Upon entering the venue with Kyle, attention gathered on us all at once and I could see that everyone was pretty much shocked.

After all, Kyle, who had never escorted anyone before, brought company. Moreover, a woman.

No wonder everyone was surprised.

Surely, the topic of conversation for today’s party would be mostly about Kyle’s female partner—

—I thought such as I walked forward.

By the way, we needed to exchange greetings with today’s host.

Due to everyone’s consideration, we were able to reach the host quickly…

…and it was none other than the crown prince.

“Hey, Kyle! I’ve been waiting for you!”

The crown prince smiled brightly at Kyle. I had heard that the two were childhood friends and were quite close.

Even though Kyle said that the crown prince maliciously invited him, that probably wasn’t the case. Either the crown prince was teasing Kyle, or it was his way of showing that he cared.

Then, the crown prince turned to look at me and smiled, before putting his arm on Kyle’s shoulder.

“Hey, Kyle, you should’ve told me you had a lover.”

“She isn’t my lover.”

“Then, who is she?”

“My maid.”

“Huh!? Are you dating a maid!? Is this the so-called difference in status!?”

“What are you talking about?”

Kyle looked at the crown prince with profound astonishment. Nevertheless, the crown prince greeted me as if nothing happened.

“Nice to meet you, Lady. I’m Cliff, the crown prince.”

I curtseyed.

“It’s an honor to meet you. My name is Ophelia. As of the present, I no longer have any surname.”

“Is that so.”

The crown prince gently smiled at me.

“How’s the life at the resident of Duke of Brendan? Do they overwork you?”

“Everyone is very kind. It’s an ideal workplace.”

“That’s great.”

After sighing in relief, the crown prince told me to enjoy myself before disappearing among the guests.

I also breathed out in relief.

“It seems that we manage to convince him.”

“Yes.”

…I wondered what I’d have done if the crown prince frowned at my status.

“Give me a moment.”

After saying that, Kyle went to fetch me a drink and some snacks.

“It’s a great party. Let’s enjoy something delicious from the royal family.”

“The dishes served in the duke’s family are just as delicious.”

Indeed, and the food served to the servants were no exception.

It’s the best workplace ever.

After enjoying the food for a while, the slow music shifted.

…It was time to dance.

Kyle placed his wine on the table and extended his hand to me.

“You mentioned that you could dance.”

“That’s right.”

“Since we came all the way here, let’s dance.”

When Kyle took my hand and stepped inside the dance floor, another commotion occurred.

Kyle had never danced before.

In this rare occasion, the crown prince especially told him to bring a partner. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have attended the party, much else dance.

…For “such” a Kyle to dance, no wonder everyone was giddy.

That was the first time after a long while that I would be dancing as well, so I was nervous that I’d accidentally step on his foot.

“You’re good.”

“I’m honored to receive your compliment.”

I was praised, which meant that I performed satisfactorily.

“…Who are you?”

I almost choked.

I asked while hiding my panic.

“W, what do you mean?”

“You’ve mastered party etiquette and can also dance. The courtesy you showed His Highness earlier was perfect. Judging from your behavior, you must’ve received a proper education—something that is otherwise inaccessible to lower-ranking aristocrats. Why would someone like you work as a maid in my household?”

Aah, as expected.

Like always, Kyle was sharp.

“I’m nothing but a maid now.”

“What does that supposed to mean?”

“…The truth is—”

I smiled as I heard the sound footsteps of rushing from behind me.

Did I manage to smile beautifully?

I certainly hope so.

“Well, you’ll find out soon enough.”

Because it might have been for the last time.

“—Ophelia Ismar!”

Before I knew it, I was surrounded by soldiers.

The one who called my name was none other than the crown prince.

“From now on, I thereby detain you as a criminal!”

Unlike earlier, the crown prince wasn’t smiling, and instead looked ready to cry.

“…Ismar?”

A nearby aristocrat muttered.

Everyone had looks of surprise on their faces.

After all, the name should be familiar to them all.

Just like with the crown prince, I curtseyed for everyone to see.

“My name is Ophelia Ismar.”

Everyone gasped.

“I’m the sole survivor of the royal family of the Kingdom of Ismar, who fought against this country a year ago.”

Kyle was also stupefied.

Considering he was always levelheaded, I almost laughed at that newfound expression of his.

“Why would a member of that royal family…”

When Kyle involuntarily said that, I replied.

“As my country had no chance of victory, I’ve been passing information to this country to lower the amount of damage that would be inflicted as much as possible. In light of this, my execution was postponed for a year.”

To the royal family of the enemy country, I had nothing but warm feelings.

After all, no words could describe the gratitude I felt towards the crown prince for listening to my wish.

“…Why did you decide to work at my house for a year?”

“Didn’t I tell you? Every single day.”

Indeed.

Without fail, I told him the reason every day.

“—Because I love you. I wanted to stay by your side until the day I died.”

Merely being able to stay by his side made me happy.

Therefore, being able to convey my feelings to him was enough.

I didn’t wish for him to reciprocate my feelings—

—Because my death was approaching.

“You were my light. I love you. Please be happy.”

Lastly, I bowed to Kyle.

---

***T/N: fk i cried, I’m a sucker for someone who was so devoted like that…

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