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Herrel displayed a refreshing smile at the mention of the blue rose.

“I saw it on my way here too. I heard the gardener struggled for a long time to get the blue rose. As expected, Princess Shione recognizes it, right?”

“With such a vibrant color, how could anyone not be drawn to it?”

A rose that emits a blue light is a creature that cannot naturally exist. This flower, born from the combination of modern wizards and alchemists’ knowledge, was created to capture human attention.

The garden of the noble family, a point of pride. Even if it was made for profit, who could resist the charm that lies within it?

Especially since the blue rose transformed its meaning from impossibility into miracle and potential as its cultivation succeeded.

Knowing that Herrel was reading a botanical dictionary in her room, she seemed to take an interest in the gardener’s situation as well.

“The gardener will surely be happy to know that Princess Shione recognized it.”

Shione observed Herrel’s unreserved demeanor and then invited her to sit in the front chair.

Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the prepared treats. Soon, Herrel carefully placed her hand on the back of the chair.

In the past, this would have been unimaginable for her. Once Shione nodded, confirming what she suspected, Herrel finally leaned back into the chair, which held the coolness of shade contrasting the warm sunlight.

“The weather is nice; it’s the perfect day to enjoy tea outside. I feel like it’s been a while since I visited the garden.”

“You don’t often come to the garden, do you?”

“You know I’m always by your side, Princess Shione?”

“Indeed… Herrel always showed up wherever and whenever I called.”

“See? That’s right. I’m trying not to miss a single one of your calls.”

A lighthearted conversation.

However, Shione was reminiscing about the distant past while Herrel continued the dialogue, reflecting on the recent past and present.

“I mean, the sword and spear really didn’t suit me, which is why I became your personal maid, and I have no regrets about it.” The words conveyed a hint of longing for pursuing a different path, as she added, “It kind of saddens me that my studies didn’t go as planned, but isn’t there a smart personal maid already?”

It had been ages since someone who didn’t actually exist had pulled strings behind the scenes.

‘No more delaying this… I need to speak now.’

After tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as the gentle breeze blew, Shione opened her mouth just as the shadow of the roof obscured her nose.

“Herrel, I have something to say.”

Feeling the heavy atmosphere, Herrel seemed to anticipate something was off, reacting as though she’d expected it.

“There must have been many hardships during your time as my personal maid in the Count’s house. I’ve never truly achieved anything like my sister and brother.”

“Hardships? Quite the opposite! Thanks to being your personal maid and nurse, the head maid takes great care of me. Every day is joyful—”

“No.”

Shione cut Herrel off, shaking her head.

“I’ve already figured it out a long time ago. The nurse probably could tell just by seeing the sorts of people I’ve been meeting lately… I feel guilty that I’ve been so oblivious all this time.”

“Princess Shione.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me that you were receiving such unfair treatment?”

Unlike servants, maids were not easily dismissed.

She was the daughter of a minor noble family, yet still carried the blood of a woman different from commoners.

Even if the servants openly ignored her or other maids looked down on her, within the Count’s household, her experience from raising the young lady made it impossible for them to treat her dismissively.

This could not be trivialized, no matter how incompetent or wastrel the noble she worked for might be.

Yet, Herrel still remained silent, not sharing anything with Shione.

After mulling it over for a moment, Herrel finally reached a conclusion.

“I couldn’t let you see me waver while you were struggling, Princess Shione.”

“What?”

“Even if it seems otherwise, I’ve been by your side since you can’t even remember. I don’t know how you feel; that might be presumptuous to say, but personally, I think of myself as another mother to you.”

“……”

“Which mother in the world, no matter how hard she tries, would show her weak and troubled side in front of a child whose wings have been broken despite all efforts?”

A fledgling bird that flailed desperately but ultimately had its wings clipped. That was how Herrel viewed Shione.

“I still know that you sometimes read books on economics and military strategy, and recently on the nobles’ social gatherings. Even if you hide them among novels, it’s futile.”

“…Herrel, nurse.”

“No one understands the difficulties as much as you do; you should not struggle over such trivial matters.”

“And what if you—”

“Don’t worry, Princess Shione. I’ll endure whatever happens and stay by your side, and I will.”

Herrel has long since vanished from the Count’s house.

She had met the worst possible end while doing so.

Shione cast her gaze back into the past, her expression growing cold.

“…If it gets too difficult, and I can’t fulfill your wishes?”

“That won’t happen… but if it does, it means I must leave only when there’s no other solution. And even if that happens, I will fight to the very end to stay by your side.”

Herrel’s warm, gentle smile resembled those carefree times of Shione’s radiant past.

“I can promise you that much.”

“……”

With that, Shione bowed her head slightly toward Herrel.

“I’m really sorry for not recognizing it until now.”

“No…! Please lift your head, Princess Shione! What would others think…?”

“And—”

This place was a world shaped by trials reflected in her past.

In a situation where nothing was clear about what was real and what was false, the conversation with Herrel highlighted a possibility.

Herrel’s outburst of harsh words and sudden disappearance from her life might not have stemmed from her own will but rather external pressure.

The thoughts poured in a rush, weaving a web of contemplation.

‘What exactly is my position within the family? And when I return to the territory, will my people be pressured by retainers and surrounding factions?’

Given that, her sister and brother must have their own supporting retainers and factions. It might be wise to redefine her position and faction within the Count’s house clearly.

With an icy tone, Shione continued.

“From now on, I will ensure that you, Nurse Herrel, receive the treatment you deserve.”

The comfort that came from becoming one with the world slowly dissipated.

This choice must have been the right one.

All that remained was to slay the demon.

*

There was no difficulty in procuring a sword for the execution.

Ray had brought it after finishing his healing. After all, he entered the family for protection purposes, so getting a training sword from the basic armory was easy for him. Thus, she was able to acquire a sword through him.

—…Here it is.

Of course, he displayed a vague response, sensing the intent behind her piercing.

Afterwards, the one pointed out as a demon was certainly the head maid. That night, fueled by resolve, she stealthily exited her room to head toward the head maid’s location.

Determined to end the trial, her heart was full.

“There’s not just one demon?”

What in the world were these demons standing before her?

With horns on their heads and frenzied expressions, what were these things guarding the door of the head maid?

“…You can’t enter here.”

“And? I’m telling you I want to see the head maid. Who do you think you are to stop me?”

It was an unexpected situation, but Shione swiftly drew her sword.

From the beginning, these creatures took on the shape of demons, and it was clear they were guarding the head maid. All pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly, leaving no room for hesitation.

She swung her sword. The enemies were mere servants with no combat training. No matter how dreadful they appeared, they were no match for Shione.

She was able to reach the head maid.

“Princess Shione, what are you doing? Are you seriously killing innocent servants?”

“It’s time to put an end to this tiresome dream.”

“Should the head of the family find out, he won’t let you off!”

The condition for success in the trial was to slay the hidden demon.

The demon was primarily interested in exposing the identity of the one being tested, not demanding overwhelming power.

After several exchanges, Shione’s sword sunk deep into the head maid’s chest.

“Guh…”

“You—”

Shione whispered as she pushed the sword towards her opponent’s heart.

“When I return to the Count’s house, we must talk once more.”

*

Rubbing her eyes awake, Shione quickly surveyed her surroundings.

“Ray?”

“Did you call for me?”

As Shione, her body heavy from a long slumber, finally rose with grumbles.

“Hold me.”

“What?”

“What are you just standing there for? Hurry up!”

She had just awakened, making her demand for a hug all too natural, lamenting her severe lack of affection.

 

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