I open my eyes. I look around and I am currently inside my own room. I sit up and turn my body by the side of the bed. My head feels very refreshed, like when a burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
“Oh. This is my room?”
I shake my head as I wake myself up. I look around and head maid is not here. I try to remember the conversation we had. Memories of the usual order of business appears in my mind. Talking about my latest events, details about my father and that woman. All regular talks I have with the head maid during Sundays.
“Milady, I have prepared refreshments. You suddenly fell asleep.”
“Oh. Thank you, head maid. Was there anything else that we needed to discuss?”
“None, milady. Unless there is a problem with your memory, would you like a refresher of our discussion?”
“Yes. That would be for the best.”
“Understood, milady.”
Everything that the head maid has said is the same as what I remember. Good, I still remember everything. Then, after the explanation.
“Milady, you once asked me on who I would choose between you or the master.”
“Yes. I did.”
“I would choose the master, for now.”
“For now?”
“Yes. For now.”
Hmm, I see. Something inside me says that I will learn of the reason sometime in the future. Which means, I will let it be. I am not in a rush after and even if head maid does not choose me, it will not be a loss.
“Then, it is fine. Whatever path you choose in the future, I shall keep forging my own.”
“Is there anything else that I need to know?”
“The master has instructed you to return during your break.”
“Of course. I understand.”
The break would occur on the 5th month of the game. I wonder what trial he has in store for me then? As we were talking, I heard another knock on the door. There can only be one person it could be. Head maid stands up and goes towards the door.
“Head maid, assist me to the lounge.”
“Understood, milady.”
Head maid brings me to the lounge.
“Go ahead and answer the door. Do not divulge any information about me or my house to whomever it is. Do you understand?”
Head maid nods with a confused look as she answers the door. After a few moments, a girl with blonde hair runs towards me.
“Athena!”
“Hello to you, Claire. Maid, go prepare refreshments.”
“I thought your maid isn’t here on Sundays?”
“Oh, that is a maid of my father. She is visiting. Since she is already here, I am making use of her.”
“Oh, okay!”
“Though, I will admit I am feeling a little under the weather today.”
“Oh no! You’re sick?”
“Not sick, I seem to not have slept properly.”
“I understand. That also happens to me when I stay up too late. Daddy gets mad at me when he finds out.”
Even though my mind is clear, I still feel lethargic.
“Yes. So, we can talk for a little bit but it would have to be short.”
“Okay! No problem with me!”
Claire sits beside me and hugs my arm as she keeps herself close. I purposefully hide my hand behind me to make sure that she cannot hold it. Such acts do not suit someone like me.
“Um, Claire. What is this position?”
“Daddy tells me that he feels better when I hug him! Uh, I wasn’t sure if I could hug you so this is what happened!”
Is this not still a hug? She may be thinking of body hugs so this is different from that. Sensing my silence, she looks up at me. Like what people would call puppy dog eyes.
“You must not do this to anyone.”
“Don’t worry. Daddy told me that too but I like you!”
How did she get attached to me so quickly?
“Unless, you don’t like it? Do you not like me?”
Another attack of puppy dog eyes. I flick her forehead.
“Ow.”
“Do not be stupid. Do not assume my feelings. I have already said what is needed to be said the last time we spoke.”
“Okay!”
Head maid returns with the refreshments and Claire enjoys them. After a while, Claire goes to the bathroom leaving me alone with head maid.
“Milady, how did happen?”
“By pure coincidence. I will warn you again. The basis of our relationship is that both of us do not know who the other truly is. So, do not reveal anything to her about my identity.”
“I understand, milady.”
“Good. When are you leaving?”
“By the end of today.”
“Good. She came here by evading her guards. When she goes back, make sure to escort her until she has returned safely. You do not need to return and I do not expect you to.”
Head maid nods in understanding as Claire returns.
“Claire, you need to go back now.”
“Already? But I still want to stay.”
“Do not be spoiled now. I am not feeling the best. Be a good girl and go back.”
“Okay.”
Claire has a sad expression on her face.
“My maid will accompany you to a certain point. You will be going back to school, correct?”
“Huh? Are you sure? Don’t you need her since you’re not feeling well?”
“She has to return to my father. Do not worry, your destination is just in the way. You do not need to interact with her as well. Just treat her like air.”
Head maid bows to my comment.
“Oh, okay.”
“Though, this would mean that you should be prepared to have no refreshments the next time you visit.”
Claire pouts.
“You speak like I only came here to eat!”
“Is that not true?”
“It was delicious, okay!?”
She truly ate a lot. Claire pouts as she leaves, head maid follows shortly after. I decide to watch them leave until I lose sight of them. As I turn, I notice a group of people on the other side.
“Jackpot.”
Those must be some of the people participating in the kidnapping. I force my body as I grab my weapon and leave the house.
