My Maid is Cute Chapter 100 : The Cute Young Lady (Patreon)

*The Cute Young Lady*

An event from when Friederike was three years old.

***

When she opened the window, a pleasant morning breeze wrapped around her. Rebecca took a deep breath and turned her gaze toward the sky. The stars had completely disappeared, and a white light was beginning to show.

"Thank goodness... it looks like it will be sunny today."

Just as Rebecca muttered softly, a voice called out from behind.

"Becca."

Simultaneously as she turned around, a cardigan made of wool was draped over her shoulders. Wendy, who seemed to have woken up unnoticed, sat down and buttoned the cardigan for her.

"You'll catch a cold dressed so lightly."

"Lady Wendy, you're awake already?"

She was surprised that Wendy, who usually slept until noon, was up early in the morning. Wendy smiled softly and nodded.

"Yes, because..."

Wendy planted a soft kiss on Rebecca's forehead and smiled brightly.

"Today is the day guests are coming, after all. We have to get ready."

***

That day, two people stepped into the mansion on Milbasa Island.

"Hi, long time no see. Wendy, Rebecca."

Wendy's brother, Christopher, laughed cheerfully. Thinking he was handsome as ever, Rebecca bowed lightly.

"It has been a long time. Lord Christopher, ...Lady Friederike."

Raising her head, she smiled brightly at the little girl holding Christopher's hand.

The girl's name was Friederike Eva Caldwell. Christopher and Lisette's daughter.

Christopher sometimes comes to visit Milbasa Island with his family. It has been almost a year since they met Friederike like this. Naturally, she has grown since the last time they met. Her appearance is the spitting image of Christopher overall. With pale blonde hair adorned with a lovely ribbon, translucent purple eyes, and skin as white as snow. Most likely, she will become a peerless beauty when she grows up.

When Friederike's eyes met Rebecca's, she fidgeted and hid behind Christopher.

"Hello, Brother, Rike."

Wendy crouched down and spoke to Friederike. 'Rike' is Friederike's nickname. When Wendy smiled slightly, Friederike nodded behind Christopher.

Meanwhile, Rebecca tilted her head and asked Christopher.

"Is Lady Lisette... not here today?"

Although Lisette was usually with Christopher when he visited, she didn't seem to be here today. Christopher shook his head with a wry smile.

"I asked her to look after the house today... I don't think she'll be able to come for a while."

"Why?"

When Wendy furrowed her brows, Christopher answered bashfully.

"...She's five months along now."

For a moment, they didn't understand the meaning, but Wendy quickly realized and raised her voice.

"Ah, the second one..."

Rebecca's face lit up.

"Eh, wow!! Congratulations!!"

Wendy immediately added her words too.

"Congratulations."

Probably both Christopher and Lisette had eagerly desired a second child. Christopher laughed happily, his face turning a little red.

"Thank you. Once the baby is born, the four of us will come to visit here next time."

"I look forward to it very much!!"

When Rebecca said that, Wendy nodded in agreement.

***

Soon moving from the entrance to the living room, while Rebecca was preparing tea, Friederike lightly tugged on Wendy's clothes.

"Hm? What is it?"

Friederike fidgeted without saying anything. Immediately, Wendy seemed to realize something and said, "Ah."

"Could it be you want to see the library?"

Remembering that Friederike had looked at the library with great interest when she came here before, she asked, and Friederike nodded slightly.

"You can look as much as you like. If you want to see a book that's out of reach, call me or your father."

At Wendy's words, Friederike's lips curved slightly into a smile, and she silently headed toward the library.

"...That child doesn't talk as usual, does she?"

When Wendy said that, Christopher made a slightly troubled face.

"Yeah... Rike is, well... she doesn't seem very good at expressing emotions. She talks quite a bit in front of me and Lisette though..."

Just as Christopher said, Friederike is an incredibly quiet and reticent girl. Rebecca has met her a few times, but she has rarely seen Friederike speak.

"Lisette says we should just watch over her for now, since she'll probably start talking a lot eventually..."

Christopher crossed his arms with a worried expression.

Looking straight at such a Christopher, Wendy spun words in a gentle voice.

"...Friederike... she doesn't talk to us, but she's a very honest and good child. She loves books just like me and Brother... I think she holds many worlds inside her head. She just doesn't know how to express them yet."

At Wendy's words, Christopher widened his eyes for a moment. Immediately, he nodded happily.

"Yeah. I think so too. She's a wonderful child... a treasure to me and my wife..."

At those words muttered softly, Rebecca sighed in relief and brought tea and cookies. While arranging tea cups in front of Wendy and Christopher, Christopher raised his voice as if remembering something.

"By the way, about Rike... I'm thinking of letting her learn swordsmanship."

"Eh."

Wendy voiced her surprise. Rebecca also glanced at Christopher while pouring tea into the cups.

"Swordsmanship...? Why?"

To Wendy, who made a bewildered face, Christopher answered with a wry smile.

