My Maid is Cute Chapter 17 : The Incident (Patreon)

The perspective shifts frequently.

***

The incident occurred two days after Christopher returned to the academy.

Early in the morning, as I was changing into my maid uniform and fixing my hair, there was a sudden, violent knocking at my door.

"Rebecca, Rebecca! Open up! Hurry!"

I could hear Carrie’s screaming voice. Startled, I opened the door, and Carrie practically flew inside.

"Carrie? Good morning. What’s wrong?"

"It’s terrible! The Count’s ring has been stolen!"

"Huh?"

As I stood there blankly, Carrie hurriedly explained everything from the beginning.

Early this morning, the maid assigned to clean the Count’s private chambers entered the room to find it completely ransacked. She rushed to call for help, and upon checking the room, it was discovered that the Count’s ring was missing.

"That’s... terrible. A burglar..."

When I muttered this in a daze, Carrie’s face went pale as she spoke.

"That’s not the terrible part!!"

"Excuse me?"

"They’re saying you are the culprit!!"

"...Eh, eh? ...Ehhhh!!"

For a moment, I didn't understand the meaning of Carrie's words, but the instant I comprehended them, I shouted aloud.

"W-Why!? What do you mean!?"

"It’s Penelope! She said she saw you wandering around the mansion in the middle of the night! She’s saying you must be the thief!!"

"T-That’s impossible!"

I raised my voice, shaken.

"I didn't steal anything!! I finished my work yesterday, and I was in this room the whole time after that... Ah!!"

I recalled the events of last night and clutched my head.

No. I wasn't in my room the whole time. Last night, Wendy called for me, and I left the room to pour her milk as usual. Then, realizing we were out of honey, I went to the kitchen alone in the middle of the night.

"...I-I did go to the kitchen once. To get honey... But I didn't go to the Count’s room!!"

"Is there anyone who can prove that?"

At Carrie’s words, I shook my head weakly. It was impossible. I had acted alone, so there was no one to provide an alibi.

Just as the color drained from my face, the sound of thundering footsteps approached, and several servants, led by the Head Maid, rushed in.

"Rebecca."

Called by the Head Maid, I answered quietly.

"...Yes."

"I need to ask you some questions. Come with me."

Facing the Head Maid’s stern expression, I practically screamed.

"I-I didn't steal it!! I don't know anything about a ring!!"

I knew my voice was trembling with agitation. Regardless, I tried to pile on words to prove my innocence. However...

"Liar! I saw you!! Rebecca was walking near the Count’s room in the middle of the night!!"

Penelope, standing behind the Head Maid, shouted loudly. The surrounding servants turned sharp glares toward me.

"N-No. I just went to the kitchen...! I didn't enter the Count’s room..."

My voice grew smaller and smaller. I felt my body shaking uncontrollably.

"Rebecca, just come here. We’re only going to talk."

The Head Maid spoke to me calmly. Still trembling, with a pale face, I looked down and followed the Head Maid and the servants.

Left behind, Carrie saw Penelope smirking triumphantly and bit her lip hard in anger.

***

Meanwhile, Wendy was lost in thought while eating breakfast.

She hadn't seen Rebecca once today. That was strange.

When Rebecca first became her caretaker, she would leave breakfast on the table next to the door of Wendy’s room. Recently, however, she would call out as she entered the room and even set up the breakfast for her. But today, she didn't come. Early in the morning, there was just a knock on the door, and no one was outside. The breakfast had been left sitting alone next to the door.

Could it be that Wendy had been too selfish, and Rebecca was fed up with her?

"...Is she... very angry? Does she... hate me now?"

Feeling anxious, Wendy inadvertently voiced her thoughts. Maybe Rebecca hated her. Maybe she didn't want to see her face anymore—

Wendy shook her head vigorously.

"——I'll apologize."

That’s right. Rebecca is kind; she makes a troubled face at Wendy’s selfishness, but she never gets angry. Surely, if she apologized from the heart, Rebecca would forgive her. She would apologize properly.

Wendy made up her mind, nodded firmly, and finished eating her breakfast.

A while after breakfast was finished, there was a knock at the door. It was the sound she had been waiting for. Wendy rushed to the door with enthusiasm.

