episode_0041

Since becoming Ethan’s exclusive maid, tasks have become standardized. Useless chores have disappeared altogether, making work itself more comfortable these days.

Personally, each day felt like it was passing by swiftly.

Not long ago, my mind was filled with thoughts of wanting to die.

These days, however, there hasn’t been any cause or event to provoke such negative thoughts.

Consequently, life satisfaction has naturally increased, and stress has significantly decreased.

One of the most notable changes in the past six months has been Ethan’s demeanor.

His attitude has transformed to a degree that even the mansion’s staff were frequently taken aback by the difference, far beyond simply not berating Lily.

“…It was a satisfying meal.”

With refined dining etiquette, Ethan cleared his plate and quietly dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

Compared to six months ago, his improved table manners were so impeccable that even I was occasionally surprised.

Not a trace of anything untidy could be found on the napkin he used to wipe around his mouth, indicating that Ethan hadn’t made a mess while eating.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same person who used to grab meat with his hands and tear into it with his teeth.

“…Even his appearance seems strangely neater.”

In truth, one of the main reasons I had always referred to this brat as “disgusting” upon seeing him was due to his lack of hygiene, with food remnants smeared on his clothes and around his mouth, making it hard to watch.

But now, not only was he not smearing anything around, but he maintained a proper and tidy demeanor throughout the meal.

The change in his behavior alone significantly altered the impression he gave off, making me realize how different he seemed.

While I knew he had started attending etiquette classes under Head Maid Melissa, I never expected him to listen and learn so diligently.

Perhaps learning comes quickly when you’re the offspring caught between Blackwood lineage and a genius mother.

Indeed, the power of genetics seems to be strong.

“He’s still a piglet at heart, though.”

Well, Ethan had only started attending etiquette classes under Maid Chief Melissa. He showed no interest in other subjects or essential knowledge.

He didn’t seem inclined to receive instruction in Blackwood family swordsmanship, something Harold should have taught him, nor did he appear to make an effort in physical activities or other areas.

He had merely improved in etiquette and hygiene from his various shortcomings.

Thanks to this, I no longer had to witness the repulsive mess, which was a relief for me as his exclusive maid.

“Dinner is over. Shall we return to your room, young master?”

“I’ll wash up first. Please tidy up the bedroom, Maid.”

“Understood, Young Master Ethan.”

Not long ago, Ethan would stumble out of the dining room with no trace of courtesy, requiring a search even after rubbing his eyes.

Seeing him now, drenched in manners, yet looking like an arrogant pig sage, created quite a disconnect.

As Ethan headed upstairs to tidy the bedroom before retiring for the night, he unexpectedly called out from behind.

“Maid.”

“Yes?”

“After you finish preparing my bed tonight, could we have a chat in my room?”

“In your room, Young Master?”

“Yeah.”

…This brat.

Recently, it seems like you’ve become a bit quiet. Finally starting to reveal your true nature.

Indeed, it’s not easy to change a person like this.

Unexpectedly, at the mention of inviting me to his room, I momentarily couldn’t control my expression and slightly grimaced.

Noticing my reaction, Edan cautiously added to his previous statement.

“I wanted to ask you a light-hearted question for a moment. Really.”

“…Is that so.”

“…Yes.”

If it was really just a casual question, there wouldn’t have been a reason to call me separately.

It should suffice to ask here discreetly and give a vague answer.

It felt strange that he would bring me into his bedroom to talk before bedtime.

Choosing my room where we could be alone, away from the eyes of others, was also peculiar.

The problem is…

“Damn it…”

Just because I caught on to Edan’s intentions doesn’t mean I could refuse when he calls me. After all, even a year later, I was still Edan’s exclusive maid.

Though he no longer bothers me multiple times a day like before or eats disgustingly during meals, maintaining some decorum, being under this detestable brat was a fate worse than death.

“Understood, young master. I will finish tidying up the bedding today and wait in the bedroom.”

“…Alright, maid.”

Over the past year, he probably hasn’t trained in swordsmanship or magic, so I likely still have the upper hand in strength.

At least if he tries anything strange, I can resist with force for a moment.

“If he tries anything, run first… We’ll figure out the rest later.”

I won’t let my guard down against Edan’s nonsense anymore. Never again.

***

After dinner, as the window darkened slightly,

I tidied up his bedding as usual, deliberately positioning myself away from the bed, quietly waiting for the room’s owner.

I didn’t even sit on a chair, always ready to flee if needed.

Considering the darkness might obscure my vision, I had the magical lamp set to its brightest.

