Chapter 34: Pride and Reality
《Liese’s POV》
Lord Serios came looking for me.
When I was talking with high-ranking nobles in the Courtyard, Lord Serios called out to me.
It was the first time that had happened since I came to the academy, and I couldn’t stop my heart from pounding. I was happy to feel a Warmth spread deep within my chest.
The conversations with the Prince, Lord Raul, and Lord Gard were somehow formal, and I felt like nothing more than a mere ornament there.
Nothing about it resonated with my heart.
But Lord Serios’s voice was different.
“Liese, do you have a moment?”
Those words felt as if they were showing me where I belonged.
A Light shone in, and he needed me. I was so happy about that, my body moved on its own.
“Lord Serios! Of course, I don’t mind!”
A voice louder than I expected came out. I could tell Lord Serios was a little surprised. Even so, I wanted to go to Lord Serios’s side immediately.
I don’t remember a single one of the trivial words spoken after that.
The conversation with Lord Serios after we were alone was short, awkward, yet still made my heart leap.
Lord Serios was concerned about me. Just that alone, how happy it made me. Even thinking back on it makes my face flush.
While we were sitting together on a bench in the Courtyard, Lord Serios gently touched my hand. That Warmth gave me a sense of security.
“I’ll be counting on you from now on.”
Those words resonated gently in my heart.
Lord Serios needs me. Even if it’s just as master and attendant, I’m fine with that. To wish for more would be too much of a luxury.
I do have romantic feelings. But those can only come to fruition if Lord Serios notices me. I’ll continue to make my appeal, but I mustn’t become a hindrance to Lord Serios.
But… if, in the nuances of Lord Serios’s words, there’s even a tiny hint that he thinks of me as special, that alone is enough Happiness for me.
“Yes, Lord Serios.”
My smile when I answered must have been shining with an irrepressible joy.
After parting with Lord Serios, I was walking through the academy’s Courtyard. Recalling our earlier conversation, I felt my heart pound.
However, that happy time was suddenly shattered.
“Are you the commoner, Liese-san? I have something to discuss with you.”
Turning around at the cold voice, I saw two noble young ladies standing there.
Lord Raul’s Fiancée, Lady Astersha of House Durand.
Lord Gard’s Fiancée, Lady Mireille of House Glanz.
Both of them are very beautiful and are renowned beauties at the academy. These two stood before me, looking angry.
“You were fawning over men again, weren’t you?”
Lady Astersha spat out. Her voice was clearly filled with hostility.
I had been warned about talking to Lord Raul, and I had promised not to initiate conversation with him.
However, when Lord Raul spoke to me, I couldn’t ignore him, so I’ve explained repeatedly that I was merely responding, but they won’t listen.
“No, that’s not…”
As I tried to deny it, Lady Mireille cut me off with sharp words.
“Don’t lie! Weren’t you just happily talking with Lord Gard and the other two in the Courtyard? And after that, you were even fawning over Serios von Aegrid. How many men do you have to bewitch before you’re satisfied!?”
Their words pierced my chest. Having been warned, I am careful.
It’s true, I was talking with them. But it wasn’t something I sought.
They were the ones who spoke to me, and I’m merely in a position where I cannot refuse. Besides, Lord Serios is my master.
To say I’m fawning over them is outrageous. Rather, if they’d come to like me for it, I’d fawn over them as much as they want!
However, I know it’s useless to say anything to them. Their goal isn’t to out-argue me, but to humiliate me.
I also bear some responsibility for wounding their pride.
“…I apologize.”
I could only lower my head.
I understand that this is their victory. Someone in my position is not allowed to defy them. That was the reality at this academy.
“Hmph, as long as you understand. Know your place a little.”
Lady Astersha spat out and turned her back.
Lady Mireille also left in the same manner. Watching their backs, I suppressed the frustration welling up deep in my chest.
I sat down quietly alone in a corner of the Courtyard.
As if the happy feelings from before were a lie, my chest grew heavy.
The words “Know your place” repeated over and over in my mind.
Even though Lord Serios believed in me, they don’t see me that way. Why…
Suddenly, Lord Serios’s words came back to me.
“I’ll be counting on you from now on.”
Those words brought Warmth to my chest once more.
No matter what they say to me, as long as Lord Serios believes in me, I can keep going.
So, I won’t lose. While holding onto my frustration and sadness, I decided to look forward and walk on. As long as Lord Serios needs me, I will do my utmost for him.
Because that is my pride.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today! There’s about a week left in the year, isn’t there?
Thank you for reading amidst your busy schedules!!
I’ll do my best to make this enjoyable for your spare moments (๑>◡<๑)