On the Boat (1)

A sudden picnic with Ethan during the afternoon teatime.

In an atmosphere where an oddly awkward tension flowed, Ethan and I quietly clinked our glasses.

-Clunk.

The two wooden cups filled with red wine collided between us, emitting a dull sound.

Though the cups were somewhat plain for wine glasses, finding glass or ceramic wine cups in such a place wasn’t easy to begin with.

Especially since glass cups were expensive, making it difficult to procure them separately.

In fact, it was impressive that Ethan had managed to get both wine and wooden cups in such a short time. It almost seemed as if he had prepared for this moment in advance.

‘…Well, probably not.’

As Ethan’s exclusive maid who spent most of my time with him, I would have noticed if he had been up to something suspicious.

If he had planned in advance to buy cheese for a picnic or suddenly bring wine along, I would have caught on.

Moreover, today’s date… no, outing itself was an impromptu promise that followed Ethan and Harold’s sparring match.

On the spread-out paper bag, with a few bite-sized pieces of cheese between us, Ethan and I each took sips of wine.

Perhaps because the alcohol entered an empty stomach, I felt a slight buzz coming on.

“How is it, Lillith?”

“…I’m not sure. Today is my first time trying wine.”

“You seemed to be savoring the aroma as if you knew what you were doing.”

“…I was just mimicking what other nobles do.”

Of course, the claim that this was my first time drinking wine was a blatant lie.

Wine wasn’t particularly expensive in my past life either. Though most of my drinking there had been beer.

“It’s my first time, but personally, I think it’s quite nice. It’s a bit heavier than the cocktail I briefly tasted at the masquerade, but the aftertaste is cleaner, probably because it’s not sweet.”

“…Are you sure it’s your first time?”

“I told you, it is.”

I deliberately avoided Ethan’s suspicious gaze by pretending to pick up another piece of cheese.

A thought crossed my mind as I was about to put a piece of cheese, likely cheddar, into my mouth.

‘Shouldn’t I feed Ethan first?’

Even though today I was presenting myself as a baronet’s noble daughter rather than an exclusive maid, there was still a status gap between Ethan and me.

Just because I wasn’t his attendant today didn’t mean the difference in status had vanished entirely.

Since I couldn’t just put the cheese I’d already picked up back on the bag, I naturally extended my hand toward Ethan as if I’d planned this all along.

“Here, Ethan.”

“…Huh?”

“Drinking on an empty stomach is bad for you. You should have it with a snack.”

“…Oh, yeah. Thanks, Lillith.”

Ethan awkwardly took the piece of cheese from my hand and ate it, his face slightly red as he avoided my gaze.

…Well, since I fed him first, it shouldn’t be a problem if I eat now.

With that thought, I quietly picked up another piece of cheese and ate it.

The rich, savory flavor of the cheese spread quietly in my mouth.

‘This is pretty good.’

Even though I’d only ever had cheese in things like burgers or pizza, I could tell this was high-quality cheese.

Thinking about it, cheese in this world was probably made traditionally, since long-distance distribution would be difficult unless produced locally.

That might explain why it tasted so good.

As the slightly sticky sensation lingered on my tongue, I took a sip of wine.

The salty aftertaste of the cheese and the wine’s bitter aroma mingled strangely on my palate.

“Mmm.”

“……?”

It had been almost a year-no, nearly two years-since I’d had proper alcohol. If you counted the cocktail at the masquerade, that is.

Come to think of it, I’d barely had any alcohol in this world. Being the exclusive maid of a duke’s son didn’t exactly lend itself to a drinking-friendly environment.

The familiar warmth of alcohol spreading through my body wasn’t unpleasant. The slight fullness in my stomach also brought a pleasant drowsiness.

“Lillith, I didn’t know you liked alcohol.”

“…Not really. I just didn’t want you to feel bad for bringing wine if I didn’t enjoy it.”

“You’re drinking it pretty enthusiastically for someone who’s just being polite.”

“…Why don’t you drink some more, Ethan? All of these pair well with the wine.”

