My Maid is Cute Chapter 16 : Harassment (Patreon)

Returning to Rebecca's perspective.

***

The root of the matter was a change in the maids' attitudes.

"Good morning."

In the morning, when I greeted a familiar maid in the kitchen, she abruptly turned her face away and walked off without saying a word.

"......"

Although bewildered by her attitude, I began preparing for work. Afterward, I tried speaking to several other young servants, but received no reply from any of them. It was a spectacular cold shoulder.

"——It’s about Lord Christopher, isn’t it?"

"Well, I suppose so."

Carrie shrugged as I sighed in the laundry room.

"Rebecca, are you okay?"

"Yes. I don't mind it."

"Should I tell the Head Maid?"

"Hmm... no, it’s fine. things will go back to normal eventually."

In response to my optimistic words, Carrie continued, her expression still filled with worry.

"Listen, though. You might want to be careful of Penelope..."

"Eh? Who is that?"

When I tilted my head at the unfamiliar name, Carrie whispered the explanation to me.

"She’s like the leader of the maids. She’s worked at this mansion since her parents' generation... She was one of Lord Christopher’s personal maids."

"Oh, so he had personal maids."

"Well, he is the Count’s son, after all. Until he entered the academy, he had several personal maids. Though, the butler did most of the work."

At those words, I recalled the face of Reed, the sour-faced butler.

"Penelope has always loved Lord Christopher—or rather, she’s a fervent fan... or maybe seriously in love... anyway, she’s a radical."

"A radical..."

"Right. Well, Penelope is a maid, but she’s originally the daughter of a fallen noble family... so I think she’s seriously gunning for Lord Christopher... even though he pays absolutely no attention to her."

"That sounds complicated."

"Anyway, really be careful. Ignoring you is cute compared to what could happen... If you get bullied, tell me immediately."

"Ahaha, I’ll be fine."

I answered Carrie’s warning with a laugh. Carrie still looked anxious.

***

That night, in Wendy’s room, I stood frozen with a troubled look on my face. In front of me, Wendy stood with her legs apart, looking angry.

I put a hand to my face, tilted my head slightly, and spoke.

"Milady, you’ve had your milk... surely it is time for you to go to sleep."

"No!"

Wendy declared, crossing her slender arms.

"I'm going to sleep with Becca!"

I involuntarily clutched my head at those words.

Recently, Wendy had started acting selfish in a childlike way. Although it was only directed at me. That was a joyous thing, and if it were a cute request, I would want to grant it. However...

"I cannot possibly sleep in your bed, Milady..."

Wendy’s selfish demand to sleep together was, understandably, something I couldn't agree to.

Ignoring my distress, Wendy stubbornly insisted on sleeping together.

"You slept here the other day!"

Wendy pointed at her own bed. Hit where it hurt, I averted my eyes.

It was true. When I entered the room to pour milk, I had once fallen asleep here as if fainting from sheer exhaustion. If it had been just once, that would be one thing, but over the last few days, I had lost to drowsiness and slept in Wendy’s bed about three times. As a maid, this was undeniably bad.

"Milady... if this gets found out, the Head Maid will scold me."

When I whispered that, Wendy pouted, her arms still crossed.

"I am the one saying it is okay!"

"It is not okay. A maid sleeping with her master... is out of the question."

When I said that firmly, Wendy puffed out her cheeks. Her face was so cute I almost laughed, but I did my best to endure it. I slowly crouched down to meet Wendy’s eyes.

"Why do you want to sleep with me so much?"

At that question, Wendy answered sulkily.

"I feel safe when we're together..."

"Safe, is it?"

"Mm. I like Becca's smell. The smell of honey. I love hugging you."

"Mmm..."

"Also, while we're at it, I like your breasts, Becca. They're soft. Fluffy."

"......"

My expression involuntarily went blank, and I looked down at my own chest in silence. I immediately looked back up and spoke with a wry smile.

"Then, let's do this."

"Mm?"

"Whenever you want, Milady, I will hug you tight."

"...Anytime?"

"Yes. Would you forgive me with that?"

At that proposal, Wendy’s eyes swam for a moment as if hesitating, but she immediately looked up at me with upturned eyes.

"Really, anytime?"

"Yes. Anytime, no matter when."

When I said that with a smile, Wendy’s face lit up instantly.

"It's true, right? You'll hug me anytime? Whenever I wish, no matter the moment?"

"Yes."

"Then, do it right now!"

Wendy said, looking at me expectantly. Although a little surprised, I smiled immediately. Then, I wrapped my arms around Wendy’s small body right in front of me.

I hugged Wendy gently, as if enveloping her. Wendy’s arms immediately wrapped around my back as well. We embraced as if sharing our body heat. A scent like flowers drifted from Wendy. Feeling Wendy’s sweet scent, I spoke.

"Can you sleep now?"

"Not yet. It's totttallly not enough."

Wendy’s muffled voice came from within my chest. Laughing, I lightly stroked Wendy’s back to reassure her.

Just like that, the two of us quietly embraced in the dark room until Wendy was satisfied.

