sounds interesting too!"

"It's nothing interesting, just related to your brother. By the way, Yuria, I saw this in town. Would you like it?"

"Oh, thank you."

Honestly, it's a bit of a misunderstanding, but essentially, it's a setup to support and tease Lady Primera's (Dean Dain's) engagement.

It's a bit troublesome.

I want to improve the new confection, the ice cream, before presenting it to Lady Primera, so I'll get some feedback for now!!

By the way, Lady Aldar Saul's gift was beautiful candy.

She really understands women's hearts, she must be quite popular!

I once wished I could be such a beauty... to be in a reverse harem situation like in a game...

Yeah, but that's not the case. I'm just a minor character.

The protagonist is so obsessed with BB cream...