My Maid is Cute Chapter 36 : Change (Patreon)

——I think I shall speak of that person.

Of that person I love.

Where should I begin?

The first thing I want you to know is that, for me, she is the only special woman in my entire life.

Even now, after she has vanished from before me, if I close my eyes, her beautiful figure instantly revives in my mind.

In my memories, she stands alone atop a hill, gazing up at the sky.

Skin as white as snow, blonde hair fluttering in the wind, and straight, unclouded green eyes.

Everything about that person is burned into my mind.

I will never forget. I will never forget her.

To me, she was more special than anyone else; a person more upright, noble, and beautiful than any other.

Wendy Thea Caldwell was such a person.

(Excerpt from the memoirs of Friederike Males)

***

"Miss Rebecca!!"

In the hallway of the Caldwell estate.

Hearing her name called out in a loud voice, Rebecca, who was wiping a window facing the garden, turned around.

The one who had called Rebecca was Sadie, a junior maid who had recently joined the staff. She came rushing toward Rebecca in a panic.

"Sadie."

Rebecca used a chiding tone.

"I’ve told you countless times not to run in the hallways. It’s dangerous..."

Disregarding Rebecca’s warning, Sadie continued speaking rapidly.

"It looks like the Head Maid is looking for the Young Lady! She’s nowhere to be found... and she told me to go ask you, Miss Rebecca!"

"...Ah."

Rebecca almost let out a sigh at Sadie's words.

"...Understood. Tell her I will go find her."

"Yes!"

Sadie replied crisply and then trotted back toward the Head Maid.

Rebecca took a shallow breath and put away her cleaning tools. Walking briskly down the corridor, she stepped outside. Beautiful flowers were blooming in the vast garden, but she didn't even spare them a glance, heading straight for the large tree in the corner.

Beneath the tree, a small girl was sitting, hugging her knees. Rebecca called out to her without hesitation.

"My Lady."

Reacting to Rebecca's voice, the small body twitched.

"I’ve come to get you... Let’s go back."

At Rebecca’s words, Wendy Thea Caldwell, now twelve years old, grimaced and slowly raised her face.

***

About two years had passed since the night Wendy’s curse was broken, and various things in Rebecca’s surroundings had changed.

Just as Rebecca had predicted, Wendy had grown into a lovely girl with striking features: pale blonde hair and eyes as beautiful as emeralds. Her speech, once lisped and faltering, was now fluent. Though she was petite, her height was gradually increasing, bringing her closer to adulthood.

"...You didn't have to come get me, you know."

Pouting her lips, Wendy muttered grumpily.

"It’s not like I was waiting for you, Becca..."

"I'm surprised you can say that with a straight face."

Rebecca smiled wryly. Wendy knew perfectly well that Rebecca cleaned the corridor facing the garden at this time of day. It was obvious that Wendy had hidden in the garden specifically so Rebecca would be the one to find her.

"...Why are you sulking so much?"

When Rebecca sat down next to Wendy and asked, Wendy turned her face away abruptly.

"...I just found studying history and dance practice tiresome."

At Wendy’s words, Rebecca tilted her head in a troubled manner.

Currently, Christopher had assigned many tutors to Wendy, and she was learning various subjects. Because she had been a recluse due to the curse, Wendy was significantly behind in her education compared to other noble young ladies. Starting from general knowledge, she had to learn dance, music, embroidery, and the manners and etiquette of an Earl’s daughter. There was simply too much to study, and Wendy seemed busy every single day.

"My Lady, dance aside, don't you actually like studying history?"

At Rebecca's remark, Wendy scowled again.

"My Lady, what are you so dissatisfied with? Please tell me."

"..."

Wendy remained silent for a while, but eventually, she lowered her face as if giving up and spoke in a small voice.

"...Brother is..."

"Lord Christopher?"

"...Even though I asked to talk to him tonight... he said he has work again, so he can't."

Ah, Rebecca nodded in understanding.

Having officially become the head of the Caldwell family and graduated from the academy, Christopher was also extremely busy with his duties as the Earl. Lately, he had been particularly swamped, creating a situation where they could barely meet, let alone talk. Christopher himself seemed to be trying his best to make time for Wendy, but it was proving difficult, and the siblings' schedules were completely out of sync.

