Chapter 45

Unable to look Lilith in the eye, I have never entered the pond, but I do like to bathe in water. When I said this, Lilith said,

"I remember, you often bathed with Lady Cecilia in the bathhouse."

That's right.

Even in the capital, on hot days, I would often soak my feet in water or wash off my sweat with water.

It's a different habit from soaking in a hot bath for a long time!

"Lady Cecilia?"

"The daughter of Duke Uthia. Lady Cecilia and Lady Arietty really got along well."

"The famous beauty?"

Oh, Naga, you know?

Since Naga wasn't in the music corps, he never met Cecilia even during the imperial performance.

Well, Naga is the next lord. He went to the capital during the last social season to serve Lord Joshua and attended the evening parties, so he would have heard some rumors.

"I am Lady Cecilia's best friend."

You know the royal family. Don't be so presumptuous.

A fox borrowing the tiger's might.

"Indeed, they were very close. When Lady Cecilia was in the dormitory, Lady Arietty was usually in her room."

Yes, because we were forced to discuss arrangements.

Thanks to that, I received various training. Sometimes even from Prince Oscar, who came secretly.

"Oh, Duke Mistia is close because of Lady Uthia's influence." Lord Joshua said.

Oh, it's out.

I don't really want it to be known.

I don't want to be used.

Lady Cecilia's mother is Duchess Uthia, the king's sister. Prince Oscar and Cecilia are uncle and niece.

Prince Oscar, the head of the royal orchestra, often commissioned compositions and arrangements from Cecilia, and I often helped.

Naga's eyes say he doesn't believe it.

Well, it's because you underestimate me.

I was a songstress. Even if I couldn't marry, after so many years, I could get some connections with the royal family.

But I was used.

Thinking about it, I feel like I was the one being used.

"Is Lady Cecilia good with alcohol?"

But, Lord Joshua, you're saying too much!

"I've heard that she and a friend once drank six bottles of wine. Could it be?"

Naga covered his mouth.

What? Are you trying to make me look bad? Is there some benefit for you?

I can't listen to this, so I close my eyes and press my forehead.

My veins are about to burst.

Yes! That's right! It's Cecilia!

What's six bottles? I don't get a hangover even after drinking that much!

I don't want to be criticized by someone who vomited after a small glass of distilled liquor.

First, she wasn't old enough to drink until recently. You wouldn't know!

"I don't know much. I don't drink much."

Lilith said modestly.

Ah, the mirror of a lady.

"I knew you stayed up late together, but I always heard the sound of instruments."

"Yes, that hasn't changed."

Lord Joshua smiled at me.

That's right!

I would often play the piano late into the night, and the next morning, I would be scolded for not going to bed early. This was a daily routine.

I can't concentrate on composing during the day because it's too busy. So don't treat me like a child.

"You must have been very close to talk all night."

No, we only stayed up all night when we were chasing deadlines. Otherwise, we would drink and go to sleep.

"Yes, we often slept together. Lady Cecilia is very soft and always smells good. She is always so kind, so I love her."

Lord Joshua opened his mouth in surprise, then closed his eyes and warned in a restrained voice.

"Arietty, that's why you lack restraint."

"It's fine. I am already past the age of marriage."

I am not a child.

I know enough to make you think dirty thoughts.

I do it on purpose.

Lilith seems to be smiling without understanding.

"That... That's not it."

Lord Joshua glared at me, looking regretful.

No, it is.

I am already 23. Even if I wait two more years, I will be completely past the age of marriage. Whose fault is it?

"No, Lady Arietty will have many suitors when she returns to the capital. That won't happen."

Lilith said, sounding a bit worried.

She is probably hinting that I should be careful about Lord Kiriam.

Don't worry. There are places in the capital that can hide me. It probably won't last long, though.

"It's fine. When I return to the capital, I will become Lady Cecilia's maid. A man's favor is fleeting, but a woman's friendship can be stronger."

I smiled and said.

It's too late. It's too late, Lord Joshua.

I want to respond to you.

I want to be embraced in your large chest.

But the situation doesn't allow it.

Please, don't play with me.

And you never say anything.

Even though you imposed so many restrictions on me, you never clearly expressed your feelings.

That's dishonest.

Because you can't promise, right?

Both the priestess and I want to be chosen, right?

I don't want that.

If I don't choose Lord Joshua, I might still become someone's only, even if it's late.

If I become a commoner, my age won't be such a big issue.

I can't accept being second in a relationship where I have the potential to be the only one.

"Completely without a flaw. Do songstresses learn how to manipulate men as part of their education?"

Lord Joshua sighed.

Lilith watched with amusement.

"Lady Arietty is especially wise. I even gave lectures on the doctrine as a substitute for the high priest."

Oh, Lord Joshua and Naga finally looked at her with renewed respect.

But, you see.

"That's something the priestess candidates take turns doing."

I wasn't specially chosen for it.

I sighed pitifully.

Lilith, you don't know. The current candidates don't do that, right? Because they have the potential to become the priestess.

The doctrine is drilled into them.

But don't tell them about that. They might get the wrong idea.

I almost had to take lectures from Lord Orsein.

They treat people like pawns.

He is really devious for his age.