"Young Lady, please wake up."
A calm and collected voice calls out to me.
This isn't a voice I'm familiar with.
What an annoyance, can't she see I'm sleeping?
"Breakfast will soon be due, your lady mother would be displeased, should you not be there."
My mother…? What does she have to do with any of this? It's not like she cares.
No… wait, she does, doesn't she? Yeah, she might have the eye for only a few things, but having a fitting noble behavior is one of them for sure.
But still, I ended up staying up until late tomorrow, getting up from this bed seems like such a hassle.
If it's like this, I would much prefer to deal with her anger. After all, she'll be mad regardless.
"Young Lady, please wake up."
I think about turning around in bed, but that would just show that I'm, in fact, awake. If I want to make her think I'm still sound asleep, the correct thing to do is to just stay put.
"Young Lady, please wake up."
… how long has she been at this?
It's infuriating, but if this commoner was dutiful to the point of repeating this same boring task over and over again, I can neither let her efforts be in vain, nor be lesser than her by ignoring my own responsibilities.
Although the bed is comfortable… only a commoner would be lazy and undutiful to the point of lying about all day.
"Alright, alright, I'm awake."
With a few grumbles, I sit up in bed.
And, the instant I open my eyes—
"Argh!"
I immediately cradle my head in pain.
The light assaults my eyes and causes me a head-splitting headache. It feels like someone is pouring acid down my brain.
"Young Lady, are you fine?"
"It's nothing."
The saturated world slowly returns to normal, and the pain in my head steadily fades.
I let my hand fall down.
I guess this is the price I pay for staying up so late.
Clenching my teeth in annoyance, I raise myself from bed.
"Alright, just give me a moment and I'll get changed."
My balance is still a bit off, but that's just how it is. It'll get better as I wake up properly.
"Young Lady…?"
At the maid's confused voice tone, I turn my head. "What is it?"
Did she look… worried?
"Do you not wish for me to dress you?"
"Ah… that's right. Do change me."
With those words, I walk in front of the mirror and wait for her to properly dress me up.
I wonder what's going on. I was never a morning person, but at the same time, I was never bad with mornings.
My personal servant deftly works at dressing me in today's dress.
Although its design is ever so different from yesterday's, it is just as frilly, and its color is a darker shade of pink, almost approaching purple.
She tightens the final lace on the back, and steps away, allowing me to take a proper glance at myself.
I must say, it is a very beautiful dress. Maybe I should take it with me back to the Academy.
Although I must wear my uniform at all times there, I could have good opportunities to wear it during social events.
With a nod. "Let us depart for breakfast, then." I order our leave from this room.
Unlike yesterday, I don't have time to spare when it comes to reaching the dining room, so I do my best to speed my step.
The path I take is the same as yesterday's. A path that quickly grew more familiar, like long forgotten muscle memory brought to the forefront.
The halls as pristinely white and bathed in sunlight as they had been yesterday.
"Young Lady."
The servant calls out to me amidst our stride.
"What is it?"
"I have already contacted your lord father, he will call for you in his study shortly after lunch."
"Very well."
Without turning to look at her, I nod, maintaining my elegant but brisk walk.
This is good, father will surely prove to be of help.
Talking to him will surely make me feel more at ease, absolutely sure Cattleya is safe.
In a short time, I arrive at the dining room.
Much like yesterday, the table at its center is lavishly decorated with expensive food and silverware.
As I enter, the maid at my side moves away, standing just short of the wall, along with the other servants. It almost makes me smile, separating herself from her master without attracting attention, that behavior is just what I expect from a high-class maid.
I walk up to the far end of the long table, where my family currently sits.
Bringing my hands to the hem of my skirt, I greet them with a curtsy.
"Good morning, father, mother, Cattleya."
"Ah, good morning Louise, how goes your morning?"
With a cheerful greeting, my sister welcomes me to the table.
"It goes lovely."
With a simple response, I take my seat at the table.
As soon as I do, servants come and begin serving me food.
