My day begins with the morning sun filtering through the curtains.
Even before my head and body are fully awake, I rouse myself and open the curtains. The kingdom, with summer just around the corner, is already bright at this hour. Since it's such a nice day, I open the window wide, stick my head out, and take a deep breath. Inhaling the morning air deeply, I awaken.
As far as the eye can see, the grounds of Granado Castle stretch out. Directly below, a garden in full bloom spreads out, and when I look up, the sky stretches endlessly blue.
"Hmm, what a beautiful day!"
Just as I said this to myself, there was a knock on the door.
"Good morning, madam. Are you awake yet?"
The voice from the other side of the door wasn't Mio's. It was a very comfortable and gentle male voice.
Ah, it's the butler's turn today. Since he's of a different gender, he's more reserved than the maids. I open the door and greet him.
"Good morning, Wolfgang. I'm already up. I win today."
"Hehe, I lost."
The elderly gentleman smiled. The smart and elegant butler never says, "I was up before dawn and waiting." He always kindly tolerates my childish games.
"However, madam, your hair is quite a mess. Did you stick your head out the window again?"
"Oh, you caught me."
"It's not dangerous because of the fall prevention railing, but it's so amusing that I can't help but laugh. Please comb it with a hand brush before I come in."
—And he doesn't forget to scold me.
"Okay."
When I nod, a girl rushes in with a pleasant sound of footsteps, hugging my legs before Wolfgang can stop her.
"Marie! Good morning!"
Oh, be careful, even a child can knock me over with that kind of momentum. I barely manage to steady myself and straighten up.
"Good morning, Cécilie. You're up early today."
"Yeah! Look, Marie, I got my hair done in buns. Cute? Cute?"
When I look, two small buns, or rather, little buns, are symmetrically placed on either side of her silver hair, with pink ribbons tied on. Oh my, how adorable.
"Super cute! I've never seen such cute buns. And I've never seen anyone who suits them so well!"
When I praise her, Cécilie grins like a Cheshire cat.
"Right? Marie, you should do buns too. We can match, we can match."
Oh, so cute. I can't resist and hug Cécilie. The girl, who is only about half my height, is overjoyed with a big smile.
Wolfgang frowns and bends down.
"Here, Cécile. It's fine to be affectionate with madam, but you're making her uncomfortable. And how many times do I have to tell you about your manners?"
"It's okay, Wolfgang. I'm enjoying it."
When I allow it, Wolfgang looks even more troubled. Heh, he must find Cécile as cute as a granddaughter, but to me, she's like a little sister, the same age as my brother. Being so close to her, she's just irresistibly cute.
Wolfgang is the oldest butler in Granado Castle. He has served like a father and a grandfather, and like a guard dog, since Lord Cyrus was a child. Mio is Lord Cyrus's head valet, but when a woman can't be present or when he's busy, Wolfgang takes over.
In return, the tasks that a male butler can't do—like helping me change—are handled by the youngest servant, Cécilie, the maid-in-training and Wolfgang's granddaughter.
When we first met, Cécilie was very nervous, but seeing how I, who am shy, was even more nervous than a child, she relaxed and quickly became close to me, calling me "Marie, Marie."
I quickly grew to love Cécilie. When we play together, it feels like my mental age shifts, and I end up being affectionate even to the old butler, my grandfather.
While brushing my hair with her small hands, Cécilie puffed her cheeks.
"I wish Mio-sama would be gone forever. Then I could be Marie's maid every day."
"Oh, even if Mio is here, you can still come and play."
"No way. I'm scared of her."
"Why? She's a bit expressionless, but she's kind. Oh, but she is your boss. Maybe she's strict with the maids."
"That's not it..."
Cécilie's cheeks puffed up even more. She glanced at Wolfgang, who was setting the breakfast table, and leaned in to whisper in my ear.
"Don't tell grandpa. ...She has a pigeon."
"A pigeon? Mio?"
"Yes. When I got lost in the castle, she told me to follow this and pulled a pigeon out of her apron pocket..."
"Really? Not a toy? ...Oh, but it's Mio."
"Even so, it's a bit strange, don't you think?"
"Hmm... But it's Mio."
While we were talking, my hair was styled into red buns. They're a bit different in size and position, but Cécilie will fix them later.
The breakfast plates were also set out.
Today's breakfast is unsweetened scones, vichyssoise, a large slice of bacon, and a mini gratin served in a scallop shell.
"Looks delicious! Let's eat."
I take a bite and tremble with joy. I share a bit with the maid-in-training, who has already finished her breakfast and is drooling, and we finish the meal.
"Though not as skilled as Mio, this Wolfgang also has a bit of a passion for tea."
He pours a bright red herbal tea. It has a floral aroma and a sweet and tangy, refreshing taste.
"What is this?"
"It's a blend of hibiscus and rosehip with fresh peppermint from the castle."
"It's refreshing and perfect for the morning. Delicious!"
"I'm glad you like it."
The old butler bows deeply, and the maid-in-training, mimicking his posture, loses her balance and falls over.
—Mio has been away a lot lately. Even on days when Lord Cyrus is working, she leaves the castle, saying she has business. On days when Mio is away, these two take care of me.
Wolfgang can apparently prepare dresses and finish my makeup, but I insist on doing it myself.
"Hmm... Ugh. No good, it's smudged..."
I struggle to apply the rouge. I'm probably worse at it than Cécilie, just copying what I see. Still, I try my best for the day.
After a lot of effort, I finally finish. Next, I struggle with choosing a dress.
"Since I have buns today, I look a bit young... A dress with round sleeves and a fluffy hem? Hmm, but..."
I fumble around in front of the closet, trying different options.
During this time, a large mirror is in front of me, reflecting my image.
"Marie, are you still not ready?"
"Don't rush her, Cécile. It's an important time for madam."
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The kind butler, with his granddaughter on his lap, watches me with a smile.
I take my time.
"---Yes. This one suits me the best."
I pick up a long green dress. A deep, vivid emerald green, like the morning sun on a summer mountain.
"How does it look?"
I hold it up to my body and turn to the two of them.
"Marie, you're so cute!"
Cécilie claps her hands. Wolfgang smiles and nods, saying I look beautiful.
"You look the best I've ever seen. When Lord Cyrus returns, he might accidentally hug you."
At his words, an image pops into my head. I hide my blushing face with my hands.
I can't speak.
Oh... What's wrong with me?
Lately, such compliments...
Make me so happy.
...I almost take them seriously.
Thank you for reading.