***

"Do this."

"Excuse me?"

In the hallway, a massive amount of laundry was suddenly thrust upon me, causing my eyes to widen. I spoke to the maid who pushed it onto me, bewildered.

"I, um, I have cleaning to do..."

"I have other work too, you know. You say you're taking care of Milady, but you're probably just slacking off, aren't you? Anyway, get it done. By evening."

I started to say that it would be absolutely impossible to finish by evening, but before I could open my mouth, the maid walked away.

"Mmm..."

Recently, having work dumped on me like this had become frequent. Almost every day, I was instructed to do an amount of work that was absolutely impossible for one person.

As I stood lost in thought, holding the pile of laundry, I noticed several maids a short distance away giggling as they looked at me.

"......"

I glanced at them but said nothing, walking briskly toward the laundry room. Just as I was about to pass the maids, one of them stuck her foot out.

"......"

Silently, I hopped lightly into the air, dodging the foot.

"Ah, my apologies."

I bowed my head slightly, then continued to the laundry room as if nothing had happened. When I glanced back for a split second, I saw the red-haired maid who tried to trip me making a frustrated face.

"Impressive."

Called out to, I turned my face in that direction to find Carrie laughing.

"Penelope tried to trip you just now, didn't she? Good grief, that girl."

"Ah, was that red-haired person the 'I love Lord Christopher' maid from before?"

"Correccct."

Carrie gave a wry smile and took half the laundry from me.

"Ah, I'm sorry..."

"It's fine, it's fine. If we do it together, it'll be done in no time. Come on, let's go."

Thanking Carrie, I hurried to the laundry room. Carrie spoke as we walked together.

"The harassment... it’s really started, hasn't it?"

"Ahaha, looks like I’ve been targeted."

I deliberately kept my voice cheerful.

"Those people, are they admirable or just pure... well, they sure are working hard at it."

"Rebecca, I really think you should tell the Head Maid."

Carrie added, her face serious.

"You don't know what they might do. You should take measures before it's too late."

"...Hmm."

I thought for a moment, then quickly shook my head.

"For now, I'll observe the situation a little longer... They might get bored eventually."

"But..."

"If anything happens, I'll consult you immediately."

When I said that with a smile, Carrie let out a deep sigh with an anxious look.

"Man... I'm really worried about you."

I looked back at Carrie and, realizing something, spoke up.

"More importantly, are you okay, Carrie? Won't your position suffer if you're with me?"

At that question, Carrie looked a little angry.

"Don't worry about things like that. We're former roommates, right? ——If there's anything I can do, I'll help."

Deeply grateful for Carrie’s words, I bowed my head.

"...Thank you very much. If you have any trouble too, Carrie, please tell me right away."

"I'll be fine."

Just as Carrie answered, we arrived at the laundry room.

"I'll go get the detergent."

I said, heading off to look for the detergent. Watching my retreating figure, Carrie whispered softly.

"...But, you really should have reported it."

***

After that, contrary to my expectations, the maids did not get bored of the harassment, and their treatment of me grew harsher by the day.

Led by the red-haired maid, Penelope, and her group, they harassed me constantly. Not only did they ignore me and dump work on me, but they also stopped passing on work-related messages to me alone and blamed other maids' mistakes on me.

"Hmm, what should I do..."

I muttered while cleaning the garden, a task that had been forced upon me. Recently, perhaps under Penelope’s orders, most of the servants other than Carrie and the Head Maid acted as if I didn't exist. Even if I spoke to them, no one answered. Everyone would avert their eyes from me awkwardly.

Even in this situation, I wasn't particularly panicked. That was because there wasn't as much harm done as I thought. One way or another, I was capable at my job, and sometimes Carrie helped me, so although I was busy, I managed to complete my duties as a maid properly. Besides, since I barely spoke to any maids or servants other than Carrie to begin with, being ignored wasn't that painful.

Carrie insisted I should consult the Head Maid, but I couldn't quite bring myself to do it.

It might be okay to wait and see a little longer. It's not like I'm in that much trouble. Besides, relying on the Head Maid, who is already short-staffed and working busily every day, feels somewhat inexcusable.

"...Yeah. Let's watch how it goes for just a bit more."

Having decided that in my heart, I finished cleaning the garden and returned to the mansion.

I thought as I walked down the hallway. Today I have to return the book I borrowed from Milady. Then, I'll prepare Milady’s favorite tea, and we can talk a lot about our impressions of the book.

Picturing Wendy’s smile, I advanced down the hallway.

The matter of the maids' harassment had already left my mind.

***

The maids' harassment continued, but two months passed without any major incidents occurring. The day Wendy had been longing for arrived. It was Christopher’s temporary return home.

"Brother!"

Christopher, who had returned to the mansion for an exam break, hugged Wendy with a smile.

"Wendy, it's been two months."

"I missed you so very much!"

Watching the siblings exchange words with overflowing smiles, I found myself smiling unconsciously as well. Beside the door to the room, Reed the butler stood expressionless as always.

"How many days can you stay?"

"Five days. Let's spend them leisurely together."