A behavior far superior to that of the Academy, only the most qualified are here to serve.
The food too, is filled with delicacies, a treat to the tongue that I haven't properly experienced for almost the entirety of last year.
Today, I feel more in control of my emotions. Hopefully, everything will continue to go smoothly.
"I take you've spent the night pleasantly, Louise?"
The one that calls out to me is mother.
"Indeed. My studies progress nicely, and I've faced no issues at night."
So, I answer with the best answer expected of a noble. No unneeded information to be said, only elegance and that which is expected of me.
But, despite doing what I am supposed to—
"Very well."
She only answers me with that cold tone of hers.
And, although faint, I can see it, the way her hands ever so slightly tighten, and the unnoticeable frown of her brow.
I really cannot understand, what is it that displeases her so? The etiquette I present is naught but the perfected version of what my instructors taught me.
I don't know why, but it annoys me so much.
Keeping the elegant appearance, breakfast continues like that.
I use my thumb to turn the pages of the book I'm reading.
My eyes skim through the many notes, theories, and diagrams displayed in each page. A noble study of the magical arts.
Hidden behind the table I'm sitting at, my feet keeps tapping against the ground.
A rhythmic noise that echoes through the room.
Needless to say, I'm anxious. My meeting with father should be at any moment now.
I want to scream in nervousness, throw a pillow at the wall, and pace around the room. But I am better than that, I am a daughter of the Valliere, so I restrain myself to this barely perceptible movement.
I can barely even focus on the words I'm reading, and every other minute I stop, realizing I just read the same line multiple times.
The entire morning has been like this.
Cattleya wasn't feeling very well, so she retired to her room earlier. From what I managed to gather, she also called for a doctor to come exam her body.
This isn't anything new. Back when I still lived here, this happened all the time.
But… seeing this happen again… I remembered why I scheduled this meeting. I want to keep Cattleya safe, I want to keep her happy.
I won't hesitate in this task. I won't hesitate or go back, but… I can't help but be nervous about it all.
I turn another page in my book.
The wait is almost unbearable.
A knock comes from my door.
"Young Lady, your father has called for you."
The maid whose name I can't recall calls out to me.
I snap the book on my hand closed.
It seems the time has arrived.
"Yes, I'll be right there."
After making sure my clothes are properly smoothed out, I waste no time in leaving my room.
The servant greets me with a bow, and soon, we're off to see my father.
I suppose that, since this is my house, she doesn't bother with guiding me.
Although it might seem convenient on the outside, it ends up being bothersome.
I know where my father's study is, but… just like yesterday, I have to stop and think. Where I am, where my father's study is, what path do I have to take.
It doesn't come to me naturally, and it ends up taking far more time that I would've liked.
It isn't that great of a delay, but it is more than I should present.
Hopefully, he'll just chalk it up to this maid being slow to call me.
We arrive at his study, great wooden doors keeping the place closed.
I swallow any nervousness that threatened to get the better of me, and knock on the door.
"Father, it is I."
It takes a second, but eventually, a muffled answer comes through the door.
"You may enter, Louise."
Turning to my maid, I tell her to wait outside, and finally, I enter the room.
My father's study. It isn't a place I entered a lot during my lifetime.
Still, seeing it right now fills me with nostalgia.
The neatly organized bookshelves, the expensive and well-designed furniture, the fireplace I've never seen burning, and the great windows that stood behind his desk, bathing him in light.
"Pardon my intrusion, father." With the expected greeting, I close the door behind me.
He was sitting neatly in his chair, his desk full of documents and books. His blond hair was just as well groomed as always, the very picture of elegance one would expect from a noble.
"Ah, be welcome, Louise." Waving his hand, he orders me to sit at the chair in front of his desk.
Although he gives me attention, his mind is still half-focused in the documents loitering his desk.
I cannot judge him. With the passing of the king being so recent, I can only imagine how his duties must be swarming him.
"So, what is it that you wished to talk about? Is Ancelina not serving you well?"
