My maid is cute Chapter 2 : I’m Running Away from Home (Patreon)

Before I knew it, I was in a pure white world.

『Right, so, it's reincarnation! Reincarnation!』

I heard a strange voice.

『Huh? Me? Oh, I don't really matter, do I? I’m a god-like existence, a god. Just think of it that way. Never mind about me. Anyway, it’s time for reincarnation.』

I tried to speak, but no sound came out. While I was bewildered, the voice continued.

『I am terribly sorry. Due to a mistake on our end, we accidentally let you die. Originally, you were supposed to live a long, normal life.』

Huh? What does that mean?

『Since sending your soul on as-is would be a bit awkward for my position, I’ll let you reincarnate with a special perk. I’ll give you a talent that will be somewhat useful in your next life, so please, live freely.』

It felt like something I’d heard somewhere before—a very common trope. I never thought I’d be the one caught up in something like this.

『Well then, please enjoy your new life. Good luck.』

The next instant, the world went dark.

***

I did reincarnate, but I have absolutely no memories of my previous life.

When I realized it, I was a baby. The world I was born into was, as expected, a European-style alternate world overflowing with magic. Everyone living in this world can use magic. When children turn ten, they all undergo a magic measurement test to determine the strength of their power. Commoners can usually only manage small spells, like starting a fire or producing a little water. Those with strong magic are almost exclusively nobles. Occasionally, a commoner with strong magic is born, but that is rare. Most people with strong magic enroll in the Magic Academy when they turn fifteen.

Carol Lionfall.

That seems to be my name in this life. I have straight chestnut hair and beautiful blue eyes, but my overall appearance is average. I’m not ugly, but I’m never praised for being beautiful, either.

Carol is the daughter of a noble. However, she is the daughter of a not-so-wealthy Viscount in the countryside, and the youngest child at that—the sixth daughter. I have two older brothers and five older sisters. Being the youngest, the sixth girl, and having looks that were neither bad nor particularly good, my treatment at home was that of a total afterthought. I wasn't bullied, but my family—and even the servants—were completely indifferent to Carol. I was rarely paid any attention.

"You are very adorable, Milady."

The only person who showed Carol affection was an elderly maid named Rebecca. She would pat Carol’s head and say that with a smile.

"I think you are the cutest girl in the world."

"Rebecca, really?"

"Yes, of course!"

No one else listened to what Carol had to say, but Rebecca always listened properly and kept me company. It wasn't my parents who held my hand, hugged me, or patted my head—it was Rebecca.

Carol loved Rebecca. However, before Carol turned seven, the elderly Rebecca hurt her back and had to resign as a maid.

"I am so sorry. I wanted to do my best until you were married, Milady, but..."

"Don't worry about it. Please, from now on, think of yourself first, okay?"

When Carol said this while holding back tears, Rebecca also shed tears, waving her hand broadly as she left.

Even after Rebecca quit, we exchanged letters, but I was unbearably lonely. About two years later, news arrived that Rebecca had caught a cold that worsened, and she had passed away. The moment I heard that, Carol cried out loud for the first time in her life.

A life of complete solitude began. Sometimes I felt lonely, but I gradually got used to it.

Carol's life changed when she turned ten. Since everyone in this world undergoes a magic measurement exam at age ten, Carol was taken by her father to the measurement venue.

And then...

"I-I can't believe it...!"

"Magic power of 1000!? —That's ten times the normal amount!"

"Is this some kind of mistake? Is the measuring device broken?"

Apparently, the "special perk" the god mentioned was immense magical power.

The venue began to buzz, and seeing my father beside me with his eyes sparkling, I almost let out a huge sigh.

After that, the way Carol was treated in the Viscount's household changed distinctly. It was no wonder. Considering only the magic value, there was a chance for great success in the future. There was even a possibility of marrying into a powerful noble family. My parents discussed Carol's education policy and future with greedy, shining eyes, while my brothers and sisters looked at me with expressions of vexation.

From then on, I was assigned private tutors and spent my days buried in study. Magic, of course, but also languages, history, geography, mathematics—knowledge was crammed into me relentlessly. Fortunately or unfortunately, Carol was also very academically excellent, which made my parents dance with wild joy.

On the other hand, by the time Carol was approaching thirteen, she had made a decision.

"Right. I'm running away."

I was fed up with every day being nothing but studying under the weight of everyone's expectations. They had ignored me until now, but the moment my high magic power was revealed, they fawned over me; I couldn't help but feel it was too little, too late. Besides, if things continued like this, I would be forced to walk the path my parents decided. Most likely, I would be married off to some powerful noble, using my magic power as a selling point. Of course, Carol's will would have no place there. I had no allies. The servants wouldn't listen to Carol because my father was their employer, and my siblings were jealous of me, recently resorting to harassment. I absolutely refused to live a life without my own will.

『Please, live freely.』

That pseudo-god had said so, too, so it should be fine. Yes, let's do that.

I'm still only thirteen, but I’m tall, so I can probably pass for fifteen or sixteen. Just barely. if I fudge my age, there must be a place where I can work.

With my resolve hardened, I immediately made my move. I began preparing to run away so that no one would find out. Then, on the night of the escape, I first used magic to dye my blue eyes and long chestnut hair black. I had already filched some servants' clothes from the laundry room. I put on the men's clothing and pulled a cap down to hide my hair. With this, I looked completely like a young boy. Finally, holding a large bag packed with my belongings, I wrote a letter.

『I am running away from home. You can look for me, but I doubt you will find me. Goodbye.』

I wrote the text vaguely so it wouldn't be mistaken for a kidnapping. Then, I secretly slipped out through the window of my room.