Chapter 88

Today is my day off... so I decided to properly go to the infirmary!

The burn on my cheek is still a concern, even though the pain is almost gone...

I went to the infirmary in the morning, but it was more crowded than I expected.

Well, that can't be helped.

I understand that the members of the Guard Knights who went to the front lines were injured, and it seems that the maids and servants who attended the garden party are receiving counseling due to psychological shock.

Most of the maids who attended the garden party are daughters of nobility, so the appearance of monsters in their usually threat-free lives must have been quite a shock. I fainted too, but at least I didn't have trouble sleeping.

After the doctor's examination, I was relieved to hear that the burn on my cheek won't leave a scar.

However, I was prescribed an ointment... It smells a bit, doesn't it?

But they say good medicine tastes bitter. It's an ointment, though!

Anyway, it was already almost noon by the time I got to the infirmary after leaving in the morning.

I wonder if Lord Aldar Saul will come to pick me up. What should I do?

Oh, right?

What happened last night wasn't a dream or anything, and essentially, it was an exchange of "Let's go out!" and "Sure, I'd be happy to!!" right?

What should I do? I don't have enough experience to be sure.

If this were a game, it would be the ending, I think. Is that why it's not working... I see...

No, I won't say it was a dream anymore, but what should I do in this situation?

I shouldn't be too obvious, but it's also impossible to not think about it, right? Should I try to dress up a bit? No, I'd be embarrassed if I got too excited and he thought I was being too forward.

But doing nothing at all would be strange, right? What should I do in this situation?

No, no, Yulia. In this situation, you need to stay calm. If you think calmly, you'll figure it out!

...No matter how much I dress up, I'm still me!! (Bang)

Yeah, I just saw the sad reality.

I have a bandage on my face, so even if I dress up, it won't make a difference.

It's not a good idea to get too excited just because it's the day after yesterday. Even though no one died, it was still a scandal at the royal castle.

I'll just act as I usually do. Well, maybe I'll play with my hair a bit... After all, I do have a woman's heart... I usually tie it up so it doesn't get in the way of work, but today I might try a braid and let it down.

I don't usually wear it down, so it feels fresh!

As for makeup, I'll just do it as usual! If I had BB cream, my complexion would look a bit better... but with the bandage, it's impossible. Hmm, so... is this a date?

What? It is a date, right? When a couple goes out together, it's a date, isn't it? My understanding shouldn't be wrong.

Oops, I took longer to get ready than I thought... No, I'm not really looking forward to it. It just took longer for the examination. Really!

While I was doing that, I heard a knock, and I straightened up without thinking.

"Sure!"

I answered the knock enthusiastically out of surprise!

But after answering, no one identified themselves, and no one came in.

When I opened the door to see what was going on, there were Lord Aldar Saul with an indescribable expression and Lord Gilderlock Jude with a sly smile. What? That's strange, why are the state guests here?

"Yulia von Vandied, when I came to see you, I ended up with Aldar here!"

"Hmm."

"Really, I'm sorry... I got caught by this guy while on my way here..."

I can understand how Lord Aldar Saul feels like he wants to hold his head in his hands.

It's strange, right? After all, this person is a guest from the Kingdom of Shagran. Guests don't just wander around the castle. My office is in the servants' area, but it's close to the palace. It's strange! (Second time)

"Is there something you need from me?"

"Aye, but you're not in your maid uniform today!"

"I'm off duty."

"I see! With your hair down, you look quite presentable. You should do this more often."

"...It would interfere with my work. What is it you need?"

What? Is this guy trying to start a fight as soon as we meet? Should I just buy him off? I can't win, though.

I can't win in terms of status, money, or physically (??). I think he's trying to compliment me with "quite presentable," but I don't want to be judged based on appearance alone!

...I'm not at all regretful!!

"Right. Yulia von Vandied, the burn on your cheek is my responsibility. Giving a scar to an unmarried woman's face is a matter of honor for a man. Therefore, I will say it again, I want you to be my mistress—"

"I decline. There is no reason for you to propose under such circumstances. The doctor said the scar will fade soon, so there is no issue for Prince Balmonk to be concerned about."

"More than once... What is your problem?!"

"Will you stop it, Gilderlock?!"

More than once, you say, but you should have listened when I said no.