"...I know it can't be helped... but still, I just want to talk to him a little bit."

Rebecca lightly stroked the head of the murmuring Wendy to comfort her, then spoke.

"...Tonight."

"Hm?"

"Shall we write a letter to Lord Christopher together tonight?"

"...A letter?"

"Yes."

Rebecca smiled brightly.

"It might be difficult to meet directly... but why not convey your feelings through a letter? Just like when Lord Christopher was living at the academy before... If you write a letter, My Lady, I will deliver it. Lord Christopher will definitely read it."

At those words, Wendy’s face brightened slightly.

"Do you... think so?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

Wendy thought for a moment at Rebecca’s words, then nodded vigorously.

"Yeah. I'll write a letter!"

"Okay."

As Rebecca nodded with a smile, Wendy finally smiled back and stood up.

"Becca, help me pick out the stationery tonight."

"Yes, of course!"

"Hot milk, too."

"Yes!"

"And honey, too."

"Yes!"

"And then, Becca, you’ll stay overnight in my room."

"Yes! ——Wait, no, that’s not allowed..."

Having nodded in the momentum of the conversation, Rebecca hurriedly shook her head.

In these two years, the one thing that hadn't changed was Wendy’s attitude toward Rebecca. She still snuggled up to Rebecca at every available opportunity, acting incredibly clingy and spoiled. While this troubled Rebecca, she was weak to pressure and found herself unable to refuse effectively.

Wendy crossed her arms with an expression that looked like she was about to click her tongue at Rebecca’s refusal.

"——It’s fine, isn't it? You’ve slept in my room plenty of times anyway."

"That was only because I fell asleep while putting you to bed, My Lady... It really is absolutely forbidden! If the Head Maid finds out, who knows what she’ll say..."

"She won't find out. Absolutely."

"On what grounds do you say th—"

Just as Rebecca was about to continue, they were interrupted.

"Miss Rebecca."

Someone came running up to them. It was Jeanne, another junior maid like Sadie.

"Ah, Jeanne..."

"The Head Maid was angry. She asked where the Young Lady and Miss Rebecca were."

Hearing that, Rebecca panic-strickenly grabbed Wendy’s hand and pulled.

"My Lady, let’s go back immediately!"

"Ehhh..."

"Come on, hurry!"

Soothing the disgruntled Wendy, Rebecca hurried back into the mansion.

***

It happened while Rebecca was walking down the hallway to return to work after managing to get Wendy back to her room.

"Ah, Rebecca!"

Hearing a loud voice, Rebecca turned around. Her face instantly lit up.

"Carrie! And... little Pam!"

Approaching Rebecca was Carrie, and the daughter she had given birth to about a year ago, Pam.

"Hello! It’s been a while."

"Yes! Have you been well?"

Rebecca bowed slightly, her voice filled with emotion. Since Carrie had taken maternity leave after giving birth, it had been a truly long time since they had seen each other.

"We’re doing great. Both me and this little one."

Carrie smiled broadly and nodded.

Rebecca turned her gaze to the small girl looking blankly around from within Carrie’s arms. Carrie’s daughter, Pamela, was turning one. The little girl, nicknamed Pam by everyone, turned her large eyes toward Rebecca. Rebecca couldn't help but smile at the cuteness. Thinking she looked more like her father, Reed, Rebecca spoke to Carrie.

"What brings you here today?"

"I came to discuss returning to work."

"Work! You're coming back!"

"Of course. Though it will be after things settle down a little more."

At Carrie’s words, Rebecca’s cheeks relaxed.

"I’m looking forward to working with you again!"

"Yeah, me too!"

Carrie smiled happily as well.

"Well then, once it’s officially decided, I’ll let you know. Take care!"

Saying that, Carrie waved and walked away.

***

"The Young Lady is completely different when she's with you, Miss Rebecca."

"Hm?"

That night, when work had settled down and Rebecca was taking a break with some tea, Sadie suddenly spoke up.

"Different how?"

