BSPD 30

~Chapter 30~

The one facing me was a young woman, around my age or maybe a little younger. She wore a fine dress that screamed, “I’m a noble.”

“…Who are you?”

The important thing was, I didn’t know her.

“I’m Kella of Marquis Tirti’s house. Lady-in-waiting to Princess Rowina.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you, Lady Kella.”

I politely greeted her and waited for her to speak next. But even after tens of seconds, she didn’t open her mouth.

“…I’m a little busy. Please excuse me first.”

Just as I smiled and tried to walk past her, a sharp voice stopped my steps.

“Is that it? Don’t you have more to say to me?”

What was this? I was busy enough already, and now something strange appeared.

But this was the narrow Imperial Palace. I couldn’t afford to make enemies yet.

“Wasn’t you the one who had something to say, Lady Kella? That’s why you called me.”

“I said, I’m Princess Rowina’s lady-in-waiting.”

“Yes…? Ah, I see…?”

“…That’s all?”

Was she bragging? That she was the Princess’s maid?

“Well, yes! That must be wonderful! Being Her Highness’s lady-in-waiting. Congratulations.”

If she wanted to boast, I might as well go along. I even gave her a thumbs up.

But Kella’s face twisted terribly. Clearly, not the reaction she wanted.

“Don’t you understand why I, Princess Rowina’s lady-in-waiting, came personally to see you, Lady Rinnegrim of Count Feahil’s house?”

“You came to see me? Not just a coincidence passing by?”

“That’s right!”

Then it must be on the Princess’s behalf. It wasn’t like she came to play children’s games. I kept an innocent expression, as if I didn’t know.

“Well, I don’t know. I only met Her Highness once in passing.”

Kella struck her chest with her fist. Her delicate hand made a dull sound.

“Since you won’t get it roundabout, I’ll be direct. Lady Rinnegrim of Count Feahil—become Princess Rowina’s lady-in-waiting.”

“Sorry. I’ll be direct too. I’m busy, so that’s difficult.”

After a pause, Kella’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“…Did you just refuse? Did I hear right? You refused the position of Princess Rowina’s lady-in-waiting?”

“Yes. I’m busy making medicine today. I’ll be too busy to breathe, so I’m grateful, but I decline.”

Even after my blunt refusal, Kella wouldn’t give up. She waved her hands and feet, trying to persuade me.

“You’re giving up the honor of being Her Highness’s maid? Do you know how fierce the competition is? Of course you don’t! If you did, you wouldn’t refuse! For a fallen family like Feahil, it’s an opportunity that never comes again!”

I sighed quietly. What a tiring person. I decided to drop even basic courtesy.

“Lady Kella. Was there an imperial command? Did His Majesty order me to serve the Princess as her maid?”

“T-that’s not it—”

“Then you can’t force me. And if you’re trying to persuade me, you should be polite. Insulting my fallen family sounds very rude.”

“T-that slipped out, I was just impatient…!”

“Thank you for the offer, but I decline. I know serving Her Highness is a great honor, but I’m devoted to research. Thank you for considering me.”

I bowed lightly and stepped past her. But then—gritting teeth, her sharp gaze cut into me.

“You’ll regret that choice for the rest of your life.”

“Thanks for the concern.”

Whether I regretted or not was my business. I didn’t want to deal with this fool any longer. I walked away without looking back.

As I tried to shake off the unpleasant meeting, Helion’s words came to mind.

[If Rowina seeks a private meeting, I want you to tell me.]

“Well, this wasn’t exactly a request for a private meeting… so maybe I don’t have to report it.”

After storing the poisonous herbs in the Administration room, I went into the changing room.

As I took off my outer clothes dusted with spores, I wondered again if I should tell Helion about Kella.

“Why did he want me to report in the first place?”

[ I like you. Your abilities interest me. ]

…Could it be he’s afraid someone else will steal me away?

Even I knew the Imperial gossip—that the Crown Prince and Princess, half-siblings, didn’t get along, always watching each other as rivals.

Competing over talented people was no different.

So, were they going to fight over me?

