Chapter 1 - III -

 

And so, everything was back in order at the Holy Palatial Gardens.  The normal, and slow, uneventful ‘days’ resumed as usual.  As someone who was close to Maddie, I didn’t face suspicions that much compared to before.  I could come in and out of the Saint’s Chambers without being questioned by the Paladin Corps.

 

However, I resolved to myself that I won’t abuse my given privileges.  While I do drop by that place to visit, it’s usually when I’m about to assist in Maddie’s exercise, which by now had become something of a normal routine.  Nothing more, nothing less.

 

And, while I get the questions you have in your head, like ‘we’re engaged’ and similar stuff like that, I’m not in a hurry to tie the knot with Maddie.  Like I always say, she had more potential in other good men than she was with me.

 

“…”

 

Aside from our relationship, many things had also changed—both big and small.  For one, there were now organized groups of servants and paladins doing jogging rounds every time we awaken from our ‘long sleep’.  I could hear their shouts meant to encourage their companions to keep up the pace of their exercise.  

 

I wonder how did those guys end up jogging?  Did they witness Her Holiness doing it?

 

Another thing—and this one was pretty big for a change, was that the maids’ and guards’ treatment of me significantly improved.  Before, I always had to endure some suspicious stares thrown at me whenever they see me walking around; now, even if I do my laundry in front of a maid (I wash my undergarments, see?), the maids would try to help me.

 

Yep, the atmosphere is kind of pleasant right now.

 

And also, the food.  You see, although I’m a commoner, the kitchen—under the chief maid Jessica—was now serving me the usual fare reserved for a distinguished guest.  Back then, I would get scraps, or after the incident with Eris, they’d give me ‘commoner-style’ food.

 

Of course, I had to refuse their gesture.  I preferred to be seen as a usual ‘commoner’, and the sudden improvement of treatment stressed me out more than ever.  I mean, it’s not like I don’t want any improvements with relationships…I just got used to the usual lifestyle I had inside the palatial gardens.

 

Heck, I’m not even a member of nobility!  What made them think that getting close to Her Holiness—yes, I’m not using the word ‘engaged’—changed the very essence of my personality?

 

“…”

 

Anyway, they also offered me a room inside the Saint’s Chambers (the palace where she stays), which I immediately rejected.  Well, any man with self-decency would do it; it’s almost as if we’re cohabiting before marriage, an idea to which I  disagree.

 

The maids still treat me like an oddity, though with a bit of better reception.  Maddie still drops by my room to relax, often accompanied by her friend Lily.  Sometimes, she’d come along with another servant, to have a little chat with me…usually about politics and similar matters.  

 

I think we both have the same interests, that’s why we’re hitting off quite good on those topics.

 

Yep, our rendezvous was as platonic as it could be, don’t worry.  I guess if someone sees us, one would think we’re not dating at all.

 

“…”

 

Oh, that brings into mind, if there’s anything that changed for the worst, I’d say it’s my relationship with the head maid, Lily.

 

I mean, before, we’re way too close.  But nowadays, we barely talked to one another.  Lily often accompanies Maddie when she hangs out in my room.  However, the Head Maid maintains her ‘aloof’ and ‘quiet’ self whenever she’s here.

 

It’s as if she’s just watching us together, monitoring me.

 

“…”

 

Honestly, it’s painful at first.  I’m hurt by the silent treatment, and I couldn’t help but feel extremely awkward whenever she’s here.  But as time went by, I gradually became used to it.  I didn’t know if Maddie’s aware of her friend’s behavior; I never wanted to raise it because I hate them to fight because of me.

 

Haa…but well, I do miss that ‘warm Lily’…

 

I am at a loss for what caused her to change like that.

 

“…”

 

I probably should get some sleep.  These negative thoughts were getting to me.

 

 

“Rise and shine, Maddie!”

 

“…”

 

The Saint’s head maid, Lily, greeted her the moment she opened her eyes.  No, just to be clear; it’s not that she was awakened by the head maid.  It’s more like Her Holiness woke up on her own and Lily was there to greet her.  You know how deep of a sleeper Maddie could be; she won’t awaken until she decided to open her eyes…even if she’s already conscious.  I was watching them from the sidelines since I had my unofficial duty of prodding Maddie to take on her ‘daily’ exercise routine.

 

“Ah, hello Lily!” Maddie smiled at her friend the moment her senses were up, “By the way, where’s Kuro?”

 

“I’m over here, Your Holiness!” I waved my hand for her to see me.

 

“Hello, Kuro!  And it’s Maddie.” she was quick to remind me of her preferred way to call her.

 

“Right.” Lily—all business-like and formal—immediately went to work, having the other maids bring out the selection of ‘exercise’ clothes for her to choose from, “Well, Maddie, what would you wear today?”

 

“Hmm…I don’t know…it’s just an exercise, anyway.”

 

“Well, you have to appear at your best every time you go outside.” Lily reminded her, “You always tell me that before, right?”  She then picked out a set for her friend, “Well, why don’t you wear this one?  I think you’ll be able to move free in this one than the other.”

