Home/The villainess's personal maid is very good at her job/ch 94

Episode 94

"Perfect—we're all gathered in one place, so it's a good time to greet each other."

As expected, the visitors were the princess and prince of Yuperion.

"Introduce yourselves. This is Princess Evadne and Prince Mateo of the Yuperion Magical Kingdom."

"Pleasure to meet you. I am Evadne sha Yuperion."

"I am Mateo sha Yuperion."

The two Yuperion royals had black hair and black eyes. A notable feature was that whenever light hit them, a deep violet hue appeared.

This wasn't unique to the royals—it was a characteristic of most people from the Magical Kingdom.

'I heard it's a trait caused by the unique mana of Yuperion.'

Oscar, Julietta, and the youngest, Geron.

As the three exchanged greetings with Evadne and Mateo, Janet stepped back slightly.

But—

"Excuse me, but who is that?"

It was Evadne who showed interest in Janet.

"Is she also part of Ludwig?"

"No. She's my handmaiden."

"Ah, a handmaiden."

Janet smiled lightly and bowed to the two.

"I'm Janet, handmaiden to Lady Julietta. A pleasure."

"Janet? You have no family name?"

At Mateo's rather direct question, Oscar answered on her behalf.

"Not currently, but she will soon. She's been confirmed to be adopted into the Ortega family."

"……Ortega?"

Mateo's expression twisted slightly as he muttered. Evadne also looked at Janet with some surprise.

'Well, it's only natural for them to grit their teeth at the name.'

From Yuperion's perspective, Ortega would have been one of their most troublesome enemies.

But what could they do?

The war was already over, and the Empire had won.

Maintaining a composed smile, Janet bowed once more.

---

"You don't need to grip the reins too tightly. If you feel tense, the horse will tense up too."

At Liam's advice, Janet adjusted her grip on the reins and asked.

"Like this?"

"Yes! You're doing great, Janet!"

Liam, Janet, and Richard.

The three had visited a large equestrian park outside the capital. The Marchioness had offered to teach Janet how to ride.

Fortunately, Janet had a talent for horse riding.

Her posture was good for a first-timer, and aside from gripping the reins too tightly, she showed little tension.

The horse seemed to like her too, obediently following her commands.

After dismounting, Janet pulled out a carrot and offered it to the horse.

Snort.

The horse let out a pleased sound and calmly accepted the carrot.

Smiling warmly, Janet gently stroked the horse's soft cheek.

"Janet. How do you find horse riding? To me, your father, it seems to suit you quite well."

"Yes. I think it suits me too. It's fun."

"Hehe. That's good to hear."

The Marchioness kept chuckling as he glanced at Janet's profile.

He seemed unable to contain the laughter that kept spilling out just from looking at her.

Seeing him like that, Janet also let out a laugh.

Just then, Richard, who had made a quick lap, stopped in front of them.

He dismounted gracefully and approached Janet.

"You ride well."

"Yeah. Father taught me well."

Though she'd answered Richard, the response came from the other side.

"Huff!"

It was only today that Janet had started calling Liam 'Father.'

Having cleaned up the Grahams, she'd finally gathered the courage for Liam's sake.

Even if it still didn't roll off her tongue easily.

'Seeing him this happy……'

Watching him emphasize "fa-ther" all day long, trembling with joy every time she called him that, she felt both embarrassment and gratitude.

"When you get better, let's ride together."

"Yeah. I'd like that."

"Oh, I'll join too!"

"Yes. Let's all go together."

At Janet's answer, Liam smiled warmly.

"Ah, by the way, Janet."

"Yes, Father."

"Sniff."

Richard looked at Liam with pity as his lips twitched uncontrollably.

Shaking his head, he cut in.

"Have you thought about our proposal?"

"Ah, that."

After the Graham business was settled.

Richard and the Marchioness had subtly suggested moving her residence to their house.

Since she was attending the Academy, living in the North would be difficult, but they'd suggested she stay at the Ortega townhouse instead of Ludwig's.

Janet understood their feelings and had considered it seriously.

But—

"I'm afraid it'll be difficult. As long as I'm working as her Ladyship's handmaiden, I think I should stay with Ludwig."

At Janet's refusal, Liam and Richard grew urgent.

"Ahem. Well, Janet. If you want, you can quit being a handmaiden."

"Yes. The remaining contract period can be handled by our family."

Both knew why Janet had chosen to become Julietta's handmaiden.

As the head of Illinia, and from what Janet had told them herself.

Since she no longer needed to buy a baronetcy, the original purpose of her work had essentially disappeared.

But—

"I understand your feelings perfectly. Still, I want to fulfill the remaining contract period."

It had been almost half a year since she'd become Julietta's handmaiden, so about six months remained.

'Most of all, I'm still worried about Julietta.'

As both a friend and a handmaiden.

"……Fine. If that's what you want, there's no helping it."

At Liam and Richard's immediate deflation, Janet laughed softly.

"Instead, I'll visit every holiday. And stay over too."

"Good. Be sure to do that! Your father will prepare lots of delicious food and wait for you."

"Yes, Father."

"Sniff! If you ever change your mind, just say so! Got it, my daughter?"

"I will."

Just as the three were enjoying a warm family moment—

"Janet?"

At someone's call, Janet turned to look.

"Lady Rosina?"

"Oh my. To see you in a place like this."

Her eyes crinkled into a smile as she sat atop a horse.

Soon, another horse slowly approached and stopped beside her.

"Princess. Why did you stop here……"

Spotting the Ortega family, Mateo stopped mid-sentence and frowned.

'As I thought, he's not good at controlling his expressions.'

Had he never needed to as a prince?

With an indifferent thought, Janet bowed her head first.

"Greetings, honored guests."

"Honored guests, my foot……"

"……Brother."

Richard, who had muttered quietly, clamped his mouth shut.

But his murmur had already reached Mateo's ears.

"What? What did you just say?"

"You have unnecessarily sharp ears."

"Ha! How insolent……!"

Mateo flushed red, fuming.

Looking as if he might dismount and charge at any moment, Janet bit the inside of her cheek.

Just as she was thinking this had become troublesome—

"Hehe! Quite right! My child has a bit of an insolent streak."

With a hearty laugh, Liam stepped forward.

"……Marchioness of Ortega."

Mateo paused briefly at the sight of Liam standing between him and Janet and Richard.

A subtle pressure emanated from his body.

Sensing the aura, the horse turned its head slightly and snorted.

Seizing the moment, Rosina intervened naturally.

"You seem to be out for a family ride."

"Yes. Since Janet is joining our household, we're taking time to bond as a family."

"How lovely. I'm glad Janet has found a good family."

"Yes. I'll strive to be a good family to her."

Both were skilled at defusing tense situations.

'Not bad.'

'Quite capable.'

Exchanges of small admiration passed between their smiling gazes.

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