The Maid Ailena

That day, she appeared in my life like moonlight breaking through the darkness.

Silvery white hair as luminous as the moon, golden eyes that caught the light—and a constantly smiling, adorable little face.

Just one glance, and I was completely captivated.

Before I even realized it, I’d already told her my reason for being there.

…Even though she was just one of the maids.

But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to be wary of her.

Maybe it was because she didn’t look much older than me?

Pondering that, I simply followed along behind her in a daze.

But to my surprise, she didn’t show the slightest disdain for Mother’s condition.

Instead, she actually helped me find flowers the same color as Mother’s eyes—

And even taught me how to weave them into a crown.

When I placed the flower crown on Mother’s head, she smiled for the first time in ages.

Though her expression looked tired, it was still a genuine smile from the heart.

I never imagined she would become my exclusive maid.

Ailena… What a lovely name.

She comforts me when I’m sad, listens patiently to my complaints, and supports me in silence.

And… the way she pats my head—it’s unbelievably comforting.

It’s like magic.

So gentle, so soothing… it makes you want to melt into her touch.

…It’s a pity we don’t have more time together because of classes.

The next time I saw her, she was drenched in sweat.

I don’t know why, but her scent was oddly enticing.

It was fragrant—yet not in a typical perfumed way.

…Still, being covered in sweat must’ve been uncomfortable, so I invited her to bathe with me.

I have to admit, Ailena’s technique is amazing.

Even something as mundane as hair washing became a blissful experience.

When I asked her to join me in the bath, though, she looked hesitant.

I had no choice but to play a tiny trick on her—

And gently pushed her into the water.

The moment she fell in, her expression softened completely, like a little animal discovering its nest…

She was so cute.

Her face turned rosy, her expression utterly relaxed, and her slender, graceful body shimmered in the water.

A strange impulse stirred inside me.

At first, I held back.

But when I touched her skin, she looked clearly confused… so I had to stop.

Still, the feel of her skin—

Smooth like jade, yet soft beyond belief—

I couldn’t forget it.

If possible… I’d really like to touch her again.

I never imagined Brother would be the first to call her by a nickname!

And even more outrageous—Ailena called him by his first name!

She’s never even said my name before!

I was so frustrated, it felt hard to breathe.

…Is this that feeling called “jealousy” I read about in novels?

Thankfully, it didn’t last long.

Ailena was still obedient as ever.

When she finally said my name, everything vanished like a dissipating fog, leaving only her sweet voice echoing in my ears.

…Am I too easy to please?

[“It’s all so I can protect you better, my dear little sister.”]

It was only after that that I learned from Brother—

Ailena had been training her body… for my sake.

…She’s barely older than me.

We’re both still kids.

How could she say something so mature—to protect me?

Does she think I’m that helpless?

Besides… Isn’t protecting the maid my job as her master?

Letting a maid do that for me—

It means I’ve failed in my duty as her mistress.

…I should add swordsmanship to my study schedule.

If I ask Father, he’ll most likely assign a tutor.

But that can wait.

Right now, I should make it up to my exhausted maid.

A good meal is the best reward for someone who’s worked hard all day.

Even though she was hesitant, she couldn’t refuse me in the end.

She bent forward, brushed her silver hair behind her ear, and shyly took a bite.

I could clearly see the sauce staining her soft, pink lips.

Her cheeks grew redder and redder—

Like one of those lanterns Father brought back from the Eastern Kingdom.

That reluctant yet resigned expression locked my eyes in place.

…There’s something forbidden about it.

An allure I can’t explain.

My mouth went dry, and my heart started to race.

My gaze wandered for a while—

But eventually, it landed on her soft, delicate lips.

I want to…

I want to devour her—

Utterly and completely!

An overwhelming urge to pounce surged within me…

But I forcefully pushed it down.

For now, I’ll just keep feeding her.

I-It’s not like I want to see that expression on her face again or anything!

Just then, the butler had to come and ruin the mood.

[“Tomorrow will be your first meeting with your fiancé—the Second Prince, Edwin Wilhelm. Please be fully prepared.”]

Oh, right… That’s tomorrow, isn’t it?

To be honest, it doesn’t feel real.

Even if he’s royalty—my fiancé—he’s still just a boy I’ve never met before.

But as the daughter of a duke, it’s my duty to marry into the royal family.

I should repay my parents for raising me—

And fulfill my noble obligations.

Still… once I enter the royal palace, Ailena probably won’t be my exclusive maid anymore.

…That thought leaves me strangely empty.

[“His Highness, the Second Prince, has arrived!”]

With my body wrapped tightly in a heavy dress and a suffocating corset, and my hair styled into something far more complicated than usual—

My very first meeting with the Second Prince finally began.

[“My lady is so, so beautiful! I’m sure the prince will fall for her instantly!”]

Before the meeting, Ailena cheered me on.

…She was the one who did this adorable hairstyle for me.

Yet now it’s someone else who gets to see it?

That thought alone put me in a bad mood.

And the idea that Ailena might leave me after I’m married…

I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm at all.

Before I realized it, I was already leading the prince to the garden for afternoon tea.

…I wonder if I performed my curtsy properly?

[“Lady Katarina is just as stunning as the rumors say—like a goddess descended to earth.”]

[“And you are just as handsome as I’d heard, Your Highness.”]

Empty flattery…

Though, I suppose that one wasn’t entirely false.

I’d long heard that although he’s the same age as Brother, the Second Prince is considered one of the most handsome men in the entire kingdom.

While Brother has a more androgynous, delicate beauty—

The prince exudes radiant, masculine charm.

Now that I’ve seen him in person, I can confirm it.

He really is as good-looking as they say.

And yet… I felt nothing.

Throughout our conversation, everything he said went in one ear and out the other.

I know it’s rude—especially toward a prince—

But I simply couldn’t focus.

Hopefully, he didn’t notice me zoning out…

At the very least, I should’ve managed to maintain appearances.

…I just want to see Ailena again.

I want her to pat my head…

That was the only prayer in my heart.