"Becca!"

However, the person who entered the room was a maid she didn't know. When their eyes met, the maid flinched, looking as if she were about to cry. Seeing the face of this stranger, Wendy panicked and fled to her bed. She quickly covered her entire body with the sheets.

"I-I-I will do the c-cleaning..."

She heard the maid say in a frightened voice. She could hear sounds that seemed to be cleaning, but Wendy’s thoughts were in a chaotic mess.

Why isn't Rebecca here? Is it her day off today? No, that’s not it. Rebecca always told Wendy the day before if she was taking time off. So, it wasn't a day off.

Could it be that she really has come to hate Wendy...?

Wendy’s body began to tremble slightly. She thought about asking the cleaning maid about Rebecca, but the maid seemed terrified of Wendy and wouldn't come near the bed. Besides, Wendy was scared to speak to a stranger.

In the end, unable to say a word, Wendy could only tremble under the sheets until the cleaning was finished.

***

I was taken to a small room I had never entered before. I sat on a small chair facing the Head Maid. Around us, several servants stood on guard, glaring at me.

The Head Maid looked at me with a calm gaze and spoke.

"——Yesterday, the Count’s ring was stolen."

"...Yes."

I replied quietly, desperately suppressing the trembling of my hands.

"——Penelope says she witnessed you near the Count’s room in the middle of the night."

"That’s wrong!"

I raised my voice.

"I did, indeed, go to the kitchen to get honey in the middle of the night... But I did not enter the Count’s room! I didn't steal any ring!!"

I stared straight at the Head Maid and denied it loudly. The Head Maid looked at me for a while, but eventually, she held her head and sighed.

"In any case, we will conduct an investigation. Rebecca, you are to stay in a room we have prepared for the time being. Do not go outside."

"T-That’s... Then, what about my work—"

"Since you are suspected of theft, we cannot allow you to work in the mansion."

Being clearly called a thief made me want to cry. The Head Maid gave me a stern look, sighed again, and continued.

"——You are the prime suspect. Please understand that."

"Head Maid—"

"Take her away."

With the Head Maid’s words, the servants waiting behind me grabbed my arms and forced me to stand.

"W-Wait! At least, let me tell Milady—"

I have to tell her, I started to say, but the servants didn't care about my plea and forcibly dragged me away.

***

The servants took me to a small room that looked like a storehouse. It was my first time inside. It was shabby and smelled of dust.

"Good grief, to think we had a thief like this in the mansion."

"Prepare yourself. Once it's confirmed you're the culprit, we'll hand you over to the guards immediately."

Thrown into the room with those words, the door slammed shut the moment I was inside, followed by the sound of a lock clicking.

I rushed to the door. The servants had already left.

"W-What should I do..."

I never imagined something like this would happen. There was no doubt this was Penelope’s scheme. But I had no way to prove it. At this rate, I would really be branded a thief. If that happened, I would certainly be kicked out of the mansion, handed over to the vigilante corps, or in the worst case, my identity would be exposed and I would be forcibly sent back to my parents' home.

No, that’s not it. I don't care about myself. The image floating in my mind was that of a small, blonde girl. I was worried sick about Milady. She must be lonely. At the very least, I wanted to tell her that I couldn't take care of her for a while.

Honestly, it would be easy to leave this room using magic. However, if I did that, it was obvious I would be suspected even more.

As I stood before the door wondering what to do, a voice suddenly called out.

"——Serves you right."

Startled, I peeked through the gap in the door. Penelope was standing there.

"You—!"

"You were an eyesore, the whole time. Flirting with Lord Christopher... you're truly shameless. Even sucking up to that monster of a Young Lady just to get close to him."

"Wha—"

More than the insults to myself, anger welled up inside me at her calling Wendy a monster.

Before I could speak, Penelope continued.

"No one is going to believe you. Bye-bye, Miss Thief."

Giggling, Penelope quickly walked away from the spot.

Helpless, I pressed my forehead against the door and closed my eyes.

***

After Penelope left, no one came to the room except for one servant who brought a simple meal of bread and water. It was already dark outside. It seemed I would be sleeping here tonight.

