I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince

Chapter 409

From the day I lost something precious to Ethan in the secret cave along Plyana Beach, a week has passed.

Back at Blackwood Estate, a subtle tension lingered between Ethan and me.

“Lilith, have you heard any news about Father’s return?”

“I’m not sure. The academy term has ended, so he should be back soon...”

“Right. Knowing him, it’s probably nothing serious, but I can’t help but worry a little.”

“He’ll likely return soon. Being a professor at the academy, I imagine he’s occupied with many responsibilities.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s probably it.”

“...”

“...”

Despite returning to Blackwood Estate, Harold had yet to come back. Both Ethan and I wished for his swift return, but not because Blackwood needed his charisma to function. Instead, our reasons for wanting him back were a bit more personal.

“Father needs to come back soon so I can begin my Blackwood heir training.”

“Indeed, Master Ethan.”

“...I also need to continue my sword practice with him. We barely got a chance this term.”

“Yes, Master Ethan.”

At Professor Mamari’s villa and even the coastal caves along Plyana Beach, things heated up without any real conclusion. Both Ethan and I were growing increasingly impatient.

This term’s classes mostly involved explorations outside the academy, which left little opportunity for Ethan to spar with Harold, which also meant fewer chances for him to claim his ‘rewards’ from winning. Though we found... alternative ways to handle each other’s needs, they could never fully satisfy the fundamental desires between men and women.

Ethan had to win a match against Harold, by any means, for us to have a proper excuse to be together. We agreed to refrain from anything else until then, committing ourselves to some semblance of restraint.

‘But seriously, where is Harold...?’@@@@

I knew that professors usually stayed longer at the academy than students, but it had been ten days since our classes ended, and still, no sign of him. This was unusual.

Considering we lived in a fantasy world, it wasn’t impossible that something urgent had delayed him without time to send word. As we waited anxiously, a letter from the academy arrived, bearing the Blackwood family seal. It could only have been from Harold.

“Master Ethan, you have a letter from your father.”

“A letter?”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of the letter. It was no surprise; after all, receiving a letter instead of him personally showing up likely meant he was explaining his absence.

Sure enough, as Ethan read through the letter, his expression quickly hardened, even from my angle. I could easily guess the contents without asking.

“Oh, thanks, Lilith.”

Helping Ethan in the study like this was the most I could do. I didn’t dislike fulfilling my duties as his personal maid, but the feeling was akin to a child whose Christmas present had been snatched away.

“Lilith, could you draft a reply to the Pinewood family? Just something along the lines of, ‘We acknowledge your request, but we won’t be able to offer support this year.’”

“Are you sure I should be the one to do it? Isn’t this a task your father assigned to you?”

“Your handwriting is so much better, Lilith. Father won’t mind if it’s you.”

“...Understood. I’ll draft it, but I’ll still need you to review it before finalizing, Master Ethan.”

“Alright, thanks.”

I began writing the reply, feeling slightly unsure about my hand in Blackwood affairs, but following Ethan’s instructions. Sitting here, working side-by-side with Ethan, gave me a fleeting sense of being the lady of the estate.

...Though it was unlikely I’d actually become his wife, given that Lady Rainey, the princess, would most likely take that position.

‘I haven’t seen Lady Rainey at all this term.’

Though we were in different departments, I thought I’d bump into her at least once. Among the other heroines, the one I encountered most was the alchemist Mezlen, since we were both in the same department.

Reflecting on all this, I finished the correspondence with Ethan, realizing it was already evening. He seemed unaware of the time, engrossed in his work like Harold often was. I gently approached him to let him know.

“Master Ethan, it’s time for dinner.”

“Oh, really? Is it that late already?”

“Yes. While it’s admirable to be so dedicated, you should take a break. With plenty of summer break left, it’s important to balance work and rest.”

“Understood, Lilith. Oh, about the letters...”

“I’ll leave them on your desk for you to review tomorrow. If they look good, you can seal them.”

“Alright. Could you let them know I’ll have dinner in about an hour? There’s something I need to finish first.”

“Of course. I’ll inform the kitchen.”

Ethan hurried out of the study, leaving me to tidy up before heading to the kitchen to relay his instructions.

‘But where could he have gone in such a hurry?’

If he needed assistance with bathing, he would’ve called for me. I had seen him head downstairs, so he hadn’t gone back to his room.

‘His remaining task for the day... must be...’

With only one item left on his to-do list, I followed him out to the training grounds, hoping my personal dagger might come in handy.