My Maid is Cute Chapter 94 : Feelings For You (Patreon)

*Feelings For You*

Having finished all her work for the day, Rebecca walked slowly down the mansion's corridor. Organizing Wendy's library had taken more time than she expected. The mansion's hallway was wrapped in silence. There was no one else around but Rebecca. Most of the servants had returned to their rooms to rest. She, too, needed to return to her room soon.

Rebecca suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky through a corridor window. In the clear, beautiful night sky, countless stars were shining. She could see a white moon, slightly waning, floating there and emitting a gentle light.

Wendy, who had gone to the academy for graduation procedures, would return to this mansion tomorrow. Once the paperwork was finished, Wendy would officially have graduated from the academy. Although the graduation ceremony was a bit further away, Wendy apparently still intended to skip both the ceremony and the subsequent party. Rebecca still thought it was a pity, but since Wendy herself was stubbornly against it, there was nothing to be done.

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

Remembering Wendy's words, her chest tightened painfully. Sadness surged like waves in her heart. It was so painful and agonizing. She wanted to pretend none of it existed and run away just like this.

"...I'm scared."

What would Wendy talk about? She was so, so scared to face it. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and her vision went dark. It was painful even to stand.

But still.

‘Becca.’

Feeling as if her name had been called, she turned around. Naturally, there was no one in the quiet corridor. With a wry smile, Rebecca turned her gaze back to the beautiful starry sky.

Then, she slowly closed her eyes. She pictured the smile of the person she loved most in this world.

‘Becca.’

—For someone like me, who has walked a false life under the false name Rebecca Leon, there is one thing that certainly exists.

That is my feelings for you.

You were my everything.

I fell in love with the woman that is you.

These feelings are eternal.

The fact that I held you dear.

That I wanted you to smile forever.

And the happy times I spent with you.

—Ah, I was truly happy.

The days I spent with you were fun, joyful, and I felt happiness from the bottom of my heart.

And those days, those feelings, will never disappear.

No one can steal them away.

—Within me, they are eternal.

My feelings for you will continue forever.

Even if my existence disappears.

Rebecca smiled just a little, looked away from the window, and slowly started walking.

I should get to bed quickly. Tomorrow is sure to be busy too.

She walked while recalling tomorrow's work schedule. Then, just as she finally saw her room at the end of the hallway...

"Huh?"

Seeing a silhouette in front of her room, Rebecca stopped.

"...My Lady?"

Almost simultaneously as Rebecca called out, the figure standing in the dark corridor turned toward her. It was Wendy. She was staring at Rebecca with a dazed expression. Confused by her demeanor, Rebecca approached Wendy. Looking closely, the door to her own room was open.

"Huh...? You weren't supposed to return until tomorrow..."

When Rebecca said that, Wendy, whose face was pale, opened her mouth.

"U-Um... I... The procedures finished earlier than I thought... so I came back... Because I wanted to see you quickly... I thought I'd surprise you... so, I came here..."

She muttered the answer in a small voice. It wasn't entirely clear, but it seemed she had finished the paperwork earlier than planned and returned here. Rebecca tilted her head while looking at Wendy standing in front of the room. Wendy's eyes were wavering as if she were greatly shaken for some reason. She was clearly distraught.

"Well then, welcome back..."

Though bewildered by Wendy's state, Rebecca bowed her head. Wendy averted her gaze from Rebecca. Then, she unsteadily walked into Rebecca's room.

"My Lady?"

Surprised by Wendy's action, she called out.

"Um, what's wrong—"

"What is this?"

Wendy, standing frozen in the middle of the room, suddenly asked. Unable to grasp the meaning of the question, Rebecca flusteredly stepped into the room herself.

"This...?"

When Rebecca asked in confusion, Wendy looked around the entire room. Then, with a look of utter bewilderment, she asked again.

"Why—"

"Eh?"

"Your room... why is there nothing here?"

"Ah..."

