“What’s wrong, Loraviel?” Olivia asked. “You seem a little... distracted?”

“N-no, it’s nothing.” Loraviel shook her head. “It’s just... a bit emotional. Over two months ago, I suddenly ended up working as a maid at the Venus manor. Originally, I was supposed to stay for two years before being released and allowed to retake the Ibet Magic Academy entrance exam... but now, I might be leaving in just one more month.”

“These past two months must’ve been quite hard on you, huh?” Olivia sounded genuinely sympathetic toward Loraviel’s situation.

“The first month really was hard to endure... but after that, it became... fun. I started enjoying it.”

“So, in this last remaining month, I plan to do everything I can to fulfill Lady Liana’s requests. I won’t let myself upset her, not in this final month. And I definitely won’t cause any more trouble for Princess Mepeilu,” Loraviel said earnestly.

“That makes sense.” Olivia nodded. “If anything unexpected were to happen now, it really would be troublesome.”

“I already know what I’ll do after I leave Lady Liana’s side.”

“Oh?” Olivia raised a brow. “You’ve already decided?”

“Yes, I’ve decided.” From the moment she learned the truth, Loraviel had already made up her mind— She would become someone irreplaceable to Lady Olivia. Her own talent, her abilities, would be devoted to that path.

“Oh?” Olivia looked at Loraviel with growing curiosity. “Mind telling me? Like becoming a royal knight after completing your training?”

“Yes. That will be my goal,” Loraviel said.

“Of course... that’s just a goal. Even if I fail, that’s fine too. So I won’t let it weigh me down.”

“That’s wonderful!” Olivia placed both hands on Loraviel’s shoulders with genuine excitement. She had always known Loraviel was gifted—and that was exactly why she worked so hard. If someone as talented as her could join the royal knights, it would be the best possible outcome.

“...Mm-hm.” Loraviel felt a tiny twinge of guilt. Was it really okay to do this?

No, no! It’s only because Lady Olivia still misunderstands Lady Liana. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, she’ll definitely support me.

“Hey, hey, hey! What are you whispering to my maid about?”

A familiar voice—Liana’s—called out behind them.

“Your Highness... and Lady Liana.” Though she wasn’t pleased, Olivia still bowed politely to Liana. It was the most basic courtesy of a knight.

Today, both girls were dressed casually: a plain shirt, shorts, and sandals. But paired with their lovely faces, they looked anything but plain.

Simplicity was best—the more gorgeous the outfit, the more troublesome it was to wear, and the harder it was to move around in.

They weren’t going to a banquet, after all. They were going out to enjoy themselves.

And besides, they’d already seen each other in all kinds of outfits—even in swimsuits—so what they wore today really didn’t matter.

“Were you bullying my maid?” Liana asked.

“No, I was just talking to Loraviel.” If Mepeilu weren’t standing here, Olivia would’ve definitely snapped back.

“Lady Liana, Lady Olivia didn’t do anything to me.”

“So why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to return with the others from Venus Manor?” Liana asked.

“Eh?” Loraviel was caught off guard. “I came here to wait for you so we could go back together... Wait, don’t tell me... Lady Liana, are you not planning to return?”

“Don’t tell me! Lady Liana has already been completely ‘shaped’ by Princess Mepeilu?” Olivia said teasingly.

Liana waved a hand. “You go back first. No, wait—you go back with Naibet.”

That was close. If she’d accidentally sent Loraviel back with Countess Ruth, that would’ve been a disaster.

There’s no way I can leave Loraviel—this little lamb—alone in Venus Manor. Way too dangerous.

Staying with Naibet might make Loraviel a bit miserable, but at the very least, Naibet would keep her safe.

“Lady Liana is going to stay in the Lisat Royal Capital?” Loraviel quickly asked.

“What, can’t stand a few days without me?” Liana walked up to Loraviel and teasingly lifted her chin with a finger.

“Just a little separation and you already can’t take it? You really are... always thinking such strange things, you know?”

Danger.

Liana suddenly felt a sharp, off-kilter gaze pierce through her.

“I’m your maid. If you don’t go back, then I’ll stay here and wait for you. Besides, if you’re not there, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do,” Loraviel said.

“Clean the sheets, tidy the room, and prepare to welcome your master home. Isn’t that what a maid is supposed to do?” Liana replied.

“True... but as a maid, I should still ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ keep the room clean daily.”

“Fine, fine... But Naibet isn’t heading back yet. She and Aileen have matters to finish, and once they’re done, they’ll go back together. So I’ll just return with Countess Ruth,” Olivia said.

“What? Countess Ruth?”

Cough, cough! Liana quickly cleared her throat. “Er... no. You stay here a little longer. I still need your help with something.”

“Alright.” Loraviel nodded.

She hadn’t actually lied to Liana. Aileen and Naibet really were staying to finish their business. She had just intentionally said things that would make Liana react this way—to ensure Countess Ruth didn’t get left alone with her.

Maid, wicked.

Mepeilu looked at Liana. She could tell exactly what Liana was thinking.

Sending Loraviel back alone at this point really would be dangerous.

“It’s fine, Loraviel. Even after they leave, you can stay here and rest if you want. And if you’re nervous about being alone, you can come stay at my place. I’ll arrange a room for you,” Mepeilu said.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

If I’m around, Princess Mepeilu probably won’t try anything too extreme with Lady Liana...

But aristocratic rooms were known for their soundproofing. Even if something “strange” were to happen inside... Loraviel wouldn’t be able to tell at all...

“I’ll have Vivian prepare your accommodations now. You can go rest in a bit,” Mepeilu said.

“Alright.” Loraviel nodded. “But... Lady Liana, Princess Mepeilu, what are the two of you doing today?”

“We’re just going to walk around the festival a bit. Look around, shop a little, have some fun,” Mepeilu said casually.

“Then please take me with you!” Loraviel said.

“Eh?” Mepeilu’s expression immediately stiffened.

“This is a date between me and Liana! Why would you tag along?”

Liana herself wasn’t even sure what to say. Why would you follow us around?

But Loraviel’s next words shut Liana right up.

“Yesterday, Lady Liana strained her arm from carrying too many things. She’s been sore ever since. As her maid, that was my failure. I shouldn’t have let her carry heavy things alone and cause herself harm. So please, allow me to accompany you today!” Loraviel declared.

“Sore arms?” Mepeilu narrowed her eyes with a teasing smile. “Didn’t you say it didn’t hurt at all?”

“Right—yesterday, when I was helping her apply the medicine, Lady Liana—”

“Stop this woman from talking!” Liana rushed forward and clamped a hand over Loraviel’s mouth.

“Alright, alright! You can come. Just... stop talking already,” Liana said in defeat.

“...Mepeilu, though not pleased, didn’t say anything either.”

Loraviel, though a little pleased, knew better than to show it.

“Sigh...” Liana let out a long breath and walked over to Mepeilu.

“Sorry.”

“Who told you to act so proud on the outside?” Mepeilu puffed her cheeks in mild frustration. She looked adorably sulky.

But she was wrong—Liana’s mouth wasn’t hard at all.

It was soft, warm, and sweet.