Chapter 84

"Well, it seems that Sir Guildlock Jude thought I would jump at the chance to hear this story, exclaiming, 'What a wonderful reward, thank you so much!' I'm quite surprised, to say the least.

Well, I suppose there are women in the world who might react that way? The position of the next duke's mistress isn't bad at all. If the lady herself says that the duke's wife acknowledges her and guarantees her living, then she wouldn't be in a shadowy position.

However, I am a head maid, a position that, while not high, is still a formal role. Poaching someone with the achievements and trust to serve the royal family could lead to trouble between countries.

Especially if it's a one-sided demand from a noble, even a lower one, with a fief, it could be seen as a provocation, as if to say, 'Are you trying to start a fight with our country, huh?!!' Of course, my refusal could also lead to international issues, but the premise is that the other party is a noble from another country and approached my country's daughter in an impolite manner, which would be the problem.

Normally, someone would mediate to smooth things over. In this case, it would be proper for Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, who is here as the guardian of my mistress, Lady Primera, to mediate.

Skipping that and assuming I would jump for joy is not only ridiculous and unseemly, but also a behavior that should not be allowed. I don't know about the Shagran Kingdom, but at least in this Coulomb, it would certainly make me a laughingstock in society.

By the way, there are ways to refuse an offer from someone higher up.

It does require some money, but the form is to request someone of high status to mediate. Well, my rather straightforward refusal this time might cause some friction, but with their mistake and the Queen Dowager's displeasure, it might be left unresolved.

No, I might not get a bonus... I'll have to be prepared for that. Yes, I will be prepared!

"Yes, indeed, Yuria is a good and considerate girl who serves well. She has a strong sense of responsibility as a maid and impeccable manners as a noble lady. However, to propose marriage to such a woman without a matchmaker... isn't that more than a little impolite? And a mistress? I noticed some derogatory remarks, and you think she can be happy with that? And you think we of the royal family would raise our hands in agreement? What a funny joke."

With a gentle smile, Her Majesty the Queen Dowager continued her relentless verbal attack.

The minister, being from the royal family of this country, looked somewhat pitiful. His wife was still drinking wine and not helping. ...Does she like it?

"Well, but that's how it is in Shagran, isn't it?"

"That's right! In Shagran, my son's attitude, while a bit rough, is praised for being manly—"

"But—"

Her Majesty's tone suddenly turned stern as she opened her fan and covered her mouth.

What are you saying, Minister? It sounds like you're saying Shagran's social circles are more brutal and coarse compared to here.

Her Majesty's eyes were sharp as she glared at the Balmunk family.

"But this is Coulomb. Can you please show some restraint?"

"Ah... No, that's... Yes, we were a bit too relaxed in this open and wonderful space of the garden party. Guildlock, you should apologize too!!"

"Ugh... I apologize."

"Oh my. Shouldn't you apologize to the young lady who was proposed to so unreasonably, more than to me?"

Oh, Her Majesty's follow-up is relentless!

Young lady! What a nice term. In this country, being in your twenties is considered being a late bloomer... I still feel young, but the world is harsh.

What a kind person... Her kindness is very warm to me, who has been through a lot lately.

"...Yuria von Vandied. I apologize for the hasty proposal."

"Yes, I appreciate your apology, Lord Balmunk."

"If you ever change your mind—"

"That won't be necessary."

Can you hear me? Can you hear me, sir? I'm refusing you quite straightforwardly.

Persistent men are disliked, you know?!

However, through this incident, the Duke of Balmunk, a minister of the Shagran Kingdom, has been put in a position where he owes a small favor to Coulomb. It's not a laughing matter to behave arrogantly at a royal garden party. If that's the norm in Shagran, I wouldn't marry into Shagran. Well, I'm not getting married anyway.

Sigh, I guess that's settled... I still feel heavy about explaining the situation with Lord Aldar Saul later...

"Hehe, don't worry, Yuria. We are happy to have you by our side. We won't force you into an unwanted marriage, so please rest assured. Right, Primera?"

"Yes, Grandmother! Yuria, I'm sorry. I didn't expect this kind of talk. But... I'm happy to have you by my side, but the, the late bloomer, and such... I'm to blame for those mean comments, aren't I...?"

"No, Princess, not at all!"

I'm just a love novice, I'm sorry!! It's not your fault, Princess Primera!!!

I'm just an indoor girl who can't look people in the eye. I really enjoy making sweets and spending time with Princess Primera!!

"That's right, Primera. Don't worry, Yuria will handle it. Right, isn't that so?"

"Eh? H, ha, well, um... I'll, I'll take care of it..."

"Yes, please do. Oh, by the way—"

Her Majesty suddenly turned and faced Lord Aldar Saul.

"So, what about the duel challenge from Lord Balmunk's son? The response was left unresolved when Yuria returned."

"Yes... As a member of this country's guard, I am strictly forbidden from private duels, as you know, Your Majesty. It's a rule..."

"Oh my. As usual, such a boring answer. But that's to be expected. So, Lord Balmunk's son, give it up."

Finally, he's not being called by name anymore. Her Majesty is strict about these things. Well, Sir Guildlock Jude's behavior was unacceptable... I'm surprised he's made it this far...

I don't think he's a bad person. He doesn't yell at maids who bump into him and shows concern, and while I don't like his motivation of disliking his father, he does show gratitude for correcting wrongs. He's not a bad person, but he has that 'bad noble' vibe, and the attitude of those around him makes him seem worse... If the environment is like that, it might be considered normal...

He's said to be a capable knight, so it might be easier to interact with him as a knight rather than a noble.

...No, I probably won't have to deal with him anymore? Wait, if I end up having a relationship with Lord Aldar Saul, I'll have to deal with this person who always challenges me to duels...?

No, no, I mean, even if we have a relationship, it's just a normal relationship, not something serious or future-oriented. I don't think his social circle will have much impact on me...

Sigh, self-justification is tiring.

"---! ---!! ---"

"Oh? It seems to be getting noisy over there. Yuria, could you please go and check?"

"Yes, I will."

Indeed, a sound that could be cheers or screams was heard.

I hope it's just a lovers' quarrel like before... As I bowed to Her Majesty and turned around, I heard a rustling sound, leaves and petals flying, and then a gust of wind. I looked up—

GAAAAAAAH!!!

A huge monster appeared before us, roaring loudly.

Wait... Is it my unlucky year this year...? No, that doesn't exist in this world!

Hold on, what happened to my maid life?!