Ancelina… so that is the name of the maid?
"No, she is serving me most graciously." I shake my head only slightly. "I came here to talk about Cattleya."
For a second, his movements halted.
"What is it?"
Putting the paper he was glancing at down on the table, he fixes his gaze straight at me.
I make sure not to squirm or show any discomfort under his eyes, I am a noble daughter, keeping my composure is mandatory.
"Yesterday, I discovered that a maid has been smuggling tea leaves from a suspicious merchant in town. Those same leaves are being used to prepare Cattleya's tea."
For an instant, he said nothing, did nothing.
Then, he entwined his hands and leaned on the table.
"And so, you came to me."
I nod.
"I am just a third daughter that hasn't reached maturity, I don't have any power. But, I hoped that you could do something about it."
He closed his eyes, as if in thought.
Then, a moment later, he opened them, resting his back on his chair.
"I must admit, I did not know of this. And it is, in many ways, dangerous."
"…"
That… was not the answer I wanted.
'Everything will be fine, we are aware of everyone's identity and made sure there's no poison or danger'.
I wanted to hear such a thing. But I suppose… that was asking for way too much.
The world isn't that convenient, after all.
"Most assuredly, some form of action must be taken."
"Do you plan on capturing the merchant?"
He shook his head.
"Not necessarily. All food that enters this manor is painstakingly chosen to be comprised of only the best produce. Should that merchant prove trustworthy and accept our inspections, I see no issue in turning him into an official provider, however…" His voice trailed off, his face suddenly pensive.
It is then that he turns to me.
"Tell me, Louise, what would you say this merchant could be, other than a hardworking person?"
Is he… testing me?
Well, I see no reason against it, so I comply with his request.
"Well, he could be an ill-intentioned commoner, maybe someone that relates to Albion's Reconquista movement. He could be a mercenary assassin, and is trying to gain our trust and poison our household. But… most important of all… he could be a spy or assassin from another country or house; should that be the case, he could be exchanging information with the maid, and using the tea as a cover, or maybe reward."
He nods, the corner of his lips turning up just a little.
"And what would you say, Louise, is the best way for us to deal with this problem?"
Although this might seem like a simple question, it actually requires thought. Just blindly rushing into the first solution that comes to mind would most certainly be foolish.
"We can't know what his true intentions are, so we should seek a solution that answers all possibilities.
"We can't do anything that might alert him to our awareness. So simply stopping the maid from meeting him, or preventing the leaves to be consumed are not acceptable answers. We also can't jump in blindly after him, so simply having the maid schedule a meeting for us would be foolish. Ideally, we should wait for the next time he and the maid meet, and while both are unaware, capture them."
He nods along, this time, a fully pleased smile on his face.
"Yes… yes, very good. You did a good job, Louise. However, you do acknowledge that, should this be done, chances of that merchant ever willingly working for us would be quite small, and Cattleya might end up without her favorite tea leaves."
I nod, not a hint of doubt in my actions.
"Yes, I am well aware, and if I could, this would still be the plan I followed through with."
"… Very well. Should that be your choice, I will contact the town guard and give them orders to capture any Vallière maids that interact with suspicious figures. I will also have a basic check of all our servants' pasts, and rule out anyone that may be in suspicion of betrayal."
His statement catches me by surprise.
Is he… following through with my word?
"Father, you would do as I say?"
"All children must grow at some moment. You did the correct thing in coming to me, and your suggestions, although not necessarily what I would do, are also not wrong. Take this as your first rule as a noble."
His words astound me.
Unlike mother… father does believe in me.
Maybe all my noble behavior has proven to father that I'm worthy.
"I see. I thank you for the opportunity, father."
He nods.
"I'll keep you updated, even after you've gone back to the academy."
Picking up the paper he had been reading, he waves me away.
"Now, should that be all, I'm quite busy with my duties."
"Yes, I shall bid you farewell, father."
Raising from the chair I was sitting in, I give him a curtsy, turn, and leave.
