I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 509: Daughter-in-Law (2)

The Morning After Harold’s Return

That morning’s breakfast was special in many ways. It was, after all, the first time I sat at the same table with both Ethan and Harold since officially becoming a member of the Blackwood family.

"Lilith, what are you doing?"

"Pardon?"

"Go and sit over there. That’s where the head maid stands, not you."

"Yes, dear. Do you intend to stand behind Ethan until he’s finished his meal in your condition?"

“...My apologies."

I had instinctively stood behind Ethan, only to quickly take a seat across from him after hearing their remarks. Usually, when it was just Ethan and me, he allowed me to sit opposite him even when I was his personal maid. But with Harold present, I always had to stand behind Ethan, performing my duties as his maid.

Anyway, Harold no longer seemed to see me as a servant. Following his words, I took my seat quietly and continued with the meal.

"Having you at the table certainly brightens things up. It’s hard to believe that little Ethan has grown up to the point of fathering a child."

"Uh... M-master—I mean, um, Father...?"

"Yes? What is it, dear?"

"I know it may seem strange to bring this up now, but...am I really allowed to be Ethan’s lawful wife?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Well, Ethan is the sole heir of the Blackwood family, and I...I was just a commoner a few years ago. Won’t my marriage to Ethan, with my false noble status, cause problems?"

"...Lilith, we discussed this already."

"But I thought Father might have a different opinion... And, even if I do become Ethan’s wife, for political reasons, he might need to take a secondary wife...."

The two of them fell silent, each resting their foreheads in their hands as if I’d said something they wished they hadn’t heard.

"Ahem. It seems like you still haven’t understood, dear, so listen carefully this time."

"Yes...."

"The Blackwood family is not so feeble that it could be shaken by who Ethan marries. We have seven direct branch families, and our subordinate houses almost number in the hundreds."

"...."

"Of course, there will be some murmurs from families eyeing the position of Ethan’s spouse, but that’s not your concern. Isn’t that right, Ethan?"

"Yes, Father."

At Harold’s words, Ethan nodded confidently.

"Strengthening the Blackwood family’s position is solely Ethan’s responsibility. Since he chose you as his wife, it’s his duty to ensure that no other voices prevail."

"I understand."

"I became a Sword Master and one of the Emperor’s Three Swords to marry Tanacia, the daughter of a remote viscount. I also led the Empire to victory in the Argentean War. As my son, you’re expected to achieve at least this much."

"...I’ll remember that well."

"So, dear, there’s no need for you to worry. Ethan’s choice of you as his wife is absolute. There’s nothing for you to concern yourself with."

"Y-yes...."

Thinking of the tasks Ethan would have to complete just to make me his wife made me feel rather burdened. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how he’d accomplish feats equivalent to being a Sword Master, an Imperial hero, or one of the Three Swords of the Empire.

One might think he’s preparing to go slay a demon lord with a party of heroes.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Knock, knock.

"Dear, may I come in?"

"Yes, yes! Come in, m—Father...."

Resting in what had become mine and Ethan’s shared room, I hastily corrected myself and sat up when I heard Harold’s voice from outside.

Creak.

"Oh, don’t worry. It must be uncomfortable; you can stay lying down."

"No, I was planning to get up anyway."

"...I see. That’s good to hear, dear."

It was almost unbearably embarrassing. This couldn’t be the Harold from the original story. His affectionate address made me unsure where to even look. In the original, Harold only showed kindness to his son, Ethan, or his deceased wife, Tanacia. Now, with that warm gaze directed at me, I felt myself tense up.

"Please, have a seat, Father...."

"Yes, and you as well."

Harold and I sat awkwardly across the table. Ethan’s absence ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ was glaring in this stifling atmosphere. Harold spoke first, breaking the silence.

"I heard from Ethan. You bore this child without consulting him."

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"I-I’m sorry...."

"It’s alright. I’m not blaming you. But if I had known that you cared for this child enough to raise it alone... perhaps I should’ve stopped you from leaving that day."

"...."

"I let you go because I thought Ethan could learn from reassuring you. But it seems my misguided idea only caused you hardship."

"N-no... Ethan did everything he could to reassure me. I... just misunderstood and ran away...."

"Ultimately, it was Ethan’s fault for creating such a misunderstanding. He’s had a chance to learn from it."

...How was I supposed to respond to this?

In the original story, Harold wouldn’t stand for anyone insulting his son, even lightly, punishing any servant who dared to criticize Ethan. Now, here he was, defending me and gently chiding his son. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would change his attitude if I were to agree with him here.

"Thank you for your words, but please don’t reprimand Ethan too harshly. In the end, it was my choice, and that hasn’t changed."

"How generous of you. Perhaps Ethan’s steady upbringing was thanks to having you as his personal maid."

"...I suppose that’s true to an extent."

"It’s good to see you acknowledging it."

Well, I did know the original Ethan. I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d done to shape him into such a dependable man, but I couldn’t deny that my presence had contributed to him becoming the person he was today.

"So, what are your plans after the child is born?"

"...If possible, I’d like to take the child to the academy with me. I don’t think I can delay returning to the academy next year, and with the due date in December, I doubt a newborn would be ready to be weaned within three months."

"If you wish, I can arrange a wet nurse. It may be challenging to balance academy life and childcare."

"Thank you, but I’d prefer to nurse the child myself if I can."

"...You remind me so much of Tanacia."

"Pardon?"

"...Never mind. If that’s your choice, I’ll respect it. In that case, we’ll need to arrange a maid to watch the child while you and Ethan are in class."

"I was thinking of Isabel...."

"That should work. She’s been your and Ethan’s personal maid, so she’ll be suitable. Do as you wish."

"Thank you very much...."

...At least he hadn’t insisted I leave the child behind. Though he’d seemed unconcerned about our rushed marriage, it was clear he had given the practical issues considerable thought.

With Harold’s reassurance, I felt confident that my plan to balance my academy studies and childcare wouldn’t face any major obstacles.

"If Ethan ever troubles you, don’t hesitate to tell me. If he mistreats you, I won’t let it slide, even if he’s my son."

"...."

"...Or has he already done something?"

"N-no! Ethan treats me with utmost care, so there’s no need to worry! He’s almost like a butler, attending to even the smallest details...."

"I see. That’s a relief."

...I suppose I should keep the week he locked me in that cell a secret from Harold. It’s fortunate that everything was resolved before he returned.