Days after the ball, I was finally able to breathe freely.
I was afraid that Lucas might get attached to Duke Abaddon knowing that they had already met, but seeing as how Duke Abaddon didn't lift a finger after meeting me and my baby, I took it as a confirmation that he didn't want to be involved with us nor get us involved in his life.
Of course, my heart hurts, and my heart also hurts for Lucas.
But maybe, it's the best that way.
I wouldn't have to worry about Lucas and me getting involved in the world of politics.
The good thing was, that the universe was on my side right now.
Lady Austen has already made arrangements for Lucas to go to school, and Clora accompanies Lucas every day at the village where the school is located. It was a place one ride away from the Dukedom, lessening the chances of them meeting.
Today though, was quite a hectic day professionally.
The ladies will have tea time by 2PM at the garden, so we're setting up the ladies and everything Austen might need.
For some reason, the mature lady seems to act like her age.
Reading books, making a fuss every here and there, and well, just being her young self.
It didn't really bother me, rather, I found it nice than talking to someone who forces themselves to be strong and capable.
Being like that is lonely.
"Lady, let me wash you please," I asked her as I pulled out her blanket.
Again, for the third time this week, I found her disheveled under the covers,
"My! You stay up reading again!"
"Eus--" The lady sobbed, hugging me.
Her face fell on my stomach.
"Yes?" I touched her head out of instinct. What really happened to her?
She always tells me about this and that but when it comes to things that make her vulnerable, it's hard to find a clue.
"Will you share with me your troubles, miss?"
"No!!" Her sobs became louder.
"I might be able to help if I know about it..."
"You can't Eustia." She shook her head. "Not this time.."
"What must it be that time could not heal?"
Did she perhaps met a man during the ball?
Although it seemed like the Lady is not interested in the Duke... what if she actually aims to be the Duchess and got her heart swayed?
Then that will explain the romance books.
I looked behind her, surely, romance books could be found sprawled all over the bedding.
With questionable... titles.
'The Stealth of the Night'
A story about a burglar who stole a lady's heart.
Why does it have to be a... criminal though?
"Have you found someone you like?"
"No! Absolutely not!" She reacted excessively and pushed me. "I promise I don't have anyone I like!!"
Is that so??
Then why is the lady beet read?
"I know!" Suddenly, Lady Austen smiled, her golden eyes sinking deeply at me.
"Right... you know etiquette, you are great at forming social opinions and..."
"You're really capable."
"Y-yes? What do you mean m-milady??"
"W-what is it?"
For some reason, I feel cold air brewing from the huge window panes.
"How about you attend the tea in my stead??"
She smiled devilishly.
*****
A maid is a lady's greatest weapon.
Akin to how an emperor wields his knight, maids are amongst the people who can move freely for the benefit of their masters.
But why am I being wielded as a weapon right now?
"Hah, make sure not to embarrass yourself."
Zeis said after tying my hair up in a simple bun.
For some reason, Zeis was still wary of me... and when we're alone, she goes full-blast mean girl.
"Thanks for the reminder Zeis."
I was used to contempt so I didn't bother fanning the flames of her anger, if I fought with her, it would only make her hatred stronger.
"You take care of the lady, tell me if something unusual happened."
"Hmph! Why should I even report to you?"
"Zeis, you know the answer far too well already."
Because I am pretty great at this job.
I smiled at the thought.
Right, it doesn't matter what she thinks, or what others might think. As long as I am doing this job properly, and as long as Lucas can live more happily in the future.
I can do anything.
She gave me a mellow frown.
I stood up from my seat, slowly twirling at the mirror.
Seeing myself like this brings me back to the good old peaceful days.
The noble life was something I can't easily forget, especially the way ladies approach situations and events.
Tea parties.
It sounds so fancy, but it's actually just a place where ladies use their tongues as swords.
And beautifully at that.
I wore a red maroon dress complimenting my brown hair and golden eyes, on top of my head was a thin hair band made out of rubies and ruby studs.
This was originally a dress meant to be worn by Lady Austen, but she decided to let me use it in her stead.
"Oh wow," Lady Austen came out of the bath with a bathrobe draped on her body. She was also holding a wine-glass on her hand, gently spinning it. "Are you sure you aren't a princess with those looks?"
I almost froze at her remark.
Well I guess I was one.
"You praise me too much, miss." I giggled pretending not to notice the weigh of her words on me. "Anyway, please excuse me. I need to do my best and represent the Barony."
"Sure, sure."
"But Lady..." I stared at her. "Please be well because there will be no next time." I smiled kindly at her, although that smile meant that I wouldn't be doing this again so she better be in better shape.
Seeing how she flinched, I think I made the message clear.
"Or... you can just be honest~" I teased her.
The lady became even more pale.
"I haven't told you this yet b-but.. you can be real scary sometimes Eustia."
"Am I?" I giggled at her.
Well, it is my duty to guide her in terms of upholding her dignity after all.
*****
"Alright class, today we'll talk about family!! Who wants to talk about their families?"
"Me!!"
"I have my mommy!"
"Me too! I want to talk about my family!!"
Every child raised their hands enthusiastically as they heard the word 'family'
In the Callua Empire that held blood ties dearly, 'family' is probably one of the many words taught to children.
And of course, little Lucas was also aware of this word.
His mom always tells him stories about 'family' and the importance of 'family'
They are the people who stay by their side without a fault.
His mom also told him that 'family' is not only someone connected to him by blood but just simply someone who loves and protects them, as well as someone whom they love and protect.
With that in mind, little Lucas raised his hand.
"Me!"
Every other little kid turned to look at the unfamiliar face that spoke for the first time today.
With curiosity in their eyes, they waited for the teacher to call him.
"Oh! Little Luke wants to answer!" The teacher clapped her hands. "Can you tell me your idea about family Lucas?"
"M-Me and Mom.." Lucas stuttered, feeling the pressure of the onlooker's eyes.
"Mom... and?" The kid beside him questioned.
"Oh, Me.. Mom.. Sister Clora, Sister Annie..." He introduced the names of the people whom he has closely lived with one by one.
"That's all?" Another kid ask, peeking on his face that kept looking down.
"A-And.. family is someone who loves and protects."
"How about dad? I have a dad!"
"I-I have a dad too."
'Is a dad considered family too?'
"Yes! Us too! Dad always comes home late!"
"Comes home?" Lucas can't help but ask at the words his classmate used.
"Yup! He always brings food for us."
"My mom brings food for us."
"Then what does your dad do?"
Lucas tried to think about his 'dad', the huge man that he met back at the new home he and his mom has.
He vaguely remembered the way his mom called the man who told Lucas to call him 'dad'
"D-Duke?"
With his answer, everyone in the classroom gasped.