Just as I was seriously considering escaping the room, I heard a sound.

"Rebecca."

A small voice came from outside the door.

"Carrie!"

"Shh! Quiet."

Hearing Carrie’s voice, I rushed to the door.

"Are you okay?"

"For now. More importantly, what happened with the incident?"

After a brief silence, Carrie’s heavy voice resonated.

"——It looks like they’re going to decide you’re the culprit."

At those words, the color drained from my face again.

Apparently, the ring was quickly found at a pawn shop in town. It seems the ring was pawned under my name, and furthermore, the pawn shop owner testified that a black-haired woman brought the ring in.

"T-That’s... Why would I boldly pawn it under my real name!?"

"Yeah, I think so too. But the situation is disadvantageous."

The investigation was still ongoing, but with Penelope and the pawn shop owner's testimonies, plus added fabricated rumors about my usual work attitude being poor, it seemed almost confirmed that I was the culprit.

"I think the Head Maid is trying to protect you. But you haven't been working at this mansion long, and you haven't interacted much with people, right? There are too many people doubting you..."

"Ugh..."

I groaned involuntarily. My reluctance to interact with anyone other than my roommate Carrie, out of fear that my background or real age would be exposed, had backfired.

"Penelope’s testimony is huge. At the very least, that girl is a veteran in this mansion and has many friends. She’s trusted by many people..."

"——Is there... nothing left to be done?"

When I muttered softly, Carrie spoke up in a panic.

"Don't give up! We’ll definitely figure something out!"

"Figure something out..."

"They can't get in touch with the Count, so your punishment hasn't been decided yet. Since the ring was returned, they're debating whether to leave it to the guards or just kick you out as is—but, I'll do something!"

Hearing Carrie’s desperate voice, I spoke again, almost in a whisper.

"Carrie, it’s okay now."

"R-Rebecca, what do you mean it's okay..."

"If this continues, your position will become compromised too, won't it? I can't cause you any more trouble."

"You don't have to worry about me! Rebecca—,"

"No."

I slowly shook my head.

"It’s enough. I will quit."

"Q-Quit? You mean—"

"I might be handed over to the guards, but if this goes on, I'll cause trouble not just for you, Carrie, but for many others. I will leave on my own accord."

I wanted to avoid being taken by the guards and having my identity revealed at all costs. I would escape before that happened.

"Could you tell the Head Maid? That I will be leaving tomorrow."

"R-Rebecca—"

Carrie’s voice sounded like she was about to cry. Grateful to Carrie, I pressed my forehead against the door.

"Thank you, Carrie. You have my heartfelt gratitude."

Then, I slowly closed my eyes and continued.

"And also, please tell Milady—"

***

"———Rebecca has decided to quit as a maid."

Hearing those words from outside the door, Wendy was struck by shock and collapsed.

Why? How come—?

Could it be, she really came to hate Wendy—?

She felt dizzy and sick. Her hands shook violently. Her breathing was ragged, and her chest hurt. She didn't understand anything anymore. Why? kept repeating in her head.

She said she wouldn't leave. When Wendy was lonely, she held her hand.

Anytime, no matter when, she would hug her. She promised—

At that moment, the voice from outside the door spoke again.

"This is a message from Rebecca. She says, 'I am sorry,' and 'Thank you.' And also—"

Slowly, Wendy lifted her face.

"'It was a short time, but I was happy to spend it with you.'"

Hearing those words, she clenched her hands tight.

"'I pray for your happiness. I love you, Milady, from the bottom of my heart.'"

For some reason, her eyes felt hot. A moment later, she realized she was crying.

'Milady.'

Rebecca’s voice echoed in her head.

She felt she was happy. Rebecca thought that spending time with her—someone feared and hated by others—was happiness.

The sound of thunder.

Adventure novels.

Warm milk.

The scent of honey.

Cute flowers.

Lace ribbons.

Off-key singing.

A gentle gaze.

And the warmth that would hug her anytime, no matter when.

It was all, all of it, Wendy’s treasure. Memories belonging only to Wendy that she absolutely did not want to let go of.

There was no hope in her life. In this dim room, there were no shining things.

