The Maid Cannot Forgive
The words slipped out before Arnold could even respond—it was Eily's voice.
"What...?"
"Why are you doing this?"
She pressed Elisha with a voice as cold as ice and eyes sharp as daggers. At the same time, a chill like a blizzard swept through the classroom.
"Did I say something wrong? If you know you're shameless, just apologize and leave quietly. And... never show your face in front of Master again."
He'd never seen this dark side of her before. The usual Eily, always smiling and pure, was gone—replaced by the stern aura of an merciless judge.
"Th-that's...!"
Elisha fell silent at Eily's words. She seemed at a loss, her lips trembling without a sound.
"Even so...!! If Arnold says it's okay..."
"Could you say it's okay after being treated like that?"
She was like a wolf. A ruthless predator fixated on its prey, biting and tearing without end.
"......!"
Elisha's pupils shook. She bit her lip, unable to utter a simple 'yes.'
"You feel it too, don't you, Lady Elisha?"
"So isn't it settled? Atone for your wrongs, go home quietly. And... don't ever show up again. That's what's best for Master."
With that final period, the classroom grew even quieter. Whispers rippled around them: 'Is this some lovers' quarrel?'
"....."
What should he do...? The classroom had turned tense from morning, caught between Elisha's plea and Eily's unexpected intervention.
"What's going on with everyone~?"
But the unrest didn't last. A woman entered like a savior. Her voice was as sharp and strict as ever, but right now, it felt welcoming.
"Pr-Professor...!"
"Professor Adria!"
"W-well, this is..."
"Enough. Why is it so dead in here?"
It was Professor Adria. Even in the frigid atmosphere, she brimmed with energy. The ominous tension that had spread between Eily and Elisha fizzled out in an instant.
"Hm? New face? Class is about to start. I don't care what happened—other class students, out."
The professor eyed Elisha with genuine curiosity, then shooed her away like a fly.
"A-ah... yes...."
At Adria's command, Elisha nodded. With no choice, she turned toward the door and took a step.
"Arnold..."
Just before turning, she glanced back at him with apologetic eyes, then left the room alone.
"........."
Eily's killing intent naturally faded. Adria's arrival made the lethal vibe impossible to sustain, vanishing in a flash.
"Alright, focus."
Thwack! She slammed the edge of her textbook on the podium, shattering the awkward air and overwriting the chill with her commanding presence.
"Everyone, open your books."
The classroom returned to its usual warmth, as if nothing had happened. This time, he was genuinely grateful for the fearsome Professor Adria.
"...Why did you do that earlier?"
Class ended, and lunch break began. Walking the hallway alone with Eily, he asked about the morning incident.
"I'm sorry, Master... I got carried away without thinking..."
She apologized cleanly, admitting her emotions had boiled over into harsh words at Elisha. She pursed her lips, looking troubled, as if regretting speaking for her master.
"I see..."
But honestly, he'd half-expected it. Eily had always viewed Elisha unfavorably. After blunt rejections, for her to now beg forgiveness and seek a better relationship—it must have seemed absurd.
"Master... I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Do you... plan to forgive Lady Elisha?"
Eily's eyebrows twitched. Her lips tightened further with anxiety, as if dreading an answer that differed from her master's heart.
"Hm... Well..."
He rubbed his chin with thumb and forefinger, pretending to ponder. But it was just for show—he'd already decided.
"Shouldn't we give her a chance?"
He told Eily he'd forgive her. Elisha would be a solid ally. The game had proven it. The financially stable Grain family wielded ducal-level influence. He'd already built ties with head Philip Grain, but Elisha's support would solidify that network. Despite past debts, the value outweighed it. And as a heroine he'd braced for hatred from the start, the burden felt lighter.
"Pardon?"
But Eily stopped dead at his words.
"Eily?"
He turned. She stared in shock, eyes wide.
"Why...?"
Her face screamed she could never understand his view.
"Master...! Lady Elisha despised you for years!"
"You approached her kindly, but she never once looked back...!"
