My Maid is Cute Chapter 86 : A Strong Person (Patreon)

*A Strong Person*

In a small café.

Sitting across from each other at a table, Nicholas and Wendy were staring straight at each other.

A male waiter in the café was sneaking glances at Wendy from time to time. Today, she was wearing plain outdoor clothes, and her expression was sullen as usual. Even so, Wendy possessed the same radiant beauty as always. Somehow, her face seemed to have a healthier glow than before the break. Nicholas smiled involuntarily. It seemed she had been able to spend fulfilling time with her beloved.

Seeing Nicholas suddenly start laughing, Wendy furrowed her brows.

"...What are you laughing at?"

"No, it's nothing."

Nicholas hurriedly wiped the smile from his face and asked Wendy.

"How are preparations for the graduation party? Going well?"

"...Yes. I ordered the dress. And you?"

"No problems on my end either. For now."

Wendy took a sip of the tea she had ordered and let out a large sigh.

"Haa, I want to graduate already..."

"It's just a little longer, isn't it?"

"It's too long. I want to go home quickly."

"You were home until just a little while ago."

When Nicholas said this in exasperation, Wendy pursed her lips.

Then, she muttered under her breath.

"...It wasn't enough at all. I wanted to spend a little more time together."

At those words, Nicholas smiled wryly. For the misanthropic Wendy to say such things, just what kind of person was her beloved?

Unable to suppress his curiosity, Nicholas asked.

"What kind of person is the one you like?"

Wendy turned her face away abruptly.

"I won't tell you, Colin."

"Ehh...? Why?"

"Just because. I don't want to talk about it."

"Just a little is fine, isn't it? What kind of man is he?"

"Wro—"

Wendy started to say something but clamped her mouth shut in a panic. Then, looking awkward, she opened her mouth again.

"More importantly, calling me out suddenly like this, what business do you have?"

Asked that, Nicholas clenched his fists tightly on his knees. Then, looking straight at Wendy, he opened his mouth.

"I wanted to talk a little. Um... about my constitution."

He hesitated for a moment, but continued speaking.

"I still can't tell my sister, but... um... I-I'm thinking of consulting a specialist."

At those words, Wendy opened her eyes wide in surprise.

"A specialist?"

"Yeah... I thought about a lot of things during this break. You're right. I should face my own heart. I know I can't leave it alone forever. I shouldn't just keep running away. If I keep going like this, my heart will be tattered, and eventually I'll reach my limit—"

Nicholas clasped his hands on the table and continued.

"...I looked into it a little, and apparently there are doctors who specialize in treating emotional wounds. First, I think I'll try consulting a doctor."

At Nicholas's determined voice, Wendy, who had looked surprised, softened her expression slightly. Then she exhaled a breath of relief.

"...I see. That's good."

"Yeah. Thank you, Wendy."

"...I haven't done anything."

"No. Because you spoke to me. That's why I was able to make up my mind. I'm truly grateful."

When Nicholas smiled, Wendy replied in a small voice.

"It will probably be tough from here on... but if it's you, I'm sure it will be okay."

"...You think so? Do you really think that?"

"Yes."

Wendy answered clearly and nodded.

"...Let's proceed slowly, bit by bit. I'll support you. If there's anything I can do, please tell me."

"Yeah. Thank you, really."

Wendy smiled, which was rare. It was a small smile, but Nicholas was surprised, and smiled back.

Silence flowed for a while. Nicholas drained the completely cold tea in front of him. Then, he slowly opened his mouth.

"By the way, this was really interesting."

Saying that, he gestured to the book placed on the table. Wendy glanced at the cover with the title "The Lying Girl's Sealed Memories" written on it and nodded.

"Is that so? I'm glad you enjoyed it..."

"The tricks with the amazing setups, the developments that overturn the world you believed in until then, the story itself is interesting... but the characters were unique and very good too."

Nicholas stroked the cover gently as he spoke.

"I think the protagonist's partner, Nicky, left a particularly strong impression. He's considerate and compassionate... I liked how he was kind even to enemies and rivals. He has a strong core; he was a character who symbolized this book. Somehow, strangely, I felt a sense of kinship with him."

"That's only natural."

Wendy shrugged and continued.

