My Maid is Cute Chapter 93 : A Small Kiss (Patreon)

*A Small Kiss*

It seemed that Christopher had dealt swiftly with the Wendy kidnapping incident without Rebecca knowing. It was quite a while later that Rebecca secretly learned the details from Reed.

Formal apologies were issued by both the Lambert and Armand families, and reparations were paid by each. Incidentally, Rebecca was too scared to ask exactly how much, but apparently, it was a substantial sum.

Regarding the mastermind, Estelle Lambert, confinement in a correctional facility or house arrest was considered. However, due to her unstable mental state and the desperate efforts of her younger brother Nicholas, she was ultimately admitted to a specialized hospital. She still spends most of her days in a daze, though it seems she is slowly becoming capable of conversing, but only with Nicholas. Furthermore, her engagement to Brooks Armand was annulled.

Marquis Lambert managed to maneuver through the situation skillfully, avoiding the return of his title or the loss of his position, but rumors of the incident have circulated among the nobility, leaving him in a rather humiliating position.

The perpetrator, Brooks Armand, was close to graduating from the academy, but he voluntarily withdrew and is currently under house arrest. He was the heir to a barony, but due to this incident, his family is considering replacing him with his younger brother as the successor. However, for him, the greatest punishment seems to be that he can never see Estelle again, and he reportedly spends his days in mourning.

The incident became a hot topic among the nobility, and the story spread. In high society, nobles spread groundless rumors, finding amusement in the scandal. Rumors, both true and false, began to be whispered even within the academy, some of which contained malice. Since Wendy, the victim, was expected to be exposed to curious gazes, a discussion was held between a worried Christopher and the teachers. Consequently, it was decided that Wendy would spend her time quietly at home until graduation.

However, Wendy herself seemed inwardly overjoyed that she didn't have to return to the academy.

"Are you really sure it’s okay not to go back to school?"

A few days after the incident, Rebecca asked Wendy during a break from work. Currently, Rebecca was being made to sit on the sofa by Wendy. Wendy also sat down on the sofa, nodding as she happily played with Rebecca's hair.

"Yes. Exams were already over, and graduation was close anyway... There were hardly any classes left, just a period for graduation preparation. Ah, but..."

Wendy added as if remembering something.

"I do have to go back to the academy once. There’s still some paperwork left to process. And I have to pick up the rest of my belongings. Well, Jeanne brought most of it back already, though."

Rebecca smiled wryly. In the end, Jeanne had returned to the Caldwell house with luggage in tow two days after the incident. She was currently working busily alongside Rebecca as Wendy's exclusive maid.

"But My Lady, it is a pity..."

"Eh? What is?"

At those words, Wendy tilted her head while braiding Rebecca's hair.

"My Lady did nothing wrong, yet you cannot return to the academy..."

When Rebecca said this, Wendy giggled.

"I don't care about something like that."

"But..."

"I don't have any close friends there, so I have no lingering attachments. I'm not good at dealing with people to begin with... It seems some strange rumors are floating around, but I don't particularly care. As long as you are by my side, that is enough for me."

"..."

Ignoring Rebecca, who fell silent with a clouded expression, Wendy continued to gently stroke Rebecca's hair.

"Spending time here is muuuuch more fun. So don't make such a gloomy face, Becca. I really don't mind."

Wendy said it firmly, but Rebecca's expression did not clear.

"But there was a graduation party, wasn't there? What about that...?"

"I won't attend. Of course."

"Eh!?"

Because Wendy said it as if it were obvious, Rebecca raised her voice unintentionally.

"Even though you had a dress made!?"

"I only made that because Brother told me to. Honestly, any random dress would have been fine."

Wendy answered with a grimace.

"I didn't want to attend in the first place. I only intended to show my face as a partner at the very end because Colin asked me to. Colin likely won't come to school anymore, so I have no intention of going either."

"That's..."

Rebecca found herself unable to say anything. Wendy kissed the top of Rebecca's head, then reached out and lightly embraced her.

"Hey, but show it to me, okay?"

"Yes?"

Suddenly embraced and whispered to in her ear, Rebecca stiffened but turned her face toward Wendy. Wendy continued speaking while looking at Rebecca with adoration.

"We bought a dress for you along with mine, didn't we? It doesn't matter about me, but show me your dress look."

