The Unspoken Taming

…Love…?

Seraphina Scarlett’s mind rebooted.

She had envisioned countless possibilities. Perhaps Claire would make a grand, public confession. She might have stammered, or perhaps she would have turned the conversation into a tangled mess. Even a sincere denial from Claire had crossed her mind.

Yet, what she hadn’t anticipated was Claire’s complete disregard for the difficult question. Instead, Claire had simply ignored it, tossing a new query back at her.

‘Is she trying to counter with another question? Who taught you to answer a question with a question, you little rascal!’ ‘Good heavens!’

However, this particular question truly sent Seraphina Scarlett into a spiral of contemplation.

What, precisely, were her feelings for this human girl, who now shared her bed? What kind of emotions did she harbor?

Recalling their first encounter, she had intervened to save Claire. Half of her motivation stemmed from an unwillingness to witness someone perish before her eyes. The other half, however, was a calculated move to leverage the prestigious Krieg family. She had hoped to use the opportunity to forge a connection.

And afterward? Claire had extended an invitation for her to be a guest at the manor.

Seraphina Scarlett had initially assumed it was merely a standard, polite gesture of gratitude.

Yet, to her surprise, Claire had displayed emotions that far exceeded mere gratitude. She had incessantly sought closeness, abandoning her usual demeanor to curry favor.

****

Later still, when Seraphina Scarlett presented the ring Claire had given her, attempting to make Claire honor her promise, Claire had seized the moment. Instead, she proposed the ‘seven-day maid’ agreement. The unexpected condition had taken Seraphina Scarlett by surprise.

At that time, Seraphina Scarlett’s mind was utterly consumed by the sudden abduction of Iqiyah. Driven by the urgent need to reach the Elven Lands, she hadn’t voiced any refusal. She had simply agreed to Claire’s request without reservation.

However, this did not mean she harbored no resentment.

After all, she had saved Claire’s life. Yet, when it was her turn to seek the promised refuge, Claire had obstinately reneged. Claire had insisted on imposing additional conditions.

This act had significantly diminished Claire’s standing in Seraphina Scarlett’s estimation. Her perception of Claire had plummeted.

Subsequently, Claire had deliberately placed her among those who despised her. Together with Cardo, she had even exposed Claire’s machinations.

While Seraphina Scarlett had discerned Claire’s intentions towards her through these events, she could only describe Claire’s methods as possessing a unique “shrewdness” and “imperiousness.” These were traits characteristic of a noble young lady.

Considering Claire’s initial motivations, this subtle cunning could be deemed “cute.” However, it was undeniably a quality that evoked a degree of distaste. It was enough to cause a slight aversion.

Therefore, when Seraphina Scarlett suspected Claire might be feigning “social anxiety,” her vexation was profound, her resolve unyielding. She simply couldn’t bear to be mentally and physically drained by Claire’s self-absorbed affection any longer. She was truly exhausted by it all.

Returning to the initial question…

“Seraphina Scarlett…”

Claire looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I know… this is a difficult question to answer…”

“I know… I’ve made things hard for you all this time… so I don’t expect an answer.” She didn’t anticipate one.

Pausing, Claire drew a deep breath.

“I merely… wish to tell you my hopes, and… my true feelings.” She just wanted to express herself.

Closing her eyes, Seraphina Scarlett delved into her own heart.

What feelings, truly, did she harbor for Claire? Seraphina Scarlett herself was uncertain.

Yet, she vividly recalled the evening she and Claire had ventured out together. She remembered the sheer joy that had bloomed within her.

It was when she watched this ‘socially anxious’ noble young lady bravely push past the boundaries of her own social phobia. The sight of Claire’s courage had filled her with delight. A profound sense of happiness.

Admittedly, part of that joy stemmed from “achieving a healing objective.” But more profoundly, it was a genuine happiness, arising from the depths of her heart, for Claire’s personal growth. She was truly happy for her.

A soft chuckle escaped Seraphina Scarlett as this thought crossed her mind.

“What is it, Seraphina Scarlett?”

Unbeknownst to Seraphina Scarlett, Claire had already reverted to her ‘socially anxious’ demeanor.

To this moment, Seraphina Scarlett remained unsure whether Claire’s social anxiety was a disguise for some ulterior motive or a genuine effect of the [True Ancestor’s Blood]. The true cause was still a mystery.

