Short Respite: All for the Sake of Revenge (1)
One cannot fully understand another person's heart. This isn't because of a lack of empathy or broken emotions—it's simply that grasping someone else's feelings completely is nearly impossible.
Emilia has been Mine Romancia's close friend for years, even receiving her help during her hidden life in seclusion. From childhood to now, they've spent more intimate time together than with their own parents, perhaps. They've shared everything, holding nothing back, confiding deeply without reservation. They know each other inside and out.
Yet even so, Emilia has no intention of presuming to know exactly what Mine is feeling right now—about the fact that she killed her own father with her own hands. What thoughts are swirling in her mind? What emotions grip her heart? Emilia can't say.
...The Count Melrn's words are probably true.
Mine has always worried about the kingdom.
She was utterly disgusted by the debauched nobles and the Emperor Karik Romancia, who not only turned a blind eye but even took their side.
Mine Romancia has always thought of her country first. She wished for as many people as possible to find happiness. Perhaps her noble spirit reached a point where she could no longer forgive her father's sins.
Even without Count Melrn pushing her, the brilliant Mine might have concluded it was the best for the kingdom and carried out the patricide herself. Emilia doesn't know the truth.
Emilia knows nothing. What decisive factor led Mine to condone such filial impiety? What feelings does she harbor now? What kind of communication passed between Count Melrn and Mine Romancia?
Nothing. She knows nothing.
What Count Melrn wants from Mine.
...Or what will become of Mine from here on.
But. But.
At the very least, Emilia knows Mine isn't the type to commit such an act lightly. She can make cold, ruthless decisions when necessary, but she carries the weight of each one in her heart, never forgetting. Many mistake her intelligence and resolve for heartlessness.
But Mine Romancia is a woman overflowing with affection, easily hurt and deeply feeling.
I want to hear her story.
I want to see Mine.
Emilia wants to hear it straight from Mine's lips—what she's feeling now, what comfort she needs. She won't jump to conclusions or claim to understand it all.
But no matter the reason, killing one's own flesh and blood can't leave the heart unscathed. And yet, Mine doesn't cry, doesn't voice weakness—she bears it alone. That's the Mine Romancia that Emilia knows.
Mine... are you okay?
A precious friend who's helped her countless times, to whom she owes so much. With a pang of sorrow and anxiety, Emilia sends her worried thoughts toward that dear companion....
After her morning rendezvous with Count Melrn, Emilia was immediately led away by Hilde. Her embarrassing reverse bunny outfit hadn't changed, but wrapping herself in the luxurious, oversized cloth Hilde had draped over her made her feel a bit better than before.
Count Melrn, for his part, had gone off to his study to handle work. It seemed his schedule was badly backed up from ravaging Emilia. What on earth kept him so busy every day? She couldn't fathom it, but even more baffling was how that madman turned out to be unexpectedly diligent.
Anyway. After seeing Count Melrn off, she followed Hilde to a special greenhouse built inside the Melrn Count's mansion.
"Whoa...."
Emilia let out an involuntary gasp of admiration. The greenhouse was filled with lush plants, meticulously arranged like a theme park attraction, with beautifully paved floors and decorations that stole her gaze away.
Pretty. Cool. Beautiful. Majestic...! A barrage of exclamations spilled from her lips.
The indoor space felt impossibly vast. Towering trees stretched high, and vines reminiscent of swamp dwellers lined the paths, amplifying the sense of grandeur Emilia felt.
"This is a greenhouse the Master has put special care into. It's maintained in optimal condition using various magical devices."
"Magic is used for regular pest control, so you needn't worry about insects."
That was Hilde's explanation as she led the way. Apparently, this greenhouse gathered rare plants from all sorts of regions—not just this continent, but even from lands across the sea.
"Does Count Melrn like plants?"
"The Master cherishes anything of value."
"...You mean expensive or rare plants?"
"If I may be so bold, the Master's criteria for 'value' differ somewhat from what you might think, Lady Emilia. Rather than me explaining, it's better if you observe and understand for yourself. You won't lack time or opportunities for that."
