Chapter 4 (Part 2)

Sellakia was in the middle of conveying a message to Roberta, who returned shortly after Tenus left. It was about not needing to stand guard this evening.

When with Tenus, there was no need for a separate surveillance role, so she often recommended Roberta take a break.

“I actually heard from Duke Seidon. So I was thinking of using the training ground of the Knight Order during that time. Would that be a problem?”

“Well, since Sir Belfona is a member of the Seidon family… it should be okay, right?”

Sellakia stretched her words vaguely. She wasn’t sure if she had such authority, so it was difficult to give a definite answer.

However, Roberta seemed pleased as if she had received permission directly from the head of the family. Her ponytail swung happily.

“Finally, I get to see the skills of the Seidon Knight Order. I’ve been itching for a challenge, so this is great.”

As Roberta moved her neck from side to side, there was a chilling sound as if bones were grinding. Sellakia was reminded that, unlike her own very sedentary life, Roberta was a knight who used her body a lot.

“Is guarding me too boring?”

“Well… I can’t say it’s not, but I like it that way. Where else could I earn so much money so easily? Even during my days in the mercenary group, when I couldn’t sleep or wash, I barely swung my sword a few times despite all the hardships.”

“Thank you for saying that. It puts my mind at ease. Thank you, Sir Belfona. If you ever feel uncomfortable in the future, please let me know.”

Roberta, who had been quietly watching Sellakia, laughed lightly.

“Madam, you really know how to express gratitude. You do the same with Nancy, the maid.”

“Do I?”

“It’s more surprising that you’re not even aware of it. It’s rare for nobles to thank their servants for every little thing, isn’t it? Receiving service is as natural as breathing to them. I know because I was born a noble, too.”

Sellakia’s smile faltered for a moment at the unexpected remark.

Despite not being treated well, Sellakia was still a noble who grew up with the help of many servants. However, none were as attentive to her as Nancy. Her sincere gratitude to Nancy came out reflexively.

To think that sincerity could be seen as naivety by others.

It left a bitter taste. She hadn’t expected her atypical noble upbringing to show in such a way.

When Sellakia, her mind in turmoil, couldn’t speak, Roberta, who had been speaking nonchalantly, became flustered.

“Why, why do you look like that? I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I actually think it’s good.”

Roberta’s voice, already loud, became even more so.

“Most importantly, Nancy likes it, doesn’t she? That girl would do anything for you, Madam, even pick your nose for you…”

“…Pardon?”

“Oh. Originally, it was another saying, but thinking it might not be pleasant for a lady to hear, I sort of toned it down…”

“Sir Belfona!”

Sellakia shouted abruptly. Her melancholy mood was instantly blown away by the shocking metaphor she wasn’t used to.

Roberta, with her refreshing and straightforward personality, sometimes had a shockingly blunt way of speaking, perhaps due to her time in the mercenary group or maybe it was just her nature.

“Madam, I’m back!”

Just as Roberta was about to defend herself, Nancy, who had been sent on an errand, returned.

Nancy’s forehead was dotted with sweat, perhaps from hurrying back. Despite being told not to, Nancy always gave her best.

“…”

She opened her mouth to say her usual thanks. But for some reason, her voice wouldn’t come out as if something were blocking her throat.

For such a quick change of stance after just one comment from Roberta, Sellakia was disappointed in herself, but she couldn’t help but be conscious of being seen as different from others.

Fortunately, Nancy didn’t seem to have any doubts and asked with an even brighter face than usual.

“The Duke was here, wasn’t he?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I saw him coming out of the bedroom. Madam, you must be really happy!”

Nancy’s exclamation, with her eyes sparkling, was somewhat unexpected. Sellakia wondered if Tenus had given her any hints.

“Did you hear about the banquet?”

“Pardon? Banquet? What banquet are you talking about?”

“Sir Logue suggested having a banquet today. Didn’t you hear?”

Nancy blinked in confusion, seemingly not having caught on. Her eyes, which had been moving slowly, suddenly widened like saucers.

“A banquet today! Oh my, Madam, we don’t have time to be standing around. We need to get ready. Come on, I’ll help you dress.”

“We still have plenty of time until dinner. And it’s not a gathering with guests, so there’s no need to dress up.”

“But it’s a banquet! It’s not just a simple meal in your room like usual; it’s in the banquet hall! Hurry, Madam. I’ve practiced every night for this day.”