"Because Nicky's model is you."

At those sudden words, a goofy sound leaked from Nicholas's mouth on its own.

"Huh?"

Wendy looked back at Nicholas, whose mouth was hanging open.

"That's why I gave that book to you as a present. Even the name, 'Nicky,' is similar to Nicholas, right?"

"...This is the first I'm hearing of this."

"I just sort of missed the chance to mention it."

Wendy replied nonchalantly while drinking her tea. Nicholas shook his head, dumbfounded.

"...I... um, I always have a weak will... I'm not such a strong person."

At those words, Wendy furrowed her brows and placed her teacup on the table. Then, looking straight at Nicholas, she replied.

"You are strong. No matter how painful or agonizing it is, you are fighting to protect your own heart and your sister's heart. Even now, you are trying to take a step forward on your own two feet. You are a sincere, kind-hearted, and very strong person. At least, that's how it looked to my eyes."

At Wendy's words, he felt a sensation like his chest was tightening. Strange emotions overflowed, filling his heart. Nicholas stroked the book cover again, tearing up a little.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. He hadn't realized it until now, but perhaps he, who was incapable of love, deep down held special feelings for this beautiful woman in front of him.

Nicholas looked up and smiled at Wendy.

"I really did want to marry you, after all."

Wendy grimaced with all her might.

"Haa? Ab-so-lute-ly not."

It was an immediate reply. Nicholas chuckled. Wendy stood up, looking exasperated.

"Since our talk seems to be over, I'll be heading out."

"Ah. Let's go back together. I'll walk you to the dormitory."

When Nicholas said that, Wendy shook her head.

"No, I want to stop by a bookstore for a bit. You go back ahead."

"Is that okay? Shall I go with you?"

"I don't need that. I have guards, and I want to go alone."

At those words, Nicholas nodded.

"Once school starts, I'll see you around."

Classes would resume the day after tomorrow. Wendy nodded lightly, then waved her hand dismissively as she left the café.

***

That night, at the Caldwell estate.

In the servants' dining hall, Rebecca had her face buried in the table. Carrie, who had brought a meal, called out to such a Rebecca.

"Rebecca~, cheer up already. I know you're lonely that Milady went back to school, but..."

"..."

No words came back. Feeling this was serious, Carrie reached out and stroked Rebecca's head vigorously.

"Look, I'll give you dessert specially."

"...Please don't treat me like a child."

"Then, you don't want dessert?"

"Ughh... I want it."

Rebecca finally raised her head. Her face was clouded with sadness. Seeing that, Carrie stroked Rebecca's head once more.

"It's just a little longer until Milady's graduation, right? She'll come back as soon as she graduates."

"That's true, but... still, I'm lonely. Besides..."

Rebecca looked like she was about to cry and buried her face again.

"Besides... Milady might get married after she graduates..."

"Eh? Is that so?"

Carrie opened her eyes wide in surprise.

"Did you hear that directly from Milady?"

"No... not directly. But, the rumors—"

At that moment, the sound of thumping footsteps was heard from the hallway. Reacting to the sound and turning their faces toward it, they saw the butler, Reed, running through the hallway in a panic.

"Oh? I wonder what happened?"

"It's rare for Mr. Reed to run like that..."

Reed was always calm and composed, cool-headed at all times. Seeing him run through the hallway was a sight they were witnessing for the first time.

"I wonder if something happened?"

Carrie also looked bewildered at her husband's behavior. Sensing a disturbing atmosphere, Rebecca and Carrie looked at each other, stood up simultaneously, and left the dining hall. Then they chased after Reed with quick steps.

Where Reed headed was Christopher's study. The door was closed, but voices could be heard. Just as Rebecca and Carrie approached the room, Christopher's loud voice rang out.

"What did you say!?"

At that voice, Rebecca stopped in her tracks, startled. And then...

"What do you mean, Wendy has gone missing!?"

At those continuing words, Rebecca's face turned deadly pale.

***

*Hidden Settings*

*The Lying Girl's Sealed Memories*

Renatoa Celward's latest work. A mystery novel for children. A story where a girl who tells nothing but lies, Siena, and an amnesiac boy, Nicky, solve mysterious incidents. Scheduled for release in one month.