My Maid is Cute Chapter 39 : Departure (Patreon)

Several days had passed since the outing with Wendy.

Since that day, Wendy had spent much of her time lost in thought with a gloomy expression. Rebecca suspected she was brooding over Christopher, but there was nothing Rebecca could do about it. Even now, Wendy had the assignments from her tutor spread out on her desk, but she wasn't focusing on them at all. She was simply staring into space.

"My Lady, I’ve prepared some tea. Would you like to take a short break?"

When Rebecca asked timidly, Wendy answered in a small voice.

"Yeah..."

As Wendy stood up from her chair and approached unsteadily, Rebecca began to prepare the tea and sweets.

"I’ll put some honey in your tea as well."

When she said this, the corners of Wendy’s mouth relaxed just a little, as she loved honey. Having placed the tea cup in front of Wendy, Rebecca suddenly noticed something and spoke up.

"Oh? My Lady, have you grown a little taller?"

Feeling that the petite Wendy’s height had increased slightly, Rebecca tilted her head.

"Eh? Do you think so?"

"It must be your growth spurt."

When Rebecca said this with a laugh, Wendy spoke happily.

"I wonder if I’ll grow as tall as you someday, Becca?"

"Hmm... well... I wonder about that."

Rebecca, unsure how to respond, gave a vague answer. Rebecca was naturally tall for a woman. Conversely, Wendy was quite petite even compared to girls her age. She couldn't really imagine such a Wendy becoming as tall as herself.

"Do you want to become as tall as me?"

When Rebecca asked, Wendy nodded vigorously.

"Yes! Because..."

"Because?"

Suddenly, Wendy leaned forward and reached out for Rebecca’s face. Touching Rebecca’s cheek, she looked up with a mischievous smile.

"If our faces are at a similar height, we can always talk eye-to-eye, right?"

Rebecca felt her heart leap and her smile stiffened.

"Ah, um, yes, I suppose so."

To hide her racing heart, Rebecca hurriedly looked away.

—My Lady makes such expressions.

It felt somewhat mature, a mysterious smile, she thought.

Flustered, Rebecca returned her attention to her work and reached for the plate of sweets again.

"Would you like some sweets?"

Looking at Rebecca with slight dissatisfaction, Wendy sat back down in her chair and murmured.

"...I will grow taller than you, Becca. I definitely will."

Rebecca turned her gaze back to Wendy. Wendy added more words, as if making a declaration.

"Someday, absolutely, definitely, I will become taller than you, Becca, and then I’ll look down on you."

Rebecca struggled with how to reply, her eyes wandering, but in the end, she smiled and said,

"...I look forward to it."

***

Several days later, as Rebecca was cleaning the mansion as usual, she saw the Head Maid entering the kitchen looking flustered.

"...? I wonder if something happened?"

Rebecca tilted her head while watching her. She headed to the kitchen and peeked inside just a little.

The kitchen somehow felt filled with a restless atmosphere.

"Did something happen?"

When Rebecca asked a cook she knew, he returned a wry smile.

"Apparently, Lord Christopher has a visitor."

"Eh? That’s quite sudden..."

When Rebecca expressed her surprise, the cook nodded.

"Yeah, apparently it's someone who took care of Lord Christopher during his student days."

"Oh..."

As Rebecca murmured this, the cook was called by a colleague and left the spot, waving lightly at Rebecca.

A visitor is rare, Rebecca thought as she returned to her own work. Most likely, she wouldn't be dealing with the visitor directly. That was the job of the Head Maid or Reed.

Several hours later, the visitor arrived at the Caldwell residence. Rebecca, along with the other maids, bowed deeply to welcome the person.

The person who arrived at the mansion was a large man. He was dressed in fine clothes, instantly recognizable as a noble. He had a ferocious face characterized by thick eyebrows and a mustache. Guided by Reed, he walked toward the room where Christopher was waiting.

After the guest had passed, Rebecca raised her head from her deep bow and looked at Sadie and Jeanne beside her. Sadie muttered softly.

"...He had kind of a scary face, didn't he?"

"Hey, that’s rude."

Jeanne lightly tapped Sadie on the head. Although she didn't voice it, Rebecca felt the same way and smiled wryly in silence.

After that, she returned to her work. It seemed the scary-faced visitor left quickly after talking with Christopher about something. Rebecca was somewhat curious about the visitor and thought about him absentmindedly while working.