However, just as I was about to open the door and leave—
"Ah yes, I almost forgot to ask. What's your objective with all this, Louise?"
… I see.
I told him I came to him because I heard of where Cattleya's tea leaves came from. I never told him what it was that I wanted with acting over that.
"I don't want my sister hurt or involved with anything dangerous. It is as simple as that."
I don't bother turning around, nor do I bother with raising my voice. This simple declaration is all, should be all, that one such as myself needs to express her desires.
"I see… you may leave, now."
Opening the door, I leave father's study.
Finally outside, I take a deep breath.
It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Like I can now be assured that Cattleya's safer.
Yes, a weight has been lifted, but at the same time… I feel as if another one has been cast.
I did what I could to make sure Cattleya was safer, now I have to make sure it works.
This duty has been given to me, father believed in me and saw it as me growing up. I can't let either of them down.
Both because I am a Vallière, and because… I cannot bear to let any harm come upon my sister.
I turn to the side, where my personal maid, where Ancelina, was waiting for me. Just as I had left her before, standing perfectly impromptu at the side.
"My business here is done. Come."
With those simple words( s), I command my way out of that place.
Now that this has been dealt with, I need to both prepare myself for the events to come, and follow on with my routine.
I walk down the pristinely white halls, the expensive fortune achieved by the Vallière.
My destination is my room.
"—Ah."
However, I'm met with an unexpected person in the halls.
"Ah, Louise! How goes your day?" A cheerful voice that brightens my day greets me.
"Cattleya, it is a pleasure to see you." I greet her with a smile of my own. "The day goes just well, there were a few minor complications, but nothing outside of that."
"Really? Was it anything important?" She immediately grows worried for me.
"…"
I swear, she is too kind for her own good… but that does make her lovely.
"No, father merely called upon me to discuss a few things. It isn't anything you should worry yourself with. More importantly—"
With quick steps, I move closer to her, carefully inspecting her features.
She seems paler than normal.
"You had retired earlier because you were not feeling well. Is everything fine, do you need to return to bed?"
She takes a step back, quickly waving her hands. "Ah, no, no, nothing like that, it was just a bout of anemia. I came out because it thought a light stroll would do me good, that's all."
I can't help but smile in relief. "I see, that's good. Would you mind if I joined you?"
"Please feel free to do so."
Turning to my maid and giving her a nod, the two of us join Cattleya in her little stroll.
It is a small and slow walk through the mansion's halls.
Not a lot of time has passed since lunch, so the sun's yet to set.
The faint and barely cold breeze of a dying winter flutters through the open windows.
Cattleya doesn't have a body healthy enough to simply walk through the gardens, to take the burden of the sun.
For her, this small indoors walk is the best she can ever achieve.
Glancing at the flowers in the garden below, sitting by the window and watching the sunset from her room; those are common day activities for her.
It does make me sad.
If only she could live a healthier life…
But she can't. No matter what doctors came, what treatment was applied, she would never heal.
Life isn't that convenient… but because it isn't, I have to do my best to protect her… because… I care about her so much.
"So, you are leaving for the academy tomorrow."
Her voice brings my attention back to our little time together.
"Yes. I should be leaving a little before sunset."
It will take the entire day and almost the entirety of the next one to return there. I can't afford to spend more time here.
I wonder, if what I hear in her voice… is grief.
"I hope you succeed in your familiar summoning, Louise." She turns to me with a smile. "Make sure to write a letter telling me what it is."
I smile back. "Don't worry, you'll be the first to know."
Thinking well about it.
"What about your familiar? How is that cute little cat doing?"
"Well, a cat is a cat. Always running about, hunting and being lazy. I am sorry for her, though. I should give her more freedom, let her experience more of the world, but since I'm so ill…"
"Don't be." Without a second of hesitation, I move to destroy that train of thought. "I've seen that cat. She does love being around you, so I don't think she minds if she has to stay around this place."