"Umm, well, when Jeanne or I talk to her, she barely opens her mouth... Honestly, she only speaks the bare minimum. But I thought she seemed different in front of you, Miss Rebecca. Right?"

Sadie looked at Jeanne, who was sitting next to her, for agreement. Jeanne nodded slightly in affirmation and answered.

"...She doesn't speak much, and her face is almost expressionless, too."

"Ah, come to think of it, I've never seen the Young Lady's smiling face!"

Sadie raised her voice as if realizing it for the first time, and Jeanne nodded as well.

"Hmm..."

Rebecca stared at the tea in her cup, smiled slightly, and continued.

"b...She’s been through... a lot... so she can be a difficult person... But when she smiles, she is very, very lovely. Just like an angel—no, much, much cuter than an angel."

At Rebecca's words, Sadie and Jeanne looked at each other.

"By 'a lot,' what do you mean—"

Sadie started to ask, but Rebecca checked the clock, hurriedly downed her tea, and stood up.

"Sorry, I have to go now. See you tomorrow!"

This is bad. She realized she was slightly past the time she had promised Wendy. Wendy was surely irritated. Feeling the pressure, Rebecca bustled out of the room. Left behind, Sadie and Jeanne tilted their heads, watching her retreating figure.

***

"You're late."

When Rebecca entered Wendy’s room, Wendy shot her a sharp glare.

"I am very sorry, My Lady..."

Rebecca hurriedly bowed deeply. Watching her, Wendy stood up and quickly approached Rebecca.

"Are you truly remorseful?"

"Of course—"

"Then, show it with your body."

At those words, Rebecca lifted her head. Wendy looked at Rebecca's face and spoke with amusement.

"Becca, hug me."

Rebecca furrowed her brows in a troubled manner.

She felt like Wendy’s demands to be hugged had been increasing lately.

"...Um."

"Didn't you hear me? Hold me."

"..."

"Hurry up."

Rebecca sighed as if giving up. She knelt on the spot and gently pulled Wendy into an embrace.

"Geez, you really leave me no choice."

She didn't mind the hugging itself. However, Wendy was already twelve years old; Rebecca felt she was being a little too spoiled. Though, Rebecca was also at fault for always giving in and hugging her.

When Rebecca embraced her, Wendy buried her face in Rebecca’s chest and took a deep breath. She rubbed her cheek against her, letting out a contented sound.

"As I thought, this calms me down..."

"...Well, thank you...?"

Why am I thanking her? Rebecca thought, almost clutching her head in confusion.

"Becca, squeeze me a little tighter."

"Eh, yes..."

At Wendy's request, she applied a little more strength to her arms. She stroked Wendy's back to reassure her. Finally, Wendy pulled away, looking satisfied.

"Thank you, Becca."

"...Yes."

"Mhh-hm."

Wendy laughed aloud, then lightly pressed her lips against Rebecca’s cheek. Surprised, Rebecca touched her cheek with an indescribable expression. Wendy frequently kissed Rebecca’s cheek or forehead. Rebecca knew it was a kiss of affection, but having it happen so often gave her a strange feeling. As Rebecca touched her cheek, frowning in confusion, Wendy mischievously placed her index finger on her own lips.

"Would you have preferred the lips?"

Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat. To hide it, she replied calmly.

"...You must be joking."

At that answer, Wendy pursed her lips as if to say how boring.

"More importantly, My Lady, we are writing a letter, aren't we? Let’s get started."

"...Okaaay."

Wendy headed to the desk and took out stationery, a pen, and ink. Seeing this, Rebecca spoke up.

"Oh? My Lady, you aren't going to use the typewriter?"

Near the table sat the typewriter Christopher had given her in the past. However, since she showed no sign of picking it up, Rebecca tilted her head. Wendy opened her mouth, looking a bit hesitant.

"...No, well... I mean, I could use that, but... I thought handwriting is better for a letter, after all."

"Ah, I see."

Rebecca smiled at Wendy's words.

"Well then, shall we think about what to write?"

"Ah, before that, milk please."

"Understood."

Rebecca bowed lightly and began preparing the hot milk. Wendy watched Rebecca's figure with a look of pure happiness.

***

Time has skipped ahead a bit. I hope you enjoy Part 2 as well.