***

That night, just as Rebecca was heading to Wendy’s room with dinner in hand as usual.

"Rebecca."

Hearing her name called, she turned around to find Christopher standing there with a smile.

"Ah, Lord Christopher... What is the matter?"

Christopher smiled and approached Rebecca, then spoke.

"I have something to discuss."

"Discuss... is it?"

"Yes. Once you finish your work, I’d like you to come to my room."

"Y-Yes. Understood."

When Rebecca replied, Christopher nodded lightly and left.

"...I wonder what it is? A discussion."

Tilting her head, Rebecca continued toward Wendy’s room.

After finishing all her work for the day, Rebecca walked briskly to Christopher’s room. When she knocked lightly on the door, a voice answered immediately.

"Come in."

Feeling a little nervous, Rebecca opened the door.

"Excuse me..."

As she stepped into the room saying that, she stopped in surprise upon noticing Wendy sitting on the sofa in the middle of the room.

"Ah, Becca!"

"Oh? My Lady?"

Wendy also called out to Rebecca in wonder.

"Becca, why did you come here?"

"I called her. I have something to discuss with both of you."

Christopher smiled brightly and urged Rebecca to sit. Behind Christopher, the butler Reed stood quietly in attendance. Frowning slightly, Rebecca sat down next to Wendy.

Christopher also sat facing Wendy and Rebecca.

"Um, about the discussion..."

When Rebecca broached the subject, Christopher looked a little hesitant before speaking.

"A guest came to the mansion today, right?"

"Ah, yes. Um..."

Rebecca started to say the person with the scary face but hurriedly shut her mouth. Unaware of this, Christopher continued.

"His name is Daniel Creed. He’s a friend of mine, or rather, a senior."

"I see..."

"He is the son of Baron Creed... He was a student one grade above me, and during our school days, he took care of me in various ways... He’s a very good person."

"Eh, o-one grade above, you say?"

Since the man she saw earlier looked at least ten years older than Christopher no matter how you looked at it, Rebecca inadvertently asked back. Christopher smiled wryly.

"He has a tough face and looks considerably older than his age. He’s self-conscious about it too."

"I-Is that so..."

Not knowing how to respond, Rebecca gave a vague reply. However, Christopher continued without seeming to mind.

"Today I talked about various things with him for the first time in a while. ...Actually, he invited me on a trip."

"Eh, a trip?"

Wendy interjected in surprise. Christopher nodded.

"You know how I’ve been really busy with all sorts of things lately? But my work has finally settled down... so I thought I’d take a vacation. When I mentioned that, he invited me to come to a villa owned by Mr. Daniel, partly for recuperation... Apparently, the villa is on a small island far away. He says it’s very rich in nature and a quiet place."

Hearing "trip," Rebecca glanced at Wendy in confusion. If Christopher went on a trip, what would happen to Wendy?

Just as Rebecca thought this, Christopher turned his face toward Wendy.

"Wendy, won't you come on the trip with me?"

"Trip...?"

"Yeah. It seems to be a quiet island rich in nature, so I’m sure you’ll like it too, Wendy."

At Christopher’s sudden proposal, Wendy’s eyes wavered in confusion. She looked back and forth between Christopher’s and Rebecca’s faces.

Wendy, who tended to shut herself in the mansion, naturally had never been on a trip before. She was likely bewildered, not knowing what to do about the sudden invitation. Sensing this, just as Rebecca was about to speak to Wendy, unexpected words flew out of Christopher’s mouth.

"And so, if it's alright, would you come along too, Rebecca?"

"Excuse me!?"

Startled, Rebecca let out a loud voice. She hurriedly turned her face toward Christopher.

"M-Me as well?"

Aside from Wendy, she hadn't imagined she would be invited too. Wendy also looked blankly surprised.

Christopher nodded with a laugh.

"Yeah. You always take care of us, Rebecca, and honestly, it would be helpful if you, as a maid, were there... Reed won't be coming with us this time."

"Eh?"

When Rebecca turned her gaze to Reed, Reed spoke with an expressionless face.

"A trip is attractive, but I absolutely do not want to be apart from my wife and daughter."

Reed emphasized the word "absolutely."

"A-Ah..."

Just as Rebecca voiced her understanding, Wendy interjected from the side.

"If Becca goes, I’ll go too!"

"Eh."

Rebecca voiced her surprise. Wendy looked up at her pleadingly.

