--King's castle. Servant's kitchen.

　This place, where Futa usually cooks his meals and where he sometimes tries to cook himself, is basically Korona's territory.

　She already knows where everything is and how much is there, and she has a list of what to buy for the next shopping trip.

　There's nothing to worry about if you go on a shopping trip by yourself.
　Of course, this is a matter of course for a cultured person living in the capital.

　On this day, too, Corona was in the middle of preparing breakfast.
　The early morning sunlight, typical of the fresh season, shines through the windows as she runs around the kitchen, this way and that.

　With a default cat-like smile on her face, she lightly wipes the sweat from her forehead as she struggles with the burning stove.

"Whee!

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

You're doing great in the heat.
That's the way of Mei. Go through it?
It's fine if you want to go through with it, but ...... can't you wear something a little lighter?
Meido?　Rilla has already changed her clothes for the season.
I'm talking about you, my dear.
Huh. Worrying about other people is not so rare ......!　It's embarrassing.
You know, ......

　Should I call you Lila or something else?
　In any case, the girl who was staring at the work behind Corona hugged her arms and let out a deep sigh.

　I know I'm being teased, and I'm not going to fight it. If I turn the subject to you, Corona will be happy to let it slide.

　Surely--surely.
　Lira's changed. It's no lie that she's worried about you, and she has no reason to deceive you if she thinks you're worried about her.
　The only thing that has changed is that she is not the only one with blue eyes looking at the back of her apron dress.

You're not the only one who has changed. I won't know if you fall down again.
"Oh, that's the one.
...... That's you.

　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.
　In contrast, Corona's cold weather clothes have long sleeves that completely cover the wrists.

　Lira's dress is open at the chest, while Corona's is closed up to the collar.

　The length of her skirt is the same, but she wears thick white tights while Lila wears light socks.

"Well, don't worry about it. I'm sure you've heard of it.
I've never heard that before.
I've never had you worry about me before.

　It hurts when you hit that point.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

I'm not lying. I'm not lying. It's not like the maids want to have an endurance contest.
"............

　The maid doesn't really want to have a contest of endurance.
　I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.

I'm glad you're worried about me, but... I'm sure the princess knows about the maid. ...... I heard that she wiped your sweat and stuff when you fell asleep the other day.

　--It was only recently that I thought about it.
　She said that it was she who had been taking care of Corona, who had been asleep for several days.
　I was happy and embarrassed and sorry when I heard that, but that's not what I want to say.

　You know.
　You know what he meant.

I'm not going to say that you're worrying too much.

　Corona was silent at Lilla's murmur.
　The only sound is the sound of the stew simmering.

But I think the people who are important to you won't mind.

　Rilla did not dare to mention how many people she meant.
　But there are a few people that Rilla trusts, and they are worth trusting.
　Including Corona, she values her because she never leaves her true self in front of her.

　That's why I'm giving you this advice.
　I don't see the need to hide behind the heat of the moment.
　His words of genuine affection were interrupted, however, by a single word.

"It's the other way around.
"...... backwards?
"Yes.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
　Her words were soft and fragile. But her mouth was relaxed, as if she was enjoying the conversation with Lila.

　She said, without looking back at Lira, who looked at her suspiciously.

I thought that princesses and maids are the opposite in that way. That's true. I'm sure you're right. The princess cares about people who don't mind showing their scars.
"...... Ah.

　Then, Rira finally understood what she was trying to say.



　The look on Corona's face as she turned around was a fleeting smile.

"Maids don't want to be seen, because they're important. Maybe that's the difference between a maid and a princess.

　Considering her past behavior, it was only natural.
　When she realized that she might be executed, she tried to leave the city because she didn't want to get them in trouble.
　This time, too, when he collapsed, he was planning to leave the capital before his "life" was up.

　She didn't want to show herself to the people she cared about.

　I don't want to show my body full of old scars just because they'll accept me.

　That's what I was talking about.

"You're a pain in the ass.
I don't like it when princesses call me that.
Can you please stop calling me that?　I'm just a maid now.
That's the way it is now.

