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Chapter 20
“Even so, I really wanted to go home together with Moka-chan.”
“I…I…won’t leave the room…or the box…”
“The important thing is that we’re in the same house. Even if you stay in the box, I wanted to have tea together.”
Indeed, Mother is often at the royal villa in the capital with Father. She’s often not at the main residence where I usually am.
This time, however, the situation is reversed…
Thinking about it that way, it seems that Mother’s rare remark, “Even if you stay in the box, it’s fine,” is probably sincere.
“When you come back after autumn, even if you stay in the box, let’s have tea together, okay?”
“Yes.”
At the same time, it’s possible that this is part of a test, training, or assignment from Mother.
Even if you stay in the box, you are expected to properly participate in the tea party—so to speak.
Thinking like that, I might not be able to feel purely happy…?
As I ponder this, Kachina is looking at me with gentle eyes.
It’s as if she’s quietly watching the conversation shift from a slightly tense beginning into something resembling a parent-child interaction.
My exchanges with Mother—were they really that heartwarming…?
But looking at the scene in this room through the observation box, one can see—
Soft summer sunlight streaming through the window passes through the lace curtains and illuminates Mother and me, in the “box.”
The fact that I’m in a box rather than as a child makes the scene somewhat surreal, but it’s undeniably a peaceful sight.
Then, the sound of frantic footsteps breaks that calm atmosphere as they approach my room.
A familiar scene seems about to unfold.
And then—BANG! The door to the room flies open with a loud noise.
Yes. It’s the ever-flustered Lanika.
“O-o-o-o-lady…!!”
“No matter how flustered you are, I’ve told you countless times to knock before entering.”
Kachina scolds her junior, but she seems to understand that Lanika must have an urgent reason to be in such a panic.
“It’s been hectic again, just like the day before yesterday…”
Mother murmurs her thoughts in a leisurely tone, perhaps feeling something similar. Of course, she’s probably quite flustered deep down.
“O-oh! The lady is here too!”
Lanika seems relieved at seeing Mother.
For a brief moment, Mother’s expression slightly twitches—probably not imagined. Her inner anxiety may be mounting.
Me?
Well… based on Lanika’s flustered state at this timing, I can already make some guesses, so I’m calm.
Also, no matter how flustered Lanika is, I have few ways to intervene myself, so I’m content to just watch.
“U-um… the Prince… Prince Siphon has arrived!!”
She seems so flustered that her speech is shaky.
But she speaks words with such impact that everything else becomes secondary.
…I just thought, as expected—
“The Prince…”
“Has arrived…?”
Mother and Kachina speak in turn, exchanging glances in surprise.
Even usually composed Kachina seems unable to hide her astonishment this time.
Still, as expected of a seasoned noblewoman, Mother quickly shifts her demeanor from casual to the poised lady of high society.
“Moka-chan, I’m borrowing Kachina.”
“Yes.”
In a calm but firm voice, Mother asks my permission.
I have no reason to refuse, so I immediately nod.
“Kachina, sorry, but I need you to accompany me temporarily.”
“Understood.”
“Lanika, first wash up your sweat. The next task comes after that.”
“U-understood, miss…”
She nods shakily, still unsettled from her panic.
“Well then, Moka-chan. I’ll be going.”
“Yes… h-have a good trip, Mother.”
As Mother and the others leave the room, silence falls immediately.
It’s usual, so I don’t mind. I start using the observation boxes throughout the mansion to monitor—or rather, confirm—the situation.
Mother hesitates slightly at the top of the stairs.
She’s probably considering whether to change clothes.
Her conclusion seems to be to go as she is.
She begins descending the stairs.
This likely serves as a silent reproach to the Prince for his sudden, unannounced visit.
Though slightly improper, it seems the Prince cannot complain strongly.
This also explains why she brought Kachina rather than her personal maid.
Kachina can gather as much information as possible before being replaced by Mother’s own maid, ensuring a swift response to the unexpected visit.
Kachina gathering information is equivalent to me gathering information.
From Mother’s perspective, unaware that I’m observing, it’s cooperation to help collect necessary information.
The fact that Mother can act with such thoughtfulness in that brief moment is truly remarkable.
Incidentally, the maids serving Mother understand this, so they don’t feel jealousy toward Kachina or obstruct her.
Those who serve the Dripps family know that a first-rate servant doesn’t blindly obey, but interprets the master’s intent and acts accordingly, even without explicit instructions.
For me, this is normal, since it aligns with how our household trains its servants. Apparently, other families aren’t always like this, which is curious.
In any case, despite the sudden arrival of Prince Siphon causing a stir, once calm returns, the capable Dripps household staff quickly recall their roles.
Mother, heading to the room where the Prince waits, regains composure and encourages everyone she passes to do the same.
Thanks to her, the previous hecticness vanishes, and everyone acts calmly and efficiently.
After finishing the minimal preparations and giving instructions, Mother arrives at the guest room with Kachina to meet the Prince.
