My Maid is Cute Chapter 83 : Her Secret (Patreon)

*Her Secret*

After speaking with Wendy in the library, Nicholas went straight back to the dormitory. When he entered his room, his personal butler was there to greet him.

"Welcome back, sir."

"Yeah."

He gave a brief reply and took off his jacket. After ordering the butler to prepare some tea, he headed to his desk and opened his bag to work on the assignment given by his teacher.

"...Hm?"

Inside the bag was a large envelope he didn't recognize. Nicholas tilted his head in confusion as he pulled it out.

"What is this...?"

When he opened the envelope, there were several sheets of paper inside. Thinking it strange, he took the papers out and scanned the words written there.

"...Huh?"

His eyes went wide at the content of the text. Then, he looked back at the bag. Staring at it intently, Nicholas finally realized.

"—Ah."

upon closer inspection, it wasn't his bag. It belonged to someone else.

"This... Right, back then...!"

He immediately realized whose bag it was and cried out. Most likely, this was Wendy Caldwell’s bag.

He recalled the moment in the library when he had knocked over the books Wendy had stacked up. At that time, he had set his bag down temporarily to pick up the books. It seemed that when he left, he had mistakenly picked up Wendy’s bag instead.

Since it was a standard school-issue bag, their appearances were almost identical, so he hadn't noticed the mistake until now. Nicholas held his head in his hands at the fact that he had inadvertently looked at Wendy’s personal belongings.

"Oh no..."

Face draining of color, he hurriedly put the documents back into the envelope and stowed them inside the bag. Although it wasn't intentional, he felt guilty and ashamed for having looked at private documents.

"...Wait? That means—"

The butler called out to Nicholas, who was deep in thought with a serious expression, holding the bag.

"Master Nicholas, is something the matter?"

"Ah, no..."

Just as Nicholas was about to reply to the butler...

Knock, knock. The sound of a knock was heard, and Nicholas stopped speaking. The butler immediately hurried to the door.

Leaving the guest to the butler, Nicholas raced through his thoughts on what to do with the bag. Just as he was about to stand up, thinking he needed to go return it to Wendy immediately...

"Master Nicholas."

The butler returned. He gestured toward the door with a puzzled look.

"A servant from the Caldwell household has arrived, but—"

"Eh."

Nicholas stood up in a panic and rushed toward the door. Standing there was a woman wearing a slender maid uniform. The woman who appeared to be a maid saw Nicholas and bowed.

"I apologize for the sudden visit. I serve the Caldwell household. Um, regarding the—"

"The bag?"

When Nicholas interjected, the maid nodded as if relieved.

"Yes. My mistress said she might have brought home the wrong one by mistake..."

"Ah, thank goodness. I was just thinking of going to return it... Here."

Nicholas held out the bag to the maid. The maid bowed and held out the identical bag she was carrying.

"Here is your bag, Master Lambert."

"Ah, yes... Um, please tell her I am very sorry."

When Nicholas said this, the maid nodded lightly. Then, bowing deeply, she briskly took her leave.

After the maid left, Nicholas sat down on the sofa. He crossed his arms, deep in thought.

The personal item from Wendy's bag he had just seen—the contents of that envelope—wouldn't leave his mind.

"...That was... No, but... She is..."

He continued to mutter under his breath.

The butler watched Nicholas’s behavior with a mystified expression.

***

The next day, Nicholas left the dormitory and headed to the academy classrooms. As he stepped into the classroom and exchanged greetings with friends, just as he was about to sit at his desk, his eyes met Wendy’s, who was already seated.

"—Ah."

Wendy was looking at him with sharp eyes. It was a gaze that seemed to be weighing him up.

He flinched at the intensity of her stare and instinctively wanted to run away, but Nicholas forced a smile and approached Wendy.

"Good morning, Lady Caldwell."

"—Yes, good morning."

Wendy was as beautiful as ever, but her voice had thorns and was chilly.

