While Kaito was watching the fireworks with Illness, Lilia had finally finished her duties at the Royal Castle's Founding Anniversary Party. Looking somewhat exhausted, she watched the fireworks from the castle entrance alongside Lunamaria and Sieglinde.
"……Sigh, I’m truly drained. It was nothing but endless greetings from start to finish."
"Well, Lili, you are currently the most influential noble in Sinfonia. It's only natural that so many houses are desperate to establish a connection with you," Sieglinde replied with a wry smile.
"It’s certainly a change. When I first established my own Ducal House, they wouldn’t even look my way. People can be so opportunistic."
"That is simply the nature of the nobility. You can’t survive in those circles without a thick skin. But putting that aside… Here, Lili. I’ve brought a change of clothes, so let’s borrow a room in the castle and get you out of that dress."
Lunamaria had arrived, dressed in her own casual clothes and carrying a paper bag. After finishing her shift at Kaito’s stall, she had returned to the mansion to change before heading to the Royal Castle with an outfit for Lilia.
Lilia tilted her head in confusion. "A change of clothes?"
"……Well, we’re going to see the festival, aren't we? Surely you didn't plan on walking the streets in a formal gown?"
"Ah, that’s right! The festival! We have a promise to keep! Let’s go!"
"I hear you, I hear you. But first, the clothes……"
Lilia’s expression brightened instantly, her fatigue seemingly vanishing into thin air. As a former princess, Lilia had naturally never attended a public festival as a private citizen. While she’d seen them before, it had always been through the lens of a knight on guard duty, never as someone free to wander the stalls.
It had been the same since she founded her own house; she would attend the formal party at the castle and then head straight home. She’d never had the chance to truly participate. However, she had made a promise to Lunamaria and Sieglinde to explore the stalls together once the party concluded.
Beaming with excitement, Lilia took the clothes and disappeared into a borrowed room. She made arrangements to leave her gown with a Royal Castle maid, who promised to have it delivered to the Albert mansion at a later date.
"……Wait, aren't you the Head Maid? Is it really alright for someone of your position to be doing this?"
"If I am to take charge of Lilia-sama’s gown, the task requires someone of a certain station," the maid replied.
"Haha, well… thank you for always taking care of my brother."
"Not at all. He is a king and a husband worth supporting. It is no hardship."
The woman who had come to collect the dress was Beatrice, the Head Maid of the Royal Castle and one of King Ryze’s wives. Though it was not common knowledge to Lilia and the others, she was a legendary figure in the maid world known as the "Super Maid of Heart," a heavy hitter held in high esteem by her peers.
"Well then, I’ll leave the dress in your care."
"Certainly. I shall deliver it to your mansion personally."
"Eh? The Head Maid herself? Why go to such trouble?"
"……Well, I suppose you could call it a personal indulgence. I’ve been hoping for a chance to see Illness-sensei again."
"Ah, I see……"
Beatrice had been taught the fundamentals of maid service by Illness during the latter's time at the Royal Castle, and she held her mentor in the highest regard. Whenever she was introduced at events like Maid Olympia as "the best maid in the Kingdom of Sinfonia," she would immediately demand a correction, firmly believing that the title belonged to Illness alone.
"Come to think of it, Illness and Nebula-san—the Spirit of the World Tree living at Kaito-san’s house—have become very close lately."
"Is that so? I never imagined Illness-sensei becoming particularly intimate with anyone specific……"
"It seems they have a wonderful influence on one another. Illness even mentioned that she has much to learn from Nebula-san."
"For Illness-sensei to speak so highly of someone…… I would certainly like to meet her."
While Lilia and Beatrice enjoyed their peaceful reunion, a knock came at the door, followed by Sieglinde’s voice.
"Lili, we should get moving or it will be late."
"Ah, my apologies! I’m coming right now. Well then, Head Maid, I’ll be off."
"Of course. Forgive me for detaining you."
"Not at all. Let's have a proper chat when you bring the dress by. Excuse me."
Beatrice bowed as Lilia hurried away. Once she was gone, the Head Maid raised her head, her expression thoughtful.
"……A maid that even Illness-sensei praises…… To think such a powerhouse was hiding in the Kingdom of Sinfonia. Just how much Maid Power does she possess? Hehe, I look forward to seeing her skill for myself. Perhaps a challenge would be in order."
Despite her refined manners, Beatrice possessed a fierce, competitive streak. She never backed down, not even against her husband, and was known to strictly reprimand the King when necessary. Driven by a high sense of pride and a desire for self-improvement, she found herself burning with a quiet fighting spirit at the thought of the woman her mentor respected.
Of course, her prospective opponent was not merely a maid, but an Absolute One. Her defeat was a foregone conclusion.
???: "For what it's worth, that person is at a level where it's not even certain Ein-san could win, you know?"
Serious-senpai: "Gasp!? My restraints have finally thawed…… because I’m candy now……"
???: "I’ll kill you."
Serious-senpai: "I-I'm sorry……"