My Maid is Cute Chapter 96 : On the Hill (Patreon)

*On the Hill*

A few days later.

A party was held at the Caldwell house to celebrate Wendy's graduation from the academy.

As Christopher had said, since Wendy disliked flashy events, it was a small party, much like a tea party. The attendees were only Christopher and the people working at the mansion, and the tea and sweets were apparently ordered from outside shops. Since this party also served as a token of appreciation for the servants, almost everyone working at the mansion was scheduled to attend.

"Fufufu, somehow this is fun, isn't it~"

"I-Is that so?"

From early that morning, Rebecca was being made up by Carrie. Carrie laughed happily as she added color to Rebecca's plain face. Meanwhile, Rebecca wasn't allowed to see a mirror and could only sit in the chair as Carrie instructed, fidgeting with her hands. The bandages had finally come off the hands she injured during the kidnapping incident. Now, the scars were hardly visible.

"There, all done!"

Carrie, who seemed to have finally finished the makeup, eagerly brought a large mirror.

When the mirror was thrust in front of her, Rebecca widened her eyes at the reflection of her own face.

"See? Cute, isn't it?"

Carrie smiled brightly. Indeed, it was a face so glamorous she couldn't believe it was her usual self.

"...Thank you very much."

Rebecca bowed slightly, feeling shy. Watching Rebecca, Carrie giggled aloud.

"That dress suits you very well, too. It's cute."

At those words, Rebecca's face turned red.

Rebecca was currently wearing the dress Wendy had purchased for her. It was a modest white dress with layers of beautiful lace. Her long black hair was carefully braided by Carrie, and floral hair ornaments swayed gently.

Watching Rebecca fidget shyly, Carrie made a somewhat deeply moved expression.

"Somehow..."

"Yes?"

When Rebecca tilted her head, Carrie said something outrageous.

"Somehow, it's that, isn't it? This dress looks like a bride's wedding gown."

"Heah!?"

Seeing Rebecca make a strange noise involuntarily, Carrie burst out laughing. Then, she gently hugged Rebecca.

"I'm happy for you, Rebecca."

"Carrie..."

"Please, be happy. Together with My Lady."

She hadn't explained anything to Carrie about Wendy. But from those words, she knew Carrie had guessed their relationship.

Rebecca wrapped her arms around Carrie as well and spoke.

"...Thank you very much. Ever since I started working here, I've always been helped by you, Carrie."

"Aha, that's right. Come to think of it, we were roommates, weren't we?"

"Yes. It was truly, very reassuring."

Carrie closed her eyes with a smile. Then, separating from Rebecca, she smiled mischievously.

"Let's leave it at this. If My Lady saw us like this, I'd get fired."

Rebecca nodded with a wry smile at those words.

"Well then, shall we go? Everyone is surely waiting."

"Yes."

The two left the room together and headed for the hall where the party was being held.

***

"Becca!"

When they arrived at the hall, Wendy immediately rushed over to Rebecca. Seeing her appearance, Rebecca froze for a moment.

"...Ugh."

A groan-like sound leaked from her mouth involuntarily. Wendy was wearing a deep blue dress. Delicate silver embroidery shone like stars. Every time Wendy moved, the fabric swayed softly, creating a glamorous effect. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen, she thought. Wendy, clad in a dress that looked like it had captured the night sky, was so dazzling that if someone told her the Goddess of the Moon had descended, she might have believed it.

On the other hand, Wendy also looked at Rebecca in her dress with shining eyes, then made an entranced expression.

"Amazing... You're cute... more than I imagined..."

"T-Thank you very much."

She hurriedly bowed repeatedly.

"My Lady is also..."

"Hm?"

"Very, very beautiful."

When Rebecca said that, Wendy looked satisfied.

"Really? It's my first time wearing such a mature dress, so I'm a little nervous."

Blushing, she twirled lightly on the spot. In that moment, Rebecca felt relieved from the bottom of her heart that Wendy hadn't attended the academy's graduation party.

She couldn't bear the thought of many people seeing Wendy exuding such allure.

"...Ugh~"

Rebecca groaned softly and tugged slightly on Wendy's dress. Wendy sat down on the spot with a blank look, so Rebecca brought her lips close to Wendy's ear and whispered.

"Because you are so very beautiful... if possible, I wanted to keep you all to myself."

When she whispered that, Wendy's cheeks flushed.

Carrie watched the two of them warmly from a short distance away.

Many servants were already seated in the hall where the party was being held. Everyone seemed nervous, but their faces were bright and restless.

"Congratulations, My Lady."

When Wendy entered with Rebecca, everyone there voiced their congratulations on her graduation.

"Thank you."

Even Wendy, who was usually cold to others, accepted the blessings calmly just for today. Her atmosphere seemed softer than usual.

