"Is your plan to entice me into buying your slave contract?"
*He saw right through her*
"You make me sound like some vixen who wants to take advantage of you." She pouted.
Should I tell her the truth, or do I use this situation to my advantage? Although, if I lie to her, I know she will despise me later.
"What's in it for me?"
Seated on my lap as if it were an ordinary chair, she contemplated her response, oblivious to the turmoil within me. I struggled to maintain composure as I gently played with a lock of her hair, mesmerized by her unique beauty. It's remarkable how our bond has deepened to this extent. At what point did I first develop feelings for you? How did we get to a point where I can't imagine my future without you?
"Hmm…I can't think of anything other than becoming your slave and devoting the rest of my life to you. You can use me however you like for I will be entirely yours. Plus, I'm a Sant, therefore, I can be very useful!" she giggled proudly while wriggling her eyebrows.
She's very resolute. I'm not sure if I should be grateful or terrified.
"Let's see…I can clean, cook, heal, purify, and…"
As she casually counted her skills on her fingers, she seemed as genuine and innocent as she had years before. I expected her innocence to fade with time, but I realize now it's a core part of her personality. It's a harsh truth, but I know from experience that being meek and naïve is a recipe for disaster–it will only lead to getting hurt.
"There's no contract to buy off, Princess. Your status as a slave was merely a superfluous way that the geezers used to protect you. Frankly speaking, I'm not sure why they chose that method when they could have just hide you as a maid, which would have been a lot less burdensome on you."
They were probably in a hurry, so they didn't have time to think of more ideas.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying? Isn't this good news for you?"
I was so busy sulking I hadn't noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks. Should I have kept quiet? My goal was to soothe her by being honest with her, but…
"Nathan, is that…really the truth? You're not kidding, are you?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
When I nodded my head, she quickly wrapped her arms around my neck and embraced me as she wept. I felt like my brain was on fire, a frantic, scrambled mess, as I grappled with the weight of the decision before me. Torn between mirroring her behavior and maintaining emotional distance, I struggled to decide if I should reciprocate her embrace. However, what if she dislikes it and rescinds her agreement to let me court her? But we're friends! Uwol said that friends should offer comfort and solace to each other in moments of adversity. Could this be the specific time he mentioned?
"Nathan? Are you alright? You don't look so well." she stared blankly after pulling away.
"I think my brain has ceased to function a while ago." I mumbled.
Her joyful giggles, echoing through the air, pulled me back to the present, and I gently wiped the tears from her soft cheeks. The sight of someone laughing while crying was something I'd never witnessed before, and it left me completely bewildered.
"I'm so happy! I'm just…so happy right now I could just kiss you, Nathan!" she exclaimed while holding my face in her hands.
H-huh? What…did she just say? The air between us crackled with unspoken tension, and I could feel her muscles tightening as our eyes met, so close that I could see the tiny capillaries in her irises. A whisper of movement, a gentle tilt of the head, and our lips will meet. It's now or never, Nathan. It's a perfect chance. I just have to lean forward, and it will be done. She specified her desire to kiss me, yet I find myself hesitant.
"Ahem! I-I must go." She blurted as she darted out of the room.
"W-wait! Fati!"
She…left.
~Meanwhile, outside the door.
It wasn't until this very moment that I realized I had unconsciously stopped breathing, and as I caught my breath, I felt my dignity crumbling away. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, my heart pounding like a drum as I replayed the words in my mind, wishing I could rewind time and undo it all. *Sigh* My legs are still quivering, a testament to the intensity of the experience.
"Your highness!" called one guard.
I breathed a sigh of relief when he caught me, thankful that he hadn't been a moment too late.
"Thank you, sir guard."
"Lision, go fetch Celia." He nodded to his peer.
"Yes, sir."
As the other knight thundered down the hall, Nathan's door burst open with a deafening bang, making me jump and scream in fright. Nathan's grip was like a vise, pulling me from the guard's grasp as he hoisted me into his arms. Despite my protests and pleas, he remained unyielding, carrying me onward until we arrived at my bed. There, he laid me down with gentle care and left without a single utterance.
"He even tucked me in."
But it's only eleven in the morning!
++++++
"Put your backs on it! There must not be a single stain left after the rinse!"
"Is it me? Or does Edith look rounder than usual?"
"Shut it, and do your work, Clover! You'll get us both in trouble this time."
"Why are we handwashing the linens when we have a perfectly fine washing machine inside the mansion?" Clover continued to whine.
I can't deny that she's raising a good point. Although they knew they shouldn't, the maids couldn't resist washing their clothes in the fancy washing machine when no one was watching. Since they gave us their clothes to wash by hand, it is highly probable that someone has returned from the capital.