Rebecca looked around her room as well, unsure of how to answer. Just as Wendy said, Rebecca's room was currently devoid of items; it was empty. There was only the furniture originally provided, like the bed and desk. In the corner of the room sat a large bag containing clothes and small items, but there were hardly any personal belongings left.

"Ah, um... well, that is..."

Rebecca's eyes darted around indecisively. While she was thinking about how to explain, Wendy opened her mouth while trembling.

"...It was wrong of me to look at your room without permission. I wanted to see your face quickly... I came back secretly thinking I'd surprise you... but."

Clenching her fists tightly, Wendy shot a sharp glare at Rebecca and shouted.

"What is this!? Why is there nothing in this room!?"

"M-My Lady...!"

At that shout, Rebecca hurriedly closed the door to her room so others wouldn't hear. After quickly locking it, she approached Wendy.

"P-Please calm down."

"What does this mean!? This room... it's empty!! What is that luggage!?"

Rebecca tried to take Wendy's hand to soothe her. But Wendy raised her voice again as if throwing a tantrum.

"Becca, answer me!! Why is there nothing here!?"

"Ah, um... this is, well..."

She didn't know what to say to the distraught Wendy. Wendy's complexion had gone beyond pale; it was now white.

"F-For now, please calm down, My Lady—"

The next moment after Rebecca spoke, her arm was grabbed forcefully. Her body was pulled by gravity, and she was pushed down onto the bed. Looking up in surprise, she saw Wendy looming over her.

Stiffened by Wendy's sudden action, Rebecca couldn't react. Paying no mind to that, Wendy brought her face close, anger exposed. Gripping her arm with strong force, she interrogated her with a sharp gaze.

"Why?"

Rebecca gasped involuntarily. Her heart leaped as a face so beautiful it didn't seem of this world approached.

"Hey, why—"

Wendy continued speaking as if cornering Rebecca. But struck by Wendy's sheer beauty, Rebecca forgot the situation and found herself captivated. Was it her imagination? She sensed a sweet scent, somewhat like flowers.

"Hey, Becca. Are you listening to me?"

Wendy asked irritably. Startled by those words, Rebecca answered in a small voice.

"...I apologize. I wasn't listening."

Wendy grimaced and spoke again.

"I'm asking, why are you packing large bags? Why is your room empty?"

"...That is."

"Could it be, you're thinking of leaving?"

When Rebecca's eyes wavered slightly, Wendy gripped her hand even harder.

"...I apologize, but,"

Rebecca tried to continue while apologizing, but Wendy cut her off.

"Don't make excuses. You promised you wouldn't leave me. Was that a lie?"

"N-No... but..."

She didn't know how to explain. What words could she say to calm Wendy down?

While Rebecca hesitated, Wendy brought her face closer again. Then, she gripped Rebecca's hand tightly, intertwining their fingers. As if to say she wouldn't let her escape.

"Hey, Becca. Whose are you?"

She gasped again at that question.

"..."

"Answer me."

Against that strong voice, Rebecca answered quietly, as if yielding.

"I am My Lady's."

Wendy smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

"Yes, exactly. My Becca. And, I am yours too. Becca."

After stating that clearly,

"I won't let you go. I won't hand you over to anyone."

She distorted her face in pain. The moment Rebecca felt confused by that expression, Wendy pressed her lips against hers.

Surprised by Wendy's sudden action, Rebecca opened her eyes wide. She had been kissed on the forehead and cheek many times before. But this was the first time she had been kissed on the lips.

While Rebecca was stunned, Wendy slowly pulled her lips away. Then she stared silently at Rebecca, who was frozen from the shock, for a while.

A frozen silence passed. Eventually, Wendy's face crumpled, and she spoke with a trembling voice.

"H-Hey...? You're not really going to leave... are you...? You won't... leave me behind... will you...?"

"Eh... no... um..."

Due to the shock of the sudden kiss, Rebecca couldn't answer properly. She repeatedly opened and closed her mouth like a fish.

Watching Rebecca like that, tears gradually welled up in Wendy's eyes. Large drops flowed down her cheeks and fell onto Rebecca's face.

