Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Homecoming
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I returned home from Melnik.
Almost... a whole month. I'd spent more time there than expected, but home was still home.
Melnik had been nice, but nothing beat the comfort of the Leonhardt Mansion.
"The Rosaki Family?"
"Yes. It just kind of happened. There were too many people around to build any real connection with the eldest, Grace Rosaki, but somehow I ended up meeting the second daughter."
"...Well done. It's not just any family—forming ties with the Rosaki Count Family is definitely a good thing."
"She said she'd visit our mansion next time, but I have no idea when that might actually be."
Before leaving Melnik, I'd chatted with Karen a few more times.
She'd promised to come visit sometime, insisted we had to meet again, and even the Rosaki Count thanked me.
All in all, I'd definitely earned some goodwill from the Rosaki Family.
Whether that extended to the Leonhardt Family, though? Hard to say.
"Still, it's a solid result. With the Rosaki Family and Niesista already in the mix... deepening bonds with people you've connected with is important."
"In the end, it all worked out."
The moment we got back, William and I dove right into this conversation.
In most households—even noble ones—they probably wouldn't jump straight into business talk like this.
Of course, these chats with William felt more natural to me. Anything else would have been awkward.
Trying to switch things up now would just feel weird.
"Good. I'm glad this trip wrapped up well too. And... the magic tutor I mentioned will arrive soon. She messaged from the capital yesterday that she's on her way, so she should be here any day now."
"That's fast."
I'd hoped for a bit more rest, but duties piled up the second I got home.
...Then again, this was just par for the course in the Leonhardt household.
Even when I was younger, I'd suddenly get hit with talks about some new business venture. By now, I was used to it.
"I heard about that."
"So you'll be learning magic from the teacher now?"
"Looks like it. I haven't actually tried any magic yet, though...?"
Truth be told, when I first heard about magic lessons, I was excited despite the hassle. I was looking forward to it.
Magic was just that cool.
It was fascinating to even watch, so the idea of casting it myself? Obviously thrilling.
"But Mother, can you use magic?"
"Me? Of course I can. Don't let appearances fool you—I'm a proper graduate of the Solchemia Imperial Academy. I can handle basic spells just fine."
"Oh..."
"Hehe, impressive, right?"
"Yes. Very impressive."
I gave that answer right away when Rozalin said she could use magic.
Of course I did—I couldn't use it myself. I'd seen magic before, but never cast it.
Naturally, anyone who could seemed amazing to me.
I hadn't made a big deal out of it, but I'd felt a twinge of envy when Ella bragged about learning magic.
Just a tiny twinge.
"Want me to show you?"
"If you're okay with it, Mother..."
"Hehe..."
Rozalin smiled and conjured a flame at her fingertip.
No incantation, no fuss—just a flick of her finger, and fire appeared at the tip of her index finger.
...It really was amazing.
"Wow..."
"It's... honestly pretty basic magic, borderline not even worth calling it that. But I'm glad you like it."
"But... it's still so cool..."
"You think so?"
"Yes."
"The spells your teacher shows you will probably be even more impressive than this beginner stuff."
"Still... magic is cool."
It was truly simple magic.
Just a small flicker of flame. But to me, it was mesmerizing.
Not some street magician's trick—this was real magic.
"Hmm... Fire can be dangerous, so I'll put it out. Want to see some other spells?"
"You can do that...?"
"Of course! I told you—Solchemia Imperial Academy graduate. This much is child's play."
"Then..."
Of course I wanted to see. So I said yes.
And with that, Rozalin's magic show began. She skipped fire for safety reasons but demonstrated a variety of spells anyway, and I was amazed by every one.
She cast a breeze that swept my bangs back, conjured cold water or ice in a nearby cup...
She stuck to basic spells, but they were still incredible.
I almost regretted not asking her to show me sooner.
They were that fascinating—I couldn't stop watching.
"Magic lessons are bound to be fun for you. You're this excited over beginner spells."
"...But they really are amazing..."
"Exactly. If Camellia gets this thrilled over simple magic, of course she'll love the classes."
"...You're right."
No arguing there—I'd just spent the last few minutes gawking at magic like a kid.
I admitted it outright. Besides, I was genuinely hyped for the lessons.
Anyway, things at the Leonhardt Mansion felt pretty much the same as always.
After some chit-chat with William and a fun gossip session with Camellia—wait, no, with Rozalin—I headed back to my room.
"Lize..."