"Is that so?" My sister smiles back. "Well, I do care for her and a few more animals… and, I am not feeling as winded as I had been earlier. Would you come see them with me, Louise?"
"The pleasure would be mine."
With that, we follow our day together.
Before I realize, dusk arrives.
The sun sets in the horizon, bathing the world in a reddish-orange.
Soon, the moons will be in the sky, and my last day in here will have come to an end.
When compared to my usual day-to-day, it was most certainly full of occurrences. I know that for someone like father or mother, all that happened could've made this no different from any other day, but for me, it was an event.
I use my thumb to flip through another page of the book I'm reading.
I see a magical formula and completely understand it, I see notes around it and think similarly.
It can't be helped, it isn't much more than a simple section.
Still, I can't let myself slip just because it is easy. Making sure the basics are covered is a good way to succeed further down.
I use my free hand to bring the tea cup to my lips. This time, I made sure to be drinking from the manor's official stock.
Although the taste is different, it isn't at all worse. In fact, it is quite nostalgic.
The day is nearing its end. If there's still something to be done—
It would most certainly be writing down on that paper I requested yesterday.
At the time, I wished to write down all possibilities that could lead Cattleya to danger, in the current situation… however, after I arrived from my bath, I was too stressed, and ended up forgetting about it.
Honestly, at this point, it wouldn't be unreasonable to simply take notes from the book I'm reading.
But I can't help but feel like that would be a waste.
Many things can be done with paper, but few are worthwhile.
I wonder… should I write… a letter?
I haven't truly written for anyone outside of my family.
However, I remember now… that the princess' father, the king, died not long ago.
Henrietta was my childhood playmate, and our friendship was most dear to me.
Although we parted time ago for reasons beyond our control, we did not leave on bad terms.
Time went on, and things changed. I have no clue if she remembers me as anything more than a distant childhood memory, but… at least for the friendship we used to hold, I should probably write her something.
A simple letter expressing my sympathy should suffice, a small message from a friend from long ago.
Something that reminds her the Vallière were both her friends and allies.
I close the book I'm reading and lay it on the table.
Reaching out for the piece of paper I have on my table, I begin writing the letter.
Something formal but not overly aloof, a message from both a vassal and a friend.
I have to be careful, though. It's better if I finish before the sun sets, else I'll be unable to have someone ride out to deliver this, today.
I let my hand flow along the page, displaying the elegant calligraphy I've practiced for my entire life.
"…"
There we have it.
It took a little while, but the letter I've sought to write has been completed.
The sunset is turning purple as the moons rise. This should be right on time.
I turn my head to look where Ancelina is and call out to her.
"Make sure this is put on a proper envelope and sent to the princess." Folding the letter down, I give it to her.
Trusting this to her might seem a little too careless, but she has served me well, and it's not like I have any particular trust for the other servants.
Although this letter is something of extreme importance, she does not hesitate to grab it.
"It will be done, Young Lady."
With a bow, she turns and begins to walk, when suddenly, she stops.
"Young Lady." Turning back to me, she begins to speak. "I apologize for the inconvenience; however, I have an important duty tonight. After this, I might be unable to return to you, today."
"Is that so? Well then, think nothing of it. Just make sure this letter is properly sent and have another servant care for my bath."
I won't throw a fit and complain because of that. Being mad at a servant for trying to follow her duties in the manor is the height of stupidity. Especially when the only inconvenience is not having her at my back and call.
She bows to me. "Thank you, Young Lady." And leaves the room.
I think about returning to my book, but my mind is not sufficiently rested as to return to studying.
I simply watch the sunset while sipping on my tea, waiting for the time of my bath.
The familiar summoning ritual will soon come. And I feel… no, I know that it will change everything.
I enjoy this last moment of peace in my house, with my life as it currently is.
Eventually, I'm called for my bath.
I return from my bath.
My hair is damp and my body feels refreshed.
The night has fully risen in the sky.
The manor is silent. Most servants have already retired, and few tasks remain for those that still work. I can only surmise that my parents have also returned to their chamber.
