I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 511: Maternal (2)

"So, you’re planning to return to the academy next year?"

"Yes, Miss Agnes. Honestly, I'd love to go back even a semester earlier, but in this condition, attending classes or even moving around would be difficult."

"...I’m more baffled that you were even thinking about having a child during the semester."

"Well... I wasn’t exactly planning on going back to the academy at that time."

I’d intended to live a life far removed from Blackwood and the characters of Luminor Academy, but coming back here, I realized I felt more at ease than when I was alone. Not that I disliked the time I spent in Ermia with Mirif and the other priests, but looking back, it had been a worthwhile experience.

"I thought you and I would be graduating together this year, Lilith."

"I’ll attend the graduation ceremony. I’ll have had the baby by then...."

"Don’t feel pressured to come."

"I’ll need to go to Knowledge Island for re-enrollment anyway. Think of it as just starting a week earlier."

"...Well, do as you like."

Last semester, Agnes had been top of the magic department, with me in second place. If everything had gone smoothly, we probably would’ve stood side by side as the department’s representatives at graduation. It felt like a missed opportunity—not only because of the chance to be with the academy’s main heroine but also because I wouldn’t be able to share that final memory with my closest friend.

Though it wasn’t like we’d never see each other again after graduation, with Agnes’ upcoming journey to vanquish the Demon Lord, it might be years before we’d even chance upon each other.

"Did you leave your carriage at Blackwood Manor, Lady Blaze?"

"Yes. When I said I was here to visit Lilith, Professor Harold pointed me in this direction."

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёnovelkiss.com.

"At Blackwood, he’s not ‘Professor’ but ‘Duke’...though I doubt you care about such things."

"I’m going to be the Archmage of the Scarlet Tower. Your father may be impressive, but I’m no less so."

"That was my way of saying that politics might not be your strong suit, Lady Blaze."

"...So what? It doesn’t matter."

It really didn’t matter. Once she married Antonio, he’d handle any political issues. In the original story, despite his timid personality, he was surprisingly skilled at navigating the political landscape—and with his personality flaws ironed out, he’d be even better now.

"By the way, did you write letters to anyone else besides me?"

"Huh? Oh, yes. I sent letters to everyone I’m close with, at least those graduating this year."

"...I see."

Hearing my answer, Agnes seemed satisfied, exhaling through her nose with a pleased smile. Just then, we noticed a large carriage entering the Blackwood estate from the hill.

"That’s...not a Blackwood carriage, is it, Ethan?"

"It’s a merchant caravan. It seems Lilith has another visitor."

A carriage that could enter Blackwood’s front gates so openly... It had to be the one I was thinking of. And that light blue serpent emblem on the front—definitely familiar.

"Lilith...!!! Have you been well all this time?!"

"Miss Lizzie?"

The second guest to arrive at the Blackwood estate was none other than Lizzie, who ran up to me with her familiar sky-blue hair bouncing as soon as she saw me descending from the hill.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was when I heard you’d suddenly disappeared?! What did that man do to make you...!"

"N-no... it wasn’t Ethan’s fault; it was just a misunderstanding on my part...."

"If you’d told me beforehand, I’d have used every resource to keep you out of his clutches! We have an underground hideaway in the Auguste estate that no one could access for at least ten years...."

"If you’re going to fill her head with wild ideas, step back, Lady Auguste. Lilith won’t be leaving Blackwood again or needing any of your ‘assistance.’"

"Isn’t this whole mess because you failed to properly reassure her? Our sweet Lilith would never have made such a drastic choice otherwise!"

"It’s a resolved issue, and besides, Lilith is not yours to claim. Step away."

"Eek!"

With a stern look, Ethan hurriedly separated Lizzie from me.

To be honest, I was grateful. Unlike Agnes’ friendship, Lizzie’s felt a bit more...intense, even a touch overwhelming.

"Why are you even here?"

"Well, once I heard Lilith had returned to Blackwood, I couldn’t stay away. As her closest friend, it was only natural."

"...Who said you’re her closest friend?"

"Well, I’ve known Lilith far longer than you have! We were connected by the red thread of destiny even before entering the academy."

"I’m pretty sure ‘red thread of destiny’ isn’t the right term here, Miss Lizzie...."

If there were such a thread, it certainly wouldn’t be tied between me and Lizzie.

I’ve often thought that Lizzie’s friendship is...heavy. She seems to want more than just a simple, friendly bond.

"I’ve spent more time with Lilith. We shared more classes together."

"That’s because you’re in the same department. But I’ve spent time with her outside of class, so I’d say we’re closer."

"So what? Time in class counts too. Stop twisting things."

"It’s not twisting things. Meeting in class is obligatory, meaning she had to see you even if she didn’t want to. Meanwhile, Lilith went out of her way to have tea with me."

"I came to see Lilith as soon as I got her letter. That makes me closer to her."

"Let’s not get into comparisons, Lady Blaze. After all, the Auguste estate is on the western edge of the empire, much ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ farther than the nearby Blaze estate. When I heard about Lilith’s return, I arranged the largest, fastest carriage in our fleet and came all the way across the empire to see her."

What is this competition?

Watching these two argue about who was closer to me left me feeling a bit embarrassed.

If I had to choose, I’d probably say Agnes, but I didn’t want to rank my friends.

"Lilith, I’m closer to you than she is, right?"

"You know I’ve known Lilith longer than you, don’t you?"

"Uh, well... I don’t think there’s a need to rank friendships...."

"Enough. Can’t you see you’re making Lilith uncomfortable?"

"...Tch."

"...Hmph!"

At least they stopped before it escalated into a full-blown argument. No answer to their question would have ended well, so letting it pass was for the best.

"So, was that all you came for? To prove you’re closer to Lilith than Lady Blaze?"

"Of course not. I came because I was worried about Lilith. I couldn’t help wondering if an inattentive boyfriend would be able to care for her properly."

"...Then, there’s no need for your concern. You can return home."

"We’ll see about that, once you see what I brought."

With those words, Lizzie opened the back of the caravan, revealing a load of items that resembled food supplies and clothing—practically a traveling merchant’s cart.

"What is all this?"

"These are all things beneficial for a pregnant woman. Over here are nutritious foods, and on this side, dresses for expecting ladies."

"...All of this?"

"Yes. Fortunately, our merchant group specializes in supplies for expectant mothers, so I brought some as a gift. Here we have dried seafood to restore energy, medicinal herbs imported from the Witch’s Forest, safe even for pregnant women, and a dress I personally dyed."

"......."

"......."

"......."

"Oh, by the way, Lady Blaze, what gift did you bring for the mother-to-be? Given that you’re closer to the estate, I’m sure you arrived much earlier and prepared something special for your dearest friend."

"...Shut up. That’s none of your concern."

Agnes turned away, visibly annoyed.

...If only they wouldn’t turn everything into a competition.