"Ah..."

"I was looking forward to it, after all. Becca, you definitely have to wear it."

"Y-Yes..."

When Rebecca nodded in confusion, Wendy looked satisfied.

***

—What will happen to My Lady from now on?

Rebecca wondered idly while cleaning the courtyard.

Currently, Wendy was living quiet days at the mansion, writing novels for her work and spending time with Rebecca. Christopher seemed as busy as ever with his work as an Earl, but since the kidnapping incident, his relationship with Wendy seemed to be softening somewhat. Conversations between the siblings were increasing bit by bit. It couldn't be said that things were completely back to normal yet, but it was a very good trend. Christopher's wife, Lisette, was expecting a child soon and had moved to the Caldwell family's annex for certain reasons. Although it was an annex, it wasn't far away, but she seemed set to stay there for a while. Presumably, she would give birth there as well.

Incredibly peaceful and calm days were passing by.

Rebecca stopped the broom she was moving and looked at her own hands. They were getting better little by little, but the scars remained. The bandages would likely be unnecessary soon.

She turned her gaze toward the mansion. The window of Wendy's room was far from here. Surely, right about now, Wendy was typing away on her typewriter for work.

—Soon, My Lady will officially graduate from the academy. What will she do once she graduates?

Rebecca hadn't heard anything from Wendy about her post-graduation plans. Or rather, she was too afraid to ask.

Ultimately, Nicholas Lambert was just a friend and not a romantic partner, but the anxiety that Wendy might marry someone did not disappear. Wendy had said she "absolutely didn't want to get married," but she was still a noblewoman. Marriage for the sake of connecting families was likely unavoidable. In fact, it was miraculous that she wasn't even engaged yet. After all, Wendy was beautiful enough to be called one of the Three Great Beauties.

She was sure Christopher had said various things to Wendy regarding her future, but Rebecca was simply too terrified to summon the courage to ask about what came next.

"But..."

Rebecca muttered softly while looking down, clenching both hands tightly.

"I..."

—What do you want to do, Rebecca?

Carrie's voice from some time ago echoed in her mind.

"That's decided. I—"

There is a feeling she wants to fulfill.

She has only one desire.

No matter how sad, painful, or agonizing it might be.

If it is for this desire, she can stand up as many times as it takes.

—Even if it is a painful and sad reality.

It was just as Rebecca raised her head.

"Miss Rebecca."

Before she knew it, Jeanne was standing right nearby. Rebecca hurriedly turned her face toward her.

"Ah, Jeanne! Is there some work?"

"Work, or rather..."

Jeanne answered with a wry smile.

"My Lady is calling for you."

"Eh? Did something happen?"

Jeanne whispered conspiratorially near Rebecca's ear.

"It seems she's a bit stuck on the novel she's writing... She wants a change of pace."

Hearing that, Rebecca nodded in understanding and handed the broom to Jeanne.

"Well then, I'll be going. Can I leave the broom to you?"

"Yes. Have a good trip."

Jeanne sent her off cheerfully. Rebecca nodded lightly and headed quickly to Wendy's room.

She still didn't have a sense of reality about the fact that Wendy was a novelist. She couldn't believe that her favorite author was her own mistress; it felt like a dream. Even seeing Wendy typing on the typewriter and creating stories right in front of her eyes didn't change that feeling. Wendy didn't seem to mind particularly, writing one novel after another with tremendous momentum, but Rebecca wasn't used to seeing it yet.

When she went to Wendy's room, she was welcomed by a slightly tired-looking face.

"My Lady, are you alright?"

"...Mm."

Wendy nodded slightly while brushing back her long hair.

"...You look tired."

"The plot is decided, but I'm hesitating on how to write it. I thought too much and got a little tired."

Wendy smiled wryly and beckoned to Rebecca.

"Come here."

"Yes."

When Rebecca obediently rushed over, Wendy flashed a meltingly sweet smile. Then, standing up herself, she crouched down in front of Rebecca.

"Whoa."

Suddenly, Wendy reached out and pulled Rebecca's body close. Rebecca let out a surprised voice, but paying no mind to it, Wendy...

"Mh, mmh."

She hugged her happily while laughing.

Rebecca hesitated but gently wrapped her arms around Wendy's back.

They stayed like that for a while, but eventually, Wendy spoke in a whisper.