Seeing Wendy suddenly start crying, Rebecca gasped again. She realized that Wendy's emotions, having received a considerable shock, were extremely unstable. While she was thinking of what to say, Wendy slowly released her hand from Rebecca. She covered her own face with her hands.

"W-Why...? You promised you wouldn't go anywhere, that you'd stay by my side...!"

"My Lady..."

"I... I don't need anything as long as you... as long as Becca is here... Please, don't leave me... stay with me..."

She sobbed as if she had returned to her childhood. Flustered, Rebecca sat up and stroked Wendy's hair.

"My Lady, um, please calm down. It's alright..."

She continued to stroke her, trying to reassure her.

"My Lady, um... I don't know how to explain this, but, um, probably..."

It was just as Rebecca hesitated, trying to continue her words.

"...ve."

Wendy said something in a small voice.

"Yes?"

Unable to catch the voice, Rebecca tilted her head, and Wendy removed her hands from her face and spoke again.

"...Love. I love you."

Rebecca's mouth fell open. Wendy raised her face and looked straight into Rebecca's eyes.

"I love you more than anyone, Becca. I only love you. Always, always, since we were little... you have been my most beloved."

With tears streaming down her face, Wendy grasped Rebecca's hand with both of hers, enveloping it.

"I love you the most in this world, Becca... I won't ask you to accept it... because these are my own selfish feelings. B-But, at least, stay by my side... please don't leave... don't go anywhere..."

Wendy's words echoed in the stunned Rebecca's heart. Her mind was in chaos; it didn't feel real.

But those words from Wendy.

Those feelings were shocking and vivid.

She thought they sounded like a prayer.

Her heart beat like an alarm bell. She felt a strange sensation as if her whole body were floating.

—Ah.

Rebecca thought as she silently watched the sobbing Wendy.

—I will surely never forget this face of My Lady for the rest of my life.

Even though she was being told something so shocking, her mind was calmly accepting reality somewhere. That felt strange and funny, and she wanted to laugh despite the situation.

"My Lady..."

Wendy's lips were trembling slightly. Rebecca gently released her hand, and this time, she grasped Wendy's hand, enveloping it. That hand should have been larger than her own, but for some reason, it felt small now.

The days she spent with Wendy raced through her mind like a revolving lantern.

Her breath felt like it would stop. It was heart-wrenching, and her chest hurt.

But she had to convey these feelings too.

"I... was in pain."

"Eh?"

At Rebecca's sudden words, Wendy's eyes wavered in confusion.

"...Just thinking that My Lady might go somewhere after graduation... it was painful and agonizing."

Wendy made a dumbfounded face. Looking at Wendy, Rebecca felt like crying too, but smiled and wiped those beautiful tears.

"...My Lady might marry someone after graduation. Just thinking about that made me despair... Actually, I hated it, really, really hated it. Even though I should be happy that My Lady finds happiness with someone... I thought I couldn't bless it from the bottom of my heart. That's why I even considered leaving once. But—"

Her heart started beating fast enough to hurt, and her cheeks grew hot.

"But, after all, I... I want to be by My Lady's side and watch My Lady become happy... I reconsidered... No matter how painful or agonizing it is for me... I want you to be smiling. I want to see that smile from closest to you. Because I-I also... like My Lady... I love Lady Wendy..."

Unable to look at Wendy's face, she looked down, but Wendy peered into her face.

"Becca..."

This time, Wendy gently touched Rebecca's cheek. She looked straight at her. Her green eyes shone like jewels. They were the most beautiful eyes in this world.

"Does Becca feel the same as me? Really?"

At that question, Rebecca nodded slightly.

Seeing that, Wendy looked like she was about to cry again. Then, she hugged Rebecca tightly. Even though her chest felt full, Rebecca wrapped her arms around Wendy's back.

They stayed like that for a while, but suddenly Wendy pulled away from Rebecca.

"Then... why?"

"Eh?"