"Are you very tired, my lady...?"
"Yeah."
I was exhausted.
I'd slept plenty—more than enough, even—but the fatigue lingered.
Probably from all the carriage rides. Plus, the long stay in Melnik.
My body was just worn out all around.
"Haaa..."
Right now, I was lying flat on the bed, not even rolling around—just staring at the ceiling.
Too tired to move.
"Lize, what did you think of Melnik?"
"Me, my lady...?"
"Yeah. You were there with me."
In Melnik, I'd spent most of my time with Rozalin and the other ladies.
I hadn't been able to hang out with Lize as much as I did at the Leonhardt Mansion.
Of course, as my exclusive maid, she'd been with me more than the other servants.
"...It was hot."
"Oh."
"The sunlight was stronger than in the south, and the weather was relentlessly clear..."
"Yeah... it was."
"But the city itself was fine overall. The scenery was beautiful, and you enjoyed it, my lady."
At least she wasn't completely dissatisfied.
The city was gorgeous, so I'd figured it wouldn't be that bad—just a few gripes.
I'd had a great time myself, so her mild complaints caught me off guard a bit.
"Yawn... Anyway, it was a nice change from the south. The markets were lively, the whole vibe was upbeat..."
"That's true."
I stayed lying down while Lize stood by the bed, and our conversation flowed from there.
Mostly about Melnik, naturally.
Two weeks there meant plenty to talk about. Lize had mostly good things to say too, aside from the weather—the fruit was great, apparently.
"Lize, get on the bed."
"........."
"The pillow's too small."
Mid-conversation, I called her over.
That had been the plan from the start, sharing a room with her and all.
We hadn't had daytime downtime like this in Melnik.
But we were home now, no plans for the rest of the day.
"Come on, hop up."
I wanted to cuddle her for the first time in ages.
She was softer and warmer than any pillow—perfect.
"Very well... if you'll excuse me..."
"I told you to come up. No need to be so formal."
Lize climbed onto the bed as I asked.
She still looked embarrassed, which was adorable.
Was it really that shy-making?
The first time I napped on Rozalin's bed, I'd been embarrassed too... but by the third time, it was fine.
Her over-the-top shyness was kinda cute, so I let it slide without comment.
"See? You're the best, Lize."
"Eep..."
I hugged her tight and said so.
Definitely better than a pillow.
Unlike that tiny thing on my torso, Lize was tall and perfect to hold.
No contest—she won every time.
"Comfy, Lize?"
"Yes."
"Even if it's not... tough luck. This is how I relax."
Selfish, maybe, but what could I do?
It wasn't my fault she felt this good to cuddle. Blame the Lize pillow.
"Sigh... so comfy..."
"Good..."
"But Lize, isn't your maid uniform uncomfortable?"
"Pardon...?"
"For lying on the bed like this, I mean."
Long skirt, layers of fabric—had to be awkward.
"Not uncomfortable?"
"A little..."
"Want to change?"
"Y-Yes?!"
Lize looked shocked.
It was a bold suggestion, sure, but that shocked?
"I made you lie here with me, so if you're uncomfortable, of course I'm sorry."
"But..."
"Hm? I know I asked, but I want you as comfy as possible. Can't you?"
I looked up at her while hugging.
I wasn't the type to force discomfort on her just because I said so.
I just hoped she'd change into something easier. No need for the uniform 24/7.
"Hm? Can't you change, Lize?"
"........."
Was it my persistence? My status?
Whatever it was, Lize gave in, changed into casual clothes, and returned.
Casual Lize.
And even more embarrassed than in her uniform.
"Hehe."
"...I'll lie down again, then."
"Yeah, right here."
"...Yes."
I pulled her back into a hug on the bed and settled in to rest.
As my exclusive maid, she had no other duties, and no one else was in the room.
"So soft, Lize."
"Eek... my lady..."
It felt great even through her uniform, but casual clothes meant more skin contact.
Incredibly soft.
Just like being held in Rozalin's arms in the bath last time.
"Yawwwn..."
Maybe that's why.
I'd only meant to rest my eyes, but I drifted off without realizing.
Not because I'm sleepy—hugging Lize was just that good.
Not my fault—hers.
I wasn't mean enough to say it out loud, though.
Sure, dragging her onto the bed as a body pillow was my bad too.
But we were both girls, so no issue, right?
She didn't seem to mind much anyway—halfway through, she even hugged back a little.
All good. Yeah.