But, even so.

There was one thing Wendy Thea Caldwell did not want to let go of.

Becca.

I was happy too.

Because you were there.

Wendy scrubbed the tears away with her sleeve. Then, she glared sharply at the door.

There is no time to be afraid. No time to be frightened.

She should take action right now.

She had to go.

She would muster her courage and stand up.

Go forward, go forward.

Like the protagonists of the adventure novels she loved so much.

Without hesitation, she stood up and approached the door. Just like that, she flung the door open with force.

And then, for the first time in years, Wendy burst out into the outside world.

"Eh... eh?"

Outside the door, a maid she had never seen before stood frozen, eyes darting back and forth. Wendy shouted at that maid.

"Guide me, right now."

"H-Huh?"

"I'm going to Becca! Guide me!!"

She ordered while glaring at the maid. The maid, though dumbfounded, nodded weakly.

***

Having packed her meager belongings, Rebecca offered her final greetings in front of the large doors of the Count’s estate.

"Thank you for everything."

She bowed deeply to the Head Maid. Around them, servants who seemed to have decided Rebecca was a thief were glaring at her.

"I am truly sorry. To have caused such trouble—"

As Rebecca said this while bowing, several surrounding servants raised their voices.

"I knew it, just kicking her out is too lenient—"

"We should hand her to the guards."

"You thieving girl!"

When she raised her head, she saw Penelope and her cronies smirking amongst the servants. Rebecca averted her eyes.

"Quiet. The ring has been returned. Stop making any more fuss."

At the Head Maid’s words, the servants closed their mouths, though they looked dissatisfied. Grateful to the Head Maid, Rebecca spoke again.

"——Please, take care."

The Head Maid silently extended her hand to Rebecca. When Rebecca lightly grasped it, the Head Maid whispered in a very small voice.

"——I feel responsible."

Rebecca smiled bitterly at those words. Surely, this person had vaguely realized the truth. She had heard the Head Maid tried to defend her. But unable to prove Rebecca’s innocence and under the eyes of the other servants, she surmised she couldn't protect her fully.

"It’s alright. Thank you very much."

Saying that, she bowed again.

Then, she turned her back and opened the heavy door.

Ah, I couldn't say goodbye to Milady. That is the only thing that makes me sad. She must be angry.

Just as she thought that and tried to step out of the mansion...

"——cca, Becca!"

She heard a voice.

A cute voice.

"Becca... Beccaaaa..."

The servants stirred with murmurs. Everyone looked toward the voice as if frightened. Rebecca also turned around.

The servants cleared the path quickly, as if afraid of something.

"——Ah,"

Rebecca cried out involuntarily.

"It can't be—"

The Head Maid voiced her shock.

Walking unsteadily while calling for Rebecca was Wendy. Wearing only her negligee, with an anxious face, she walked through the crowd of people. Behind her, Carrie followed with a bewildered expression.

"——Becca."

Seeing Rebecca’s face, Wendy stopped in her tracks. Rebecca stood with her mouth agape, staring at the sight. Wendy grimaced for a moment as if finding it hard to breathe.

Everyone present stared at Wendy in silence.

Wendy squeezed her eyes shut tightly. Then, she spoke.

"——Who said, you could quit."

Rebecca froze on the spot as if turned to ice.

"M-Milady—"

Her voice trembled. Wendy opened her eyes and this time shouted loudly.

"I did not give you permission to leave my side!! Hurry up and clean!! And tie my hair!! Bring me my milk!! And then, and then—"

Wendy stopped speaking.

Then, looking at Rebecca with a face that seemed on the verge of tears, she spoke again, this time in a whisper.

"——Hug me, right now."

At those words, Rebecca felt like crying too. Big teardrops spilled from Wendy’s eyes as she continued.

"Don't go. Stay here. I won't... be selfish anymore... So... please... Becca."

The luggage fell from Rebecca’s hands. Leaving the bags where they lay, Rebecca ran to Wendy.

"Milady!!"

Wendy also ran towards her. And then, the two hugged each other tightly.

"Becca, Beccaaa..."

"I’m sorry... I’m so sorry..."