"About yesterday... I am sorry."

"...Yes. I apologize as well. I was late to notice."

The surrounding classmates looked on with astonished faces at the sight of Nicholas and Wendy conversing. Feeling uncomfortable, Nicholas continued speaking.

"Um... regarding the bag—"

Wendy cut him off.

"Could I have a moment to talk during today's lunch break?"

At that invitation, the surrounding students who were watching the situation stirred with a buzz. Nicholas, too, was startled for a moment and stared back at Wendy. Feeling a pressure from her gaze that would not permit a refusal, Nicholas nodded, bewildered.

"A-Ah. Of course..."

"In that case, I will be waiting on the bench in the garden."

Just as Nicholas nodded to that answer, the bell signaling the start of class rang. Nicholas hurriedly returned to his seat.

"Nicholas, what happened?"

The friend in the seat behind him whispered to him.

"That misanthropic Lady Caldwell invited you herself!! What happened!?"

"Ah... well—"

Just as Nicholas let his eyes swim, wondering how to cover it up, the teacher arrived, so he faced forward, forcibly cutting off the conversation.

His friend looked like he wanted to know more, but since the teacher started speaking, he didn't say anything further. Relieved by that, Nicholas stole a glance at Wendy.

Somehow, he had a vague idea why Wendy had invited him.

***

Then, lunch break arrived.

In the academy garden, Wendy was sitting on a bench waiting for Nicholas. The surrounding students were watching Wendy, who wore a grim expression, from a distance. Smiling wryly at the scene, Nicholas called out to her.

"Hey, sorry. I'm late—"

"...No."

Wendy returned a curt voice. Nicholas sat down next to Wendy and spoke with a smile.

"Thank you for inviting me today. I wanted to talk to you too."

"..."

Wendy stared back at Nicholas with cold eyes. Then, she moved her hand slightly, casting a soundproofing spell around herself. Wendy glanced at the surrounding students with a bitter face and slowly opened her mouth.

"Now no one can hear... We can talk at leisure."

"...It seems so."

When Nicholas nodded, Wendy lightly clasped her hands. Then, staring straight at Nicholas, she layered her words.

"—I will ask you frankly, Lord Lambert... You saw the letter inside my bag yesterday, didn't you?"

At that question, Nicholas hesitated for a moment on how to answer. However, seeing Wendy’s sharp glint and quiet intensity, he eventually nodded.

"Yeah. I saw it. ...I'm sorry. I didn't intend to look. Really... I don't mean to make excuses, but I didn't realize the bags had been swapped, and I thought it was my own. Um, there was an unfamiliar envelope inside, so I just..."

As he spoke while averting his eyes, it ended up sounding like an excuse after all. At Nicholas’s words, Wendy’s face clouded over; she put a hand to her forehead and let out a huge sigh.

"Haa... Unbelievable..."

She voiced her disgust.

"...To think I'd be found out over something like this."

At those words, Nicholas involuntarily leaned toward Wendy.

"Then... so, really? That was truly a letter addressed to you?"

"..."

Wendy grimaced and turned her face away from Nicholas. Seeing that reaction, Nicholas was convinced.

Slowly opening his mouth, he asked.

"—Are you... the author, Renatoa Celward?"

At those words, Wendy bit her lip and directed a sharp glare at Nicholas.

***

The item inside the envelope in Wendy's bag—it was a letter.

“Dear Lady Renatoa Celward,

I trust this letter finds you well. I have a few matters I wish to confirm regarding the final volume of ‘The Sword of Elan.’ Regarding the release date of the final volume—”

Having accidentally seen that content, Nicholas had been so shocked he nearly dropped the letter. When he hurriedly looked at the envelope again, the name of a famous publishing company was listed as the sender, making his eyes widen once more.

—Renatoa Celward is a wildly popular novelist who has produced many hit works.