Wendy grimaced and grabbed Rebecca's shoulders.

"...You haven't answered me yet. Why is this room empty? If you thought you wanted to stay by my side, why are you trying to leave?"

Because she asked with anger seeping into her voice, Rebecca smiled wryly.

"You really are misunderstanding..."

"Huh? Misunderstanding?"

At Wendy's dubious expression, Rebecca giggled.

"It's true I'm moving out of this room... but I'm not leaving this mansion, you know?"

"...Eh?"

Wendy's mouth fell open.

"I knew you didn't know... This mansion is going to be renovated soon. My room is changing. Next, I've been given a room much closer to My Lady's room."

"R-Renovated...?"

This Caldwell residence was an old mansion. Christopher had apparently been thinking about renovations and repairs for a while. The plan started moving in earnest triggered by Lisette's pregnancy. Since a child was going to be born, they were increasing the number of servants, and the number of people working and living here would increase significantly. Therefore, they were going to do major renovations, centered on the servants' quarters.

This was also why Lisette had recently moved to the annex. She planned to give birth at the annex and return once the renovations were complete.

"I thought Lord Christopher would have told My Lady... did you not hear?"

"...H-He might have said it... but maybe I wasn't really listening..."

Wendy averted her eyes to cover it up. Come to think of it, while she was in this mansion, Wendy had been shut up in her own room writing novels the whole time. Since Wendy originally had no interest in others besides Rebecca, she probably hadn't been able to notice the changes in the mansion or the state of the servants.

"A little while ago, Lord Christopher asked me. Since my room is also being renovated, he wanted me to move rooms."

"..."

Wendy listened quietly to Rebecca's story in a daze.

"Not just me, the other servants and maids have already moved rooms. I... because a lot happened, my preparations didn't progress well, and I got late..."

"A lot happened" referred, of course, to the Wendy kidnapping incident, but she left it vague without saying it aloud. Wendy was dumbfounded for a while, but eventually...

"So, it really was my misunderstanding..."

She spilled the words as if muttering.

"Yes."

Rebecca nodded firmly and took Wendy's hand. She kissed that white hand as if cherishing it.

"I will never leave My Lady's side again. I am yours. Forever."

Hearing those words, Wendy finally showed a smile. Then, shedding tears again, she hugged Rebecca once more.

"...I love you, from the bottom of my heart."

She whispered in her ear. Cuping Rebecca's cheeks, she brought her face close. Rebecca hurriedly raised her hands to stop Wendy's movement.

"W-Wait! Please wait!"

Wendy made a sulky face.

"Why? It's fine now, isn't it? Right?"

Saying that, Wendy moved her hands restlessly. Since she tried to put her hands inside Rebecca's clothes, Rebecca struggled and grabbed those hands.

"No, really, please wait a moment! I, I—"

"What?"

Rebecca's eyes wandered, and she took a deep breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, but opened them immediately and looked at Wendy.

"...I have something I have kept secret from My Lady for a long time. I thought I had to say it..."

"A secret?"

Wendy tilted her head. Rebecca held Wendy's hand and continued.

"I couldn't say it for a long time... but I thought I should tell you properly. I want to convey my feelings properly..."

"What secret...?"

Rebecca made a sad face. Seeing Rebecca like that, Wendy also sensed something unsettling and furrowed her brows.

For a while, Rebecca hesitated on how to say it, but eventually, as if she had made up her mind, she looked straight at Wendy's face and opened her mouth.

"...My... my life will not last very long. I will die in the not-so-distant future."

***

***

"Regarding your body, there is one more thing I must tell you—"

Before traveling with Rieserago, when they stayed at an inn called Harudha, what she was told by her was an unexpected story.

"Your life will not last that long."

At the sudden words, Rebecca was stunned.

Averting her eyes awkwardly from such a Rebecca, Rieserago added.

"...I told you that I poured my magic into your body to treat you, right? Inside you now, your magic and my magic are fused. To save you, I did something quite forceful."

Rieserago grimaced and held her head.

