Chapter 76

"Ehren's situation really makes me feel like I'm being shown a harsh reality again, doesn't it?

Really, adults are so dirty! I was an adult too. Well, if you think about the actual situation, I can understand it... No, I got so angry when I was scolded that I ended up saying some harsh things to the head maid of the outer palace. I still have a lot to learn.

In the end, when I returned that day, nothing happened, and I just did my usual work. When I checked the list of maids for the garden party, I saw that Ehren was one of the servers!

Oh my. If she liked the outer palace so much, she must be very capable. I haven't heard that, though.

That's strange, if she's from a commoner background and is so capable, she should be more of a topic of conversation. I think she could be recruited to the inner palace or the royal palace, even if not the prince's palace. No, I'm not belittling the outer palace. The maids for the royal family are a select few, so if there's a capable person, a transfer is possible.

Especially since the head maid is merit-based, and so is the queen, the inner palace has strict evaluations.

If she had worked in the outer palace for a few years and was known to be excellent, she might have been recruited... Well, no matter how much I think about it, it's not something I can understand.

The problem is the stress of having to face the garden party with a strained relationship with the head maid of the outer palace.

No, we are both adults and hold positions, so it shouldn't interfere with our work. At least, I don't want to be suspected or probed unnecessarily, but I don't mind!

Before I knew it, time had passed while I was doing all that.

Sigh... I miss the evening when I giggled at Primera-sama in her dress...

That was a healing moment after the head maid meeting! At the garden party, it's sure to be a hot topic. Well, if a suitor appears, it might be troublesome. But Primera-sama's radiant beauty is so captivating that it can't be contained by a mask. It's more like it's seeping out! It would be strange if no one noticed!

'Here, please.'

Oh, it's a knock. I must remain calm and composed as always!

It's already night, so it's probably related to the garden party or the head maid of the outer palace.

As I thought this and looked up, it was none other than Aldar Saul.

He was holding documents in one hand, so I thought he had some business, but he had a slightly troubled expression and came in. If it wasn't about work, it seemed odd since he is usually very firm when working.

'Is there something wrong? Is there an issue with the security...'

'Ah, no, there's no problem with the garden party security. It's not that... The head maid of the outer palace just visited me.'

'Ah!'

She's quick! Well, in that situation, she had to act fast. Although I made a basic mistake by believing one side of the story, the head maid of the outer palace is a senior maid to me.

She understands that she must act immediately to avoid damaging her relationship with other palaces and the head maid's impression.

She is very capable, though. She's a bit old-school and teaches maids with a 'learn by watching' attitude. But she has an excellent memory and can adapt to the customs and habits of different countries and regions, giving flexible instructions to the people visiting the outer palace. I shouldn't interfere with how things are done in each palace.

'...From your reaction, did she also visit Yuria-sama?'

'No, there was a meeting of the head maids today, and during that...'

When I summarized the situation, Aldar Saul sighed and smiled wryly.

I get it. This expression means, 'This is the last thing I need when I'm busy.'

Why do I know? Because I just thought the same thing...

'How did it go with Aldar Saul-sama?'

'He wanted to verify the facts. I honestly told him about the letters I had been receiving and that I had declined them, and I showed him the evidence. So he understood that I didn't initiate any action and that I had already reconciled with Edi. The head maid of the outer palace seemed very upset when she heard that.'

'I see... Reconciliation, huh?'

'Yes.'

The head maid of the outer palace must have been upset to find out that the maid she trusted had lied. But what about the reconciliation between Aldar Saul and Edi?

'He turned out to be a very honest and straightforward person. It's amazing how much you can understand each other when you talk.'

'...I see.'

What is this?

It feels like the subtext is, 'He turned out to be (as expected) a very (stupid) honest and straightforward, (easy to handle) good person.'

No! It's just my imagination!!

I've been seeing so many 'adult situations' that I'm becoming cynical.

But if I think calmly from Edi's perspective, he's a passionate guy who gets angry for his lover.

I'm not making fun of him; he's a good person. Getting angry for his lover shows that he loves her (sarcastically).

Ehren is indeed very attractive, with a curvy figure, soft lips, and a seductive look.

If a man says he was tempted just by greeting her, I might believe it. She's that attractive, even to me.

So, Edi must have been very worried!

...But, I'm also bothered by the fact that Aldar Saul was approached by such an attractive woman.

No, I'm not jealous! He has shown interest in me, and he didn't toy with Ehren. I don't have such a grand figure, you know? But I'm not a doormat, just average!

Ugh.

Even if I make excuses, it's like this.

Once I realize I like him, I can't stand things I don't like!

Ah, what should I do? At the garden party, many young ladies and noblewomen are quite free-spirited, approaching attractive and strong men, starting playful romances.

I know, I know that Aldar Saul wouldn't do that!

But, ah, I can't help but worry.

What should I do? Can only Aldar Saul alleviate my worries? Or do I have to convince myself that everything is fine?

No, the latter is impossible! I can say that with confidence!!

'...Aldar Saul-sama'

'Yes?'

'Are you going back to your quarters now?'

'Yes. I'm done with work for today. I just wanted to hear Yuria-sama's side of the story... I'm taking up your time—'

'In that case!'

'Eh?'

'In that case, could you, um, stay a little longer? Just a little longer, to talk...'

'...Yuria-sama?'

Why. You said you like me.

Why. Why me, not someone as beautiful as Scarlett or from the upper class.

Why you said I'm wonderful even though I'm just a working woman.

Why.

It would be easier if I could ask that!

...I held you back without thinking.

This is, ah! What should I do?!

I'm the protagonist who's wrong in her confidence."