Rebecca sat down next to Wendy and looked around the hall. She had heard it would be a simple tea party-like gathering, but beautiful flowers were displayed, and many sweets were lined up on the tables. Perhaps summoned by Christopher, a small musical ensemble was even waiting in the corner of the hall.

"Now then, shall we begin?"

While she was looking around restlessly, Christopher appeared in the hall. With that one sentence, the surroundings fell silent.

Christopher continued with a smile.

"Well then, let me give a brief greeting. First, Wendy, congratulations on your graduation. As your brother, I am truly happy that you have grown so wonderfully."

Wendy bowed silently without saying anything. Christopher looked over the servants next without minding particularly.

"And to everyone here, I am truly grateful for your constant service. Thank you for gathering despite the sudden party. Please, enjoy yourselves."

With those words, the party began.

The small ensemble Christopher seemed to have summoned began to play music. The attendees reached for tea and sweets on the tables as they pleased. Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Wendy...

"Becca, here, this."

She served sweets to Rebecca before herself.

"You like sweet things, don't you?"

"Thank you very much!"

Thanking her, Rebecca picked up a fork and stuffed her cheeks with cake. The cake Christopher seemed to have ordered was exquisite. Her face naturally relaxed.

Watching Rebecca, Wendy was also smiling happily.

Meanwhile, the surrounding servants were also enjoying tea and sweets. Watching them, Christopher, the host, also looked satisfied.

Eventually, the melody played by the ensemble changed. A slow, delicate, and elegant song began to play. As if struck by an idea, Wendy stood up and took Rebecca's hand.

"Hey, Becca, let's dance!"

"Eh."

Rebecca looked back at Wendy in confusion.

"D-Dance?"

"No good?"

Wendy looked at her with pleading eyes. When she glanced at Christopher, he smiled and nodded slightly. Rebecca stood up with a wry smile.

"Then, just a little."

Wendy happily pulled Rebecca's hand. Moving a little away from the set tables, Wendy and Rebecca faced each other. The people around them also watched over the two with smiles.

Holding each other's hands, they moved their feet. They stepped in time with the music.

"Mhmhm."

Seeing Wendy laugh out loud, she remembered dancing alone with her on the night of her birthday party a few years ago.

"Nostalgic, isn't it?"

Wendy murmured as if reading Rebecca's mind. It seemed Wendy also remembered dancing in the past.

"I wonder... have I grown since back then?"

At the sudden question, Rebecca laughed while twirling.

"What's wrong? All of a sudden."

"...Somehow, I feel like I haven't changed."

At Wendy's words, Rebecca giggled.

"You have changed. Both Lady Wendy and I."

"...Do you... think so?"

"Yes. Back then, to me, you were the cutest Young Lady in the world. But—"

Rebecca continued in a whisper while stepping.

"Now... you are my most beloved, precious, individual woman. My Lady Wendy."

Wendy made a surprised face. Immediately, with moist light dwelling in her eyes, she whispered.

"...Thank you, Becca. You are my light. From the day we met... even now, and from here on out."

Rebecca smiled brightly. Almost simultaneously, the song ended, and the two stopped moving. Finishing the dance, the people watching around them applauded. Rebecca bowed to Wendy.

"Lady Wendy, thank you very much."

"Thank you, too."

Wendy then crouched down and brought her lips close to Rebecca's ear.

"There's something I want to show you tomorrow."

"Yes?"

"We're going out, so get ready."

"...Where are we going?"

"It's a secret."

Though confused by the somewhat meaningful words, Rebecca nodded.

After that, she enjoyed tea and sweets with the others. But in a corner of her mind, she was restless, wondering what Wendy's "thing she wanted to show" was.

***

***

That night, she had a dream.

Something unseen spoke to Rebecca.

'Even though I gifted you a new life with perks, I never expected you to use almost none of the power... This was unexpected. You're the first person like this.'

It was a voice she felt she had heard somewhere.

'Well, I was the one who told you to live freely... so. If you are satisfied, then I guess that's fine.'

It was a strange sensation.

'Blessings from me as well. Be happy.'

***

***

"...Huh?"

Waking up in the morning, Rebecca tilted her head.

She felt like she had a very concerning dream.

Um, what was it? Something I felt I met somewhere—

At that moment, the sound of knocking on the door was heard, and Rebecca's thoughts were interrupted.

"Yes!"

Rebecca hurriedly got up and opened the door. Immediately, she saw Carrie standing there.

"Good morning, Rebecca. Did you just wake up?"

"G-Good morning..."

Seeing Rebecca hadn't even changed yet, Carrie tilted her head.

"You have plans with My Lady today, right? Will you make it in time?"

"Ah!"