"Becca, you smell like honey again today."

"I-Is that so? I can't really tell myself..."

"Mhmhm. I love this scent."

Wendy laughed aloud again and finally released her. Then, she stood up with a face as if she had remembered something.

"Come to think of it, I have something I want to give you."

"Eh?"

Moving away from the bewildered Rebecca, Wendy headed toward the desk. She took out a large book from a drawer. Returning to Rebecca, she handed the book over.

"Here, for you."

"This is...?"

"My new work."

"Eeeh."

Rebecca widened her eyes and stared at the book. On the dark brown cover, the title "The Locked Memories of the Lying Girl" was inscribed.

"Wow, what kind of story is it?"

"It's a mystery for children. A detective story with a theme of memory. The release is still a little ways off... but I thought I'd give you a copy as a present."

"Are you sure!?"

When Rebecca’s face lit up, Wendy nodded, laughing happily.

"Thank you very much! I will treasure it!!"

Rebecca bowed deeply, holding the book as if embracing it.

Afterward, urged by Wendy, she sat down on the sofa. Wendy sat next to Rebecca, pressing her body tightly against hers.

"I'm really looking forward to reading it!"

Rebecca grinned while looking at the book. Watching Rebecca, Wendy smiled happily too.

"Let me know your thoughts when you finish reading it."

"Yes!"

Rebecca lightly stroked the cover while nodding. She was looking forward to reading it starting now. Since it was Wendy's book, it must be a wonderful masterpiece. It would likely mean days of staying up late for a while.

Thinking of this, Rebecca suddenly looked up and spoke to Wendy.

"Thank you so truly much, My Lady... Um, I should do something in return—"

"You don't need to worry about that."

Wendy said with a wry smile, but Rebecca continued speaking while clutching the book.

"I cannot do that. You gave me such a wonderful thing..."

At Rebecca's words, Wendy looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled mischievously.

"Then, Becca."

"Yes, My Lady."

"I have a request for you, Becca."

Wendy's eyes glinted. Seeing that, Rebecca felt a sense of foreboding deep in her heart, but she ignored it and opened her mouth.

"Yes! What is it? I will do anything if it is within my power!"

"Mhm."

Wendy smiled at Rebecca's words and lightly tapped her own lap.

"...?"

As Rebecca tilted her head, not understanding the meaning, Wendy spoke clearly.

"Get on here."

"...Yes?"

"Get on... my lap."

"Yes!?"

Rebecca stood up from the sofa as if she had jumped.

"What is that!? There is no way I can do such a—"

"You can do it, right? Just get on here, that's all."

Wendy said it simply, but Rebecca shook her head vigorously.

"S-Sitting on My Lady's lap... such... such a disrespectful thing, I cannot do it!!"

"Becca."

Calling her name, Wendy looked up at her through her lashes and added:

"Please, Becca."

"...Ughhh."

Rebecca had always been weak to this spoiled look of Wendy's. Wendy likely understood that and was making this expression consciously.

—Using her own face as a weapon... she really is wicked.

Muttering that in her heart, Rebecca agonized over it thoroughly before finally speaking in a resigned voice.

"The head maid will..."

"I know. I won't tell."

Laughing happily, Wendy brought her lips close to Rebecca's ear. And she whispered softly.

"It's a secret just between you and me."

"..."

Rebecca took several deep breaths, then moved her body while trembling. Climbing onto the sofa, she assumed a posture straddling Wendy's knees. Seeing Rebecca kneeling like that, Wendy made a sulking face.

"Sit on my lap properly, just like this."

Though ordered, Rebecca shook her head while looking down.

"I-I am heavy."

"What are you saying with such a small body?"

Wendy looked exasperated, but Rebecca stubbornly refused to break her posture.

"I cannot do anymore than this... My Lady."

Saying that, she raised her face. Because Wendy's face was closer than she expected, Rebecca's heart leaped. Seeing Rebecca turn bright red, Wendy giggled. She took Rebecca's hand and stroked it gently.

"It still hasn't healed, has it?"

"Eh? Ah, the wound? I think the bandage can come off soon..."

Wendy lightly kissed the bandage-wrapped hand. Staring at Rebecca, whose shoulders twitched with a start, Wendy continued.

"You know, Becca."

"Yes?"

"...There is something I want to talk to you about in the near future."

