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The Count’s House garden showcased an exceptional landscape like never before.

Rather than expressing it as lush and extravagant, the garden emanated a tranquil and charming atmosphere. It could easily become a dull or boring space at times, but—

Perhaps due to the gardener’s dedicated maintenance. To add a dash of sauce, it almost seemed to embody the nobility’s solemnity quietly observing the Demonic Realm from the kingdom’s outskirts.

Princess Shione, who frequently visited the garden, let out a gasp at the dramatically transformed scenery that had become familiar to her.

“It looks like the gardener put in some extra effort with the news of Your Highness’s arrival. What do you think? It’s quite a serene and comfortable place, isn’t it?”

At those words, Aheira also took a closer look at the garden.

Although she had occasionally seen a few people strolling in the garden, she had always avoided spending time there alone, not wishing to be the subject of gossip. Until now, she had only set foot in the garden when it was work-related.

While she had never had the time to enjoy the garden, today, she had come simply to relax. Perhaps it was under the influence of Shione, showering her compliments and kindness.

Aheira responded with a calm voice instead of her usual stiff tone.

“It truly is a beautiful garden that complements the Count’s House. I’m sure Your Highness will find it appealing as well.”

“I knew you would understand, Aheira. Let’s head over there; I’ve found a spot with fewer people that’s perfect for spending time.”

Recognizing the warmer expression on Aheira’s face, which was a change from how it had been before, Shione eagerly took the lead.

“Please, have a seat here.”

“How can I possibly sit before you, Princess Shione—”

“If you keep standing, I’ll feel like I’m standing too. It’s quite uncomfortable. Please don’t refuse, just sit quickly.”

So, they settled down.

In a spot a little removed from the crowd, a small table and chairs awaited. Surrounded by trees, bushes, and white flowers harmoniously mingling, a cool breeze distinct from other spots relaxed their tense moods.

“…The breeze is quite refreshing, isn’t it?”

“It certainly seems nice for spending time. It’s a good place.”

The two felt an awkward tension that was quite unbecoming of the beautiful setting.

Shione suggested, “How about we look around?”

She observed Aheira, who was seated upright, glancing around occasionally, and thought,

‘…Let’s take a chance and test the waters, just as Ray suggested.’

She recalled how, using the language of flowers last night, she could connect with Aheira.

Weren’t the ideas racing in her mind before drifting off to sleep a bit silly? Nevertheless, it would be a waste not to engage in conversation now.

‘It’s time to do this…!’

Trusting her wit to break this suffocating awkwardness, Shione spoke softly.

“Aheira, I love flowers.”

“The beauty of flowers is certainly captivating. Sometimes, simply gazing at them can be a good form of rest, don’t you think?”

“That’s true, but… the beauty alone isn’t why I love them. The reason I adore flowers is—”

The awkward atmosphere between them dissipated in an instant.

Initially hesitant, once the topic turned to flowers, Shione’s passionate nature took over, transforming her timid demeanor.

“It’s due to the process of blooming brightly after a long wait, and the fascinating meanings each flower carries.”

“…”

“That’s why this time, I wanted to share my favorite flower stories with you. I wanted to come to the garden and have this important conversation about you. Given the setting, we have no choice but to learn about you deeply.”

As her firm thoughts dwelled in her blue eyes, an enchanting and mysterious aura gripped Aheira’s attention.

“Aheira Feldart. The eldest daughter of the Baron Feldart family, giving up on clan succession to serve as a maid in the Count’s House.”

Hearing her full name uttered by Shione, Aheira let out a silent sigh.

Those of noble blood from the Count’s House didn’t particularly favor the Feldart family. Moreover, the eldest daughter not choosing to inherit the family name and instead becoming a maid in another household was seen as reckless and dishonorable.

‘…I wonder what she’ll say next.’

Worried about the unusually heavy atmosphere from Shione, Aheira braced herself for what was to come.

“So, you have exceptional skills and quick work-processing abilities. But—”

She merely wished to hear fewer unpleasant remarks, focusing on Shione’s words instead.

“Unfortunately, because of your background, it seems you haven’t been treated well.”

“…It’s all because I’m still lacking in many areas, isn’t it?”

“And that’s why I think—”

What direction does her true intention lean toward? Is she sympathizing with me or dismissing me like the nobles I met during the Cult?

Having experienced far more bad news than good, Aheira was already accustomed to hearing Shione’s voice in her ears.

She squeezed her throat, trying to suppress her emotions, reminded of how she believed she was too flawed to remain as Shione’s devoted maid. It seemed to her that she’d come to the end of her worthiness.

But contrary to Aheira’s thoughts,

“In my eyes, Aheira Feldart, you appear to be someone enduring with the hope of blooming one day.”

