Closer

It was lunchtime for all of the employees.

The room was bustling with maids and butlers, but I was the only one sitting alone, staring at my decent meal, which looked delectable.

However, as delicious as it appears, I have no intention of eating it since I planned to give it to Nokto.

(I'm sure he'll be happy with his meal.)

I smiled to myself, and the words of Emma suddenly appeared in my head.

She advised me to keep my composure and avoid escalating the situation into violence.

She and I both know it wasn't my fault in the first place, and I'm merely returning the favour by slapping Alma back.

Emma, on the other hand, warned that if I kept retaliating, it would be terrible for Nokto as well. So I have to resist the urge to retaliate if they assault me first.

Even though it isn't my usual style, but this is for Nokto. I will do anything for him so he won't get caught up in my own problems.

(Then I'll just live quietly.)

I nodded to myself, disregarding everyone's sharp, scrutinizing gaze.

"Gosh, was she the one who hit Alma?"

"She still have the face to continue to work here? How shameless."

"Well, because she's serving the young master, she gets more money than the rest of us."

"If I were here, I'd quit right away."

(... These people...)

I narrowed my eyes sadly, a small smile rose up to my lips.

(... are beyond helping.)

Although this is my first day, I already made the worst possible impression, adding to my young age.

***

"Good afternoon young master! I apologize for being late."

I grinned as I held the tray with his meal, which had previously been mine.

As I approached him and placed the tray on the bed in front of him, he glared at me with his violet eyes that had darkened after seeing me, but my smile remained steadfast.

"It's not much, but this is all I have. I'm sure young master is going to enjoy the meal."

I chuckled lightly as he stared at the meal, and it was clear that he wanted to take a mouthful.

"... Where did you get this.. food?"

He asked quietly, his head lowered and his gaze fixed on the meal.

His question surprised me, but I'm glad he was interested in where I obtained it.

"To be honest, young master, that was an employee meal!"

I gave him a big smile and told him the whole truth without an ounce of hesitation.

He raised his head slowly, a frown obvious on his face after I finished the story.

"Then this is your meal?"

I nodded in response to his question, as if I were the most innocent person on the planet.

Nokto remained silent when I responded, but he eventually picked up his spoon and began eating the food that I prepared with care.

I even make sure to heat it up so that he can enjoy it.

"Ah, right, I found the replacement for the things that were broken. I'll make the necessary changes right away. Have a good meal, young master!"

I curtsied as I lowered my head and immediately exited the room after delivering his meals.

***

I was able to adjust to my work much better than before after a month.

Despite the fact that I was ostracized by my coworkers, I was not depressed in the least.

The only person I speak with is Nokto himself, albeit he rarely responds to my silly statements.

But today was different from the rest of the days because Nokto was genuinely speaking to me.

(Is this the outcome of my effort after a month of trying to speak with him?!)

I smiled triumphantly to myself, which perplexed Nokto, who was staring at me with a skeptical expression.

"Ah, right! I apologize young master, I didn't hear your question because I was overwhelmed with happiness."

I laughed lightly, but once I finished reasoning, he let out a sigh.

"I asked, what about your meal?"

"Eh?"

It was lunchtime for Nokto and I always did the same, giving him my lunch food secretly without anyone knowing.

(Oh my... perhaps, is he worried about me?)

It's as if flower petals have bloomed all around me, I'm feeling like I'm flying through the air because I've finally made some progress.

He was difficult to talk to and had a bad temper even in the original novel, but looking at me right now, I'm so impressed by my own efforts!

"Don't worry about my meals, young master! I'm very good at stealing and sharing my own food, so I'm stuffed!"

I told it to him honestly, with a soft but mischievous smile on my face.

"Are you really stuffed?"

I blinked at him, and nodded my head in clarification.

His cheeks flushed as he turned his gaze away from me.

"But... do you still w-want to share?"

His voice became quieter as he spoke further words, yet it was loud enough for me to hear and widen my eyes in disbelief.

(... Nokto is offering me to share his food together?!)

"Oh my young master~ I'm really happy to know you cared for me~"

"Geez, just shut up already!"

Not only his cheeks, but also his ears have turned red, and I'm tempted to tease him even more, but I guess I'll have to restrain myself.

"If you're willing to share your food with a lowly maid like me, I'll gladly accept."

I gave him an appreciative smile, but he continued to avoid my gaze out of embarrassment.

(How cute~)

Thus, it was our first time sharing our first meal together.

Although it's not much and simple, but we were satisfied with it.

"... just make sure don't do this again."

"Hm?"

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow, along with a questioning smile.

"I mean that you don't need to steal for my breakfast or give your lunch to me..!"

He spoke up again, this time with a louder voice, and his violet eyes returned to me, resolute.

(Ah...)

(He's really worried about me.)

Nokto has no one to be worried about throughout the novel. He was always alone, despite the fact that he was surrounded by many people as a powerful and influential Duke.

That's why it's such a pity the story abruptly ended before the Heroine ever appeared to brighten his life.

(But still, the Heroine never appeared, but I wonder how she looks like. Everything was from Nokto's point of view, so I never got the chance to find out who will be the Heroine.)

"Young master, please don't worry about such trivial things. It's my responsibility as your maid to make sure you get your meals and get enough rest."

I tried everything I could to make him feel at ease in this uncomfortable room.

I always make sure his meals are good and clean his room on a regular basis to help him feel more comfortable.

I talked with him about things, trying to be a maid, a mother, and a friend if I can.

"Besides, aren't I your personal maid?"

I smiled at him, expressing my sincerity for him. His cheeks flushed red and his eyes widened in response to my words.

"I'm like this because I want to stay true to myself and honest with my feelings. That's just the way I am, young master."

He continued to look at me, bewildered and I smiled at him kindly.

"... F-fine!"

He turned his head away from me once again in embarrassment I assumed.

"Do whatever you want, I don't care!"

I chuckled and thanked him afterwards.

As soon as I was done for the day, I went to wash his clothes but I didn't expect Alma and a few other maids behind her blocked my way out of nowhere.

(... This again.)

Alma started to despise me ever since that accident, along with the other maids and she always try to find her ways with me.

But I allowed her to do so because I chose to remain silent.

"Everyone, grab her."

When the other two maids seized my hand side by side so I wouldn't retaliate, the basket in my hand dropped to the floor.

She started to do this kind of things to me about two weeks ago, but I'm not the one to complain.

Alma approached me and slapped me twice in the face, exactly like I had done to her.

But the fact that I didn't react the way she desired simply fueled her rage.

"Ugh you disgusting woman! Just cry already!"

Alma was given a bucket of cold water by the maid behind her, and I knew what'll happen next.

The maids that were grabbing my arms in order to make sure I don't retaliate released me.

After that, Alma poured that bucket of cold water from my head the moment they let me go.

(It's cold...!)

The water temperature made my body shudder, and a chill ran down my spine.

"You chose the wrong Master, as I stated previously. You even had the audacity to slap me twice!"

(She really does have a grudge on me for that. Well, it's my fault either ways but I don't regret what I did back then.)

"Let's go."

They left me alone, dripping wet from the water, after harassing me just like that. It's just their new hobby, to vent their anger to someone like me who doesn't hold any power.

(Even the food they gave me becomes less and less every time.)