“I’m fine just watching you eat. Want another glass?”

“…Just one more.”

“Sure, sure.”

Unlike the first glass, which was only half-filled, Ethan poured this one about three-quarters full.

I noticed the increased amount but decided to just accept it.

It’s not like I could pour it back into the bottle.

“Here, Lillith. Try this too.”

“Huh?”

“You haven’t tried the cheddar yet, right? This one’s good too.”

With those words, Ethan held out a piece of deep yellow cheese toward me.

Since the cheese was right in front of me, I thanked him and absentmindedly took it into my mouth.

“Thanks, Ethan. …Haaah.”

“…Huh? Wha-?!”

“Mmm… This is nice too. Rich and just the right amount of saltiness.”

“Ah, uh, yeah…”

“……?”

For some reason, Ethan suddenly flinched and hastily pulled his hand back, his face turning several shades redder as he avoided my gaze.

…He barely drank half a glass. Is he a lightweight?

With that thought, I emptied the second glass, fully enjoying the impromptu picnic.

Just then, Ethan called my name in a serious tone.

“Lillith.”

“Yes, Ethan.”

“…There’s something serious I want to talk about. Will you listen?”

“…Huh?”

The buzz in my head suddenly cleared, and my pupils shook in confusion.

In contrast, Ethan’s gaze was more serious than ever as he looked at me.

“Lillith.”

“…Yes.”

“Actually, there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time.”

No, don’t.

I’m not sure what it is, but just don’t.

“Wh-what is it? Is it something you absolutely have to say now?”

“If I don’t say it now, it’ll only get harder to bring up later.”

“…I see.”

You can delay it forever.

Or at least until we graduate from the academy.

“I know it’s already late, but I’ll say it clearly now. If you’re okay with it, starting today, our relationship…”

“…Ethan, wait a second.”

“…Lillith?”

Before he could say anything more dangerous, I cut him off and quickly scanned our surroundings.

A bench by the lakeside promenade on a weekend afternoon. It wasn’t crowded, but there were enough people around to be problematic.

If any academy students or people who recognized Ethan and me were here, this conversation would be trouble.

At worst, rumors could spread that the Blackwood Ducal House’s exclusive maid-a baronet’s daughter-had the audacity to reject her young master.

To smoothly turn Ethan down, we needed to move somewhere where any commotion wouldn’t matter.

“…I understand you have something to say, Ethan. But before that, can we go somewhere more private?”

“…Somewhere private?”

“Yes, somewhere no one else can see or hear us.”

This place was too public for a “serious talk.”

If Ethan confessed his feelings and I responded, there was a risk of second- or third-hand rumors spreading.

High-profile romances were always juicy gossip, no matter the era.

Especially since Ethan and I had already been the subject of similar rumors at the academy once before. It wouldn’t hurt to be cautious.

“Somewhere private? Like where?”

“Well, um…”

The problem was that the only place we could quickly find privacy right now was something like an inn room.

If we abruptly went to a two-person room at a nearby inn to talk, it would practically be the same as accepting Ethan’s confession.

I needed somewhere natural where we could talk alone but where Ethan wouldn’t get any ideas.

“Boat Rental”

‘Ah…!’

…Even if Ethan is bold, he wouldn’t try anything on a boat in the middle of the lake.

With that thought, I pointed at the boat rental sign that had caught my eye.

“How about there, Ethan?”

“…Boat rental?”

“On the lake, we can talk without worrying about others overhearing. It’s a good place for a serious conversation. What do you think?”

“…Yeah, not a bad idea.”

I had successfully cut off Ethan’s words and steered us toward a private location.

Now that we wouldn’t have to worry about being seen or heard, all I had to do was gently reject him.

Preferably with enough explanation to make him understand.

To continue my life as his exclusive maid without awkwardness, this was the most rational choice.

“……”

Ethan looked at the boat rental with a meaningful gaze.

At the time, I didn’t yet realize.

That the boat I had led Ethan to-the private place for just the two of us-would become, in many ways, a place where I couldn’t escape.