Shione was rather heaping praise upon her.

Even referencing the reason she just spoke of loving flowers.

“And like flowers that bloom after overcoming adversity, I appreciate seeing someone like you receive recognition for their steadfast endurance.”

“…”

“Aheira, do you know the name of that white flower over there?”

Furthermore, Shione even pressed Aheira with a deeper question about flowers.

Honestly, what woman, who matched rigid etiquette with her affinity for swords over flowers and sweets, would know the names of flowers?

The sudden shift from an austere atmosphere to one where Shione showed favor toward her, mixed with the awkwardness of being asked about the flower she had only seen for the first time today, left Aheira with no choice but to clear her throat and shyly admit her ignorance.

“…I’m sorry, I lack knowledge about flowers.”

“That flower is called the Snowflower, also known as the Snowdrop. Though this season, it has long since withered, that flower still blooms beautifully, thanks to the magic that helps bring it forth.”

“Magic, you say?”

“Even things that struggle to bloom need help. And… Aheira, you too.”

After saying so, Shione took a moment to gaze at the Snowflower.

Its petals bowed to the ground as it blossomed. Rather than flamboyant, the modest flower showcased its beauty, growing all the more endearing the longer one look at it.

“The flower language of the Snowflower is hope. Isn’t it beautifully fitting? Even in this hot weather, borrowing magic to bloom, I suppose that flower had hope in wanting to blossom.”

“And thus, I dare say, I see you as akin to that Snowflower.”

“You’ve devoted yourself tirelessly for your sick parents and family. For them, you surely represent hope, much like the flower’s meaning.”

Aheira quietly fixed her gaze on Shione.

Like the Snowflower bearing the meaning of hope, Shione, adorned with white hair, was not the person she once knew.

She was well-aware of the rumors that painted Shione as a ruthless and lazy noblewoman. Now, witnessing her growth and standing before her, Aheira was left contemplating.

The notion that years of perseverance must yield rewards struck a chord within her, for she couldn’t help but see her past reflected in Shione’s words.

“Your training period remains only until Princess Shione departs the Count’s House. After that, if it pleases me, I would like to make you my dedicated maid.”

“That would be an unparalleled honor.”

Aheira smiled at the bright future ahead.

“Of course, that’s not all. For your dedicated service in the Count’s House, I also wish to lighten your burdens and allow you to take some time off. If you’re agreeable, I’d like to offer to assist with your father’s medical costs.”

The assertion that she might be a glimmer of hope for her family.

When the moment came that she realized those words, which she had thought to be mere pleasantries, were genuinely meant, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, initially doubting her ears.

“…You mean medical expenses?”

“Yes, lately the family’s budget has been tight due to the expedition and renovations of the mansion. Aheira, should you become my dedicated maid, I would use my personal funds to help.”

Such overly benevolent offers made Aheira instinctively cautious.

She had toiled hard to earn that money for her father’s treatment, but she quickly moved to gauge Shione’s expression rather than dive into accepting the gesture too eagerly. She had learned long ago that in the world she lived in, no kindness came without a price.

Nobles who had approached her with kindness in the past, for the scraps of wealth they craved, had been nothing if not self-serving—asterling contrast to other circumstances.

“However, there are conditions.”

As expected, Shione had implications of her own.

“I want people close to me who will follow me wholeheartedly. If you wish to be my maid, you must sincerely pledge that.”

Internally, Aheira pondered whether Shione might know the balancing act she maintained between her and the Head Maid.

“The answer can wait until after you leave the Count’s House, and until then, it would be best if you kept this conversation to yourself.”

With her mention of Aheira’s face revealing her emotions, Shione felt assured.

She had successfully rattled Aheira’s feelings, forging a clear imprint of her presence amid the chaos.

*

A luxurious carriage and the procession trailing behind it.

On the lead carriage, adorned with the symbols and flags representing the very essence of the kingdom’s authority, sat a woman permitted only to the direct royal bloodline.

She brushed back her light purple hair, folding her arms and whispering softly.

“…So, this is the Count’s House.”

As her voice, laced with deep interest, echoed in the carriage.

Peering slightly through the curtain she had pushed aside to take in the world outside, a sparkle ignited in her gaze, one that had previously appeared disinterested and above it all.

“Everyone who was meant to be dead is still alive, which can only be called a miracle.”

A sly smile crept across her lips.

“This encounter promises to be quite an amusing diversion.”

Adelhaite Aisiliah.

The princess and high-ranking nobles who left all in the Count’s House sleepless and burdened with frantic duties.

On the morning destined for their arrival, they descended upon the Count’s House.

 

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