“Ainzich-sama, I have brought them.”
Herbert escorted two women into the office.
One was a middle-aged woman, while the other was a young beastwoman with cat ears.
“A feline beastman, huh? That’s rare.”
As I muttered that, the cat-eared girl’s ears twitched, and she quickly hid behind the middle-aged woman.
“…My apologies, Your Grace. She is Lady Leila’s personal attendant, so I ask for your understanding.”
“Oh, no need to apologize. I don’t have any particular dislike for beastmen, so she need not worry. And what’s her name?”
“…”
Oh no, I got ignored agAinzich.
Being continuously brushed off by beautiful girls might be a reward for someone with a masochistic streak… Unfortunately, I lack such interests, and my spirit is starting to crack.
Incidentally, beastmen and other demi-humans are often persecuted, and most of the beastmen seen in this country are slaves. However, she had no collar, which suggests she was trusted.
“I have served as the head maid for many years, and my name is Melia. This is Mimi. We are grateful that you have arranged for her to serve Lady Leila once agAinzich.”
“Well, I simply needed someone with experience, as I’m unfamiliar with the workings of this castle.”
Yes, that was the reason I gave my father. It just so happened that the person I chose was someone who had a close relationship with Lady Leila.
The head maid gave a small laugh.
“You are much kinder than I had expected. It is a relief. We will serve you with all our hearts from now on.”
The cat-eared girl bowed deeply, following the head maid’s lead.
“Ah, I look forward to your service. By the way, there are also soldiers from the Count’s house in this castle, so be mindful of any remarks that could be misunderstood.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
I glanced at the clock.
“If I remember correctly, she should be having tea in the courtyard around this time. You should go meet her.”
This castle has a courtyard, and it’s of a decent size with good sunlight.
Leila, who had been sitting in the courtyard with a vacant look, saw the cat-eared girl, and to her surprise, they held hands and shed tears.
Though she was crying, it was the first time I had seen her smile since she arrived.
“I’ve never seen that look on her before…”
I leaned agAinzichst the wall near the courtyard entrance, watching them.
“Thank you agAinzich for your consideration, Duke. But are you sure you don’t want to meet her yourself?”
I scratched my head at the head maid’s words.
“If I show up now, it’ll look like I’m fishing for gratitude, don’t you think? I’d rather she just enjoy this moment purely. You should go, too.”
“Hehe. In that case, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
When Leila saw the head maid, she was surprised agAinzich, and a smile spread across her face.
“She wears that smile well.”
“Peeping isn’t exactly a commendable habit, Ainzich-sama.”
A voice suddenly called out, and I turned around, startled, to find Herbert standing there.
“Don’t scare me like that, old man.”
“Hahaha! Well, well, there’s still work to be done! Let’s head back.”
I nodded, following Herbert away from the courtyard. I glanced back toward the courtyard for a moment.
“I’m happy for you, Lady Leila.”
My murmured words went unheard, and I quickly turned back towards the office.