While hugging Wendy tightly, she apologized over and over.

Surely, leaving her room must have been terrifying. For Wendy, who had shut herself away for years, stepping into the outside world must have been frightening.

Yet, she chased after her. For Rebecca.

Just imagining Wendy’s feelings made her chest swell with emotion. Her heart ached so much it was unbearable.

"I'm sorry..."

She voiced her apology again. Tears flowed from Rebecca’s eyes as well.

At that moment, a familiar voice echoed through the area.

"——Sorry to interrupt while you're having a moment, but I'm home."

At that voice, Rebecca looked up while still hugging Wendy, her mouth falling open.

The servants also swayed in confusion. The Head Maid, too, spoke in a daze.

"L-Lord Christopher!?"

Standing there was Christopher, who was supposed to be at the Magic Academy. Wearing what looked like the academy uniform, he entered the mansion looking troubled.

Behind Christopher followed a man Rebecca had never seen. He wore the same clothes as Christopher, was tall, and wore a cheerful, smiling expression. With fluffy brown hair and golden eyes, he was a young man as beautiful as Christopher.

"W-Why are you here!?"

When the Head Maid practically shouted this, Christopher shrugged.

"I received a letter about the theft of the ring today. I came back here in a hurry."

"C-Came back... but it takes hours by carriage from the academy to here."

At those words, Christopher glanced back at the young man behind him.

"My friend here is skilled at instantaneous movement—what you call 'Teleportation' magic. I asked him."

The brown-haired young man who seemed to be Christopher’s friend met Rebecca’s eyes and quickly approached her with a look of amusement. Then, taking the bewildered Rebecca’s hand, he lightly kissed it and spoke with a refreshing smile.

"Hello, lovely young lady. My name is Evan. Haven't we met somewhere before? If you'd like, how about some tea right n—"

Before the bewildered Rebecca could reply, Christopher grabbed the collar of the young man who named himself Evan and pulled him away from her.

"Rebecca, you can ignore this flirt."

"Y-Yes."

Rebecca nodded, still stunned. Wendy, in Rebecca’s arms, was also staring blankly.

"Now then, let's wrap up this stupid incident quickly. ——Reed."

When Christopher called his name, immediately—

"Yes."

—came Reed’s short reply from somewhere. Parting the crowd of servants, Reed approached, leading guards with him. Reed’s hand was...

"Hey, let go of me!!"

...gripping Penelope’s arm. Penelope was screaming desperately, resisting Reed. In front of the confused servants, Reed spoke, his face as sour as ever.

"We finally caught the tail. This maid is the culprit."

"H-Huh!? What are you saying—!"

Penelope opened her mouth, her face turning bright red. As if to cut her off, Reed continued.

"We were conducting a secret investigation. We obtained eyewitness testimony that you were discussing framing Rebecca to get her kicked out."

"Wha—"

"Furthermore, you have been secretly committing embezzlement and theft over and over again so as not to be noticed."

Penelope’s face distorted massively. Reed continued speaking matter-of-factly.

"You seemed to have hidden it quite cleverly, and the investigation took time on our end, but we finally grasped evidence of your past deeds. Recently, it seems you were so desperate to kick Rebecca out that your cover-up became sloppy. At the very least, there is no doubt that you and your accomplices are the culprits behind the thefts until now. Regarding the theft of the ring, the evidence is still insufficient, but... presumably, that will be solved soon as well."

"Yeah. Well then, take that woman away. And make arrangements so she can never come here again."

At Christopher’s words, Reed nodded silently. He then handed Penelope over to the guards behind him. Penelope, face twisted, screamed at Christopher.

"Lord Christopher! Lord Christopher! Please, believe me! I wouldn't do such—"

At that moment, Rebecca shouted loudly.

"Please wait!"

Everyone present turned their gaze to Rebecca.

"Becca?"

Wendy voiced her anxiety. Patting Wendy’s head just a little, Rebecca smiled. Then, she immediately wiped the smile from her face and stood up.

"Rebecca?"

Carrie called out to Rebecca worriedly, but Rebecca didn't answer and marched stomping towards Penelope.

Then, she stared at Penelope silently. Penelope stared back at Rebecca with eyes full of hatred and opened her mouth.

