Chapter 46 The Excitement Of A Certain Maid
My name is Mei.
I serve Princess Rifine at the Detached Palace.
I've known the princess since she was a wobbly little baby, and I probably am the only one who truly worries about her in this Detached Palace.
In a politically difficult position, she has no one to rely on innocently.
It's no surprise that the princess has grown up a bit twisted in her own way.
She rejects any kind of lady's education and everything a girl her age would normally be interested in, running wild with the qualities she was born with as a member of the royal family, becoming an uncontrollable tomboy princess.
Even if I can sympathize with her situation, I can't help but feel uneasy when I have to deal with the daily repairs of the damaged items in the Detached Palace, the muddy and torn dresses, and apologize to the young ladies and their families who were suddenly attacked and cried.
It seems like the princess has become more isolated over time.
I myself had given up on trying to change anything with my own power, just hoping that she would calm down someday.
Then, one day, life in the Detached Palace changed dramatically.
"Yumie, is this okay...?"
"Yes, you're doing very well, Rifine."
Right now, the princess is practicing embroidery, something she would never normally do, and it's all thanks to Count's daughter... Lady Yumie Granbell.
While pledging loyalty to the royal family, she connects with various factions of nobility to prevent the intensification of factional struggles and stabilize the country, acting as a balancer.
This young lady from the Granbell family easily melted the princess's emotional walls, which had made her cry whenever anyone tried to get close, and within a day, she had entered her heart.
With less than half the magical power of the princess, she skillfully manipulates and toys with her.
The princess saw the loneliness she kept in her heart and stayed closer than anyone else.
As a result, the princess began to reflect on her past as a rough and selfish princess and started to actively engage with those working at the Detached Palace.
Even I, who have been with the princess the longest, feel a bit jealous of Lady Yumie's natural talent for making connections, something I couldn't do.
However, more than that... seeing the princess and Lady Yumie laugh so joyfully together is like watching close sisters, and it's very soothing.
"Alright, I did it! How's that, Yumie? What do you think of the handkerchief I made?"
"I think it's really cute. I'm sure they'll be happy to receive it."
"R-really?"
Being praised by Lady Yumie, the princess blushed with joy, her little cheeks turning a rosy color.
How adorable.
By the way... "they'll be happy to receive it," huh? Does that mean the handkerchief, which the princess personally embroidered, is a gift for someone?
To receive such a lovingly made handkerchief, that someone must be very lucky.
They must have used up a lifetime's worth of good fortune just for that.
I wonder who it will be given to...?
If the princess made it all by herself, I would guess it's a gift for Lady Yumie, but it seems like that's not the case.
Then, perhaps it's a gift for someone in the Royal Family... a present for her family?
That seems reasonable, but the princess's mother has already passed away, and the king and queen don't pay much attention to her, so I can't imagine the princess would go out of her way to prepare a gift for them.
The only possibility might be Prince Sigurt? He doesn't have much interaction with the princess either, but I've heard he has a kind heart, and if given the chance, they might become friends.
Yeah, that seems like the most likely option.
"Mei, Mei."
As I was thinking about this, I realized the princess was standing very close, peering into my face.
Peering up from below, her round eyes sparkled.
Her golden hair flowed gently as her head tilted cutely, and she held Lady Yumie's hand tightly, as if never wanting to let go.
Ah, how adorable.
"...What's the matter, my lady?"
While pretending to be calm on the surface, I asked the lady.
Given the timing, she must have come to ask for a handkerchief delivery, right? The Royal Palace where Prince Sigurt is located isn't a place the lady can casually visit, so it would be best for me, as maid, to send it through someone else.
And sure enough, the lady, looking somewhat nervous, offered me the handkerchief she held──.
"Mei, thank you for always being there for me. As a thank you, I'm giving you the first handkerchief I made..."
"Yes, understood... huh?"
I froze at the unexpected words.
Huh? What did the lady just say? She's giving me a handkerchief?
"Um, I've caused a lot of trouble for everyone until now... but still, Mei has always taken care of me, right? So... I was happy, and... this is my thank you!"
Stumbling over her words, with a seriousness as if confessing love, the lady offered the handkerchief once more.
In terms of skill, I can't say it's particularly well-made.
The small flowers sewn on are uneven, and even with color added, you can't tell what kind of flowers they are.
But... that's exactly why I could feel how hard she worked on it, and tears started to well up in my eyes.
"W-What, did you hate it so much that you're crying!? It's true that it's not very good, but..."
"No, that's not it. I'm just... happy..."
The lady had truly seen me.
And she even gave me such a gift filled with gratitude.
Surely, the lady hasn't changed; she must have always been this kind.
It's just that because of her circumstances, she couldn't show her gentle nature.
I hugged the handkerchief, filled with the lady's kindness, tightly to my chest.
"Thank you very much, Princess... I will cherish this as a family treasure for generations to come."
"No, you really don't have to go that far!? I'll sew as much as you want!!"
Seeing the princess shout in a flustered manner, I couldn't help but laugh.
Lady Yumie quietly watched us as we interacted.
...Surely, with the current princess, everyone in the Detached Palace would quickly come to like her.
Lady Yumie, who provided that opportunity, is a benefactor to both the princess and us.
One day, we must gather everyone from the Detached Palace maid squad to discuss how we can repay this kindness to Lady Yumie.
...By the way, I'd like to turn the precious figures of these two into a painting to display.
Should I ask if anyone knows a skilled artist?
It would also serve as good promotion for the princess's standing... Alright, let's get moving on this right away!
And we will surely make the worth of these two resonate throughout the entire kingdom!!
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