Rebecca frantically checked the clock in her room. It was well past the time she planned to wake up.

"I-I'll get ready right now!"

She noisily pulled clothes out of the closet.

She quickly forgot about the strange dream.

***

After getting ready, she visited Wendy's room.

Wendy had already finished her own preparations and was waiting for Rebecca.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting!"

"It's okay."

Wendy immediately took Rebecca's hand.

"Where are we going?"

"Mhmhm."

Although Wendy laughed happily, she didn't answer Rebecca's question.

***

"Lady Wendy, are we there yet~?"

"Just a little more! Absolutely don't open your eyes, okay?"

As soon as they left the mansion, Wendy ordered Rebecca to close her eyes. Apparently wanting to surprise Rebecca, Wendy was itching with excitement the whole time. Rebecca obediently closed her eyes as told and walked slowly while being led by the hand by Wendy.

Rebecca guessed that the "thing she wanted to show" was the gift Christopher had told her about a few days ago.

'I think you'll be very surprised. ...I hope you'll be happy. Wendy worked very hard to prepare it...'

Christopher had said that, but she wondered what on earth she had prepared, her heart pounding as she walked.

Finally, Wendy stopped and spoke up.

"We're here."

"Eh?"

She tilted her head, eyes still closed. Wendy laughed softly and gently hugged Rebecca's shoulders.

"Open your eyes, Becca."

"Yes..."

Fearfully, she opened her eyes as told. And then, Rebecca opened her mouth in amazement.

"This is..."

It was a large building that looked like it came out of a picture book. It was a quaint but lovely house characterized by a reddish-brown roof and cream-colored walls. Beautiful flowers whose names she didn't know were blooming in the large garden.

"Huh, this place is..."

She felt she recognized this house from somewhere. Before Rebecca could trace her memories, Wendy answered.

"This is Milbasa Island, Becca. This house, we came here together before, didn't we?"

"Eh? Ah!"

She remembered. It was the island she traveled to when Wendy was 12, invited by a friend of Christopher's. It was also the land where they met Rieserago.

"Huh? But we didn't take a ship, did we? How did we get here...?"

When Rebecca asked in wonder, Wendy answered with a laugh.

"Teleportation magic. Even I can use magic of this level. It's a bit tiring, though."

"Ah... I see..."

Rebecca nodded in understanding and returned her gaze to the large house in front of her.

"This house... um, if I recall... it's the house we stopped by when I took a walk with My Lady, right? A kind person lived there, and treated us to tea..."

If she remembered correctly, a kind-looking elderly woman lived there alone, and she invited them in, where she and Wendy ate cake and drank tea. Wendy nodded in response.

"Mrs. Amelia... she moved. A few years ago, she got sick... she was treated at a large hospital and completely recovered, but living alone became difficult for her. She let go of this house and seems to be living with her son now."

"Eh, is that so..."

Just as she was thinking that was a pity, Wendy continued.

"That's why I bought it."

"Yes?"

A loud voice came out unintentionally. Rebecca furrowed her brows and shifted her gaze to Wendy.

"Bought it, as in?"

"I bought this house. It's my house now."

"Eeeh!?"

Rebecca looked alternately at the house and Wendy, dumbfounded.

"Bought? Eh? Really? This house?"

"Yes."

Wendy happily watched Rebecca's reaction and pulled her hand.

"Come on, let's go."

Led by the hand, she stepped onto the premises of the house. Many flowers were blooming in the garden, and butterflies were flying as if dancing. It truly looked like an illustration from a picture book, she thought. Upon entering the interior, there was a mysteriously sweet scent. In the spacious room, there were brand new furniture and small items. An overall bright atmosphere filled the place.

"It's a wonderful house..."

Murmuring that, Rebecca looked around the room. Wendy sat down in front of Rebecca and gently held both her hands.

"Becca."

"Yes?"

Wendy continued with a rare expression that looked slightly nervous.

"I said there was something I wanted to talk about after graduation, right? About our future..."

Wendy took a deep breath, then continued.

"Listen, if you are okay with it... let's live here together, just the two of us."

At those words, her thoughts stopped. A moment later, Rebecca widened her eyes and cried out.

"Eeeh!?"

Wendy looked straight at Rebecca.

"I've been thinking about it for a long time. ...About leaving home. I thought I wanted to live with you, just the two of us, after graduation. Surely, here we can live quietly and peacefully. I have my novel work, and I have money. Just the two of us, I think we can live comfortably enough."

"J-Just the two of us...?"

"Yes, just the two of us."

Rebecca could only fluster in confusion at the sudden story. Ignoring Rebecca's state, Wendy continued.

"I kept it a secret from you, but for quite a while now, I've been proceeding with the procedures to purchase the house and preparations to live here. Jeanne helped me a lot too."