"Yeah!"

Wendy smiled happily and nodded vigorously. Then, Christopher turned his face toward me.

"Rebecca, it's been a while for you too."

"Yes, it has been a long time."

I bowed slowly to Christopher. While holding Wendy in his arms, Christopher asked me a question.

"Did something happen? You seem down."

At that question, I smiled gently.

"No."

I shook my head and immediately spoke again.

"Lord Christopher, Lady Wendy, I shall prepare some tea."

Saying that, I began preparing the tea leaves and sweets.

Christopher and Reed exchanged a subtle glance, but I didn't notice it.

***

"Rebecca!"

In the afternoon of the day Christopher returned, while I was wiping windows in the hallway, my name was called. When I turned around, Christopher was approaching with a bright smile.

"Lord Christopher, is something the matter?"

I had assumed he was spending time happily in Wendy’s room. As I stood bewildered, Christopher, who had slowly approached, suddenly took my hand. My shoulders jumped involuntarily. Ignoring my reaction, Christopher wiped the smile from his face and, holding my hand, spoke with a serious expression.

"...How about dinner tonight?"

I stared blankly at that serious expression.

That was a strange way to be invited, I thought. It was the first time I had seen Christopher with such a serious face.

"Um... a meal, is it?"

"Yes. I've reserved a good restaurant in town. What do you say?"

I tilted my head, troubled.

"...My work."

"I'll inform the Head Maid myself. Please, won't you have a meal with me?"

Hesitating at Christopher’s invitation but unable to find a reason to refuse, I slowly nodded.

"...Understood."

Christopher smiled brightly at that answer.

"Then, please wait in your room tonight. I'll come to pick you up."

Then, releasing my hand, he walked away looking happy. I stared at his retreating back in confusion.

From a short distance away, the maids were glaring at me with sharp gazes, but in my confusion, I didn't notice.

***

The restaurant Christopher had reserved was small, but it had a calm and quiet atmosphere.

"......"

"......"

I looked to my side in bewilderment. Next to me, for some reason, sat the sour-faced Reed. I couldn't tell what he was thinking from that face.

Christopher, sitting opposite me, spoke happily.

"Man, it's been a long time since I ate out. Everything at this restaurant is delicious. Rebecca, order whatever you like. You too, Reed."

"...Hah."

While giving a vague answer, I glanced to my side again. I had no intention of saying I wanted a meal alone with Christopher, but I never expected Reed to be dining at the same table. A meal for three felt somewhat strange. And, if I wasn't mistaken, Reed had looked extremely displeased since entering this shop.

"Um, Mr. Reed...?"

"Yes?"

When I took the plunge and spoke to Reed, he answered in a voice that sounded clearly angry, causing me to jump. Conversely, Christopher spoke while laughing.

"Reed, don't make such a scary face."

"...Young Master. I had a prior engagement tonight."

"Yeah, I know."

"......"

"I'll make it up to you properly next time. Anyway, let's enjoy ourselves tonight, the three of us."

"......"

Reed opened his mouth as if to say something but ended up saying nothing, letting out a heavy sigh instead.

Eventually, the food we ordered arrived. My eyes sparkled just a little. It truly looked delicious. I immediately picked up my knife and fork and tasted the warm dish. Just as Christopher had said, it was exquisite.

"Rebecca, this is the first time we've talked leisurely like this. How have you been lately? Are you getting along with Wendy?"

"Ah... yes, I suppose..."

While enjoying the meal, I exchanged conversation with Christopher little by little. Talking with Christopher, I vaguely thought, this person is good at conversation. He drew out my stories without breaking his gentle, soft expression and kept the conversation lively so it wouldn't drop. As we talked, a sense of security began to bud. I secretly thought, I can see why he's popular.

On the other hand, Reed, sitting next to me, spoke little and ate while sighing repeatedly.

The strange dinner party of the Count’s son, the butler, and the maid continued peacefully after that.

***

During his five-day break, Christopher spoke to me many times whenever he saw my face. Thinking that I was being spoken to quite often, I exchanged business-like conversation with a calm expression.

Sometimes, I knew Penelope and the other maids were glaring when I was talking to Christopher, but since I couldn't exactly ignore Christopher, I tried not to let it bother me.

Then, the five-day exam break ended, and Christopher, while reluctant to part with Wendy, returned to the academy.

"——Huh?"

After seeing Christopher off, as I was heading to the kitchen for work, I opened my eyes wide at the person walking from the other end of the hallway.

"R-Reed?"

Walking toward me was Christopher’s personal butler, Reed.

"H-huh? Why are you still here?"

I had assumed he went to the academy with Christopher. At my question, Reed shrugged lightly.

"I have a little work remaining here."

"I-is that so..."

"Once that work is finished, I will head to the Young Master's side immediately."

"Eh, um, shall I help with anything?"

At those words, unusually, Reed smiled just a little.

"No. You perform your duties, to the very end."

"Y-yes..."

When I nodded in confusion, Reed nodded too, and immediately left for somewhere.

Tilting my head, I quietly watched his retreating figure.