Chapter 15: Princess Mia... Attains Enlightenment

Anne's home was located just outside the downtown area that surrounded the castle. It was an ordinary wooden house, small and unassuming, tucked away in rows of similar dwellings. Pretty little flowers dotted the yard, across which hung a line of newly washed clothes that fluttered gently in the breeze. It was a humble sight — not sophisticated by any measure — but it radiated the warmth of hearth and home.

"Princess Mia, please stay here in the carriage until I say it's okay to come in," cautioned Anne before hastily dashing into the house. A few minutes later, she reappeared with a middle-aged couple, both of whom looked a little pale.

"My, would the two of you happen to be..."

"I-It is an a-absolute honor to meet you, Y-Your Highness. I am Anne's father," said the man, his voice cracking nervously. He then introduced the woman at his side as Anne's mother.

In response, Mia gave her skirt a quick tug and curtsied.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Mia Luna Tearmoon. Your daughter, Anne, has been an absolute blessing. I'm terribly glad for her service," she said with a sweet smile.

"Y-You humble us with your words, Your Highness. Please accept our deepest gratitude for gracing our daughter with your royal favor."

"I-I fear we have nothing to offer Your Highness here, but..."

"Please, be at ease. The service your daughter provides is enough. I ask for nothing more. We're visiting today simply because we wished to bring you a gift." Mia gave them her best princess smile. She was very good at putting on a sweet front. "Now, Anne, could you show me to your sisters? Quickly, please."

She wanted to eat ice candies, and the thought of them melting was putting her on edge. Fortunately, the ceramic cup held eight candies in total — she knew because she'd counted. With that many, there should be enough for everyone in Anne's family to have one and still leave some for her.

Phew, just enough! Good thing the Four Dukes don't skimp on their gifts!

She quivered with excitement as she imagined placing one of the delicate treats into her mouth. When she stepped into the guest room, however, she grew a tad concerned. Gathered in the rather small space were four children. The eldest was a boy, who looked just a little older than Mia. The others, three girls, looked younger than her.

"...Anne's brother and sisters, I presume."

Counting Anne, there were six young people here. With her parents, that made... Eight!

Phew. What a close call...

That meant after making the rounds, there'd be one last piece for her. At the same time, she'd have demonstrated her boundless generosity by freely sharing her treats with everyone present. Not only that, but Anne's impression of her as the kindhearted princess would also remain unscathed.

Feeling rather proud of herself for how everything had worked out so perfectly—not that she'd had anything to do with it—Mia went back to gleefully envisioning herself eating ice candies. As a result, she failed to pay attention to Anne's introductions of her family members.

"So, I'm really sorry, Princess Mia, but our second sister, Elise, has poor health and is always resting in her room at this time. I know she's supposed to come and greet you, but..."

"...Huh?"

Mia froze. There was one more person. Not only that...

"Wow! Really, Your Highness? Are you sure we can have this?"

"Thank you, Your Highness! Come on, Mom and Dad! Let's try it together!"

"Now, now. Behave yourself in front of the princess... I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness."

Faced with the smiling faces of Anne's family, Mia knew her fate was sealed. She didn't have the guts to demand a piece in front of Anne and risk ruining her image as the kind-hearted princess.

S-Stupid girls! Why couldn't you have put ten in, you cheapskates?! So much for the Four Dukes!

She decided to direct her frustration at the Dukes' daughters. After subjecting them to a good round of verbal abuse in her head, she finally calmed down.

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness. I know that there's normally no excuse for her absence... Please accept my sincerest apologies..."

"What? O-Oh, uh, that's quite fine. I don't mind. It's my fault for coming on such short notice. Besides, if she's not feeling well, there's no point forcing her to come. More importantly, Anne, please have everyone try these already. It'd be a shame if they melted." She cast a final, wistful glance at the ice candies before continuing, "Ah, yes, and why don't we bring one to your sister in her room?"

To be absolutely clear, Mia wasn't saying that out of concern for the sick. She just couldn't stand the thought of something tasty entering other people's mouths and not hers. Staying any longer meant sitting there and watching everyone else eat. She'd need a heart of gold to not consider that torture, and hers only had a thin layer of gilding. It was time to make an escape.

As for how Anne interpreted her statement...

"Oh... Princess Mia..." she said, so moved that she had to take a few moments to gather herself before she could continue speaking. "You're so thoughtful. I appreciate your kindness. I really do. And I'm sure my sister will too. She'll be so happy to see you!"

"Ah. Well. That's nice to hear."

Compared to her young maid's heartfelt words of gratitude, Mia's reply was decidedly less passionate.