*Creak.*

In the tense atmosphere, the door opened with a creak, revealing Edan who had just finished bathing and looked slightly more human.

“You’re here.”

“…Yes.”

Edan unconsciously glanced at my chest upon entering the room, then quickly averted his gaze.

Having encountered such glances almost every time I met a man over the past year, I had grown quicker to notice these details.

While Edan’s gaze didn’t particularly make me feel worse, as a man myself, I had no reason to feel discomfort about such looks.

“The room is bright.”

“Should I dim the lights?”

“No, do as you please, maid.”

“In that case, I’ll leave it as it is.”

I didn’t want to risk him doing something in the darkness.

Despite other servants commenting on Edan changing or acting differently, having watched how he handled releases in the game numerous times, I wasn’t fooled by his recent good behavior after months of mischief.

I never fall for the good attitude that the guy with a shattered personality occasionally shows.

I must remain vigilant and suspicious. At least until I escape from the Blackwood family.

“…You could have just sat and waited.”

“No, I find this posture comfortable.”

“…Would you like to sit now?”

“I find this position familiar and comfortable.”

“…Alright. I won’t force you to sit, so come closer here.”

Edan beckoned me as I settled at the table on one side of the room.

I approached his table without easing my tension.

“May I help you, sir?”

“Do maids… have preferences for men they like?”

“…Pardon?”

What nonsense is this all of a sudden?

As a man in my past life, I wouldn’t have preferences for men liking men.

Although my current body belongs to Rilis, my identity from the past hasn’t disappeared.

I shook my head and firmly denied Edan’s question.

“No, not at all.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

And there never will be.

For some reason, Edan’s voice seemed a bit brighter after my response, and he continued with the next question.

“So… do you have a preferred type of man… or something like that?”

“I’m just asking. It doesn’t mean anything special.”

…No, it definitely seems like there’s some meaning behind it.

Well, Edan seems to have become a bit more emotionally mature over the past year.

And generally, since Edan keeps someone like Rilis as his exclusive maid, it’s clear he has no interest in women.

In essence, this question indirectly expressed interest in me.

“I felt like a day like this might come, but experiencing it is damn annoying.”

As I said before, I don’t feel romantic emotions towards men, especially not Edan.

But giving an ambiguous excuse might just give him false hope.

I wanted to firmly reject him to ensure he loses interest in me completely.

‘What should I say in this situation?’

In my heart, I wanted to look at his face and say, “As long as it’s not someone like you, I don’t care,” but doing something like that might trigger a negative reaction from him.

Moreover, since he hasn’t explicitly stated that he likes me, rejecting him first would be too princess-like behavior.

While pondering how to reject Edan definitively without appearing too indifferent, one way to indirectly say “not you” flashed through my mind.

“…I don’t have a specific type when it comes to men.”

“Really? None at all? Like, handsome looks or noble lineage…”

“No, those factors don’t change how I see people.”

“I see…!”

“But, there are definitely types of people I dislike.”

“…Huh?”

Edan’s voice showed noticeable surprise, as if he didn’t expect my words to continue, and he seemed to be subtly observing my reactions.

I then clearly delineated the types of people I dislike to Edan.

“For starters, I really dislike unclean individuals who offer others dirty food covered in their saliva and tooth marks.”

“…Huh?”

“Additionally, I truly dislike lazy, arrogant, self-centered slackers who live off others and have a pompous attitude.”

“…Maid?”

“Of course, the type of person I dislike the most is not those people, but rather those who slyly touch my butt while working and then run away, or sexual harassers who stab me with insults and mock me right in front of me. They are the worst among all men in the world.”

“T-That’s… right…”

“Was this helpful to you, Lord Ethan?”

“….”

Ethan, seemingly quite shocked by the straightforward listing of his characteristics, lowered his head deeply and quietly nodded.

Even the most shameless guy would find it hard to endure being told ‘I hate guys like you’ to their face.

Nevertheless, he should have somewhat understood by now. Even if I were to die and wake up again, there would never be a chance for him to feel favorably towards himself.

As the conversation seemed to be coming to an end, I called out to the quietly bowing Ethan in silence.

“Lord.”

“Ah, y-yes!”

“It’s late at night now, may I return to my chamber?”

“Y-yes… Y-you can go, maid… Thank you for asking fitting questions…”

“Good night, Lord Ethan.”

“…Yes, the maid too.”

With a creaking sound, Ethan Richard Blackwood’s room closed quietly.

At least now, that brat won’t consider me as a romantic interest and bother me.

Whether that brat becomes gloomy from his own expectations and disappointments, it’s a story that doesn’t concern me at all.