"I told you before that Lisette's relatives... her father and brother belong to the knight order, right? The other day, when we visited Lisette's parents' home, Rike showed great interest in her grandfather's sword. So I thought I'd let her try learning it."

"Is that okay? She's still so small..."

At Wendy's worried voice, Christopher nodded greatly.

"It's fine. We'll be very careful and take precautions so she doesn't get hurt. Besides, in Lisette's family, it seems common to let children learn the sword from that age."

Rebecca and Wendy involuntarily looked at each other. For Rebecca and Wendy, who had hardly touched any kind of weapon let alone swordsmanship, it was an unknown world. They couldn't even imagine the quiet and gentle Friederike swinging a sword around.

"...I hope she enjoys it."

The bewildered Wendy replied with just one phrase and sipped her tea.

Christopher also held his cup and nodded.

"Yeah. It's difficult for me because I have work, but Lisette will be with her, so surely it will be fine. The swordsmanship teacher is also someone used to handling small children..."

Christopher continued calmly. Rebecca bowed silently to Christopher and Wendy, then returned to the kitchen.

After that, Wendy and Christopher continued to report on each other's recent situations. While paying attention to the two, Rebecca started preparing sweets in the kitchen. Dorothy, the commuting servant, had made a cake. She arranged cream and jam on the simple butter cake. Just as she finished decorating it to make it look as cute and enjoyable as possible, Wendy peeked into the kitchen.

"Becca, is it ready?"

"Ah, yes! How is it?"

When Rebecca indicated the cake on the plate, Wendy nodded greatly.

"Yeah. I think it looks great."

Rebecca sighed in relief at those words. Wendy smiled at such a Rebecca and picked up the plate with the cake.

"Well then, I'll carry this, so could you go to the library and call Rike?"

"Understood."

Rebecca took off her apron and headed to the library.

The library is probably the largest room in this mansion. Many books from Wendy's collection line the shelves, and there is a small sofa and table in the middle of the room. The collection ranges widely from pure literature, technical books, children's books, mysteries, to fantasy. It's like a small library. All of them are books Wendy liked.

She knocked and then opened the library door.

"Excuse me..."

Calling out softly so as not to startle Friederike, she looked around the room.

Through the single small window, she could see warm light streaming in. Friederike wasn't sitting on the sofa, but standing in the corner of the room with a large book open. She was following the text enthusiastically with her eyes.

"...Pfft."

Because that figure looked exactly like Wendy when she was young, Rebecca almost laughed out loud. Hurriedly covering her mouth with her hand to suppress her voice, Friederike looked up as if reacting to it.

Rebecca bowed lightly before opening her mouth.

"Lady Friederike, Lady Wendy is calling for you."

At Rebecca's words, Friederike tilted her head, then nodded silently and closed the book.

"They are waiting in the living room."

When Rebecca opened the door, Friederike obediently headed in that direction.

However, as if reacting to something, her feet stopped suddenly.

"Lady Friederike?"

Rebecca was confused, but Friederike moved regardless.

It was clearly an unnatural movement. Friederike turned around slowly and gazed quietly toward the library window. No emotion appeared on her face.

"Is something wrong?"

When Rebecca called out again, Friederike looked down and shook her head silently. Then, she left the room as if turning her back on the many books. Although bewildered, Rebecca closed the door and followed after Friederike.

***

Rebecca hadn't noticed, but a small bird was perched on a large tree standing outside the library. The small bird with eyes like the blue sea stared at the mansion from the tree for a while, but eventually flew away quietly.

***

"Ah, you're here."

When Friederike returned to the living room, Wendy smiled softly. As she beckoned, Friederike toddled closer to Wendy.

"Here, Rike, look."

Christopher picked up Friederike and sat her next to him. On the table was the lovely cake Rebecca had prepared, and Friederike looked blankly back and forth between Christopher and Wendy's faces. Wendy spoke with a smile.

"Rike, it's almost your birthday, isn't it? It's a little early but... let me celebrate too."

Friederike's birthday is in a week. On that day, naturally, a grand party is scheduled to be held at the Caldwell house. Wendy, who dislikes noisy places, will naturally not attend that party, so they decided to celebrate Friederike's birthday a step ahead during this visit.

Friederike looked bewildered in front of the cake.

"Here, this. A present."

Saying that, Wendy held out the gift box she had prepared. Christopher accepted it on Friederike's behalf.

"Go ahead, open it."

When Christopher said that, Friederike immediately untied the ribbon on the box.

What came out of the box was a lovely white hat. It was decorated with delicate lace and a purple ribbon.

Friederike immediately picked up the hat and stared at it intently.

"That's nice, Rike. Try putting it on."

At Christopher's words, Friederike placed the hat on her head. Seeing that figure, Christopher narrowed his eyes.

"It suits you, Rike."

Wendy also nodded with satisfaction.

"Yes, truly."

Rebecca took out a large mirror from a nearby drawer and rushed over to Friederike. She reflected Friederike in the mirror.

