Chapter 72: I Can’t Help But Feel Lonely.
《Maria’s Side》
A new atmosphere has begun to drift through the Aegrid Territory.
This is because Lady Claris has been formally welcomed as Lord Serios’s wife. Although the marriage ceremony hasn’t taken place yet, Lord Serios has been united with a specific woman.
Many voices within the territory can be heard praising her beauty and intelligence, and I myself feel she is a wonderful person.
However, I can’t help but feel a sense of loneliness somewhere inside.
To be honest… it was also true that a small, thorn-like anxiety was pricking my heart.
“Um, Liese…”
One day, I gently called out to Liese, who had just finished her housework.
She turned around briskly, her gaze fixed on my face.
“What’s wrong, Mother? You don’t seem well. Are you feeling sick?”
At those words, I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.
“I’m sorry, I’m feeling fine. Actually, it’s about Lady Claris… I’m a little unsure how to interact with her.”
“Lady Claris? As Lord Serios’s wife, she’s a very wonderful person. She’s kind even to a commoner like me. I think you’ll be fine just acting normally, Mother!”
Liese answers frankly, but another worry had begun to sprout within me.
“That may be so, but… I can’t help but worry. You see, Lady Claris is young and beautiful, and above all, as a former duke’s daughter, she possesses an elegance that I think makes her a perfect match for Lord Serios.”
The more I spoke of Lady Claris, the sadder I became.
“I’m getting older, and I have nothing to offer.”
“That’s not true! I think you’re beautiful, Mother!”
Liese denied it forcefully, but I could only offer a wry smile.
“Thank you. You’re very cute too. But, Liese… when I feel Lord Serios’s gaze turn towards Lady Claris, I just can’t help… feeling sad.”
“…So that’s what it is.”
Liese seemed to share the same feelings, her words catching in her throat. I didn’t know what to do, so I fell silent.
“Then, Mother! Why don’t we make a move on Lord Serios?!”
“Huh? Make a move?”
Ignoring my bewilderment at her sudden suggestion, Liese spoke with even more fervor.
“That’s right! The two of us will appeal to Lord Serios, like, ‘Please look at us too!'”
“Mother and Daughter… making a move… I wonder if that’s okay?”
While surprised by the idea, the fact that I found it somewhat exciting—is it because I still have lingering attachments?
“Alright, Liese. Then, let’s do our best together.”
The next day, we immediately put our plan into action.
First, we thought it wouldn’t be right to do it where Lady Claris was, so we decided to visit Lord Serios’s room after dinner, once everyone had retired to their respective chambers.
“Mother! Lady Claris has returned to her room!”
“Thank you, Liese.”
After dividing the preparations between us, we set off to visit Lord Serios’s room.
“Lord Serios, it’s Maria. May I come in?”
“Maria? Ah, yes, that’s fine.”
Having received permission, I entered.
“Excuse me!”
“Hmm? Is Liese here too?”
“Yes! Excuse us.”
When Liese and I entered the room together, Lord Serios looked up, a little surprised. Having just come from his bath and preparing for bed, Lord Serios had a certain allure about him that made my heart skip a beat.
“Maria, Liese? What are you two doing here together?”
“Um, sorry to bother you before you sleep.”
“No, I don’t go to bed this early, so it’s fine.”
“What were you about to do now?”
“Hmm, probably some reading?”
“Was it alright for us to intrude?”
“Ah, I don’t mind.”
Outside, a cold wind was tapping against the window.
“I’ve brewed some warm Tea. I was hoping we could talk together.”
When I placed cookies and Tea on the table, Lord Serios smiled and resettled himself on the sofa.
“Thank you. You’re both so kind. I’m tired, so sweets are a welcome treat.”
That smile made my heart pound.
Lord Serios is unfair. He’s the only one making my heart race like this, and I’m embarrassed that I harbor such feelings for a man the same age as my Daughter.
“Lord Serios, won’t you let us soothe your usual weariness?”
“Eh?”
Liese, with an innocent smile, made the suggestion to Lord Serios.
“What’s gotten into you two?”
At those words, Liese and I looked at each other and laughed.
“When Lord Serios welcomed Lady Claris as his wife, we started to feel a little anxious. We wondered if we were no longer needed.”
“That’s not true! I’m supported by both Maria and Liese. I know how hard you both work!”
Lord Serios spoke, sounding a little flustered, and met our gazes.
“My apologies. It’s true that lately, I’ve had Claris helping me with work, and I think I’ve been spending a lot of time with her. But I haven’t forgotten about you two.”
“We understand.”
I stood up and sat down next to Lord Serios.
“Lord Serios, I love the sound of your voice. I also want to support you as you work hard.”
“Thank you.”
“However, we’d like you to pay a little attention to us too.”
When I gave the signal, Liese sat on Lord Serios’s other side, and the two of us sat sandwiching him.
“Liese?”
“It’s not fair for only Mother to get attention. I want Lord Serios to pay attention to me too.”
“Um, what should I do?”
“May we snuggle up to you?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Me too.”
The two of us hugged Lord Serios. Feeling Lord Serios’s Warmth was reassuring.
“Um… this is…”
“After I put Liese to bed, I’ll come back later. For now, won’t you hold both of us?”
“…Alright.”
It’s still too soon for Liese, isn’t it? Please let me monopolize Lord Serios just a little longer.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today!