"What... It’s your fault!! Everything, everything is your fault!! That’s right, because of you...! Lord Christopher is—"

Rebecca forcibly grabbed the collar of Penelope, who tried to continue speaking. Penelope stopped talking in surprise, and Reed, standing nearby, furrowed his brows. Feeling the gaze of the people around her, Rebecca slowly spoke.

"It’s fine, really. Being suspected as a thief, I'm not that angry about it. No, well, I am a little angry. ——But, more than that."

Rebecca brought her lips close to Penelope’s ear. Then, she whispered softly so Wendy wouldn't hear.

"——Calling my precious Milady a monster... that, I cannot forgive."

She glared at Penelope with sharp eyes. Penelope made a frightened face at that gaze.

"Make sure you clench them tight."

Your teeth.

Simultaneously as she said that, Rebecca punched Penelope’s face with all her might. A dry smack echoed.

"Please take her away."

She handed the dazed Penelope over to the guards. The guards, looking bewildered, carried Penelope away somewhere.

"Becca!"

Wendy practically screamed as she hugged Rebecca again. Catching her, Rebecca turned her gaze to Christopher.

"——Thank you very much. Lord Christopher."

Reed nodded slightly, and Christopher smiled gently and shook his head.

"No. More importantly, sorry for being late. I should have come sooner."

"Not at all."

Rebecca shook her head lightly and this time turned her face to Reed.

"Mr. Reed, thank you as well."

"No. I apologize for being late in aiding you."

Reed also bowed slightly. Suddenly struck by a question, Rebecca asked Reed.

"Mr. Reed, were you investigating that maid the whole time?"

"Yes. I received a consultation via letter stating that you were being harassed. So, starting two months ago, I was conducting various secret investigations."

"Consultation? Letter?"

I don't remember consulting anyone. As Rebecca tilted her head, a voice rose from somewhere.

"Ah, that was me!"

It was Carrie who raised her hand along with her voice.

"Rebecca said it was fine... but I was still worried. I sent a letter to this person and consulted him."

At Carrie’s words, Rebecca spoke with a puzzled look.

"So, Mr. Reed and Carrie were acquaintances."

"No, rather than acquaintances—"

Reed shrugged and stood next to Carrie.

"She is my wife."

Rebecca was dumbfounded and shouted loudly.

"E-E-Ehhhhh!?"

Reed frowned at Rebecca’s voice and turned to Carrie.

"You hadn't told her?"

"Well, I thought it wasn't really worth mentioning."

Carrie said this nonchalantly, causing Rebecca to cry out again in confusion.

"Eh! Eh? EHH? Y-You’re really a married couple!? You're lying!"

"No, it's true. Third year of marriage."

"E-Ehh...?"

Unable to fully accept reality at Carrie’s words, Rebecca made a weak sound. Then, noticing something, she spoke again.

"U-Um, how old are you, Carrie...?"

Come to think of it, Rebecca didn't know Carrie’s real age. Carrie looked, at most, only a little older than Rebecca. If she’s in her third year of marriage, just how old is she?

It was Reed who answered Rebecca’s question.

"She looks young, but actually, she is ol—than m—"

At that moment, Carrie stomped on Reed’s foot. Reed’s words stopped.

"Rebecca, don't worry about the minor details."

Overwhelmed by Carrie’s intense gaze, Rebecca nodded silently in confusion.

***

"I feel bad for Rebecca, but it ended up that you acted as bait."

Having moved locations, Rebecca was sitting on a sofa in Christopher’s private room. Wendy, perhaps exhausted from going outside for the first time in so long, had fallen asleep on Rebecca’s lap as if she had fainted. Carrie was glancing at Christopher while pouring tea. Next to Christopher, Evan was drinking tea with a calm face, and behind him stood Reed.

"Triggered by the consultation from Carrie, we began a secret investigation and found that the maid and her group were stealing and embezzling. But, because they hid it cleverly, we couldn't easily grasp the evidence."

Christopher grimaced and continued.

"That maid has been persistently bothering me for a long time... I thought that if I acted like I was interested in you during this visit, she might get angry and make a move. So, I left Reed behind for surveillance. But I never expected she would stage a ring theft."