Wendy had a very serious face as she said this. Feeling something unsettling, Rebecca looked back at Wendy in confusion.

"My Lady...? What do you want to talk about? Did something happen?"

"...Well, I've been thinking about various things. About the future, and such..."

At Wendy's words, Rebecca's face went pale. Her heart was beating loudly, and she felt a sensation like waves crashing in her mind.

"...Does that mean..."

No further words would come out, and Rebecca's mouth closed. Feeling anxious, she fidgeted. She immediately sensed that "about the future" likely meant regarding Wendy's graduation and what came after.

"...I'll talk to you properly once I officially graduate. So, could you wait a little longer?"

"...Yes."

When Rebecca nodded with a small voice, Wendy smiled in relief. Seeing Wendy's expression, Rebecca couldn't help but speak.

"M-My Lady!"

"Hm?"

"I-I am... My Lady's..."

—I wanted to say, "I want to be by your side forever."

But she couldn't put it into words, and she choked up.

"My Lady's..."

Wendy looked at Rebecca with curiosity as she strained to speak. That expression was so young, so cute, and above all, so precious.

Suddenly, she thought she wanted to go back to the past. The nostalgic days when just the two of them, Wendy and she, spent time nestled together in this room. She desperately wanted to return to those times when Wendy would cling to her sweetly, and Rebecca would accept it with a smile.

—Am I an idiot?

—To want to return to those innocent days when I didn't even think about the future.

I really am an idiot.

Wendy still tilted her head with a puzzled look. Rebecca felt like crying for a split second, but immediately smiled and brought her face close to Wendy.

"—Eh."

She kissed the forehead of the voicing Wendy. It was a small kiss, barely touching, like the wind.

"Be-Becca..."

Wendy held her forehead as if shocked. Her face turned bright red. Seeing such a rare reaction from Wendy, Rebecca smiled wryly, quickly pulled away from Wendy, and got off the sofa.

"—I will return to work now."

Saying that, she bowed quickly and left the room as if escaping.

Wendy, who had watched Rebecca leave in stunned silence, finally broke into a smile while still holding her forehead.

"...To think Becca would kiss me... it's like a dream."

Saying that, she sank into the sofa as if collapsing.

***

***

A few days later, Rebecca was sitting alone in the middle of her room. Today, Wendy had gone to the academy in the royal capital temporarily to complete her graduation procedures. Because of that, Rebecca had the day off work.

Over the past few days, she had accumulated fatigue from too much work and personal tasks. Even now, there was plenty to do, but she couldn't concentrate at all. Absentmindedly, she recalled Wendy's face.

'There is something I want to talk to you about.'

She couldn't say she was mentally prepared to accept Wendy's talk. Her heart was restless with anxiety about the future. She was scared, so scared she couldn't bear it.

But.

Even so.

"I..."

—What do I want to do? What should I do?

That was already decided.

Touching her own lips, Rebecca laughed softly.

"...My Lady... Lady Wendy..."

As she muttered softly, Wendy's smiling face floated in her mind.

She has only one desire.

Something she has felt for a long time. A precious, precious wish.

Her one and only wish that no one can steal away.

"Rebecca."

Hearing her name, she looked up with a start. Before she knew it, Carrie was standing near the door.

"Oh? Carrie? What is it?"

"No, the door was left wide open, so I wondered what was going on."

"Ah... I forgot to close it."

"You've been absentminded lately. Something troubling you?"

"Eh, um. No, just a little tired built up."

Saying that, she laughed to cover it up. Carrie looked a little worried.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'll be done in a little bit."

At those words, Carrie looked around Rebecca's room.

"It's become quite clean... Are you done preparing to leave here?"

With a gloomy face, Rebecca gave a small nod.

"Just a little more and it's finished."

"It's a pity, leaving this place where you've spent all this time..."

"...It can't be helped."

Rebecca forced a smile and stood up.

"I'd like to take a short break, how about some tea together?"

"Oh, that sounds nice. Let's call Jeanne too."

At Carrie's words, Rebecca nodded with a smile.

As she was about to leave the room, Rebecca suddenly looked back. She gazed around the room, which had become nearly empty with almost all belongings gone.

She looked down with a slightly sad face, but eventually, as if shaking it off, she left the spot.

***

*Next time, X-Day!*