[Edna, aka Snake Maid-san]

This is a story from a long time ago.

I was told that day that Father had died.

Thrown into despair, right now that such a thing had happened, I cannot do anything.

My co-worker who delivered the news told me that it might be better if I take a leave and come back when I’m already fine.

…Why?

He was my foster parent. I was abused by my real mother. I do not know why. But I thought she must have hated the appearance of her child from a man who came from a different tribe. So it was what I thought. I worked and worked. The people around me were quite kind. When I left and went away, my mother’s life degenerated.

It was at that time. A man I don’t know, who later became my respected stepfather, appeared and asked me.

───Is it hot?

What did I say at that time? I said that that was just my ordinary, everyday life, this livelihood had the same meaning as my life. It’s the only way I can live.

He didn’t understand. I couldn’t say that I wanted him to help me. Because I didn’t think so. No one was around the man at that time. Maybe he was just lonely on his own and the hot weather was getting to him. Not long after, I was able to work at his House, I was brought up as his daughter at the same time.

And then, right at this moment after he died, I’m continuing on living and just starting to work as a lady attendant in the Royal Palace.

I did not formally become an adopted child. However, he left me a lot of a.s.sets that are more than enough for me. Instead of rejecting the adopted child, Father prepared that knowingly. He loved me as a child and that was enough for me.

── Get a rest over the weekend and go home. Take the flowers.

“You, please come over here for awhile.”

My hand that was preparing the black tea stopped with a start. What did I do?

I recounted my work absentmindedly.

We’re short of hands today so I need to place some moon flowers in the princess’s private room, then bring in the tea to replace the one that had ran out. Something… is there something I made a mistake with? This is the work referral Father had put so much effort in!

“Yes.”

I placed the tableware with my trembling hands in the cart with a clatter, then stood in front of the Princess.

I bowed my head, but the princess stood up from her chair and came over to me. Not knowing what will happen, I tightly shut my eyes in fear. What kind of lady was she? I also can’t remember what I placed in the tea…! I reproached myself for being absentminded today.

My shoulder was gently pushed. I raised my head immediately to avoid being disrespectful.

I finally saw the face of the person standing in front of me.

Aa…!

Even though this is my first time seeing that face, I understood immediately.

“Diana-sama.”

She is always the topic of the people in the Inner Palace. Other Princesses in the Inner Palace bad mouth her.

Among the Lady Attendants, I also heard various rumors. Her origins are unknown. She receives most of the King’s affection, and that this Princess did several improper behavior.

“Why don’t you sit down? I’ll prepare a delicious tea right now.”

For some reason, my back was pushed by Diana-sama to sit down on the opposite chair from the one she was sitting on.

“Um…”

When I stood up in order to stop Diana-sama who was holding a pod in her hand, Diana-sama turned her head and look at my way.

“It’s fine! This is an order!”

Although I’ve never heard such order before, awhile later the tableware was set in front of me with a clatter as she served black tea. ‘Drink,’ she said, so I timidly placed it in my mouth. Someone like me is not in a social standing where I can sit across and drink tea with her.

“Is it delicious~? It’s delicious, isn’t it~?”

As if Diana-sama’s appearance had a tail attached to her, wagging in attention, I unintentionally let out a laugh. Though I thought she was older than me, she’s a really adorable person.

“It’s delicious.”

When I said so, Diana-sama was so happy that I thought she might jump.

“Then, I’ll tell you an interesting story this time. You know ──”

That was my encounter with Diana-sama.

I wonder which story was it? Maybe the one when she sew the King’s pocket stealthily at night then when he tried to place his hand, it went through. I was surprised to hear such stories and that she tried to cheer me up when she realized I was gloomy.

I must have made the tea with a depressed face.

This is a distant story when I, Edna, became Diana-sama’s lady attendant.

Elmer-sama isn’t here.

One week ago, it was suddenly announced that I’ll have a break. For the sake of collecting information, I used every method I know.

A day pa.s.sed since that day, I learned Matthias-sama and Elmer-sama went on a journey but I still stopped by at the room for the morning cleaning as usual.

The figure of Matthias-sama who shouldn’t be here, was there. Moreover, he was in Elmer-sama’s bed.

I entered the room in panic, Matthias-sama was next to an unknown soldier. I shouted in surprise when I noticed Matthias-sama’s injury.

I quickly placed the cleaning tools on the floor and brought a first aid kit. I need to verify his condition first before I call the doctor.

Matthias-sama’s injury was treated properly. It would still be necessary to call the doctor, but I need to hear Matthias-sama’s story before I make the judgement.

At that moment, the soldier nearby woke up, when he asked and I told him this is the Green Water Palace, he only said “Please tell Matthias-sama my grat.i.tude. Excuse me,” and then he ran away.

It was after it that a problem occurred.

When the bandage which was covered in blood was changed, Matthias-sama woke up.

The first thing he asked was about Elmer-sama.

When I answered that I didn’t see him, he tried to run somewhere and rejected my words while staggering.

Even though he’s injured, I wasn’t able to catch up, I lost sight of him on the way.

After a while, I discovered that he returned to the Green Water Palace while he trudgingly walked with the bandage. I came across Fernando-sama trying to help Matthias-sama get on a carriage.

“A…!”

Fernando-sama said so when he noticed me.

“Are you the Third Prince’s lady attendant? I’m giving you one month of vacation. You will be contacted later on for your new a.s.signment. I want you to not disclose anything about the Prince. Then, thank you for treating Matthias’ injury.”

“I…”

I went back to my room, the same room I have with Elmer-sama, I was told that I’ll be moving out as I receive my new a.s.signment.

With the abrupt break, I thought about where I should go to.

That’s right. It’s common to change a.s.signments for lady attendants. But I didn’t have the heart to plan for my vacation.

“Elmer-sama disappeared.”

Those were Matthias’ words I heard when he ran from the private room. This turned round and round in my head and never left.

What in the world was that about?