"What is all the commotion about?" spoke a familiar voice in the distance.
Master Dimitriu was striding forth with a trail of knights following behind him and-Wait-Aren't those…imperial knights? I recognized the uniform when the delegation came a few years ago. What are they doing here?
"Y-your grace!" stammered Edith with a bow.
The maids who were just standing around snickering at us suddenly came to dip their hands into the large, sudsy laundry basin, their giggles echoing through the air. They were pretending to help, but the master's knowing glance betrayed their charade. With a quick flick of her wrist, Edith hid the horse whip behind her skirt, startling the master and earning his full attention. The knight, a bold figure in shining armor, stepped forward while unfolding a scroll. His towering stature, snow-white braided hair, and piercing blue eyes made him seem otherworldly, like a creature from the heavens. I could see the hearts in the maids' eyes as they blushed, their gazes shy and stolen glances at him.
"Close your mouth, Clover. You're drooling." I whispered as I nudged her arm.
"My name is Uwol Faraiza, and I am a representative of his highness crown prince Kazein Nathaniel Von Alkaraz." He spoke in a clear tone.
"Lady Eusebia Talie Perceval and Lady Eugenie Ceria Perceval…"
Why are they suddenly using our former names?
"…by order of his highness, the crown prince, you have been relieved of your slave status, henceforth reinstating your noble standing effective immediately. However, you are to be escorted to Nextera palace for a private audience with his highness. Do you have any objections?"
Objections? What is there to even object to?
"N-Nextera?" stuttered Clover as she gripped my dress.
"That is correct, my lady. We will escort you to His Highness' personal residence in the capital without delay."
"What? They're no longer slaves?"
"They were nobles?"
"How can this be?"
"It sounds like they're also siblings."
While Clover and I stood there, dumbstruck and speechless, a commotion erupted amongst the maids. Without the master's presence, I would have suspected this to be some kind of scam but judging from the genuine smile lighting up his face, it must be real. We're…free. We're finally free. Wait- Is it possible that his highness is planning to have us secretly executed as punishment for our failure to protect Fati? If that's the case, then…we're walking right into a trap, with no hope of escape!
"Why are you suddenly all sweaty, Ivy? Are you alright?"
~Kartier Estate, Capital City of Alkaraz
"Goodness, lady Florette! Is this the latest release from Madame Rouge? It is quite the work of art."
"It's true, my lady! You outshine the sun with your dazzling glow!"
"Your gown, my lady, is a work of art. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the color is simply stunning."
"Oh my! You flatter me, ladies."
Florette Isabelle Kartier. Her lineage, tied to one of Alkaraz's most powerful figures, made her the most sought-after and admired woman in the entire empire. Despite the annulment of her engagement to the crown prince, she remains unfazed, her spirit unbroken. Her mother's influence is so strong, she knows the situation could change in a heartbeat. High society showers them with admiration, their esteem mirroring, if not exceeding, the reverence they hold for their monarchs. I only hope to win her affection slowly, stay by her side, and use that to escape being sold into slavery to pay off my parents' debts.
"Well, ladies. My birthday is coming up soon, and I'm still clueless about what kind of celebration I'm in the mood for. I don't have a clue where to start." She sighed fretfully.
"Is there anyone who can share some thoughts or suggestions? I am receptive to any ideas you may have."
"Good heavens! That's right! Lady Florette's birthday is indeed three months away!" exclaimed lady Evaluna in excitement.
"How about a garden party, my lady?" suggested lady Estherline of the marquisate of Valentini.
"That would have to be outdoors in the daytime, correct? What if it rains?" countered lady Esmeraldine.
"Fair point, lady Esme. Perhaps a ball would be more fitting." Proposed lady Abigail, daughter of count Bartrum.
None of their ideas seem to appeal to her, as lady Florette's expression remained indifferent throughout their incessant babbling. I've been with her long enough to know that someone of her standing would never stand for ordinary things like that. As a trendsetter with the potential to influence the world, a novel and unorthodox concept would resonate more deeply with her.
"You've been rather quiet since earlier, lady Arabella. Let us hear what idea you came up with." Lady Esmeraldine snickered mockingly.
A flicker of interest crossed Lady Florette's face as she noticed me. This is my chance to prove myself, to let my light shine brightly. Observe closely, you idiots, and you might just pick up on something valuable.
"W-well…" I stuttered shyly.
"I think…a ball adorned with the finest feathers, a veritable spectacle of fluff and grace, would be ideal for our lady's discerning taste."