"And now... you're really forgiving her?!"
She sounded desperate, urgent—like watching something precious slip away.
"With all due respect... I oppose it..."
What was this? It felt less like hatred for Elisha and more like a plea from the edge of a cliff.
"Why so strongly—"
"Please!"
Before he could tilt his head at the solemn air, Eily bowed deeply.
"Turn Lady Elisha away...! I can't understand her...!"
He'd never seen Eily this earnest. She trembled, as if about to collapse.
"Got it. I'll think it over."
Swept by the mood, he backpedaled with those words.
"Eek...?!"
Even that dissatisfied her? She let out a short groan, clamping her mouth shut.
".... Understood."
Silence fell briefly. Eily seemed to accept his will.
"I'm sorry. For prying into your intentions..."
She bowed again for pressing the issue.
"No, don't worry. Lunchtime—want to grab food?"
".... Yes."
But as they walked on, the awkwardness lingered. Unlike usual, they stared ahead in silence.
'Got it. I'll think it over.'
Master, forgive me, but Eily couldn't trust those words. His expression, his vibe—she instinctively knew he'd forgive her.
But no helping it. That's who he was. Warm enough to embrace even an unforgivable enemy with mercy.
"........"
But this time... she hated that mercy.
Five years. Not a short time for a human. To accept someone who'd scorned him for five years—she couldn't comprehend it.
So... Master. If you truly think it over, please don't forgive Lady Elisha's sins.
If you welcome her with that kind smile— I... might lose my mind.
"Haah, Eily seems really upset."
He sat alone at the academy cafeteria table. Normally, Varis and Eily would flank him, but...
"........"
Varis had skipped joining their private chat from the start, and Eily claimed no appetite, wanting dorm rest.
"She really hates her, huh."
Lunch felt lonelier than usual.
"......."
"Mind if I join?"
As he sipped soup alone, someone spoke.
"Elisha?"
It was her, flashing a bright smile.
"Yeah, if you don't mind, I'd love to eat together."
Yet pity lingered in her eyes, remnants of guilt.
"No problem."
"Great! Then excuse me."
She nodded happily and sat across.
"Hey, Arnold."
As she settled, she brushed hair from her ear, meeting his gaze squarely—serious talk incoming.
"Could I... hear your answer from earlier?"
She wanted his response to her classroom apology. Her smile hid no ease; closer look revealed anxious impatience.
"My... answer?"
"Yeah... I said I'm truly sorry for everything, and I want to get closer now."
She tensed like betting it all.
"What do you think?"
Her past loathing weighed heavy, yet she clung to hope—a complex face flickering between surrender and desperate thread.
"........."
She looked worried, fearing outright rejection. Her expression braced for the worst.
"I'll forgive you."
Unlike her anxiety, he accepted simply.
'Turn Lady Elisha away...! I can't understand her...!'
'Got it. I'll think it over.'
"......"
Eily's words flashed, but he pushed them aside.
"Really...?!"
Her darkened face lit up instantly.
"You can forgive me that easily?!"
Tears welled in grateful shock.
"Eh... doesn't matter."
"Thank you! Really, thank you!!"
She covered her mouth, cheering her joy.
"Arnold...!"
Suddenly leaping up, she sidled next to him.
"E-Elisha..?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder, hugging his arm like a lover.
"Hehe... I'm just so happy... I guess?"
She whispered affectionately. Alluring perfume teased his nose, with a sultry edge.
"I said it a million times, but I'm truly sorry... And thank you—"
Her cheeks flushed cherry-pink, shy and tender.
"I can't repay all the hurt I caused, but from now on, I'll devote myself to you...!"
Her voice rang clear with resolve—confidence in change almost burdensome.
"Y-yeah..."
But... even if she'd changed, this intimacy embarrassed him. To others, it screamed affection; he hoped no eyes watched.
"Uh...."
His wish shattered instantly—caught red-handed.
"Master...?"
Of all people, the one he least wanted to see.