Seraphina POV
After returning to the academy I still had a lot of other responsibilities to deal with so by the time I have the chance to sit down on my bed after finishing everything, night has already fallen.
I resist the encroaching sleepiness and my eyes wander over to a certain book on my desk.
It's already late, but since I already bought it, I might as well skim through it a little…
I take the book and open it, only intending to read for a few minutes before heading to bed.
The story begins with the protagonist, Nora, an ordinary young girl, getting assigned as the personal maid to the princess of the kingdom, Vivienne.
Nora comes from a once-wealthy merchant family that had fallen on hard times. Her family had given her a strict education, seeing her appointment as the princess's personal maid as their big chance to restore their fortune.
From a young age, she was forced to master every skill the role required, with etiquette drilled into her relentlessly. Eventually her hard work paid off when she received the desired role. At least in the eyes of her family.
Although the two of them are similar in age, Nora can't help but feel nervous about serving such a capable and famous figure, but thanks to all her years of diligent learning, she flawlessly fulfills her duties. Though their initial interactions still feel a little awkward, as time passes Nora gets to know Princess Vivienne better and realizes that she is a really nice and good person.
Nora, having served others during her time as a junior maid, was familiar with the way some of the nobles behaved, so she learned to always be on her best behaviour around them. However, she soon finds out that she didn't need to have such concerns with Princess Vivienne, as she always treats her well, almost like a friend rather than a servant.
She always makes sure to pay attention to her. She often asks about how Nora's day was, offering tea and refreshments to her or inquiring about her interests. Nora hasn't had many friends before due to her strict upbringing which led to her developing a more stoic personality. So it takes her some time to understand why Vivienne is acting like this, but with such affectionate behaviour towards her, she soon realizes that the princess' actions are genuine.
"Hm." I let out a short sound while reading.
While our circumstances are different, I can't help but compare Nora's thoughts to mine when I first started getting involved with Lucy.
Although I should already be heading to bed by now, with my interest piqued, I decide to read a bit further.
Continuing the story, the two characters start getting along better and better, sharing their thoughts and aspirations with each other. Although Vivienne appeared really nice and almost angelic in her behaviour at first, after spending more time with her it becomes apparent that she also has a more mischievous side and likes to make trouble from time to time.
The princess' antics caused all sorts of incidents while also pulling Nora into it. Stuff like skipping classes, stealing sweets from the kitchen and similar occurrences happening nearly every day. She should be upset about it, but in the end Nora can't help but be caught up in her pace and also enjoy herself along the way.
Nora also gradually begins opening up about interests she has long been forced to suppress. So Vivienne makes sure to accommodate her, letting her take any books she wants from the royal library and often taking walks in the royal garden.
As the happy times pass, they truly become close friends and inseparable. But when Princess Vivienne comes of age, the sudden announcement of her betrothal shockes Nora to her core.
She quickly finds Vivienne and asks her about it, but she just calmly explains that it's a political marriage with the kingdom next to theirs, which will help bring stability to both nations.
Vivienne also says that she is happy to be able to fulfill her duty as a princess to her nation, even if it means moving to a foreign country.
While the princess is explaining everything, Nora watches her content smile closely, but she finds no traces of her usual cheerful self upon it.
Nora feels like she should be right next to her and supporting her, yet the maid's thoughts are a mess and she doesn't know how to respond. She wants what's best for Vivienne and if this is the path she decided to take, then she should be happy for her.
And yet, when she imagines her cherished friend standing next to an unknown prince of a different kingdom, her heart tightens at the thought.
"Yes! That's exactly it! I feel the same way!"
I can't help but exclaim when I read Nora's thoughts and feel a strong sense of connection with her. I move my eyes as fast as I can, desperately devouring the text as the night deepens.
After this Nora struggles with her thoughts for a long time, even growing apart from the princess, since spending time with her becomes more painful with each passing day. Time flew by like this and soon it's the night before the princess is supposed to leave for her new home.
Night has already fallen. A tense, restless atmosphere fills Vivienne's quiet bedchamber, where only the two of them remain.
The maid still hesitates briefly, but with this being her last chance, she approaches the princess nervously.
'Do you really need to leave? I… I still want to spend more time with you.'
'Nora, we've talked about this. For a princess, it's an honor to serve her kingdom like this. And I still have it easy compared to our soldiers on the frontiers, becoming the queen of another country is nothing at all. Just think of it as a long vacation, I'll still come back from time to time.'
'Is that really how you feel?'
'...Yes.'
'Why… Why are you lying? Do you think I don't know you by now? Ever since the announcement, you haven't looked happy at all!'
Nora's voice trembles, by now completely shedding her once emotionless appearance.
'I… It's what's best for the people of both countries.'
'What about you? And… What about me? I still want to be together with you just like before. No, even more than that! I don't care about other people, all I care about is you!'
Yes! Tell that stubborn princess your feelings, make her change her mind! Such a beautiful friendship shouldn't be snuffed out!
I cheer on the maid in my mind, applauding her courage to be so open, something I was always too scared to do around Lucy.
'Don't be unreasonable. I… Even if I wanted to, I couldn't stop this marriage from happening. It's already been decided for me.'
'Then let's just run away!'
'Run, where?'
