Young Master Claude

Today, my lady was once again studying the history of the kingdom.

And I was once again subjected to my daily hellish training.

After enduring another session under that sadistic Knight Captain, I collapsed onto a table in the break room—too drained to care whether my posture was proper or not.

At that moment, someone sat down beside me and placed something on the table.

Curious, I lifted my head to find a cup of tea.

Judging by the smell, it was black tea.

“Drinking this will help relieve your fatigue.”

Looking up at the voice’s owner, I was surprised to see Young Master Claude.

…That devilishly attractive face—

The instant he smiled, it felt like my soul was being drawn out of my body.

I was dazed for a few seconds before snapping back to reality and sitting upright with perfect posture.

“You don’t have to be so formal.”

Claude smiled.

“In this knight corps, we’re all like family. No need for excessive courtesy—it’s pointless and exhausting.

The other knights just call me by name. I’d like you to do the same.”

“C-Claude… Young Master?”

I tried, but still ended up adding the honorific at the end.

“Haha, looks like it’ll take a while to get used to.”

Claude chuckled wryly and pushed the cup toward me.

“Go ahead and drink. You’ve still got your maid duties tonight, don’t you?

Pushing yourself too hard isn’t good for your health.”

Claude smiled kindly…

Honestly, if I didn’t have my memories from my previous life as a guy, I’d probably fall for that smile on the spot.

Still, since he was being so kind…

“You already knew I’m Lady Katarina’s personal maid?”

“Yeah. It’s pretty unusual to have a maid join knight training, so I asked Father about it.

He explained that he’d assigned you as a bodyguard-maid for Katarina.”

“Honestly, I was skeptical at first.

I mean, you’re a ten-year-old girl—how could you possibly keep up with Captain Eric’s training?

But after watching you for two days, seeing you persist without backing down… it’s honestly impressive.”

“…I just want to gain the strength to protect the young lady.”

Magic alone isn’t enough.

I need physical strength, too.

That’s something both the Duke and I agreed on.

So I’ll do everything it takes.

“It’s obvious you truly care for Katarina…

No wonder both she and Father trust you so much.

I won’t say anything to discourage your resolve.

But you really should be careful with your body.

You’re still just ten years old.”

…Come to think of it, I really am only ten now.

In retrospect, it might be a bit much to expect this kind of training from someone my age.

Even if I sometimes mutter complaints in my mind, I still act like an adult…

But as the saying goes—“the body is the foundation of revolution.”

If I ruin my health, I won’t be able to protect the young lady.

…And that would only make that kind-hearted girl worry.

That would defeat the purpose entirely.

“You’re right. I do need to get more rest.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll talk to Father and Captain Eric about adjusting your schedule.”

He paused, then smiled again.

“But for now, consider this tea your reward.”

Black tea, huh?

Its pleasant aroma lingered in the air.

I used to love tea in my past life—it helped refresh the mind and body.

As someone who worked all kinds of jobs, tea was practically my best friend.

I brought the cup to my lips and took a small sip.

A deep richness spread across my tongue, the initial bitterness giving way to a subtle sweetness—proof of high-quality tea leaves and skillful brewing.

“Did you make this yourself? It’s delicious.”

Claude simply smiled in response.

“As long as you like it.”

It was about time for me to deliver dinner to the young lady.

I drained the rest of the tea in one go, gave a quick bow, and turned to leave.

That should’ve been the end of my little chat with Young Master Claude—

But it wasn’t.

Halfway down the hall, I realized something and stopped.

I turned around—

Sure enough, Claude was still following me, wearing a gentle smile.

“…Why are you following me?”

“Don’t mind me.”

That’s not something you can just brush off!

But… fine.

Feeding my young lady takes priority.

I continued walking.

Claude matched my pace, staying behind me at a leisurely distance.

I could feel his gaze studying me.

…Why was he being so nice to a maid he just met?

Even if I served his sister, this level of friendliness felt a bit too much.

Could it be…

He’s suspicious of me?

Afraid I’ll influence his sister and steal away his authority or favor?

I glanced back, squinting at him in doubt.

“Hehe~”

As if reading my thoughts, Claude chuckled.

“Okay, okay. I’ll stop teasing.”

His mischievous grin didn’t match the image I had of him at all.

“I just wanted to eat dinner with my sister, that’s all.

It’s been a whole week since we last saw each other.”

—Unlike most families that gather for dinner, the Duke’s family was different.

Ever since the Duchess gave birth, she’d been frail and rarely active.

The Duke himself was always traveling for work.

So the two siblings usually had to eat alone.

“We used to eat together all the time…

But now I’m busy preparing for the national academy—studying, training—it’s nonstop.”

A shadow passed over his face.

“It’s been a whole week since I’ve seen my Katarina… I really missed her~”

“…Alright.”

Well, if that’s his reason, I guess I’ll take his word for it.

In the end, I carried dinner for two.

“Katarina~!”

“Big Brother!”

The two of them instantly hugged.

“I missed you so much~”

“I missed you too, Big Brother!”

Seeing them so affectionate with each other instantly put all my suspicions to rest.

“Why are you here, Big Brother?”

Katarina tilted her head and looked up at him.

“I just wanted to have dinner with my adorable little sister. Is that not allowed?”

“Of course it is!”

“Then… Ailena, set the table, will you?”

Ailena…?

Was he talking to me?

Well, I guess this young master is the overly familiar type.

Better not comment on it.

“Yes, Young Master Claude.”

I began setting out the food for them.

“…?”

But for some reason, Milady’s eyes went wide.

Her face darkened as she stared at me.

She had just been smiling a moment ago—

Why the sudden mood swing?

Did I do something wrong?

I quickly checked the food, then double-checked the plates to make sure I didn’t mix them up.

…Everything looked fine.

But instead of calming down, she only seemed more upset.

…What in the world did I do wrong?