"Your magic and mine are completely different things. Two different magics are now intertwined quite complexly inside you, becoming one. It can't be undone anymore. You understand up to this point, right?"

Though bewildered, Rebecca gave a small nod.

"Forcing magic different from your own into your body puts a burden on it. Especially since my magic is special... a rejection reaction is bound to appear in the body. Because your magic is strong, you're barely holding on now and no effects are seen, but... no matter how strong you are, you can't suppress it completely. Eventually, your body won't be able to endure it. In a few years, your body will perish..."

"A few years... how long is that?"

Rieserago crossed her arms and cast her gaze downward.

"...I don't know exactly. But I think it would be good if it lasted 10 years."

"...10 years."

"Most likely, your body won't be able to withstand the complex magic and will weaken little by little. You'll gradually become unable to move, lose consciousness... and then disappear completely from this world."

Rieserago slowly bowed her head.

"...I'm sorry, Rebecca... I'm really sorry."

Rieserago, who was so strong and noble, looked like she was about to cry. No, although her face couldn't be seen, perhaps she was already crying. Her voice was clearly trembling.

"While you were sleeping, I tried to do something. But, I... couldn't do anything anymore. I am truly sorry..."

"Riesy."

Rebecca called out in a small voice and patted Rieserago's head.

"To extend my life, this was the only way, wasn't it?"

"..."

"I'll be fine. So, raise your head."

Even though she heard a shocking story, strangely enough, Rebecca's heart was calm. She smiled gently at Rieserago, who fearfully raised her head.

"I'll be fine."

Saying it once more, Rebecca turned her gaze toward the window. Watching the starry night sky, she continued.

"Another 10 years... I will live."

When she muttered that, silence flowed for a while. Eventually, Rieserago spoke in a voice that seemed squeezed out.

"...Do you not resent me?"

What a ridiculous question. Rebecca almost laughed out loud.

"No. In truth, I would have died long ago. You extended that for me."

She turned her gaze back to Rieserago. Rieserago had a face like a lost child. Toward her making such a rare expression, Rebecca spun her words like a declaration.

"Riesy, I will return to where I belong. And, I will live the rest of my life to the fullest. For My Lady's sake, and for my own sake, I will move forward."

Rebecca said it powerfully and smiled again.

"Riesy, you did nothing wrong. It's not your fault. You saved me... But, if you don't mind, I'd like you to lend me a hand until I return."

Rieserago made a dumbfounded face, then closed her eyes and bowed her head again.

"Yeah... I'm really sorry... Thank you, Rebecca."

Even after that, Rieserago continued to apologize to Rebecca many times.

While accepting it, Rebecca's thoughts turned to Wendy.

***

***

Rebecca spoke while holding Wendy's hand. She couldn't tell everything, but she briefly explained that her magic had become complex due to the treatment, and because of that burden on her body, she would only last about 10 years.

Hearing Rebecca's story, Wendy's whole body froze as if shocked. Eventually, trembling violently, she opened her mouth.

"That, that... is that true?"

"Yes."

Rebecca replied clearly and briefly. Rebecca's face showed no agitation or anxiety; she was calm and composed to the end.

"...I'm sorry. The truth is, I should have told you sooner. But I didn't know how to say it."

When Rebecca said that, Wendy's face contorted again. Blinking fleetingly, eventually, drops spilled from her large eyes.

"L...ie..."

The moment she saw those beautiful tears, Rebecca realized. The reason she hadn't been able to say this fact until this very moment.

It was because she didn't want to see this face of Wendy's, these tears.

"It's a lie, something like that..."

She had been running away from reality all this time. She was truly foolish.

Nothing had changed from when she was young and ran away from her parents' home. She hated such a self, cursing it.

"Ugh... uuu..."

Wendy was crying because of her. It felt like being stabbed with a sharp knife.

It hurt so much, she couldn't bear it.

"I'm sorry... My Lady, I'm sorry..."

She could only continue to stroke Wendy's back as she kept crying.