Reborn As A Maid

Chapter 46: Chapter 46 - Princess’s Feeling ( Part 6 )

Flakes of cherry blossoms were lazily dancing in the night.

Silvery pink petals were gently falling on the surface of a quiet pond, then were resting there.

The academy gardens were fully silent.

The sound of the Royal Dance Festival had already faded away.

There was only a sound of rustling leaves and chirps of some distant crickets. freёweɓnovel.com

Jennie and Lilia were sitting under the old cherry tree.

They weren’t rushing to speak.

There are silences...

Which don’t need words.

Jennie leant against the tree, looked upwards, at the endless amount of stars filling the night sky.

"It’s really beautiful tonight."

Lilia glanced at the sky only for a second.

Then...

She glanced back at Jennie.

"... It is."

But not about the sky.

For a long time...

Lilia was just watching her.

Silver hair slightly dancing in the wind.

Calm crimson eyes.

Peaceful smile which only appeared when Jennie was lost in thoughts.

Sometimes Lilia forgot that Jennie was officially her maid.

Sometimes she forgot that she was a noble.

She forgot everything except one truth.

Jennie made her happy.

She took a slow breath.

"... Jennie."

"Hm?"

"If..."

Jennie turned to her.

"If what?"

Lilia hesitated.

She had already addressed diplomats, had already spoken in front of hundreds of nobles.

She had even quarreled with her father, the king.

But saying these words...

Was scaring her more than anything else.

"... If one day..."

"You’ll leave the kingdom..."

Jennie softened her expression.

"... I probably will."

Lilia felt her chest getting tight.

Jennie went on, gently:

"I’ve always wanted to travel."

"There are still so many places to discover."

"Ancient ruins."

"The western deserts."

"The floating islands."

"The Dragon Peaks."

"The world is much bigger than Seraiya."

She smiled.

"And I want to see all of it."

Lilia looked away.

"... Then I’ll come too."

Jennie laughed softly.

"You can’t."

"Why not?"

"You’re the Second Princess."

"You have royal duties."

"I’ll finish them."

Jennie chuckled.

"It isn’t that easy."

"I’ll make it simple."

"... Princess."

"I’m serious."

Jennie smiled helplessly.

"... I know."

She thought that Lilia was just supporting her.

She had no idea.

---

Lilia looked directly in Jennie’s eyes. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

"What if..."

"... you disappear?"

Jennie blinked.

"I doubt it."

"But if you do?"

Jennie thought for a second.

"Then..."

"... I suppose someone will eventually find me."

"I will."

The answer sounded immediately.

Without hesitation.

Without doubt.

Jennie smiled.

"I appreciate your confidence."

Lilia shook her head.

"No."

"You don’t understand."

"If you disappear..."

"I will search every kingdom."

"Every city."

"Every forest."

"Every mountain."

"I won’t stop."

Jennie looked at her for a second.

Then smiled warmly.

"... You’re a wonderful friend."

Lilia froze.

Friend.

This word pierced her heart like an arrow.

She forced a smile.

"... Right."

Jennie noticed the difference.

"... Did I say something wrong?"

Lilia shook her head.

"No."

"Not at all."

Jennie sighed with relief.

"Good."

Excalibur silently groaned in Jennie’s hair.

"Master..."

"... please."

Lilia found the courage once again.

There was one promise which she had in her heart since childhood.

It was the promise which she had made to herself when Jennie saved her from bandits.

It was the promise which she renewed with each smile of Jennie.

She slowly raised her hand.

Her fingers lightly grasped Jennie’s hand.

Warm.

Comfortable.

Jennie looked at her in surprise.

"Lilia?"

The princess smiled.

Kind smile.

Not proud.

Not playful.

Just sincere.

"... Listen carefully."

Jennie nodded.

"I’m listening."

"Whatever happens..."

Lilia’s voice was low enough to be heard only by Jennie.

"Whatever places fate will take us..."

"However strong our enemies might be..."

"However far we will be from each other..."

She gently squeezed Jennie’s hand.

"I will be beside you."

Jennie softened her expression.

"... Lilia."

"I promise."

"If you fall..."

"I’ll help you to stand."

"If you cry..."

"I’ll be with you."

"If the whole world will be against you..."

"I’ll be beside you."

Even if...

She will stand against the whole world.

Those words remained in her heart.

Jennie quietly looked at the princess.

Then...

She laughed.

Not mockingly.

Just warmly.

As if older sister were laughing at an absurd declaration of a little sister.

"... You’re amazing."

Lilia blinked.

"... I am?"

Jennie nodded.

"When did you become so dependable?"

Lilia smiled slightly.

"... When I met you."

Jennie misunderstood her once again.

"I guess that growing up changes everyone."

Excalibur nearly lost its patience.

"Master..."

"That was practically a declaration of love."

Jennie mentally answered,

"She’s just emotional because of the festival."

The legendary sword became silent.

There really was no sense to argue with such an oblivious girl.

The wind was growing.

Cherry blossom petals were twirling around them like pink snow.

Jennie stood up and held out her hand.

"We should go back."

"The curfew bell will ring soon."

Lilia took her hand.

She didn’t release it immediately.

Instead...

She smiled at Jennie with quiet determination.

One day.

She will say these words clearly.

Not hiding behind promises.

Not disguising friendship.

Until then...

She will stay right where she wants to stay.

Beside Jennie.

Always.

High above the world of mortals...

Goddess Miasa was watching two girls leaving the academy.

She smiled.

"The threads of destiny are spinning again."

Next to her, the spirit of Excalibur bowed respectfully.

"Do you think she will realize it?"

The Goddess laughed softly.

"Jennie?"

She shook her head.

"She once spent three days searching for her sword which hung on her back."

"I wouldn’t expect her to notice love any faster."

Both of them laughed.

Below...

Jennie walked in the moonlit path with Lilia beside her.

She thought that they had just had a warm talk of lifelong friends.

Lilia knew better.

And somewhere in the darkness, far beyond the peaceful academy...

Kael Noctis was looking at the distant horizon, where yet another pulse of ancient mana began to appear.

Another Divine Blade was awakening.

Peaceful days of the academy were coming to an end.