Sellakia was pushed towards the dressing room by Nancy’s insistence.

Dressing up for a banquet with the enemy—it was nothing short of a comedy.

* * *

The dressing room, once filled with more empty spaces, was now packed with items purchased from Laura’s Boutique.

Sellakia felt awkward, as if all those things belonged to someone else. It was the first time she had closely examined the clothes.

The dresses and piles of accessories, delivered in several carriages, were organized by the mansion’s maids, not her.

“What dress would be good to wear?”

In contrast, Nancy moved among the dresses hanging in the closet like a fish in water.

“This dress with the jewels sewn into the hem is so pretty, and this one matches Madam’s hair color so well, and also…”

“Hmm. Wouldn’t such dresses be too much? It’s a simple gathering.”

“But it’s the first time Madam will dress up like this! Who knows when there will be another opportunity?”

Nancy clenched her fist, showing her firm resolve. Sellakia had no words. It was true that she had neglected dressing up like a noblewoman.

While Sellakia was thinking that the next Duchess should hopefully enjoy dressing up, Nancy pulled out a dress.

“Madam, how about this dress? Madame Laura said that such dresses are in fashion in the capital these days. I like it because it resembles the color of your eyes!”

Nancy held up a light blue dress with layered ruffles cascading down the skirt. Sellakia frowned unconsciously at the jellyfish-like flowing ruffles.

Putting aside personal taste, it was a dress too extravagant for a dinner banquet. Perhaps suitable for a ball at the palace.

“That one? For the banquet? Are you serious, Nancy?”

Even Roberta, who had been quietly standing by, chimed in. As Sellakia was about to agree, a thought suddenly crossed her mind. Her eyes, which were looking indifferently at the dress, sparkled with a sudden idea.

“Alright! Let’s go with that one.”

“Pardon? Madam?”

“Yes! I’ll help you put it on right away!”

Nancy squealed and skillfully helped her into the dress. Roberta looked a bit surprised but didn’t stop Sellakia. She merely turned her gaze to the distance.

“What style would you like for your hair? Elegant? Lovely? Glamorous? Just say the word. I can do an updo, waves, or braids!”

Next was the hair. Nancy led Sellakia to the vanity mirror. Nancy’s eyes, reflected in the mirror, were burning with enthusiasm.

“Um, then, could you tie it up simply?”

Sellakia, overwhelmed by Nancy’s energy, answered as if in a trance, and Nancy quickly set to work. Her skill in braiding the hair she usually let down was impeccable.

Even Sellakia, who sat reluctantly, was impressed.

“It seems you really practiced.”

“I learned by giving Sophie snacks every night. Except for last night when Sophie went to bed early! Oh, Sophie is a maid who shares a room with me. She used to serve an Earl nearby.”

“Weren’t you tired? You really didn’t have to do that…”

Sellakia glanced at Roberta’s reflection at the edge of the mirror and met Nancy’s eyes in the mirror.

“Thank you, Nancy.”

She couldn’t help but say it.

Roberta chuckled lightly as if she expected it. Nancy’s cheerful voice overlaid the sound of Roberta’s laughter.

“I’m Madam’s one and only dedicated maid. Plus, it’s fun and rewarding. Your hair feels as soft as chick feathers, so it makes me feel great!”

“It seems you have a knack for this. No matter whom you serve, Nancy, you’ll do well.”

“Pardon…? What do you mean by that?”

Nancy’s face, which had been all smiles, suddenly stiffened.

“Why are you saying that all of a sudden?”

Nancy, her face quickly turning tearful, began to pour out words.

“Did I do something wrong? Do you not like the hairstyle? Or the dress? Is it my usual behavior that you find displeasing?”

Tears seemed ready to spill from her innocent eyes. Sellakia turned and gently wiped away the tears from Nancy’s eyes.

“That’s not what I meant, Nancy. I was just saying your handiwork is remarkable. Why would you cry over such a trivial thing, silly?”

She had thought about Nancy’s future after she left, but it seemed she should be more careful with such words.

“Really? I can work even harder. I’ll do even better from now on.”

“It’s already more than enough. If you’ve finished braiding my hair, could you bring me the bag from the wardrobe?”

Nancy, as if to prove her point, quickly brought out a bag from the closet, even faster than usual. Inside the plain leather bag were her own treasures.