NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19
Liliana followed Elliot in a daze.
Watching the two children from behind, Mag clenched her fists in frustration.
This won’t do…!
Elliot, who had always been kind to Mag, had finally spoken unpleasantly for the first time.
And it was all because of that girl, Liliana.
I have to do something about that girl!
Mag’s eyes sharpened with determination.
After pondering for a moment, Mag strode forward.
Her destination was the maids’ break room.
“Oh my, Head Maid!”
The maids’ eyes widened in surprise.
With a smiling face, Mag settled in among the maids and subtly asked,
“Are things difficult lately?”
“Well, it’s always tough.”
“Now there’s one more person to take care of.”
“Ugh, why is there so much work…?”
The maids complained, sticking out their lips.
To be honest, it was an absurd complaint.
Liliana was a rare child who didn’t rely on adults.
Her past experience of working like a maid at the orphanage had matured her.
It’s okay; I can handle this.
That had become Liliana’s catchphrase.
However, Liliana was already in a situation where she was viewed unfavorably in many ways.
The maids had no reason to see Liliana kindly.
Mag picked up on that aspect sensitively and fanned the flames of the maids’ discontent even further.
“…I see. But do you know, Miss Liliana?”
“Know what?”
“That you’re the reason the rest of you are having such a hard time.”
At Mag’s question, the maids shook their heads in denial.
“How could we possibly complain to the lady about that?”
“That’s right; even now, the mistress is heavily favoring Miss Liliana.”
“If we accidentally say something wrong, it might even reach the mistress’s ears…”
The maids trembled all over.
Mag clicked her tongue briefly and shook her head.
“Of course, you shouldn’t openly gossip. If you’re not careful, you might incur the mistress’s wrath.”
“Then doesn’t that mean we can’t say anything at all?”
“But… it’s not forbidden to complain about Miss Liliana, is it?”
Mag’s voice became more discreet.
“Honestly, it’s true that all sorts of disturbances are happening because of Miss Liliana.”
“That’s true, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. Not only has your workload increased, but the mistress is also unfairly favoring Miss Liliana.”
Mag continued, pretending to genuinely care about the maids.
“So, I think the young lady should be made aware of this… what do you all think?”
“Y-You’re right, Head Maid.”
“Exactly, Miss Liliana should know what’s going on.”
The maids nodded in agreement.
Good, it seems like this is going well.
Mag’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.
Since the Duchess of Valua was openly protecting the Earl Everitt’s daughter, unfortunately, she couldn’t take direct action against her.
But she could secretly isolate that girl from behind the scenes.
The maids were all under Mag’s control.
How dare she humiliate me in front of Elliot?
She should know her place and stay quietly in her corner!
Mag was determined to repay this humiliation in some way.
She ground her teeth in frustration.
***
A few days later, on a warm afternoon.
It was a particularly sunny day for spring.
The sunlight was warm, and fluffy clouds floated lazily in the blue sky.
It would be a shame to let such a day go by without doing anything.
Looking out the window, Anriette turned to Liliana, who was curled up on the sofa.
Now that she thought about it, Liliana had been cooped up indoors since coming to the townhouse.
It was about time she went outside at least once.
“Liliana, don’t you feel stifled being cooped up in the mansion all the time?”
“Me? No, not at all!”
Liliana shook her head vigorously.
Then, in a shy voice, she added,
“But I’m with Mother.”
…So cute.
Our Liliana is just too adorable!
Anriette’s heart raced at the sudden wave of affection for the lovable Liliana, nearly making her dizzy.
“I see. But it’s not good to stay inside when you’re at an age when you should be playing outside.”
Finally regaining her composure, Anriette tried to sound mature.
“The weather is lovely today, so how about taking a stroll in the garden?”
As soon as she heard that, Liliana perked up like a puppy that heard the word “walk.”
Going out for a walk with Mother?
“Yeah, I want to go!”
It was almost a cry of excitement.
Anriette barely held back her laughter that was about to burst out.
As the two made their way to the garden, Elliot popped his head over the railing of the second-floor staircase.
“What’s up, Liliana? Where are you going?”
“Huh? The sunlight is really nice, so I’m going to the garden with Mother.”
Liliana replied in a sweet voice.
Anriette watched with a pleased expression as the two children conversed.
At first, Liliana had addressed him with formal titles like “Duke Elliot of Valua,” but now she was quite friendly with him.
Elliot, too, seemed to accept Liliana’s friendly demeanor with delight.
Meanwhile, upon hearing that, Elliot narrowed his eyes.
“Are you leaving me out?”
“Huh? No, I wasn’t trying to leave you out…”
“I want to go too.”
Suddenly declaring this, Elliot dashed down the stairs.
Following Anriette closely behind, the two children resembled little chicks trailing after a mother hen.
The yellow chick and the black chick…
Lost in this thought, Anriette couldn’t help but chuckle.
Elliot looked at her suspiciously.
“Why are you laughing like that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Anriette shook her head, unable to admit that she found them reminiscent of chicks.
At that moment, Anriette came up with a good idea.
“Hey, how about you two go out first?”
“Just us? What about you, Mother?”
Liliana tilted her head in confusion.
“I’ll bring down a few storybooks.”
“Storybooks…?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever read you a story before. Do you not want me to?”
“No, not at all!”
Liliana shook her head vigorously, her cheeks flushing.
“Y-Yes, that sounds great!”
“Alright. Then is there one you’d like to read?”
At that question, Liliana hesitated to respond.
This was understandable, as she had hardly ever read storybooks before.
Seeing Liliana’s uncertain expression, Anriette felt a pang of realization.
But just then…
“I like ‘Hans and the Fairy’s Adventure.’”
Elliot quickly came to Anriette’s rescue.
Anriette let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
“Okay, then I’ll go get that.”
“Yes. Then I’ll sit on the bench with Liliana.”
Elliot replied in an unusually mature voice.
It seemed that Liliana was quite pleased to have the opportunity to be alone with Elliot.
This was understandable since Liliana usually clung closely to Anriette.
So, Anriette headed toward the children’s playroom, while the two kids walked hand in hand into the garden.
“Mother, you have to come quickly!”
As Liliana was pulled along by Elliot, she turned back with a somewhat regretful expression and shouted.
Anriette waved back with a smile.
***
…How did I end up sitting here alone?
Liliana sat absentmindedly on a bench, reflecting on how she was left alone in the garden.
She was pretty sure she had been with Elliot at first…
“Liliana, don’t you want a snack?”
When Elliot had asked her that in a gentle voice, she shouldn’t have nodded without thinking.
“Then how about some apple pie?”
“Apple pie?”
“Yes. It was served for dessert this morning, so there should still be a piece or two left.”
Upon hearing this, Liliana swallowed hard.
The thought of the sweet apple pie made her mouth water.
At that moment, Elliot suddenly jumped up from his seat.
“Then I’ll go to the kitchen and get it.”
“Uh, okay?”
“Just wait a bit; I’ll be back soon!”
Wanting to impress Liliana somehow, Elliot had shown excessive eagerness.
Liliana stared blankly at Elliot’s disappearing figure.
And now, over ten minutes had already passed.
“I hope Mother or Elliot comes back soon.”
Thinking this, Liliana gazed down at her toes.
Her shiny black shoes were among the items Anriette had brought from the tailor’s shop before.
Recalling the confident Anriette from that day, a warm feeling blossomed in her heart.
“…Hehe.”
Liliana stretched her feet out, and the sunlight reflected off the tips of her shoes, making them sparkle.