 

“Maybe I’ll just wait outside for you to get dressed.” seeing that Lily would decide for Maddie, I excused myself.  ‘Girl stuff’.

 

But then Maddie stopped me from leaving…

 

“Ah wait, Kuro!  I want you to choose for me!” I heard her say.

 

“Eh?” I stared at Lily, who remained indifferent, keeping up her usual smile, “Err…didn’t you guys already agreed on a dress?”

 

“Well, Lily always decides on my clothes for quite a long time now.  I think it would be a breath of fresh air if I let you choose this time.”

 

“…” I couldn’t help but feel awkward for Lily.  But the head maid was silent.  She just gave me a nod and went on displaying the choices for Maddie’s exercise clothes.  I…I just hope that Lily’s all fine with this.  

 

Come on, Maddie, won’t you read the mood?  I mean, you’re good at this and all, right?

 

“…”

 

I’m having my apprehensions.

 

I could feel something was off.  I mean, Lily’s suggestion just got rejected, and though she may put up a brave face, being refused for your opinion was something painful…especially if it’s someone as close as your friend.

 

“Mister Kuro?”

 

“!!!” I was brought back to reality by Lily’s voice, “Eh?  What now?”

 

“Uh, Maddie’s clothes?  Have you already decided on one?”

 

“O-of course!” I randomly picked out a dress for her that was on the bed, “Here, I think this will do it!”  

 

Well, picking carefully for a girl’s clothes could be a handful, especially if it’s someone as picky as Maddie.  And also, I’m not that good with women’s sense of fashion—be easy on me!  I’ve been a single virgin dude for the past 25 years of my life, ‘till recently.

 

“…”

 

Lily and Maddie intensely stared at the pair of clothes I chose.  And then, much to my surprise, they both blushed.  What just happened?

 

“Uwaah…I didn’t know that Kuro liked this one while I do my jogging…” Maddie commented with an embarrassed expression on her face, “Quite bold for your choice, mister!”

 

Lily was more direct and clearer than the Saint, “Uh…Mister Kuro, I don’t think Her Holiness could wear that, at least for an exercise session.”

 

“Huh?  Isn’t that just a normal exercise dress?” I took the clothes from Lily and examined them carefully.  I think I just made a mistake…“!!!”  By reflex, I quickly threw the clothes back to Lily, who caught them in time.  

 

Hey, it’s not like I can help it; after all, it’s something that a girl should wear in private.

 

“Mister Kuro, would you  like Maddie to wear lingerie when she does her jogging?” Lily coldly asked, though with amusement and bits of sarcasm.

 

“Well, yes—wait—ah, NO!” I panicked, “Wait!  What is lingerie doing there on the choices for an exercise dress, anyway?”

 

 

And so, after picking up an appropriate dress for the occasion, we did our usual jogging routine.  Maddie was the one doing the most intense part of the exercise, while I just watched her from the side, throwing encouragements and guidance at her from time to time.  Round and round the entire courtyard she went, and Lily was on standby with a pitcher and a glass of cold water placed on an ornate silver table nearby.

 

Well, I don’t know.  After that episode with Maddie earlier in her room, I’m embarrassed to talk to Lily for now.  I’d like to tell her I’m sorry for what happened, but it felt like I shouldn’t do it, or I’ll be patronizing her…

 

“She’s gotten used to your ‘exercise’, Mister Kuro.” Lily broke her silence, much to my surprise.

 

“Oh, ah…yes!” I blurted out.  And then I fell quiet once again, unable to come up with something to keep our conversation going.

 

I could feel an air of tension between me and the Head Maid.  I didn’t know why, but she also reverted to adding the ‘Mister’ before my name, which she usually does when she’s in her ‘formal’ mode.

 

Lily must have taken offense about Maddie’s decision earlier.

 

“Uh…H-head Maid…”

 

“Hm?”

 

Yep, I guess Lily took it to her heart.  She’d usually remind me to call her ‘Lily’ whenever I referred to her as ‘head maid’.

 

“Err…how do I say this, but well, I’m sorry for earlier.”

 

“For what, Mister Kuro?”

 

“Well…” to be honest, I’m having difficulty in putting to words the mixed feelings I had in my heart.  However, I believe this was better than having that awkward, cold treatment at all, “Uh, you see, about earlier…”

 

“Ah, that incident with Maddie rejecting my suggestion on what she’d wear and instead she accepted yours?” Lily was dismissive, “Don’t worry Mister Kuro, it’s all fine with me.”

 

She said that with a business-like smile on her face.  And yes, I felt that something’s off with that face of hers; Lily’s not reassuring—it’s scary.

 

“Head maid—”

 

“It’s Lily.” she forcefully reiterated.  I could sense tension from her voice when she said that.

 

“Uh…are you angry?”

 

“Why should I?  It’s a trivial matter, anyway.”

 

Yes, she’s mad, indeed.  By the sound of her voice, Lily’s getting more pissed the more I talked to her.  Well, and with that, I guess I won’t proceed much further.  I’m afraid the more I said anything, the more she’d get angry.

 

“…”

 

Good lord, this is awkward…