Chapter 33: I Tried Reporting to the Villainess.
《Serios’s Side》
Time spent having tea with Claris is surprisingly relaxing.
Her sharp gaze and words are merciless, but that, in turn, helps clear my doubts. Today, too, I headed to the tearoom, feeling as if her voice was giving me a push.
“Now then, how did it go?”
The moment Claris saw me, that was the first thing she asked. She held a teacup filled with tea Faina had prepared, smiling elegantly, but her eyes held a determination not to let me escape.
“…I talked to her.”
When I answered, Claris gave a small nod, placed her teacup down, and leaned back in her chair.
“I can tell that much just by looking at your face. So? What was the outcome?”
“…It seemed like she believes in me.”
At those words, Claris raised an eyebrow slightly. Though I was curious about her reaction, I continued.
“Liese said she’s by my side of her own free will. She understands her role and is trying to fulfill it. …But more than that, there was no hesitation in her words.”
“No hesitation, you say.”
Claris murmured, as if mulling over my words, a small smile playing on her lips.
“And? How did you feel about that?”
“How did I feel…”
I was at a loss for words for a moment at that question. How did I feel? It was an emotion I hadn’t quite sorted out myself.
I felt as if Liese’s words had saved me. At the same time, her resolve resonated heavily in my chest. More than I, she understands her own position and knows how to conduct herself within noble society.
“Honestly, she’s stronger than I thought. I thought I was the one helping her… but she was more steadfast than I am.”
When I replied so, Claris smiled with satisfaction.
“I see. So, has that fogginess inside you cleared up a bit?”
“…No, I feel like it’s actually increased.”
At my answer, Claris narrowed her eyes and smiled.
“Well, that’s only natural. That ‘fogginess’ you’re feeling is surely a special emotion towards her.”
“A special emotion…”
Those words pierced my chest. How do I feel about Liese? I still can’t answer that.
“So, what was her reaction?”
“Reaction?”
“Yes, if you spoke to her and conveyed something, she must have shown some kind of emotion, right?”
At Claris’s question, I recalled Liese’s expression.
“She… was smiling.”
“Smiling?”
“She looked happy. She seemed surprised that I was concerned about her… and then, she showed me a very gentle smile.”
Remembering her smile at that moment, my chest warmed a little again.
“That’s quite a good reaction, isn’t it?”
Claris said, lifting her teacup and taking a light sip.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, of course. The fact that she happily received your words is proof that she holds some kind of affection for you.”
I gasped slightly at those words.
“But, Serios. How she feels is important, but ultimately, what you want to do is what matters.”
“What I… want to do…”
I mulled over those words.
What do I want to do? Every time I think about it, Liese’s smile comes to mind. I realize just how much her being by my side supports me.
“If you don’t have an answer yet, you can take your time thinking about it. Just, before someone else snatches her away, that is.”
Claris’s words were laced with her usual sarcasm, but that, conversely, struck a chord in my heart.
“…Thank you, Claris.”
“Oh my, how rare. To think the day would come when I’d hear thanks from you. I’m merely watching over an interesting story, you know.”
She said so with a smile. That smile was as if she saw through everything, and I felt a little frustrated.
“So? How far have things progressed?”
“Progressed?”
“That’s right. At the very least, she said she believes in you, didn’t she? That means you’re a special existence to her.”
At those words, I felt my heart pound a little.
“But, that’s because I’m her master, right?”
When I retorted so, Claris sighed in exasperation.
“Why is it that you don’t feel the contradiction in your own words? You’re truly oblivious. If she only saw you as a mere master, she wouldn’t look so happy like that. Normally, that is.”
“…What do you mean?”
“It’s simple, Serios. It means there’s a high probability she sees you as more than just her master.”
I was speechless at Claris’s words. She sees me as more than her master? Could something like that really be possible?
I just can’t bring myself to be confident, and I’m scared that if I confess, this relationship will break.
More than anything, her Mother was saved, and she was prepared to offer everything to me. In other words, it’s not about romance or love, but simply obeying her master.
Am I not just forcing her to obey me?
“Well, what you do in the end is up to you. But, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find out how Liese feels about you, would it?”
Claris’s words gave rise to a new question in my heart. How does Liese feel about me? By knowing that, perhaps my own feelings will become clearer.
“…That might be true.”
“That reaction, it feels like you’ve finally become a little more positive.”
Claris smiled with satisfaction and brought the teacup to her lips once more.
“Now then, if your relationship with Liese progresses, be sure to tell me again. Observing an interesting story from the sidelines is quite enjoyable, after all.”
“…Are you really just treating me like a toy?”
When I said that, Claris smiled mischievously.
“Not at all. It’s just that your obliviousness is irresistibly amusing.”
I could only give a wry smile at those words.
However, it’s precisely because Claris gave me a push that I can think about Liese and Faina.
It’s not like Liese told me she likes me, but I’m happy that she’s by my side.
And Faina did tell me she likes me. That also makes me happy.
♢
《Claris’s Side》
Having tea with Serios like this is enjoyable.
Even when I have tea with the Prince, I don’t laugh this much…
He’s oblivious to his own feelings, and perhaps indifferent to the emotions of those around him; it’s amusing to watch.
I can understand why other women can’t seem to leave him alone. Besides, though he has a harsh gaze, his looks aren’t bad, you know.
If the Prince is the type to sparkle brilliantly, then Serios is the type who emits a beautiful radiance, illuminated by the moonlight.
Unlike when he was a child, it’s very enjoyable to watch him grow.
His situation with Lady Liese will surely become an important turning point for Serios.
Just imagining what kind of reaction he’ll have when the day comes that he realizes those feelings makes my heart flutter a little.
“Serios, keep doing your best with that obliviousness. I’ll be cheering you on.”
Muttering softly, I began to walk.