Those words reminded her of Jeanne's behavior a few months ago. Saying it was work requested by Wendy, she had returned from the academy to the Caldwell house and was sneaking around. She realized only now that she must have been doing the procedures and preparations to buy this house.

"Um, but what about Lord Christopher... the Caldwell family..."

When Rebecca asked fearfully, Wendy smiled calmly.

"Brother opposed it strongly. But in the end, he understood... about leaving home. Eventually, I intend to have myself removed from the Earl's family register."

"Eeeh!?"

At the unexpected words, Rebecca raised her voice loudly again. Wendy grimaced.

"Becca, you understand too, don't you? The life of a noble doesn't suit me. I hate socializing and dealing with people... I want to become a commoner and become independent."

Holding Rebecca's hand, Wendy headed to a desk set up in the room. Wendy's typewriter was placed on the desk.

Gesturing to that typewriter, Wendy continued.

"I have this typewriter. And if I have you... it might be hard, but I think we can overcome it."

"..."

Rebecca stared at Wendy's typewriter. Immediately, she lightly tugged on Wendy's clothes.

"Hm?"

Wendy crouched down on the spot. Rebecca faced Wendy with a serious face.

"I think it will truly be very difficult."

"...Yes."

"Probably, it's completely different from the life in the mansion until now. Your life will change more than you imagine, Lady Wendy, and there will be painful things, hard things. You might regret it. You might want to run away."

"That won't happen."

Wendy answered immediately.

"Becca... as long as you are by my side... I will absolutely never regret it."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Wendy answered firmly and nodded greatly. With tears moistening her eyes, Rebecca cupped Wendy's cheeks with both hands.

"Then, I will do my best with the housework."

At those words, Wendy's face lit up. She pulled Rebecca close and pressed their lips together.

It was a deep kiss unlike any they had shared before. Their tongues intertwined as if sharing heat. After a while, face bright red, Rebecca pulled away.

"P-Please forgive me, any more than this..."

Wendy looked a little dissatisfied but stood up immediately.

"I've prepared a room for you. Come here."

"Yes!"

Holding hands, she toured the house guided by Wendy. There were more rooms than she expected. Wendy's private room and study, of course, but also a library and a guest room. It seemed to have everything necessary for living.

Incidentally, there was of course a room for Rebecca, but...

"Um... where is the bed in this room?"

Even though necessary furniture like a desk and closet were present, for some reason, there was no bed for sleeping. At Rebecca's question, Wendy smiled brightly.

"You're sleeping in my bed. You don't need one, right?"

Feeling like the depths of her eyes glinted, Rebecca gave up saying anything more.

***

After the house tour was over, Wendy pulled Rebecca's hand and went outside.

"There's one more place I want to go."

Saying that, she passed through the garden, left the premises, and walked on.

"Where are we going?"

At Rebecca's question, Wendy pointed somewhere with her finger.

"Over there."

Rebecca turned her gaze in that direction. Beyond that, there was a somewhat familiar sight. On a hill like a small mountain, a single tree stood.

"Ah, that place is..."

It was a place she had been to with Wendy just once.

"Nostalgic, isn't it? Want to climb it again?"

At Wendy's proposal, Rebecca nodded greatly. Since it wasn't that high of a place, Rebecca's legs should be enough to climb it.

Holding hands, the two walked on, aiming for the top of the hill. Climbing while taking breaks, they finally arrived at the summit.

Lined up under the big tree, the two gazed at the scenery. A green world almost unchanged from the sight seen years ago spread out before them.

"Ah..."

A small voice leaked from Rebecca's mouth unintentionally. It was unmistakably the very scene from her memories.

"I'm happy we can see this scenery together again..."

Wendy smiled broadly while looking straight at Rebecca.

"I'm truly happy, Becca. Thank you for coming with me."

A breeze blew softly, and her golden hair like moonlight swayed. Wendy laughed happily. A flower-like smile unchanged since childhood.

'...You're Becca, right?'

'Are you going to take care of me from today?'

Suddenly, the young figure from when they first met floated in her mind. It overlapped with the current Wendy standing before her, creating a strange sensation.

—Ah.

Because this person was here, I was able to live. Because this person wished for my existence, I could move forward.

Perhaps I was the one who was truly saved.

Rebecca dropped a kiss on Wendy's hand.

"You are the most precious person in my world. From the time we met that day... and into the future ahead, eternally."

"Yes, I know. And?"

Wendy made a somewhat challenging face.

Rebecca answered with a smile.

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

She thought it would surely be alright. Whatever happens from now on, she can surely overcome it together with Wendy.

Wendy being smiling. That alone is Rebecca's wish, and her hope.