"Right? Let’s go together, Becca!"

"Eh, umm..."

Christopher also spoke up to support her.

"It will surely be a fun trip, Rebecca. Come with us."

"Umm..."

Rebecca looked back and forth between Christopher and Wendy in a fluster. She worried for a while, but eventually, persuaded by Wendy’s gaze and giving in, Rebecca opened her mouth.

"...I will go."

Wendy’s face lit up instantly, and Christopher breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then, it’s decided."

***

"Hmm, a trip, huh..."

Back in her room, Rebecca muttered softly. According to Christopher, departure was in one week. She was told to prepare for the trip by then.

"..."

Rebecca lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

It had been decided so suddenly that it didn't feel real yet.

"A trip... with the Young Lady..."

Since the reclusive Wendy was going out, she could imagine she was invited likely to provide emotional support.

But—

"...Fufufu."

She could leave this mansion and travel. Together with Wendy.

Looking forward to it, Rebecca laughed alone. She couldn't suppress her excitement.

"I can't wait..."

***

Several days later. With departure approaching tomorrow, Rebecca was circling her room preparing for the trip.

"Let's see, clothes are fine with this, what else is needed...?"

Opening and closing the closet repeatedly, with a large travel bag in hand, she checked her belongings once more. However, no matter how many times she checked, she couldn't calm down and was fidgety.

"...I should sleep."

Exhausted just from preparing, Rebecca finally got into bed. If she didn't sleep soon, it would affect her tomorrow. However, even lying in bed, she couldn't fall asleep easily. Thinking she was like a child unable to sleep from excitement for tomorrow, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Several minutes later, her consciousness finally faded away.

After Rebecca fell asleep, a small clack was heard from the corner of the closet that had been left open. But Rebecca, fast asleep, did not notice it.

***

The next day, when Rebecca appeared with huge luggage, Christopher and Wendy burst out laughing simultaneously.

"Becca, that’s a lot of luggage."

"Ahaha, I packed too much of various things..."

"Isn't that heavy?"

"I cast a spell to make it lighter."

As Rebecca answered, Christopher smiled wryly and opened the large door of the mansion.

"I have a carriage ready. Shall we get in?"

"Are we going to the villa by carriage?"

At Wendy’s question, Christopher shook his head.

"We’re going to the port by carriage. Then, we’ll take a ship."

Rebecca suddenly wondered and asked Christopher.

"Come to think of it, we aren't using 'Teleportation' magic?"

"Yeah. I’m not good at magic... Besides, I thought we should enjoy the sea voyage since we have the chance."

Accepting his words, they boarded the carriage.

"Well then, we’re off. I leave the house in your care."

The Head Maid and Reed, addressed by Christopher, bowed deeply. Among the servants who came to see them off, Rebecca spotted Sadie and Jeanne. Since the two waved slightly, Rebecca waved back.

Thus, seen off by many servants, the carriage departed.

***

"Here we are, at the port."

Swayed by the carriage, they arrived safely at the port. Called by Christopher, Rebecca got off the carriage. Looking around, there were more people than she expected. Worried if Wendy, who disliked the outside and crowds, would be okay, she looked at her. Wendy was gripping Rebecca’s clothes tightly but looking around restlessly. She seemed less nervous than expected. Rebecca was secretly relieved.

Just as she was wondering if they had to go through boarding procedures to get on the ship, someone called out to them.

"Christopher!"

Not just Christopher, but Wendy and Rebecca also turned their faces in that direction. Seeing someone approaching, Christopher raised his voice.

"Mr. Daniel."

The large-framed Daniel Creed came running over. He still has an intense face, Rebecca thought, while Christopher and Daniel exchanged a light handshake.

"Thank you so much for inviting us today."

"No, I’m glad you came."

Daniel had a scary face as always, but he laughed cheerfully. He’s scary, but when he laughs, he’s surprisingly cute, Rebecca thought secretly. At that moment, Christopher turned his face toward them.

"This is my sister Wendy, whom I mentioned the other day, and our maid Rebecca."

"Hi, I’m Daniel Creed. Thank you for coming today."

Rebecca hurriedly bowed deeply.

"I am Rebecca Leon. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Wendy also spoke, looking nervous.

"I am Wendy Caldwell. Thank you for inviting us today."

Wendy usually had a curt attitude toward strangers, so Rebecca was relieved that she greeted her brother's friend properly.