Hilde spoke meaningfully. Her vague response—half-understandable, half-mysterious—left Emilia puzzled, but she followed Hilde deeper into the greenhouse.
Near the center was a small open space with a lovely tea table set up.
"Shall we take a light rest, then? You've worked hard attending the Master this morning."
Hilde placed the basket she'd brought on the table and prepared everything for tea time right there. Luxurious black tea and simple pastries on plates. The tea was brewed on the spot using a magical device.
"...I don't really feel like resting."
"Rest is important. You're not yet accustomed to life here, so you might not notice fatigue building up."
"If I'm resting, I'd rather swing a sword like last time."
"That's scheduled too, so for now, please enjoy this as it is."
"...I'd prefer liquor over tea."
"No."
Hilde firmly dismissed Emilia's wish in her gentle yet strict tone.
"There are also lessons for your refinement and massage sessions to relieve bodily fatigue. Please behave and enjoy them."
"...What is this? Am I being raised like livestock?"
"The Master commanded me to manage you."
Management...? Unable to voice a proper complaint, Emilia reluctantly went along.
What followed was a somewhat boring tea time. In the space thick with the scent of plants like a forest bath, sitting idly did ease some invisible mental and physical strain.
Sipping tea and enjoying the scenery, she occasionally asked questions that popped into her head. Hilde gave no answers on Count Melrn or Mona, but handled other topics adeptly. Her knowledge was astonishing for a mere maid, leaving Emilia impressed multiple times during their chat.
She'd only wiped herself down with tissues and cloth after Count Melrn, so a faint stickiness lingered... but it wasn't a bad time for rest.
It was during this respite that it happened.
"Lady Emilia, I have something to say."
Just as Emilia was settling into the rest, growing comfortable. Hilde opened with those words.
Curious what the maid—who'd only answered questions so far—intended to say, Emilia crunched a pastry and nodded for her to continue.
Hilde bowed deeply in thanks.
"Lady Emilia, Lady Emilia."
"I know you have many concerns weighing on you."
"That the Master's actions seem unjust to you."
"That you're still young and lack much in the way of savvy."
"I won't overstep by claiming to know everything, but I know this is undoubtedly a difficult situation."
Hilde spoke calmly, without a trace of pity or worry, her voice strict yet composed.
"Even so, you need moments to forget the things that burden you, if only briefly."
"My orders are to keep you in top condition through management and care."
"The education, training, and rest I direct—all of it is to maintain you in a better state."
"So please, trust me and accept my 'management.'"
"For your revenge, too, keeping your body and mind in peak condition is essential."
Listening, Emilia swallowed her crunchy pastry and downed the still-warm tea. Many retorts came to mind, but they vanished at the mention of "for your revenge."
If this was Count Melrn's intent, it grated—but Hilde was right on every point. To oppose him, Emilia needed a sound mind and sturdy body.
"Got it. ...But remember, as you said, all this is solely for the sake of revenge."
"A wise response. Thank you, Lady Emilia."
Emilia set down her teacup as she replied, and Hilde bowed deeply.
"If I may add one more impertinent thing."
"They say leisure allows for a broader perspective."
"I would be truly glad if my care and management help you reach the 'truth.'"
Hilde's appended words at the end didn't quite make sense. When Emilia pressed, Hilde brushed it off as nothing to mind.
In the end, with a slight lingering unease, Emilia enjoyed the remaining short break.
After that brief rest, they left the greenhouse. At the exit waited Mona the succubus, as if on cue. Hilde handed Emilia over with a "Do your best with the next task" and departed.
Emilia felt a sudden, absurd sense of betrayal despite understanding the situation. The mood had been good just moments ago....
"Hehe~ Lia, Liaaa~ Kept you waiting, huh~ Let's have fun today too~♪"
"......Do whatever."
"Yay, I'm thrilled. Then I'll really do as I please~♪"
Mona, bouncing with excessive energy, stripped Emilia bare right there—from the cloth Hilde had given her to the pointless decorations and stockings of the reverse bunny costume, all tossed aside carelessly.
Thus, fully nude like livestock led to slaughter, Emilia was dragged away by Mona....