However, deep within her heart, it no longer mattered as much. Her concern had waned.

“Nothing at all.”

Seraphina Scarlett’s voice carried a hint of laughter.

“If you ask me if I love you, I can only say…” Seraphina Scarlett raised her head, her gaze meeting Claire’s. Her fingers then gently traced a path across Claire’s face, brushing over her temples, her ears, her eyelashes, until they settled on Claire’s fair, supple cheeks.

“Ouch!”

Pinching Claire’s cheek playfully, Seraphina Scarlett watched the golden-haired girl before her with a beaming smile. She swayed her arm back and forth, teasingly.

“Oh, you! If only you could give me a little less trouble, I’d absolutely adore you.”

“But for now… poor little Claire is so socially anxious, so dependent on me. It’s quite a bother, you see~” Her tone was light and teasing.

“Ugh… I’m sorry…”

Claire huddled into a ball, her eyes tightly shut, yet she offered no resistance to Seraphina Scarlett’s playful torment. She remained pliant.

“Sigh…”

Observing this imposing figure who still maintained such a delicate demeanor, Seraphina Scarlett offered a helpless smile. It was a smile tinged with resignation.

Then, she released her grip, her hand gently caressing the human girl’s tear-streaked eyelids. She tenderly wiped away the tears.

“You know… just hurry up and become the Claire I know again~”

If Claire wished to continue this charade, then Seraphina Scarlett would play along. Such was Seraphina Scarlett’s current sentiment.

Yet, a thought occurred to her: in a way, wasn’t she herself being “tamed” by Claire? The irony was not lost on her.

Recalling the subtle battles of wills from the past few days, a sense of loss involuntarily welled within her. It crept into her heart.

‘After all this… I suppose I lost a long time ago.’

A medley of emotions swirling within her, Seraphina Scarlett lowered her head, pressing her lips together firmly. Then, with a decisive shake of her head, she cast all distracting thoughts from her mind.

“Oh, forget it. Sleep is important, sleep is important.”

“Alright, alright, Miss Claire. It’s past midnight now. As a human, you really should get some proper sleep, or you won’t be able to wake up tomorrow~” Her voice was firm but gentle.

“And also… this bed truly isn’t big enough for two people. Perhaps I should get down and sleep on the floor…” She suggested, moving to rise.

“Don’t.”

Just as Seraphina Scarlett was about to withdraw her hand from Claire’s face, something unexpected happened. Unexpectedly, Claire’s body trembled.

Like a small dog guarding its food, Claire suddenly seized Seraphina Scarlett’s hands. She pressed them back into place with surprising force.

“Only this… if it’s alright, just a little longer.”

With downcast eyes, Claire likely knew this would cause Seraphina Scarlett annoyance. She was aware of the potential irritation.

Yet, she did it anyway.

No words were spoken, but Claire’s yearning was deafening.

However, facing Claire’s seemingly selfish act, Seraphina Scarlett, who ought to have felt displeasure, instead felt a surge of warmth within her heart. A comforting sensation washed over her.

“Heheheh…”

Moving her fingers, Seraphina Scarlett gently pressed at the corner of Claire’s eye. She felt the unique softness and delicate moisture of that area.

‘It seems I’m not the only one who’s been “tamed,” after all.’

****

The fifth day dawned.

Within the castle, every maid present clearly sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere between Claire and Seraphina Scarlett. It was undeniably peculiar.

A dearth of words hung between them, as if both had transformed. They frequently fell into silence. Gone was the boisterous liveliness that had characterized their interactions before.

Nevertheless, both Seraphina Scarlett and Claire wore faint, almost imperceptible smiles. Their expressions were serene.

Beyond that… just like the previous day, Claire remained stubbornly attached to Seraphina Scarlett. She clung to her side.

And Seraphina Scarlett, mirroring yesterday’s actions, continued to attend to Claire.

“Miss Claire… please articulate your requests properly.”

“…Seraphina Scarlett… I still want you…”

Like two actors performing a perfectly synchronized, albeit bizarre, duet, they played off each other.

Finally… as noon approached, one particular maid could no longer suppress her burgeoning curiosity. She sought out Seraphina Scarlett, who had briefly found herself alone.

“Psst… Seraphina Scarlett.” (She whispered.)

Fourierina, having just emerged from a nearby room, leaned in close to Seraphina Scarlett.

“What exactly is going on between you and Miss Claire?”