"Well then, let’s get on the ship right away. Come this way."

Told so, the group followed Daniel.

"We’re taking this one."

Being told that, Rebecca looked up at the ship with Wendy.

"Wow..."

A voice escaped her lips involuntarily. The ship was much larger than she had imagined.

"It’s my first time on a ship. I’m looking forward to it, Becca."

Wendy spoke to her restlessly.

"Yes, indeed."

It was Rebecca’s first time on a ship too. While a little nervous, she smiled and answered.

Leaving the luggage to the staff, she held hands with Wendy and boarded immediately.

Following Christopher and Daniel, they stood on the deck. She felt her spirits rising. Just as Rebecca looked around, Wendy beside her spoke up.

"It’s kind of amazing, huh."

"Yes?"

Confused by the sudden words, she looked at Wendy. Wendy was looking at the sea happily.

"I’m on a ship! Amazing!"

"——Truly, it is amazing."

Her demeanor was so cute that Rebecca laughed along with her.

Eventually, the ship departed quietly.

"Becca, let’s go look inside the ship together!"

"Yes."

Rebecca nodded at Wendy’s proposal, excused themselves to Christopher and Daniel, and went to look around the ship with Wendy.

Walking on the ship with Wendy while listening to the loud sound of cutting through waves. The inside of the ship was spacious and beautiful.

After going around once, squealing with delight alongside Wendy, they returned to where they started.

Intending to call out to Christopher, Rebecca froze in surprise. Christopher’s face was deathly pale.

"Brother? What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

When Wendy asked worriedly, Christopher nodded slightly in silence.

"Seasick, right? Are you okay?"

At Daniel’s words,

".........I’m okay."

Christopher answered in a mumble. Worried about his lack of energy, Rebecca also spoke up.

"Um, shall I bring some water or something?"

"...No, ...I’m okay... I’ll just go rest over there for a bit..."

Saying that, Christopher stood up unsteadily. Rebecca hurriedly opened her mouth.

"Lord Christopher, I will also—"

"...Rebecca, ...stay with my sister... I’ll be fine."

With his pale face, Christopher slowly went into the cabin.

Rebecca and Wendy looked at each other.

"Will Brother be okay...?"

"Don't worry, we’ll arrive at the island soon. Once he gets off the ship, he’ll be fine."

Since Daniel said this with a wry smile, Wendy breathed a sigh of relief.

"Um, what kind of island are we going to?"

Sitting down next to Daniel, Rebecca asked. Daniel answered with a slight laugh.

"It’s a small island. Truly small... Not many tourists come, it’s a place rich in nature and quiet. It’s laid-back, perfect for a vacation, I think."

"Is it a fun place?"

At Wendy’s question, Daniel nodded greatly.

"Yeah. I’m sure you’ll like it."

He then lightly patted Wendy’s head. Wendy grimaced a little, but didn't reject his hand.

Releasing his hand from Wendy, Daniel suddenly looked up. Then he raised his voice.

"Look, that’s it."

Daniel pointed ahead. When Rebecca turned her gaze in that direction, she saw a small shadow. That seemed to be their destination, the island.

"That is our destination——Milbatha Island."

Daniel grinned.

"Welcome to 'The Island Where God Sleeps'."

***

——Eyes like the sea opened.

In the darkness, She awakened just now.

It had been truly a long time since She returned from the world of sleep to reality.

She wondered why She had awakened.

She didn't want to wake up.

Being alone is hateful. Being alone is lonely.

Therefore, She wanted to sleep more. If She slept, She wouldn't feel such things.

Come, let’s return once more to the happy dream. There, nothing torments Her. Neither anger, nor hatred.

——Nor loneliness.

Thinking this, She closed Her eyes.

At that moment, She sensed a presence.

Surprised, She opened Her eyes again. Lifting Her head, She concentrated.

There was no mistake.

It was the presence of someone dear to Her.

She was stunned.

——Impossible.

Impossible, impossible.

Is he returning?

The presence was getting closer and closer.

There was no mistake. He is coming here.

Finally understanding the reason for Her awakening, She trembled.

She had never thought She would meet Her beloved again while alive.

Ah, to think he would return.

Her chest throbbed with joy.

Filled with a surging sense of happiness, tears seemed about to overflow.

——Ah, come back quickly.

Hurry, hurry.

I want to see you.

I want to see you.

She roared loudly.