Friederike stared at her own reflection in the mirror while changing the angle of the hat many times. Her lips were slightly relaxed. It seemed she liked it.

Friederike's behavior was so charming that Rebecca also spoke up.

"My Lady, it suits you very well. Truly, you look very cute."

At Rebecca's words, Wendy's eyes wavered for just a moment. But no one noticed that.

***

After celebrating Friederike's birthday and everyone finishing the cake, it was already evening. Friederike wore the gifted hat and returned to the Caldwell house holding hands with Christopher.

"..."

After dinner, Rebecca prepares tea in the kitchen. She feels a strong gaze from Wendy in the living room. Usually after dinner, Wendy goes to the study to work or read. Yet, for some reason, today she remains seated on the living room sofa, staring silently at Rebecca.

"..."

Wendy looks like she wants to say something very much. And, for some reason, she is pursing her lips in a complicated way.

Probably, she unknowingly did something Wendy didn't like. Judging so, Rebecca closed her eyes once and looked up at the ceiling. Opening her eyes immediately, she stepped into the living room holding the tray with tea as if resolved.

While placing the tray on the table, she called out to Wendy.

"What is it?"

Wendy twitched her shoulders and looked away.

"What do you mean, what is it?"

"You've been making a very strange face for a while now, is something wrong?"

When Rebecca asked that, Wendy grabbed a nearby cushion with a sulky face.

"I'm not making a strange face..."

Rebecca sighed slightly, then sat down next to Wendy. She reached out to Wendy's head and stroked it gently.

"Lady Wendy, did I do something you didn't like?"

"No."

Wendy immediately denied Rebecca's words and buried her face in the cushion.

Silence flowed for a while. Just as she thought Wendy wouldn't talk anymore, Wendy finally opened her mouth.

"...I know, but."

"Yes?"

"I know it's stupid, and I realize I'm being extremely narrow-minded, but..."

Wendy continued with her face still hidden by the cushion.

"...I really hate it when you call Friederike 'My Lady' or say she's 'cute'."

"..."

Rebecca was unable to reply and her mouth fell open. Wendy continued as if desperate.

"I know there's no deep meaning. I know, but since long ago, I was the only one you called 'My Lady' or said was 'cute'...!"

Since they became lovers, Rebecca stopped calling Wendy "My Lady" and started calling her by name. Indeed, it might have been the first time she called someone other than Wendy "My Lady".

Wendy is curled up on the sofa as if hiding her face. Although bewildered, Rebecca reached out towards Wendy.

"Um, Lady Wendy... for now, please show me your face..."

"No."

Wendy mumbled a refusal.

"I know even myself that being jealous of even a small niece is narrow-minded and a bit childish..."

"That... well, that is true, but."

Rebecca unintentionally spoke honestly.

"I'm making a terrible face right now so... wait a little..."

To Wendy saying that in a small voice, Rebecca smiled wryly and stroked her head again.

"Lady Wendy, you've grown, haven't you."

"...What does that mean?"

Rebecca remembers the old Wendy. The old Wendy would immediately act on her jealousy. Driven by emotion, exposing her anger, she remembers well how she would lash out at Rebecca.

She looks cool and calm, but inside she is very intense, this person.

Not giving herself over to anger like in the past might be called great progress.

Thinking so, Rebecca brought her lips close to Wendy's ear and whispered.

"I want to kiss you, so please raise your face."

"Eh."

Surprised by Rebecca's words, Wendy quickly raised her face. Laughing at that, she sealed Wendy's lips. Since Rebecca rarely initiates contact aggressively, Wendy looked very surprised. Separating her lips immediately, Rebecca whispered.

"My 'Young Lady', the one who is 'cutest' in the world is you."

She pressed her lips together again. Changing the angle many times, their breaths intertwined. Her whole body grew hot, and she felt a numbing sensation. Their bodies naturally pressed together. Wendy's arms wrapped around the back of Rebecca's head.

Eventually, when they slowly separated their lips, Wendy's face was dyed bright red, and her large eyes were moist.

"Are you satisfied, 'My Lady'?"

When Rebecca called her that, Wendy made a strange expression. As if enduring something, she pursed her lips and covered her mouth with her hand.

"Somehow..."

"Yes?"

"Being called that by you for the first time in a while, it reminds me of the past and makes me feel itchy, and also somehow, very thrilled..."

"What is that..."

When Rebecca said that in exasperation, Wendy giggled with her face still red. Then taking Rebecca's hand, she pushed her down onto the sofa.

"Hey, call me 'My Lady' all night tonight, okay?"

"...Yes."

Well, if that puts Wendy in a good mood, then fine, Rebecca thought and nodded. Wendy smiled happily and put her hand on the buttons of Rebecca's clothes.

***

After that, Rebecca stopped calling anyone other than Wendy "My Lady" and refrained from using the compliment "cute".

Wendy came to get excited when Rebecca called her "My Lady".