I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 510: Maternal (1)

After Harold’s Return: A New Normal Between Ethan and Me

Since Harold’s return, things between Ethan and me settled into a more typical relationship—not as master and maid, but as though I were truly another noble lady who had married into the Blackwood family.

After days of addressing him by his name alone, I had grown accustomed to calling him simply "Ethan." The title "Father" for Harold was also beginning to feel less strange.

...It was time to start tackling the things I had put off.

"Lilith, what are you up to?"

"I'm writing some letters."

"...Letters?"

Ethan looked at me with a worried expression as soon as he heard the word “letters.” I could tell what he was thinking, so I hurried to clarify to avoid any misunderstandings.

"It’s not for anything strange, Ethan! I just feel it’s necessary to let Miss Agnes and Miss Lizzie know I’m alright, given I took a leave from the academy last semester without notice...."

"Ah, that’s what it’s for."

"I can’t return to the academy immediately, and since ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ they’ll be graduating next year, I thought it would be polite to update them on my situation."

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"I see. If that’s the case, then go ahead."

Ethan looked relieved to know I wasn’t writing a letter meant for him and took a seat across the table from me. Though it was a bit awkward to have someone watching, I decided not to let it bother me, not wanting to create any tension.

After all, there was nothing in the letter I needed to hide. It was just some recent updates and casual greetings. Naturally, I omitted anything unfavorable, like the fact that Ethan had once locked me up.

"Who else are you writing to?"

"Well, aside from Miss Agnes and Miss Lizzie, it seems polite to write to Princess Seraphin and Saintess Celesta. Then, perhaps only to Miss Natalie and Miss Lara. I’ll see Lady Lilia and Princess Mezlen at the academy next year, so there’s no need to write to them. I’m not that close with anyone else."

"No letter for that hero? You seemed fairly close."

"...Not really. We’re not close enough to exchange pleasantries. We only spoke when necessary."

"Ah, I see."

...Suspecting a trap question, I answered cautiously. Thankfully, I’d only mentioned women’s names in the list of people I planned to write to.

"...Oh, I suppose I should write to Miss Mirif as well."

"Mirif...? That name sounds familiar."

"She’s a priestess I briefly worked with in Ironhold. I also received help from the church in Ermia because of her."

"Now that you mention it, I remember. Yes, that was her name."

...Wait, did I ever tell Ethan about Mirif? Why did he answer as if he knew all about her?

In any case, it wouldn’t hurt to let Mirif know my current situation. After all, we had practically been comrades during the month we spent together from Ironhold to Ermia. When I left Ermia, I had to leave quickly without a proper farewell, so she should at least know I’m alive.

‘Good thing I didn’t send a letter back when I was in Strawberry Town.’

At that time, I was focused on staying hidden and didn’t even think about sending letters. If I’d sent a letter back then, it would’ve been sent to an empty address in Strawberry Town. Now that things had settled, I could reach out to her. ...Maybe one day, if time allows, I’ll visit her again.

Scribble.

"......"

Scribble, scribble.

"......"

As I was writing a letter to Mirif, who I’d most recently been with, I could feel Ethan’s gaze on my hand as I wrote. ...Well, I did leave him with only a short note before running away, so I supposed I had to accept it.

A week passed after sending the letters through a messenger.

I was now 28 weeks along, and my belly, both in size and weight, was making its presence known. The baby’s movements, which I’d felt since around the 20th week, were becoming stronger, sometimes even waking me up at night.

With an additional five kilograms in front, the pressure was significant.

‘I’ve heard it’s not good to stay still too long during pregnancy.’

I recalled hearing in my previous life that light exercises like walking or yoga were beneficial, though I hadn’t really paid attention, never imagining I’d become pregnant. Perhaps a gentle walk in the front yard would be good.

Just as I was considering it, Ethan offered a suggestion.

"Lilith."

"Yes, Ethan?"

"Aren’t you bored staying in the room all day? The weather is nice. How about going for a walk?"

"A w-walk?!"

"...Did I say something wrong?"

...No, not exactly.

The word “walk” had instantly brought up that “other” meaning from a dream I’d once had, but surely, Ethan didn’t mean it that way now. After all, taking a pregnant woman out for a leash walk at 24 weeks would be absurdly reckless.

"I saw you looking out the window, so I thought maybe you wanted to go outside. You haven’t left the estate in a while."

"And it’s just a normal walk, right?"

"I’m not sure what you mean by ‘normal.’ I just thought we could take a stroll around the yard or go up the hill in the back if you’re up for it."

"...And we’re doing it fully clothed, right?"

"...What exactly do you think a walk means, Lilith? Does it have some other meaning I’m not aware of?"

Thankfully, it seemed to be the kind of walk I’d imagined. But just in case, I confirmed carefully.

"Sounds nice. Let’s go for a short walk, Ethan."

I was ready for a change of scenery, and a rare chance for the two of us to spend time alone seemed appealing.

While it was a “walk,” we didn’t stray far from Blackwood. We simply strolled up the gentle hill at the back of the estate. The fresh air was refreshing as we slowly climbed, and we eventually sat under the large tree at the hill’s top, sharing snacks.

It felt more like a picnic than a walk, but it was nice to rest outside instead of indoors.

"It’s nice to get out, Ethan."

"Yes. Let’s make this a regular thing if you’re up for it."

"I’ve been horseback riding and hunting monsters since early pregnancy. This is nothing."

"...That’s hardly something to brag about, Lilith."

...True enough.

I lay down, using Ethan’s lap as a pillow, and let the gentle breeze of late summer wash over me. Slowly, a wave of drowsiness overtook me, and I let my eyes drift shut.

"What’s this belly? Are you actually pregnant?"

"......?"

A familiar voice tickled my ears, stirring me from my rest. I opened my eyes to see a face I hadn’t expected.

"...Miss Agnes?"

"Yes, it’s me, Lilith."

"W-what brings you here?"

"Didn’t you send a letter? I came to see if you were really back."

...Guess she was more worried than she let on.

"When I heard you ran off, I thought this guy must have done something terrible to you. Seeing you two so cozy now, I wonder if I should have come at all."

"Thank you for your concern about my relationship with Lilith, but that’s already resolved."

"...I wasn’t concerned or anything."

"Thank you for coming all the way here, Miss Agnes. I didn’t expect you’d visit. Blackwood is quite a distance from Blaze territory."

"I said I wasn’t worried."

I’d thought I wouldn’t see her again after graduation.

But seeing her like this was actually kind of nice.