I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince

Chapter 420

Finally, it was the morning of the fourth day, the day I’d been eagerly waiting to receive my reward from Ethan.

After yesterday’s incident in the office, I managed to calm my desires somewhat and regain my composure. As a result, I avoided any impulsive attempts to rush into Ethan’s room at dawn.

Instead, I began my day by choosing an outfit for today’s outing. Since Ethan had agreed to go on a date as part of my reward, I was preparing to head out to the Blackwood estate’s commercial district. ...Though, for some reason, I was getting ready in the maid’s waiting room with Isabel and Katarina, rather than in my own quarters.

“Hm, a black outfit seems a bit too usual. How about something brighter for a change, Lilith?”

“I have a purple dress that might suit you. Would you like to try it on?”

“Purple could look nice, but doesn’t Katarina’s outfit not fit Lilith? I mean, Lilith has a, well, bigger chest...”

“That’s true. Lilith’s figure is definitely fuller... How about borrowing one of my skirts instead?”

For two hours now, Isabel and Katarina had been fussing over my attire, changing my outfit repeatedly. Isabel was my first and closest friend in this world, and Katarina, though somewhat reserved, followed me around loyally. It was hard to say no to them, especially when they seemed so invested.

‘I had just planned to go out in my maid uniform...’

Even though it was a date, it was still within the Blackwood estate. I figured someone might recognize Ethan if we ran into anyone, and if that was the case, it would be better to wear the maid uniform. ...Apparently, though, these two weren’t going to let me go in my uniform without a fight.

“Can’t I just wear anything? If there’s nothing suitable, I’ll just go with the maid uniform as planned...”

“No way!”

“That won’t do...”

Even Katarina, who was usually so timid, opposed the idea, so I couldn’t bring myself to object. I’d just have to humor them until they were satisfied. I’d done similar things for Natalie and Agnes before, so it would be a bit hypocritical to refuse now.

“Oh, I know! Remember that blue dress with lace embroidery I made? You could wear that!”

“Lace embroidery? Wasn’t that the dress Isabel made as a side project...”

“Now’s not the time to worry about that! What matters is that Lilith has something nice to wear for her date with the young master!”

“Well, actually, I also knitted a light summer sweater. It could go nicely over a dress...”

“I appreciate the offer, but isn’t that a bit much? If it’s something you both made for selling...”

“No, it’s okay! Lilith is like a benefactor to me, so I’d really like her to have it...”

“...”

“Lilith, hurry! Breakfast will start soon, and this is our only chance to get you ready!”

“...Fine, fine.”

“T-That dress looks really nice on you, Lilith...”

“Does it?”

“Yeah. It gives you a softer look than usual. You’re always beautiful, of course, but today you look fresh and sweet.”

“...Um, thank you. You look very good as well, Master Ethan.”

“Thanks.”

Ethan was really laying on the compliments early into our date, making my face heat up even more in the summer sun. I quickly redirected the conversation.

“W-Why don’t we continue our talk in the carriage? Steward Dietmeier is waiting for us.”

“No need to worry about me, Miss Lilith. Just pretend I’m not here.”

“Well, since we’re heading to the market district, we’ll have at least a 30-minute carriage ride. We can chat on the way there.”

“...Alright, Lilith.”

With that, Ethan opened the carriage door first and offered his hand to me. Normally, he would board before me, but today he seemed intent on escorting me first.

“Please, Lilith. After you.”

“N-No... It’s more proper if you go first, Master Ethan...”

“Today’s a date, Lilith. The man escorts the woman, not the other way around.”

“But this is the Blackwood estate. As your maid, I should be the one to serve you...”

“On a date, there’s no ‘Master’ and ‘maid.’ Just get in, Lilith.”

“...”

It seemed he wanted to set aside our roles for the day, even calling me by a nickname. I couldn’t refuse him any longer, so I took his hand and stepped into the carriage.

“Alright, then. Thank you for today, ...Ed.”

“...”

“...”

It felt unexpectedly awkward to use the nickname I hadn’t called him by in so long. His cheeks flushed a bit too, and we boarded the carriage with a lingering embarrassment.

Dietmeier, true to his word, stayed quiet, leaving just the two of us in a somewhat awkward silence as the carriage began its journey into town.