I suppose this means I really did take my sweet time in the bath.
Just like she said would happen, Ancelina hasn't returned to me tonight.
That's fine, however. I have nothing else to do.
The moons have risen far up, coloring the world in red and blue.
I should probably go to sleep early, today.
Tomorrow I'll be parting back to the academy. Being tired while embarking on the journey would only make it more miserable.
I walk back to my bed, covering my torso with the covers—
Before that, I should probably return to that novel of yesterday.
I had no extreme mood shifts today, so I can only suppose it helped me calm my nerves.
. . .
So, what did you get for her birthday this year?
"My presence, that's what. Do I look like someone that has the time to buy presents?"
… Alright, let's try this again, grumpy. What did you get for her birthday this year?
"… A new hat."
See, that's much better.
Now, what kind of hat was it?
"What's with the questioning? Come up with your own present."
Hey! I'll have you know, I went above and beyond to get her a new staff!
"A new staff… really?"
Yes, and it's beautiful!
"You do realize that we don't use outsiders' staffs, and all of ours are standardized and made by… that woman…, right?"
Yes, but…
"So, you do realize that unless you managed to get her to do a staff, it's going to be worthless, right?"
What makes you think I didn't?!
"Anyone who's been around her for the last two years can tell she isn't kind enough to help you with this."
That's not true, sure, she might be harsh, but that's just stress from running this entire group. Don't get your prejudice involved in this.
And sure, even if I didn't get mom to do the staffs, it's still a perfectly valid present, because she'll eventually learn how to do them herself, so she'll be able to customize it!
"That sure is a lot of hope in the future you have."
Of course I have, I have no doubt she'll learn just fine and become the next leader!
"That's not what I'm talking about here."
… Enough of that. Nothing like that is going to happen.
"Awful lot of optimism that you have there."
I said enough.
"Fine. Where did you get the staff?"
… what makes you think I didn't do it myself?
"Cut the crap. Where did you get the staff?"
… Mist Valley.
"Excuse me?!"
More specifically, the Gusto. I asked Winda for a quality staff that could aid in rituals.
"Like I said, excuse me?!"
What, like I said, I went above and beyond for this staff!
"You asked the priestess of the Gusto for a staff?! When did you ever even get the time for that anyway!"
Well, most of my assignments are really boring, and I get some extra time when returning, so I went there on the way. No one would notice if I took a day or two longer to come back, anyway.
Besides, Winda's a friend. Don't you remember when we were younger, and all the times we were sent to assignments in there, and we ended up befriending the other kids?
"That was years ago! Besides, our relationship with the Gusto isn't as active and cooperative as it used to be."
Then let this be a sign that we will enjoy pleasant relations in the future!
"I swear…"
Enough of this looking down on my present!
All you got her was a hat!
"Yes, but instead of doing something potentially disrespectful and politically dangerous, I sewed it myself!"
…Wait, you sewed her a hat… all by yourself?
"Yes!"
I never thought you had it in you.
…How amateurish did it end up as?
"It's probably way too big, and I've made it pointy… and it's way too tall, but there's nothing to sustain it, so the tip ends up falling like a tail."
At least you tried.
Is there any embroidery?
"Some golden jewels to serve as the ribbon."
Oh, I can't wait to see it in action.
"Tch. Don't say that as if your worthless staff was any better."
At least it will look good!
"At least mine is useful!"
Tch.
"Tch."
You are my least favorite brother, I swear.
"… I'm your only brother, by definition I'm also your most beloved. You, on the other hand, I can say are my least favorite sister."
… Being the least favorite still means I'm a favorite! So, you do care!
"Argh!"
Anyway, let's get going, Emilia won't receive her presents if we are not there, after all.
"Let's."
Alright, second chapter out.
I'm still feeling somewhat inspired, so I'll probably be able to pump out at least one more in a short period.
Ah yes, thank you all who gave this a chance, I hope you are enjoying it!
See ya next time.