Although mainly active in children's books, the author has published many novels in a wide range of genres, including romance, mystery, and pure literature. Most of them have received high acclaim, been awarded several famous literary prizes, and have many enthusiastic fans. The "Sword of Elan" series of children's books is particularly popular; it has been adapted for the stage and is loved not only by children but also by adults. Nicholas, whose hobby was reading, had read several of Celward’s books, and all of them were masterpieces.

Although a hugely popular author, Celward appeared to be secretive; no profile had ever been made public. Real name and face aside, even the author's gender was unknown, leading to various speculations spreading among fans. Since the author never appeared at award ceremonies, their true identity had been shrouded in mystery for a long time.

"I can't believe that identity belonged to a classmate..."

Nicholas stared intently at the female student before him. At Nicholas’s words, Wendy opened her mouth, maintaining her bitter expression.

"...It was a blunder... That letter got mixed up with other documents, and I put it in my bag by mistake. To think that on that specific day, I would lose my bag..."

Wendy continued in a prickly voice.

"Why did you take my bag by mistake...! And to look inside without permission... You're the worst!"

"I-I'm sorry. That was truly my negligence. I am truly sorry."

Nicholas bowed his head repeatedly in apology, overwhelmed by Wendy’s intensity. Wendy distorted her face as if annoyed and let out a large sigh.

"...Ahh, geez... I worked so hard to get this far without anyone finding out—"

"U-Um!"

Nicholas hurriedly called out to Wendy.

"I won't tell anyone! I promise!!"

At those words, Wendy made a face that clearly said she doubted him.

"I can't believe that... It would be much more reassuring to punch you right here and give you amnesia."

"You have unexpectedly violent thoughts!?"

Nicholas said with a twitching smile, then immediately adopted a serious face.

"I won't tell anyone. Absolutely. I swear on the Lambert family name."

Wendy glared at Nicholas in silence for a while. Nicholas accepted that gaze straight on.

Eventually, Wendy gave a small snort.

"...Hmph."

"—Fine. For the time being... I will believe you."

At those words, Nicholas smiled in relief. However...

"Well, if you do leak it somewhere, I will exact appropriate retaliation."

At Wendy’s words, his smile twitched slightly.

He had thought she was a cold, emotionless woman. But in reality, she seemed to possess an unexpectedly extreme and fiery temperament.

Thinking this, Nicholas pulled himself together and spoke to Wendy.

"Um, by the way—"

Wendy turned a scary face toward Nicholas again. Facing her, Nicholas scratched his cheek with his finger while pulling a notepad and pen from his pocket.

"Could I get an autograph?"

"...Huh?"

Wendy voiced her confusion. Nicholas blushed slightly and continued.

"Y-Your books are very good. I own the entire 'Sword of Elan' series...! My favorite character is the monster Kisara; the scene where she fights Elan was truly moving... I'm also really looking forward to the final volume coming out soon—"

As Nicholas spoke passionately, Wendy made an indescribably complex expression. She pursed her lips and muttered.

"...I've hardly ever signed an autograph before... but, fine."

She took the notepad and pen and signed smoothly.

"Here."

Seeing Wendy’s signature, Nicholas’s face lit up. He accepted it, laughing happily.

"Thank you...! I'll treasure it!"

At those words, Wendy opened her eyes wide in surprise. Then, looking slightly awkward, she said,

"...Thanks."

And looked away from Nicholas.

***

Prompted by the events of that day, Wendy and Nicholas began to exchange words little by little.

"Hi."

"...Hello."

When Nicholas called out, Wendy began to reply, albeit in a blunt tone.

Initially, Wendy watched Nicholas from a distance as if monitoring him. She was likely worried he might leak her secret. Smiling wryly, Nicholas began to speak to such a Wendy from time to time.

"How are you?"

"...Fine."

Wendy’s attitude remained curt, but once she realized Nicholas was truly keeping the secret and not telling anyone, she began to answer his conversation bit by bit.

"It must be amazing to write novels when just studying is hard enough."