'Anywhere, as long as I'm with you I don't care where we are. I love you, I want to be with you as long as I live!'
"Hm, hm. That's right! That's… not right…?"
What? What do you mean you love her? Like friends, right? Well, I guess when you're that close you can also say that.
I frantically turn to the next page.
'I… You don't know what you're talking about. Would you really throw everything away for a friend?'
'Hmh, I don't think of you as just a friend. Ever since I learned about the marriage proposal I've thought long and hard about everything, but in the end I realized how simple the truth of my feelings were. I love you more than anyone, so I don't want you to be stolen away by some random prince. I want to be the person closest to you, I want to make you happy.'
"Wh-wh-what??! That sounds almost like a confession!"
'Heh, that sounds like you're confessing your feelings to me.'
'Yes, that's exactly right.'
"B-but aren't they both girls? How does that work?"
'Even though we're both women?'
'I don't care about that, my feelings are the same.'
'Nora… are you really serious?'
'I am, so… let's run away together. Please?'
The maid extends her slightly trembling hand, hopeful, yet scared of Vivienne's answer.
'The time we spent together became some of my most treasured memories. I really thought I was so lucky to experience something like that before I had to fulfill my duties. I convinced myself, or rather, forced myself to be content with that much and I thought that I shouldn't be selfish and expect more. So it's really not fair. Just when I finally make up my mind, you come and tell me all of this. Because I… I love you too.'
"So it's mutual?!"
I keep turning the pages, immersed in the story playing out.
Afterwards the maid and princess pair actually run away together and after a few close calls and an exhausting journey, they manage to settle down in a remote village in a distant country.
And the book draws to a close by describing the small cottage the pair moved into, and the final scene focuses on the two figures as they gaze into each other's eyes, their lips slowly drawing closer until they meet.
I look up from the book, gently massaging my tired eyes while I try to process everything I just read.
"I… didn't even consider that possibility. Do I… also love Lucy? No no, that's not right. I just want what's best for her and… to be with her all the time…"
That sounds far too similar to what I just read… Ugh, I don't know! Let me read it again!
In search of further answers, I open the first page of the book once more as the first rays of sunlight filter into my room.
***
Lucy POV
After classes Hina and I make our way to the empty student council office, even though I was told to take this week off and it's not even a day the student council usually gathers.
"Do you know why Arthur called us here?" I ask Hina, slightly leaning closer to her. But for some reason she suddenly becomes flustered and pulls away.
"...! S-sorry, you just suddenly got so close, Vivi- Ah, I mean Lucy. But I don't know what Arthur wants, or actually maybe I do?"
"Hina, are you okay? You look a bit tired, your eyes are really red too. You didn't get sick, did you?"
"I-I'm perfectly fine! I don't have any weird thoughts at all!"
"...? What are you talking about? Did you push yourself too hard again?"
Seeing Hina acting strangely, I reach out my hand to check if she's got a fever, but she quickly pulls away again, as if afraid of my touch. Then the sound of footsteps can be heard coming from outside.
"I'm telling you I'm fine! Ah, hear that? Arthur must be coming, he probably has something important to say."
I retract my outstretched hand and turn towards the door.
"Excuse me. Ah great, both of you are here."
"...!"
"Arthur! Can you quickly-… Why is he here?"
Noticing the unexpected extra person, I instinctively take a step behind Hina, and her voice also changes to a rather unwelcoming tone upon noticing Hugh entering as well.
"It's okay Sera, the president is here because he has something to say."
Arthur says and then Hugh steps forwards.
"Although both of you are also student council members, we haven't met many times before. So allow me to introduce myself again, my name is Hugh Latimer, the student council president."
"So, what do you want?"
"Last week during the student tournament, I substituted for a sick student and faced Miss Lucy in the arena."
"...!"
Recalling those events, I can't help but slightly tighten my grip on Hina's sleeve. But his following action and statement comes as a greater shock.
"I came here to apologize. I didn't know that student was deliberately coerced into dropping out just so I'd take his place and scare you with my fire magic. At the time my attitude and words were also too harsh, so I sincerely apologize for everything."
He bows his head in front of us and delivers his speech with genuine regret in his voice. It takes me a moment to come to my senses.
"Ah, no! It's-"
But as I'm about to speak up, Hina puts up her hand, telling me to stop talking.
"How convenient, you were a part of their schemes, but you didn't know anything about it? How do we know you aren't just lying about your intentions? If you're really sorry, is this really the extent of your sincerity?"
"Sera-"
After Hina's sarcastic, almost villainess-like line, Arthur tries to negotiate with her, but Hugh interrupts him.
"No, it's okay. If I'm being completely honest, I also came with a selfish request today. I know it's very shameless to believe I'd deserve anything after I've already caused more than enough trouble for you. So I'm prepared to do anything to prove my intentions and if you have any requests in the future, I'm also willing to accommodate them as best I can."
"...!"
Hugh says and then gets down on both of his knees and lowers his head, a series of movements that leaves all other three of us in disbelief.
"I apologize for my actions, if there's anything I can do to gain your forgiveness I'm willing to do it. On top of that, if you have any wishes I'll also do my best to fulfill them. Just please help my little sister!"
After his voice fades, silence envelops the room, with everyone else left speechless by this sudden turn of events.