“…Not good. Am I going to get dragged into a power struggle?”

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. But it still felt far away.

“Me, causing a fight between Crown Prince and Princess? Ridiculous… pfft.”

My desire for recognition stirred.

“Really, being too talented is a problem.”

I shook my head, when suddenly—I met the eyes of a black-haired mage floating in the air, chin propped in his hand, watching me.

I pulled my shirt back over my shoulder. Not that Luce cared about my bare shoulder anyway.

“…I’m used to you showing up suddenly, but can you make some noise first? I do feel shame, you know.”

“No need. Mistakes are free.”

“Not much comfort, but thanks… So, why are you here?”

Instead of answering, Luce held out his hand. Something small was in his fist.

When I opened my palm, something hard dropped into it.

“A ring…?”

It was set with a gemstone like amethyst. Not a manager stone. Why give it to me?

Maybe I’d know if I wore it?

I slipped it on before even asking.

It shrank to fit my finger perfectly. Must be magical.

“You took it without doubt. You must trust me a lot?”

“Of course. I do.”

We hadn’t known each other long, but enough to trust this much. Luce had no reason to harm me. He hated inefficient, troublesome acts. Hurting me would be pointless.

In the end, it was trust born of disbelief.

“And you trust me? This looks expensive. What if I just keep it?”

“Are you asking if I trust humans? Really?”

Luce sneered.

“The only thing I trust is human greed. That’s why I gave it to you—because I don’t trust you. If a weakling like you dies in the street, it’ll be a problem.”

“…So basically, you’re worried about me?”

“…Worried?”

“Yes. You’re worried I’ll die somewhere. You just said it in a twisted way. Anyway, thanks. I don’t know what it does, but if it helps me live, I’ll wear it well.”

I clenched and unclenched my hand. Luce stared at the ring and spoke flatly.

“You’re really… stupid.”

“What? Suddenly insulting me? Weren’t you saying you wanted me as your assistant before?!”

What had changed that he suddenly devalued me?

When I demanded an explanation, that annoying mage just looked at me and then disappeared.

“What the heck!”

I tried pulling the ring off, but it wouldn’t budge, like it was glued on.

“So what is this ring, anyway!”

Of course, no answer came.

I sighed and finished changing. Then I went to return the Sacred Stone.

If I was even a little late, Lady Mona’s scolding would come.

“Hm? That rascal Pel isn’t back yet.”

“Sir Pel will come soon. I came to return what I borrowed first. Thank you.”

“You were in the Black Greenhouse, eh?”

“Yes. Only needed a small amount. But… how did you know?”

“Even an old hag knows after 50 years with Sacred Stones. I can feel how much power is left and when it needs refilling, just by touch.”

“Wow. Amazing.”

“If you carry a depleted Sacred Stone, it’s dangerous. I must check early. If I slack off, you’ll all get hurt.”

“Then my life depends on you, Lady Mona. Please keep taking care of me.”

I bowed and left. Her laugh, mixed with wind, followed me.

Clang!!

An expensive teacup shattered. Kella flinched as it smashed right beside her.

“Say it again, Kella.”

Golden hair shimmered at waist length. Princess Rowina’s cold eyes stared down at the maid kneeling on the floor.

“Y-Your Highness! I only did it for you! Though her family is fallen, she’s trusted by the Divine Beast—I thought she’d be helpful!”

“You dare to say you made such an offer without my permission.”

Rowina’s icy words made the young maid’s shoulders shake.

“So. What was Lady Rinnegrim’s reply?”

“T-that arrogant girl… she dared to refuse being Your Highness’s maid.”

“Ha. First you presumptuously made the offer, and then even using my name, you got rejected. How much more will you disgrace me?”

Kella bit her lips hard.

Rowina looked at her trembling hands.

“Kella. Don’t do anything foolish again. Don’t overstep. Just do what I order.”

“Y-yes… Your Highness…”

“Even if it’s just cleaning duty, do it properly. Understood, Kella?”

Her pale eyes brimmed with tears. Kella’s nails dug into her palms.