I want to say that, but I'll hold back. In reality, the burn on my face will fade, and since I didn't sue, I don't want him to worry. It's just work.

I was relieved when Lord Aldar Saul held back Lord Gilderlock Jude. This guy is a strong man, and he can be intimidating... Honestly, I'd be scared if he came at me with a fierce expression.

In situations like this, you shouldn't show fear! But being confrontational isn't good either.

After all, he is a guest.

But Lord Aldar Saul seems to be angry on my behalf, with a stern expression.

"She is my lover. I kept quiet yesterday in front of the Queen Dowager and the guests... Your behavior is unacceptable as a noble and a man!"

"W-What?!"

Oh... waaaaaah.

Lover! He called me his lover!! I didn't expect him to come out and say it at this moment. I thought I'd just brush it off and send him back to the guest room, but Lord Aldar Saul said it clearly and firmly.

My face is getting hot again, but... yeah, I'm honestly happy about this!

"Aldar... Are you in your right mind?! As a candidate for the Holy Swordsman and a noble's son, you should have more... options."

Hey.

Don't make that perfect curve with your hand. Compared to the popular noblewomen, my chest is modest, but it's not non-existent! Besides, you shouldn't judge a woman's value by that! You're really making enemies with all the women in the world!

"Being a candidate for the Holy Swordsman is irrelevant, and your statement is extremely vulgar. I suggest you stop belittling her. It's unpleasant to hear."

"Ugh..."

Lord Gilderlock Jude finally shut up at Lord Aldar Saul's cold words.

Good, keep going.

But I thought this conversation wasn't going anywhere, so I turned around and rang the bell on my desk.

When I stepped out into the hallway, Meina, who heard the sound, hurried to me and bowed politely. Her gaze kept flicking to Lord Aldar Saul and Lord Gilderlock Jude.

"Thank you for waiting."

"Meina, it seems Prince Balmonk got lost while exploring the castle. Please escort him back to the guest room."

"Yes!"

"Wait a moment, I'm not—"

"Exploring the castle is fine, but as a guest, you shouldn't wander into inappropriate areas. It could cause diplomatic issues. I advise you to return quickly."

As the head maid! Personally, I think he should learn the hard way... But he can't complain about coming this close to the palace. No matter how much of a straightforward idiot he is, that doesn't matter.

But I'm a coward, and I'm grateful to him for helping me that time. I'll just give a warning this time. Now we're even!

"Please make sure Prince Balmonk is comfortable in the castle. Our maids will escort him, so if he needs anything, please let us know. We will pass it on to the responsible person."

"...Damn... I understand. I was in the wrong this time. Fine, I'll leave."

(No, it's not about strategy... but, well, saying it out loud is troublesome.)

What a troublesome man!!

But I don't show it on my face. It would definitely complicate things.

Meina must have thought he was a bit troublesome too, judging by her expression. She's still naive in that regard... but as a maid, it's a point off. Well, that's experience.

"Phew... What a relief. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No, you couldn't have handled it. If he caused a commotion in the castle, he would have been reprimanded. Personally, I think he's a straightforward idiot, but I believe he's not a bad person... I wanted to resolve it peacefully."

"That's like Lord Aldar Saul."

You must be concerned about him as a junior disciple. You don't hide that you find him troublesome, though. You had a very obvious "troublesome" face.

"Then, let's... have lunch at the Wild Strawberry Inn in the town below?"

"Ah... Yes."

I almost forgot about the brainless guy, but yes, we were supposed to go on a date today!

Well... to be honest, is it okay to be excited about being called a lover?

"Ah, um..."

"What is it?"

"...Was it okay to declare it like that?"

No, that's not it!!

I wanted to ask him to call me by my name!

Typical me, I'm a chicken! An idiot...

What do normal couples do in this situation...? It's super hard to reference games.

Lord Aldar Saul looked at me with a puzzled expression and smiled.

"Rather, I should be proud. I've waited quite a while."

"Huh? What do you mean by 'quite a while'?"

"Well, I'll tell you when I feel like it."

Since when?

Is it okay to ask? Will I be called insensitive if I do?!

No, no, no, wait.

Maybe it's a recent thing.

Oh, what should I do.

How do you go on a date! I wish I had options to choose from...!!

I'm so in love.