Christopher bowed his head deeply to Rebecca.

"I am truly sorry. It ended up that I used you."

"Ah, um, no, not at all..."

As Rebecca flustered, Christopher raised his head and spoke with a serious expression.

"I will resolve this incident immediately. We have already secured Penelope’s accomplices and collaborators. One of them, a black-haired maid like you, admitted to pawning the ring pretending to be you. We can prove your innocence right away."

Then, Christopher bowed deeply again.

"So, please, won't you continue working at our home?"

Christopher spoke as if squeezing the words out.

"——Wendy yearns for you from the bottom of her heart. She doesn't want you to quit. I will improve your treatment even more than before. Whatever you desire, I will grant it. So, please, stay by Wendy’s side from now on—"

Listening to Christopher’s voice, Rebecca stroked the head of the sleeping Wendy.

"——I was intending to ask that myself."

Christopher raised his head at Rebecca’s words. Rebecca smiled slightly and continued.

"My wish is just one thing. I would very much like to continue taking care of Lady Wendy. Please, I beg of you."

At Rebecca’s words, Christopher smiled with relief. Then,

"Ah. From now on, I want to employ you as Wendy’s exclusive maid. Will you accept?"

Rebecca smiled again and slowly bowed deeply.

"I humbly accept. I look forward to serving you."

When Rebecca said that, a crying voice was heard from behind.

"Th-Thank goodness. Rebecca, thank goodness"

Carrie was crying tears of relief. Rebecca gently moved Wendy’s head from her lap, rushed to Carrie, and bowed repeatedly.

"Carrie, thank you. It’s thanks to you, Carrie. I’m truly, truly sorry. Thank you so much."

"Waaah, thank goodneeess~"

Carrie hugged Rebecca while crying. Rebecca hugged Carrie back, and then, she smiled.

"Well then, the talk is over, right? Young ladies, how about a meal with me? I know a good restaurant. You’ll surely like it. I would love to spend this wonderful evening with beautiful women like yo—"

Evan, the young man who claimed to be Christopher’s friend, spoke to Rebecca and Carrie, but this time Reed stopped him.

"——Putting Rebecca aside, please stop inviting a married woman, Your Highness."

At the title "Your Highness," Rebecca and Carrie froze. The first to speak was Carrie.

"W-Wait a minute. 'Highness'... this person is—"

"Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am the Second Prince of this country, Evan Tyrell Jones Alvert. Pleased to meet you."

As Evan introduced himself happily and held out a hand for a handshake, Rebecca and Carrie remained frozen in shock.

Christopher sighed in exasperation at the sight and stood up.

"It’s about time we head back to the academy. Even though we got permission to leave, it’ll be bad if we're late. Evan, I’m counting on you for the 'Transfer'."

"Yes, yes. It’s sad, but today is farewell. See you later, ladies."

And so, Christopher and Evan, accompanied by Reed, left the room.

Rebecca and Carrie remained frozen on the spot for a while due to the sheer shock.

***

*Background Lore / Side Notes*

*Reed Wilson*

Having no relatives, he was living a life akin to homelessness when Christopher picked him up. Since then, after working as a servant, he has served as Christopher’s personal butler. He is a competent, serious, and hardworking man.

He loves his wife from the bottom of his heart. However, because he lives at the academy with Christopher, they have to live apart. He never shows it on his face, but he feels lonely.

Every time he returns home with Christopher, he makes time to go on dates with Carrie.

*Carrietta Wilson*

Nickname: Carrie. Reed’s wife.

Originally a waitress at a restaurant in town. Christopher and Reed coming to eat at that restaurant was the catalyst for their meeting. She looks young, but her age is unknown. No one but Reed knows her real age. After repeating breakups and reconciliations, they finally married three years ago. Taking that as an opportunity, she started working as a maid at the Count’s household, which was suffering from a labor shortage.

She lives apart from Reed, but since her work as a maid is reasonably fun, she doesn't feel as lonely as her husband.

Actually, she had a younger sister who died of illness at a young age. Because Rebecca resembles that sister, she dotes on her.