"...Not really. I do it because I like it."

"Don't you get tired?"

"I do, but... I want to write as many works as possible..."

Wendy was unfriendly, but she seemed to gradually lower her guard against Nicholas, and her attitude softened little by little.

"Since when have you been writing novels?"

When Nicholas asked the question, Wendy answered as if recalling the past.

"...Since I was little. I always liked books. For my ninth birthday, I received a typewriter... From then on, I started writing stories myself."

"That is... amazing."

"Well, it was only about three years ago that I was able to officially publish a book."

At those words, Nicholas opened his eyes wide.

"That means... you debuted at thirteen!?"

"Yes."

"That's amazing..."

At Nicholas’s words of admiration, Wendy shrugged her shoulders.

"Why don't you show your face to the public?"

"...There are various reasons. I'm not of age, and my family opposed me writing under my real name... There would be people who would make a fuss about a noble like me writing novels. So, I discussed it with the publisher, and when I first published a book, we used a pen name and decided on a policy of secrecy. And so, it just dragged on like that... It was easier for me that way, too."

"Did you come up with the pen name Renatoa Celward?"

"...No."

Wendy shook her head with a bitter face.

"I just came up with 'Celward' randomly... but the name... my brother thought of it. Apparently, 'Renatoa' means 'Eternity' in an ancient language. ...Wishing that my works would be loved by many people for eternity..."

"Heh. He's a good brother."

When Nicholas said that, Wendy grimaced significantly.

It seemed Wendy did not get along well with her family; whenever her brother was mentioned, she showed an open expression of disgust. Nicholas asked while observing her state.

"So, only your family and the publisher's staff know you're a novelist?"

"Even at the publisher, only a limited number of people know. Other than that, a few servants in our house know. ...When I absolutely have to go to the publisher, I have a servant go as a proxy."

"Heh... Then, I really was the first person to find out..."

When Nicholas muttered that upon hearing the unknown circumstances of a popular author, Wendy shrugged silently again.

For Nicholas, his involvement with Wendy was surprisingly comfortable, even to himself.

Wendy, who seemingly disliked interacting with others, always behaved coldly toward Nicholas, remaining emotionless to the end. Unlike other women, Wendy’s words, actions, and responses contained no hidden meanings; they were always inorganic. For Nicholas, that actually made her easy to talk to.

Above all, Nicholas found it very enjoyable to hear stories from Wendy about her activities as an author.

The distance between the two gradually shrank; they began to talk often in class and somehow started eating lunch together.

And then...

"Wendy."

Nicholas began to call Wendy by her first name.

"What?"

Wendy accepted it without showing any particular anger.

"The final volume of Elan was good...! It was really, really good!! I was moved!"

"You read it already?"

"Yeah! I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen when Elan turned into a monster, but the final battle was amazing. It was a very sad development that tightened my chest, but it was powerful and magnificent... anyway, it was really good!"

"Is that so. Thank you."

Wendy’s voice as she thanked him was as emotionless as ever, making it hard to know what she was thinking. But upon hearing his impressions of her novel, her expression softened slightly.

"What are you writing next?"

When Nicholas asked, Wendy covered her mouth with her hand as if thinking, and answered.

"The next work is already finished... This time it's a full-length novel with a historical theme. After that, I intend to serialize a romance work aimed at adults... and I'm also thinking of writing a new children's book series—"

He already knew this, but Wendy was undeniably a genius when it came to writing novels. She possessed rare literary talent, publishing works one after another at a pace that made it hard to believe she was writing in her spare time from schoolwork. Furthermore, all of them were hits and received high acclaim as literary works. Even now, it seemed she was developing plots for many works in her head.

However, somehow, Wendy’s demeanor felt distorted. He couldn't express it well, but Wendy was always writing desperately, as if chased by something.

Nicholas had asked once.

"It seems you're writing a lot of works... isn't keeping up with your studies difficult too? Are you okay? isn't it tough?"

