“I don’t quite understand.”

“Well, let’s put it this way. Louiselle doesn’t wonder why I left Chase House and am staying at the Grand Duchy?”

“I’m not curious.”

“Why?”

“Because that isn’t a matter for me to be involved in.”

“I know. It’s the same for me.”

“..Ah.”

Caught off guard, Louiselle’s pink eyes widened.

“I’m not very curious about other people’s affairs. But if Louiselle wants to talk about it, you can tell me.”

“No, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Alright, no problem,” Irene smiled softly.

Louiselle was dazed. She felt foolish practising in her head how to answer the Madame so she would feel less disgusted and find her bearable at least.

This, felt weird. Louiselle looked at Irene, confusion clearly written on her face. It was the first time she had ever been treated this way. Tom and Noel did not ask her either, though it was not because they were not curious. They already knew about her affairs. But Irene was different. She didn’t ask for anything. She didn’t know anything. There was not even a hint of doubt.

I will just follow Madame’s orders.

Just a little, it made her want to protect Irene. Unaware of Louiselle’s change in heart, she saw the sword sheathed, hanging on a belt around her waist.

“Is that not uncomfortable?”

The sword was so large and heavy that it almost dragged on the ground. Not only that, but she was also wearing armour beneath her maid attire. At her question, Louiselle nodded lightly.

“I am a combat warrior, trained to fight. That’s why it is easier for me to be armed. On the contrary, I am more uncomfortable with the clothes I am wearing on the outside.”

Louiselle grabbed the skirt of her maid dress and frowned, slightly dissatisfied.

“You aren’t obliged to wear the uniform, aren’t you?”

“My lord ordered me to wear it, to hide what I have on beneath.”

“The sword, well there’s no choice, but I can hide the armour beneath as much as possible.”

“Ah..I see.”

In an instant, Irene recalled what Noel had said last time. After the announcement of the marriage, numerous threats would follow.

You’re trying to ensure my safety from potential dangers. That’s why you suddenly changed my former maid to Louiselle.

“By the way, Miss Irene. May I ask..?”

“Yes, what is it?”

Louiselle brought Irene out of her thoughts, prompting her to answer expectantly.

“Why are you using honorifics with me?” Louiselle asked cautiously.

It was a completely unexpected question, and Irene was shaken.

“You are an aristocrat, and you will soon be the mistress of this house. I do not understand why you are using honorific language with me, a mere lady-in-waiting.”

“Well, I am still a guest in this house. There’s no need to elevate me, and no cases where a guest can’t be accorded respect like this.”

“But I am your, milady’s person, am I not?”

“Right.”

“So, I am not from someone else’s house. I was from your house the moment I became your person. So, there is no need to use respect. Please treat me comfortably.”

It would be more natural that way. Obviously Louiselle’s words made sense. She understood. But it was not easy for her to change her way of respectfully vernacular.

“Okay, Louiselle,” Irene said, after hesitating.

“Yes. like that, that’s great.” Louiselle laughed. Her scar lifted following the arcs of her lips.

“It’s pretty. The way Louiselle smiles.”

Louiselle’s face turned beet red with embarrassment. Irene laughed, causing her to immediately look down.

“Don’t make fun of me.”

“I’m not making fun of you, I mean it.”

Although she was twice the size of Irene, her appearance could not hide her shyness. She seemed infinitely pure. Irene shifted her thoughts from Louiselle to Noel, looking at the direction of his office. What would he be doing now?

???

“Did you receive the painting?”

“Yes. When the rumours spread that the Great Kristen was taking interest, it was not easy for the nobles to buy. We were able to purchase it at the auction house.”

Tom placed four squares covered in cloth in front of Noel.

“But why is it all of a sudden..”

“Irene’s opinion.”

“Yes? You mean madame?”

“Y- M- what?”

“What is that title?” Noel asked. His face was incredulous, as if Tom had just uttered the most absurd phrase in his lifetime. Tom raised his index finger and explained his words clearly.

“You aren’t yet married; you’re going to be regardless. Since you haven’t succeeded to the title of Grand Duke, she can’t be the Grand Duchess, but she will be the head lady of Kristen Duchy.”

“It’s strange.”

“Is that so? Louiselle said that you’d think it has a nice ring to it.”

“No one knows except Irene, and us, that she’s a soldier.”

“Yes. The armour is hidden beneath her maid uniform which was specially tailored to hide it. Though Louiselle does seem rather uncomfortable. She will be forced to carry her sword with her, but that will be fine.”

“Good. After the announcement, Irene will be threatened, so please take care of her. I want to be with her, but I can’t.”

“..I know.” Tom could not hide his awkward expression. He was used to it now, but whenever Noel showed such kindness, he seemed like a different person. Saying those sappy words with a face that exuded coldness..

Ugh.

Ru: Tom is such dog food, he has me rolling. And I haven’t clarified this before, but Irene’s name is really pretty pronounced as is, (y)iren ?? Irène (French pronunciation).