Chapter 72

Scarlett was crying, and I tried to calm her down, listening to her various stories. I made her do all sorts of things, which only made her more irritable and led to her spouting harsh words. This cycle continued, and before I knew it, the day was over... Hmm, this is worrying!

No, she's not incompetent. I was relieved to realize that!

However, in her current state, she seems to be a so-called "diligent incompetent" who wants to do everything despite having no skills. When reprimanded for this, she becomes stubborn, insisting, "I can do it; it's just that the people around me can't guide me properly or aren't utilizing my abilities."

Her catchphrase, "I am a marchioness's daughter!" won't be a get-out-of-jail-free card forever, of course.

She should reflect and start listening to others, bowing her head, and learning. But her misplaced pride prevents her from doing so...

If she could become a servant that no one could replace, like Primera-sama and I, that would be ideal... However, such a relationship is not easy to achieve. It requires the ability to listen to others, learn, show respect, and not shy away from effort. Even I was often told to study more when I was young, both in the inner palace and the harem.

I worked hard for Primera-sama and earned her trust, which is why I am who I am today. Scarlett hasn't understood this yet.

She clings to the fact that she is a marchioness's daughter, believing she must be competent and refusing to bow her head. She rejects advice, thinking it means she is being looked down upon, which naturally causes people to distance themselves from her.

As a social adult, she should have outgrown her parents' upbringing. Her superiors should break her arrogance, but there's a risk of it being seen as harassment. The head of the inner palace couldn't do anything because of such concerns and the power dynamics of her family.

In any case, I won't be as gentle as the head of the inner palace. I will make sure she learns her job properly! Today, I had her work on documents all day.

She complained that her arm hurt, that the work was dull, and that there should be more glamorous tasks.

I kept repeating that a lady's maid's job isn't glamorous. She probably understands this deep down, but her pride is getting in the way, isn't it?

She kept glancing at me and showing me her completed documents with a smug look... I wanted to say, "Are you a sassy elementary school kid?" But, well, she's adorable. It's strange, though, thinking about Scarlett's age... *cough* *cough*.

Her arm must have been numb by the end of the day, considering how much she did!

If she finds out there are more documents waiting for her tomorrow, will she go crazy? I'll have her work hard in the morning. Sebastian-san will give a tea lecture in the afternoon, so I need to focus on my own work.

"Lord Aldar Saul"

After a knock, Lord Aldar Saul appeared.

Yes, as expected. We were supposed to discuss the security arrangements later.

Reflecting on my feelings, I still can't bring myself to look at his face. However, I won't act suspiciously anymore. I understand that I acted that way because I like him! It's embarrassing but also exciting, and I was in a panic, not knowing what to do. Oh, how embarrassing...

"Although it's late, I'm here to discuss the security arrangements. I've already met with the princess's guard knights, but there are a few points we need to discuss."

"I understand. Please come in."

"Thank you."

Until last year, Primera-sama didn't attend the autumn garden party. The queen said she was still a child, and the king agreed, but in reality, he didn't want to use her as a diplomatic card until her engagement was settled.

Now that she has a domestic fiancé, she will attend.

However, the garden party also involves the maids of various palaces... I've been the head maid of the princess's palace since the year I started, so I've attended every year and had many discussions with the guard knights!

When Primera-sama doesn't attend, the discussions are about the princess's palace security, but this time it's about the garden party, which is a different matter. I need to keep this in mind as it's my first time.

"Lord Yuria, as you know, the royal family is protected by the royal guards and the guard knights during the garden party. I can't go into detail about the arrangements, but two female guard knights will be assigned to the princess."

No one would reveal the security details.

As long as the minimum information is shared, it should be fine. I won't be able to stay with Primera-sama the whole time on the day.

There are almost no female guards among the royal guards, and if there are, they are assigned to the queen.

I don't think the guard knights are inferior, and having them protect the princess will be reassuring.

What will Lord Aldar Saul do, then?

He will assist as a noble, coordinate with the guard knights, and showcase the elegance and strength of our country's knights.

I don't know how strong he is, but the prince has said he is strong, and Metabon, a former adventurer, has also said he is strong, so he must be.

Come to think of it, he might have been there last year, but we didn't speak then. The maids were trying to talk to the guards, though.

...So, this year too... No, I'm not annoyed. It's just a vague feeling in my chest.

Lord Aldar Saul, oblivious to my feelings, continued explaining while looking through some documents.

"This year, the envoy from Shagran Kingdom has expressed a desire to speak with Primera-sama upon hearing she will attend. The king and crown prince will meet the second princess from the southern kingdom, and the queen will have a meeting with the leader of the trading nation. There will be many important figures from other countries as well."

"All big catches, I see."

"Yes, everyone is expecting Primera-sama's engagement to be finalized, and the crown prince's engagement to follow. The influential nobles are putting a lot of effort into this. The dowager queen will be assisting Primera-sama."

"Well, that's reassuring. This year's party will be glamorous, I think."

"Yes, well... The king and crown prince are both very discerning."

I understand that.

The crown prince, despite still being a minor, is already a capable ruler. I've heard about several policies he has proposed. The head maid of the prince's palace is always smirking. I can understand her feelings.

After Primera-sama's birthday party, I felt the same way every time she was praised: "How about that! Our Primera-sama is amazing!!" But from the outside, it must look different. I'll be more careful next time.

"The minister from Shagran Kingdom is the current king's cousin, and you know that, right?"

"Yes, and... he is the step-brother of the Grand Duchess."

"That's correct. Therefore, Shagran Kingdom is in a difficult position after the recent incident, and there are concerns that some people might hold a grudge. ...And, I'm very sorry, but..."

"What is it?"

"The minister's son, who is part of their security detail, has a bit of a history with me. Well, it's more like he has a history with me."

"Huh?"

He's making a one-sided grudge?

I didn't understand what he meant, and Lord Aldar Saul looked displeased.

"It's a story from when we were children. After my sword master gave me a certificate, he went to Shagran and taught the minister's son... Apparently, he heard my name and challenged me to a duel. I refused, saying that I couldn't engage in a meaningless duel as a knight, but... to put it mildly, he started challenging me to duels instead of exchanging pleasantries."

"..."

What a nuisance!

I wonder what the master thinks about his students behaving like this. Lord Aldar Saul just smiled wryly, and there didn't seem to be anything else to discuss about this.

Hmm, the envoy from Shagran Kingdom. I probably won't have much interaction with him, and the minister and his wife will handle it. Still, I need to be careful not to be tricked like his father.

"Lord Yuria"

"Yes"

"I'm really sorry for my behavior earlier. It seems I'm still immature and keep showing my ugly side to you."

"That's not true."

On the contrary, it means he likes me... I can flatter myself with that.

Oh no, I just realized I'm in love! I didn't want to become a woman lost in love... I need to pull myself together.

"No, I will take this as a lesson and fulfill my duties properly. Let's both do our best."

"Yes, let's both do our best. Thank you."

He extended his hand for a handshake.

Lord Aldar Saul maintained his composure as a knight throughout, and I responded as a maid. I didn't show any personal feelings.

...Is this why I'm called the "Ironclad Maid"...? The protagonist is the type who stays calm in such situations!