At those words, Wendy tilted her head.

"...There are times when it's tough. But I'm doing my studies properly... Besides... besides, I want to publish as many books as possible... because I need money."

"Eh?"

Unexpected words flew from Wendy’s mouth, leaving Nicholas dumbfounded.

"M-Money? Why...?"

Wendy was the sister of Count Caldwell; she was a noble. She didn't look like she was in financial distress. At Nicholas’s puzzled gaze, Wendy mumbled in a low voice.

"...There is something I want to do after I graduate... I'm saving money for that. Because I don't want to rely on my broth—on that man..."

"What is it you want to do?"

"...A search."

At that word, Nicholas tilted his head.

"A search? Who are you looking for?"

"..."

For just a moment, Wendy’s face clouded over, and she looked down. Then she answered in a mutter.

"A precious person... My most precious..."

As she spoke, Wendy’s face stiffened greatly, and a strong will dwelled in her green eyes.

"Who... is that?"

Nicholas asked, tilting his head. However, Wendy did not answer anything further.

Nicholas thought the distance between him and Wendy had shrunk considerably, but even so, much of her remained wrapped in mystery.

Wendy had no friends other than Nicholas. As far as Nicholas knew, Wendy was always alone. Nicholas had thought this was because Wendy originally disliked socializing and avoided interacting with others, and because the people around her were overwhelmed by her beauty and found her unapproachable. It was a while after he started interacting with Wendy that he learned this idea was slightly wrong.

"Lord Nicholas... You shouldn't get close to that person..."

The one who spoke to Nicholas as he walked down the hallway was a female student who was a junior and an acquaintance.

"That person?"

"Lady Caldwell. She is, um... dangerous...!"

"Dangerous?"

As Nicholas furrowed his brows, not understanding the meaning of her words, the female student continued desperately.

"That person is... a cursed lady! If you get close, you will be cursed too, Lord Nicholas!"

Nicholas hadn't known, but there was a certain rumor about Wendy Caldwell that had been whispered for a long time. That a "cursed mark" was carved into her body. It was said that anyone who touched that mark would be cursed as well and eventually lose their life.

"...There's a rumor like that?"

"Um, that's why... it's dangerous to get close... You will be cursed too, Lord Nicholas! Please, stay away—"

"I see."

Nicholas spoke as if to interrupt the student who was desperately pleading.

"I'll try asking her about it once."

"N-Nicholas! But...!"

"Sorry, but."

Nicholas continued clearly.

"I don't know much about 'curses'... but to me, she is a precious friend. I don't want to be swayed by the thoughts of those around me or baseless rumors. I will see with my own eyes, confirm the facts properly... and then judge for myself. Thank you for the advice."

After declaring this, Nicholas left the flustered female student behind. Just as he turned the corner of the hallway, Wendy, who was standing leaning against the wall, came into view, and he stopped in his tracks.

"...Did you hear?"

"Yes."

Wendy held her school bag as if hugging it and looked straight at Nicholas.

"...You thought of me as a friend?"

As always, her voice was monotone and flat, making her emotions unreadable. Overwhelmed by her beauty and intense gaze, Nicholas almost instinctively took a step back. But putting strength into his legs, he looked back into Wendy’s eyes from the front and spoke.

"Yeah. I don't know what you think... but I have a lot of fun spending time with you. At the very least, I think of you as a good friend."

At Nicholas’s words, Wendy quietly lowered her eyes. Then,

"...I don't have a cursed mark anymore. It's just a ridiculous rumor."

Saying this in a small voice, she spun around to face away.

—Did I hurt her feelings? I might have made her feel bad.

Nicholas felt secretly dejected in his heart. However, with her back still turned, Wendy whispered softly.

"...Thank you."

Nicholas started at that voice. He tried to call out to her in a panic, but Wendy walked away briskly and quickly left the scene.

***

I intended to finish the past arc in two chapters, but it got long. It will continue for a little longer.