Chapter 16: My Feelings Grow Stronger.
《Liese’s Side》
Lord Serios is always busy.
From the day I was brought to this Mansion until now, I have almost never seen Lord Serios resting.
In this large Mansion, I always see him walking with a dignified posture, secluding himself in his Office to deal with a vast amount of paperwork, and bravely confronting the problems of his domain.
That is a very admirable thing, but every time I see him like that, my chest aches.
He saved my mother, gave us food and a place to sleep, work, and even a salary.
However, I can’t help but feel that I haven’t been able to do anything to repay that kindness. Even if I work hard at my duties in the Mansion, I don’t think I’m being of any use to Lord Serios personally.
Today, too, the door to his Office remains closed, and Lord Serios has been working since morning. The sound of writing and the light tapping on his desk, audible through the door, tell me what he’s doing.
I stop in front of that door and let out a small sigh.
Should I knock once and say, “I’ve brought some Tea”? Or should I just silently enter and leave the Tea? Even for such trivial matters, all I think about is what would be best for Lord Serios.
I feel pathetic for not knowing how I can be of help to him.
“Liese.”
Suddenly, I heard my mother’s gentle voice from behind me. When I turned around, my mother, with a soft smile, was gazing intently at my face.
“What’s wrong? You look so troubled.”
“…I feel like I haven’t been able to do anything.”
Putting it into words made my chest tighten more than I expected. Mother gently took my hand. The warmth of her hand lightened my heart just a little.
“Liese, you’re doing very well. Besides, you’ll be attending the academy with Lord Serios, won’t you? You can support Lord Serios then.”
“Yeah. Thank you, Mother.”
I give a small nod to my mother’s words.
But, while I feel frustrated with myself for only being able to think about it, I can’t suppress these feelings.
That night, I couldn’t sleep and kept thinking in my bed.
I recall the time Lord Serios saved us.
At that time, my appearance was very dirty, and I don’t think I was someone a noble boy would want to help.
But Lord Serios accepted me without a single displeased look. He brought me to the Mansion, and washed clean both my soiled body and heart.
And since our life in the Mansion began, he has never once treated us unkindly. Rather, he has poured out his unstinting efforts so that Mother and I could live even a little more comfortably.
“What can I possibly give him in return…?”
As if seeking that answer, I close my eyes and picture Lord Serios’s face.
Lord Serios’s dignified profile. That face, always serious, sometimes showing a fleeting expression of fatigue, is deeply engraved in my heart.
I find my hand touching my chest, the other tucked between my thighs, as I continue to think about Lord Serios.
I want to support everything about him.
Not just as mere words, but as a deeper, more instinctive feeling, it welled up within me.
I want to protect Lord Serios’s smile.
When Lord Serios is tired, I want to cast everything aside and stay by his side.
No matter how difficult Lord Serios’s future may be, I want to be a presence that illuminates his path.
My everything exists for Lord Serios.
The next morning, the usual Mansion morning began. My heart was a little different from how it had been until yesterday.
Just by resolving to dedicate everything I can do for Lord Serios, my heart felt much lighter.
Past noon, I waited for the right moment and knocked on the Office door.
“Lord Serios, may I have a moment of your time?”
“Enter.”
When I opened the door, he was at his desk as usual, looking through documents. Just seeing his face made the depths of my chest grow warm, and at the same time, my hands trembled with nervousness.
“What is it?”
At his voice, I bow my head deeply.
“Lord Serios, please allow me to speak with you for just a moment.”
He stopped what he was doing and stared intently at me. Though slightly overwhelmed by his serious gaze, I steeled my resolve.
“From now on, I want to support everything about you, Lord Serios.”
I feel his eyes widen slightly. But I didn’t stop.
“It is thanks to you, Lord Serios, that I am here. That’s why I… I want to dedicate my life, my heart, my everything to you, Lord Serios.”
I boldly put it into words. While feeling my heart beat so fast it seemed like it would break, I still looked at him without averting my gaze.
After a few seconds of silence, Lord Serios let out a small, soft laugh.
“Liese, you’re so serious.”
At those words, my cheeks grew a little warm. He stood up from his desk and came to stand in front of me.
“I’m happy that you feel that way. But don’t push yourself too hard. I have no intention of making you bear everything. Besides, if it means you’ll be happy, you don’t need to worry about me.”
It seems Lord Serios doesn’t think I’m serious. Just like a father would to a child, he gently patted my head.
Huh? Could it be that Lord Serios is treating me like a child?
“…Lord Serios? I’m serious. I want to be of use to you, Lord Serios!”
He looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave a small nod.
“I understand. I’ve properly received your feelings. I’m happy. That you’d say that to me.”
He’s definitely not taking me seriously! I get it. I get it now.
I won’t lose! I’ll make Lord Serios acknowledge me as a woman, and make him say he wants me!
Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today!