"Yes, Young Master Ethan."
"Just out of curiosity⦠if Queen Rainy were to ask you again to join her as a maid, would youâ¦"
"You donât need to worry. I have no plans to defect to Defrin Kingdom, Young Master."
"â¦Thank you."
As we traveled back to the Argentia Empire from Defrin Kingdom, Ethan continued to bring up Queen Rainyâs offer, clearly unsettled, seeking my reassurance repeatedly.@@novelbin@@
âJudging by how much heâs come to rely on me, Iâll definitely need to leave by the end of winter break.â
Though I never intended to defect, I had no reason to abandon the plan Iâd made months ago to eventually part ways with him. Spending time with Isabelle and Katarina back at Blackwood Mansion, reminiscing and sharing stories, and spending my last few days with Ethan as a final farewell seemed appropriate.
â â â
A month passed since our return to Blackwood Mansion.
Most of that time was spent assisting Ethan with his duties, helping him in administrative tasks while he received his inheritance lessons from Harold. Though I thought he should be handling these responsibilities alone, Harold didnât stop me from assisting, perhaps assuming Iâd remain Ethanâs personal maid indefinitely.
âIâll have to leave in secret, especially so Harold doesnât notice. If he decides to keep me here permanently, escape might become impossible.â