After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I changed into my pajamas and flopped onto the bed. There was a long, slender pillow there. I hugged it tightly and whispered softly.
"…haa… Marie. So cute."
"Master."
"Ah, what!?"
I hit my head on the canopy's pillar as I jumped up, and I was in agony.
"Mio, you were here!?"
"I was."
"You should have said something!"
"I just did."
Her tone was as calm as ever, and her expression was as usual, blank. Since this is always the case, I no longer resist. After placing tomorrow's work clothes in the cabinet, Mio was silent for a while. She seemed to have something to say. After waiting, she suddenly spoke.
"Master, what did you think when you saw Lady Marie today, after four days?"
"I like her."
"That's not it."
Mio immediately corrected me as I answered without hesitation.
"…She's cute. Or rather, she's more of a beauty, I think."
"That's not what I mean. …Five days ago… before you went to work, you said to me, 'Treat Marie with the utmost hospitality. Treat her as befits a noble lady, as she truly is.' …"
"Yeah. Marie lacks confidence in herself."
I stated firmly. It was obvious that the treatment of the sisters in the Chedelan baron's household was different. The beautiful older sister and the younger sister who was called ugly. The hierarchy among siblings, whether in noble or commoner families, is common. Treatment can vary based on birth order, gender, or parentage. I myself, being the fourth child and a bastard, was designated as the heir simply because I am male. There are many thoughts about this, but it is probably the wisdom of our ancestors to prevent unnecessary conflict. However, Marie is different. It's not because she is the second daughter or the younger sister, but because she is considered unattractive, which is just bullying.
I wanted to deny it. I wanted her to understand that she is beautiful. Half of my anger was due to the injustice, and the other half was my personal desire.
Mio sighed deeply.
"…If Lady Marie gains confidence in herself, Master's words will resonate with her. I don't think the strategy itself is wrong."
I nodded. My conviction remained unshaken. But… the results were not showing.
"…Is it not enough? Then, I will gather treasures from the entire capital. I will take her to social events, or perhaps hold a party here in the castle. I will invite all the nobles in the country to praise Marie's beauty. —If that makes her smile…"
"That won't work, I'm sure."
Mio stated firmly, and I agreed. I just couldn't understand why. Marie genuinely seemed to enjoy the luxurious items and delicious food. Her smile at those moments seemed genuine. Yet, her eyes would sometimes cloud over. Why did she look so anxious…?
"Master, Master," Mio called out twice, bowing deeply.
"I am a child without a surname, yet I was raised in the duke's household. Since I was very young, it's different from Lady Marie, but I feel I can understand a little."
"…I see. Then, tell me what you mean."
"One day, something given by a magician will eventually disappear. Only what you build over a long time with your own hands can be truly believed."
…I didn't understand.
She is actually a baron's daughter and beautiful.
I was attracted to her, and everything in this castle already belongs to her. What magic is she talking about?
Mio smiled wryly.
"Master, that's fine. From now on, just believe in the truth and do what is normal."
"…Is that some kind of sarcasm?"
"No, it's a compliment. From the bottom of my heart."
It seemed she really meant it.
Mio is probably right. I don't understand women in general. If I don't understand something, I don't understand it.
—So, what should I do? It's okay to not understand, but I have to do something.
Putting aside my personal desires, I first want to ease her tension. I want her to feel comfortable and relaxed in this new castle.
Mio watched me silently as I thought. Her expression was as usual, but it was clear she was siding with Marie. I fell in love with Marie, but the time we've spent together is still very short. Mio, who has been with her for a few days, might be more invested in Marie.
Hanna and Ilza… I hired them, of course, for Marie's sake. In this castle, there are only the servants I like. I find the noble lifestyle stiff, so the servants are friendly, or to put it bluntly, they are too familiar and casual.
I wanted to treat Marie, who has been mistreated, as a proper noble lady, so I brought in noble ladies…
"Mio, from tomorrow, I will be away from the castle on business. It will probably take a few days."
"Yes. You are working very hard to take a few days off for Lady Marie's engagement ceremony and honeymoon."
"Right. So, I want you to watch over Marie during that time."
"Understood."
"During that time, Marie is your master. Prioritize her wishes over the instructions I gave you in advance."
"Yes. —What if Lady Marie does not clearly express her wishes?"
"Use your judgment to ensure she is truly comfortable. Please convey this to the other servants as well."
"…May I also review the staff?"
"Leave it to you."
"Understood. …Thank you, Master."
Mio thanked me.
It was as if she had wanted to hear those words all along.