As the day faded and shadows deepened, I had just completed my tasks and was considering going to dinner. Courtgain approached me from behind, radiating a quiet urgency.
“Lord Cecil, it appears Milma has arrived,” he murmured, his voice almost inaudible.
I briefly glanced at the area that Courtgain had subtly indicated. There stood Milma, concealed behind a column, waiting for the perfect moment to emerge, her eyes reflecting anxious anticipation as she observed us. When she noticed that we were aware of her presence, she emerged from the shadows, a look of relief brightening her face.
“I’m sorry to interrupt during this busy moment, but I must talk to Lord Cecil…”
Before speaking to me, Milma turned to Courtgain with gratitude, nodding slightly in thanks. Courtgain returned the gesture with a small nod, as if to say, “Don’t worry about it,” and flashed her a brief smile. This short interaction appeared to spark joy in Milma.
Their straightforward interaction made me smile, but I noticed the knights responsible for our safety. Their faces showed disbelief as they watched Milma approach.
“What’s happening, Milma? Shouldn’t you be with Tia right now?” I asked, taking a moment to let the knights distance themselves while keeping them near enough to maintain their protective roles.
Since Milma was one of Bertia’s maids, her appearance before me likely concerned Bertia. It seemed prudent to ensure that our conversation could take place with minimal listeners.
“After the earlier tea party, Princess Lysonna and Lady Bertia spoke, and since then, Tia has appeared unsettled. She expressed a need for solitude to reflect, remaining quietly in the courtyard’s gazebo, lost in thought. Although I have arranged for a guard to ensure her safety, she looked so despondent that I felt it necessary to inform you…”
Is Bertia feeling down? That’s certainly out of character. Since it’s after the tea party, it’s improbable that she’s just hungry or missed any snacks.
“I appreciate you informing me. Dinner time is nearing, so I’ll visit her to understand her thoughts.”
“Thank you. I promised to assist with dinner preparations, so I’ll go to the dining hall now,” Milma said, her face brightening into a smile at my words. Her demeanor clearly reflected her affection for Bertia. It might be appropriate to acknowledge her for taking the initiative to report this issue.
“Courtgain, I’ll go get Tia. Can you please take Milma with you?”
“Eh?!” Milma exclaimed in astonishment, her face turning red as if it could burst, while Courtgain bowed his head respectfully.
“As night falls, it’s wise to be careful when a lady is walking alone,” I said. While Milma, in her role as a maid, might work late and even gather intelligence and was certainly able to defend herself, this gesture was meant as a reward. It was appropriate for Courtgain to escort her as a “delicate lady.”
“Um, would that trouble Lord Courtgain?” Milma asked, her pleasure and excitement evident, though she looked at Courtgain hesitantly.
Courtgain chuckled with a wry smile and shook his head. “I’ve completed my duties for today. My last task was to accompany the prince, so if he allows it, I have no objections.”
Although “escorting” her only involved walking her to the dining hall with guards present, it was fundamentally a polite gesture.
“Then I will entrust her to your care, Courtgain.”
“Understood. I will make sure she is accompanied properly,” he replied, extending his arm to Milma as they left together. A short distance away, I observed how Milma’s presence appeared to diminish noticeably—a fascinating quality that had always captured my interest.
“Hey, Zeno. Don’t you think her unusual talent for blending into the background is strange? Any idea why that is?” I called upon my guardian spirit Zeno before summoning the guards back, still watching the two of them walk away.
“Even though you asked, you must already have the answer in mind, right?”
“Perhaps, but there’s a chance I might be wrong.”
“You’re not mistaken. You understand exactly what it is. Some spirits have difficulty perceiving such matters, you know?”
“But you get what I mean, right?”
Zeno sighed and shrugged, a wry smile on his face. “Should I consider that a sign of trust and feel happy, or should I mourn the pressure you’re placing on me?”
“It’s about trust,” I reassured him, despite his objections.
“That certainly feels more like pressure! You’re quite the cute and challenging prince.”
“Challenging? At this age, I’m far from being called ‘cute’ anymore.”
“Ah, pursuing what was never within reach even during your childhood—how foolish of me,” Zeno remarked, his shoulders sagging in feigned despair.
I greeted him with a warm smile. In spite of everything, he had grown more expressive over time, a transformation I found quite endearing.
“So, what actions will you take regarding Milma?”
“Nothing needs to be done. This is not a situation that calls for intervention.”
Certainly, I had suspected Milma’s unusual ability to remain unnoticed, but it didn’t require any specific action. This trait was an integral part of her identity, deserving both acceptance and careful observation.
I will act if needed, and if an opportunity arises to address it, I’ll take it. But that’s all there is to it.
“If Tia begins to fret about it, then I’ll re-consider,” I stated firmly.
“So ultimately, it hinges on Lady Bertia, right?” came the response, recognizing where my true priorities were.
“My attention is on Tia, after all,” I asserted with a smile at Zeno, who looked quite exasperated. The ability to profess something so meaningful without hesitation or doubt filled me with joy.
In truth, it might be more beneficial for me to have something or someone as equally important as Bertia in my life. However, due to my challenges in forming such connections, I treasure moments like these when I can truly appreciate the importance of my sole devotion.
“It’s nearly refreshingly simple,” the comment came, with a hint of teasing.
“More importantly, it sounds like my wife is feeling down, so I need to go to her right away,” I remarked, disregarding Zeno’s sigh. I redirected our talk to the real concern—Bertia’s distress and sadness.
I should go and provide her comfort, potentially stopping any impulsive actions before they occur.
“Come on, let’s move,” I gestured to the guards, signaling that it was time to head to the courtyard.