Chapter 9

Once again, this is from the perspective of a minor character (Episode 1). I apologize for not posting in a while...

I am Hilde, a maid at the Bartelink estate.

Let me tell you, working at the castle is very popular and not easy to get into. It’s the most sought-after job among girls, ... meaning it’s for the chosen elite. Isn’t that impressive? Hehe.

After all, I serve the Fourth Princess, Justine!

◇

“Buuuuu! What am I going to do, Ann? I’m definitely going to get a big scolding!”

In the peaceful courtyard on a sunny afternoon, after the major incident that shook Bartelink, I was crying to my coworker Ann.

“Oh, stop crying so much. Of all things, you had to pick the rose that the gardener cherishes the most. You’ll definitely get caught. ...Good luck at your new job.”

“Already decided to fire me!?”

As a maid to the princess and a caring person, even Ann had given up on me.

“Because... I really want to help you, but you know how much that stubborn old man values that rose, right? I’m sorry, but you’re definitely in trouble.”

Ann pointed to the rose in my hand, which was blooming beautifully. The more I understood how much care and effort went into it, the more I felt the weight of my mistake.

“Waaaah! I don’t want to lose the chance to taste-test in the kitchen or take leftovers home!”

“...Ann, and Hilde?”

At the sound of a bell-like voice, we turned to see a beautiful girl with golden hair and ruby-like eyes... Princess Justine, and the Lord of Bartelink, Ryouk, walking together. Although they were rumored to be on bad terms, seeing their hands firmly clasped together dispelled any such concerns. ...Noticing our gaze, the princess quickly let go of his hand. Hehe, no need to be shy.

“Hey, Hilde. Why are you standing there with a tear-streaked, smirking face? I can’t believe you’ve made another terrible mistake, haven’t you?”

The princess pouted with a cute, flushed face. Normally, her light-hearted jokes would suffice, but I was pulled back to reality, and tears welled up in my eyes again.

“Waaaah... Princess, thank you for all your help...”

“W-What? What’s really going on?”

Confused, Princess Justine listened as Ann explained the situation.

“I see. You accidentally picked the gardener’s rose.”

“Yes... sniff.”

“...What? Is that all?”

When the princess was taken aback, Lord Ryouk explained further.

“That gardener is very skilled but also quite stubborn and quick to anger. He’s not a bad person, but the young maids are afraid of him.”

That’s right. He yells at the slightest mistake, and he’s a really scary old man.

“But since it’s done, you should just apologize, right?”

“That won’t work! Ugh, the last time he yelled, ‘How many times do you need to mix up the fertilizer and weed killer before you’re satisfied? If you do it again, you won’t get off so easily!’ in a really scary voice...!”

“If you’ve mixed them up multiple times, he’s being quite lenient, isn’t he...!?”

The princess, for some reason, was taking the gardener’s side, probably because she’s never been yelled at like that.

“Anyway, if we don’t hide the evidence before the gardener comes tomorrow, we’re really in trouble! I want to dispose of it properly, but the garbage incinerator guy is very observant and is friends with the gardener... Hmm, maybe I should just eat it...?”

As I stared at the broken rose, the princess pondered.

“So, the gardener really values this rose. Is it one of those blooming over there?”

The princess pointed to a similar rose nearby.

“Yes, but...?”

“Hmm... I see. Leave it to me! Ann, give me the scissors.”

“S-Scissors? Princess Justine, I have a bad feeling about this, but are you sure it’s okay?”

While we were panicking, the princess trotted over to the rose...

—Snap!

To our shock, she cut the unharmed rose without hesitation!

“Princess Justineeeeee!!?”

◇

“Oh! What’s going on!”

At the gardener’s loud voice, I hung my head in fear.

“To be chosen for the most prestigious vase right at the entrance! What an honor! My son, who improved this rose, must be so proud!”

“I’m sorry for cutting it without permission. I wanted to have it ready for the guests.”

“Oh, it’s just a few out of many. Don’t worry about it! So, you like my son’s roses that much!”

Ann and I looked at the gardener, who was beaming with joy, in disbelief.

“...Honestly, Princess Justine. When you cut the rose, I felt my life span shorten.”

That’s exactly right.

I never expected her to not hide the broken rose but to display it in the most prominent place.

Ann pretended to be exasperated, but she was clearly grateful for the princess’s quick thinking. I was even more grateful.

“Anyway, Hilde, try to repay Princess Justine’s kindness after this.”

“Yeah, I understand!”

“Right. Be more careful and avoid mistakes...”

“—I’ll make sure to spread this heroic tale throughout the castle!”

I clenched my fist with determination.

Break time is coming soon, and I need to tell the other maids this story! Plus, there’s one more thing I want to talk about...

Behind the overjoyed gardener, Princess Justine and Lord Ryouk stood side by side, their hands still firmly clasped.

I also have an announcement: the book is being published by Beans Bunko! It has been extensively revised, so I hope you enjoy it.