　Corona's words of exasperation.

　They look at each other and both blow out lightly.

...... I understand. I'm going to try to figure out what's going on by tracing some of my contacts. It's true that it's troublesome if you fall down.
"What? Can you keep me cool in this outfit?
You've lost me there. Isn't it too hot?
You can't blame me for lying about that!　Maids don't sweat much, so they get all hot and bothered.
That's both good and bad. You don't smell like sweat, though.
No, no, no! Don't come here. Don't try to smell me.
I'm not. You're dirty.
What did you just say?

　The maid had lost all emotion.

"In any case. Corona.
Huh?
I understand you don't want me to see it. --It's just that the last thing you want people to know, they know.
............ Yeah. What should I do?

　She moaned, her eyes like batten marks.

　If I could hide it, I would.
　I don't want to cause unnecessary worry. Especially if it's someone who's going to do something crazy for you.

　But now they know.
　About my life.

I think you should reveal everything about yourself now that you've done this.
But I don't have anything to hide anymore.
"Is that so?

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

I'm not sure what to do.
It's not a given. It's just that there were no documents in this area of the country.
Sorry about the ......?
I'm not sorry, sir.
It's just not possible. You paid for something and now you want it back. That's pretty selfish.
I don't know. ......
"Princess?

　As if remembering something, Lira gave a small laugh.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

You're here now because of someone's selfishness, right?
"......... Yes, it was.
The world is not as kind to good people as it seems. The world is not as kind to good people as it might seem, and it's easier to live with what you can get away with. You too...

　I'm not sure what to say.

If you want to live, you have to be a little selfish.
".......

　I'm not sure if I understand or not.
　The vague reply seemed to be positive.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

We're still investigating. We'll have to rely on distant lands. ......
What about the court mage?
I'm having them look into it. However, we can't afford to have any conditions placed on our information, so we're preparing for that.
It's a strange world.
The less you know, the better.



　With a flutter of her hand, Lila cut the conversation short, looking bored.

　I looked at the stew and saw that it was just about done.

Wasn't it simmering since yesterday?
"Yes. I asked the guards to keep the fire going. I don't usually do this, but cold stew is delicious this time of year.
I see. I'll have to look forward to .......
...... Speaking of which, Princess...
"Yes?

　I'm sure you'll have a great time.

What did you want to do after all, come all the way here in a maid's uniform?

　A puzzled gaze.
　If you simply want to talk, any place will do.
　It's true that the two of you can have a long talk alone in the kitchen, but there's no need to wear a maid's uniform.

　When she tilted her head to see if there was something else going on behind her back, Lira shook her head.

It's no big deal. I'm just trying to learn a little about Corona's cooking.
"......?　Why?
Why, that's quite something.
You're trying to take the maid's place at ？？？？？.
It's not like that. ...... I used to make them all the time, but I don't have much of a repertoire.
"Hmm. If you'd have told me, I could have taught you.
Being taught is a little different. ......
What?

　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.
　I'm thinking of a hobby," Lilah said absently as the two golden tassels swayed in the set.

I'm thinking about a hobby.
Your hobby is ...... cooking?
I'm thinking about getting into it. It's not a hobby if Corona teaches it to you, is it?
Master Hooter!
...... It's a delicate decision, but I wouldn't want to call it a hobby if I'm learning it from someone else.
You're a pain in the ass, princess.
I don't need you to tell me that. ......

　Corona thought about it and asked.

I know you're busy, but... I'm a maid and I think my hobby should be being a warrior.
That's true, but ......
Why are you worried?
Because.

　I'm not sure what to do.
　Muttering.

It's not cute, is it?
".................. Meidon?
"Do you have to ask that again?

　I'm not sure what you're talking about.

"Pretty taste, princess?
"Yes, I do. Is that bad?
"......, Princess.　

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to know what you think.

　The two golden tassels were equally loose, as if to say, "Give it up.

"Who's going to believe you now that you're playing cute?
I'll kill you.