The maids who were caught then seemed to have been so scared after the incident escalated to even Herdin's knowledge that they hadn't bothered Lina since. They apparently didn't even speak to her and avoided her altogether.
They couldn't quite avoid Blair as their master, but they seemed to be trying their best not to offend her mood as much as possible.
Although delivering milk was a simple task, Blair, who had some understanding of their feelings, knew that it must have taken considerable courage for this child to stand before her.
'Her name was... Melly, wasn't it?'
What this child had done to Lina was certainly wrong, but that incident had already been concluded with an appropriate punishment.
It was something she had overlooked in her previous life without knowing. As a result, she never grew close to the people of the duchy until her death.
'But this time, it might be different.'
Now that Herdin had taken on the role of the villain by giving a harsher punishment than she had suggested, she might be able to easily grow closer if she extended a hand.
There was no need to deliberately seek their favor, but there was also no reason to miss an opportunity to grow closer with just a few words. It would be good for Lina too.
Blair took the milk bottle handed by the maid, gently grasping the maid's hand.
"Thank you, Melly."
"Ah, it's nothing. It's just what I should do."
Surprised by the unexpected response, Melly bowed her head, flustered.
It was natural for a servant to assist with the master's tasks, yet she was being thanked. And by someone who she thought would naturally dislike her, or rather, someone who would have every right to dislike her.
'Come to think of it, I never apologized for what happened then...'
Everyone had been ostracizing Lina, and she had been swept along, standing by. She felt that if she didn't participate, she would be ostracized herself.
But that was just her own circumstance.
Though late, she wanted to ask for forgiveness now. Both from Lina and from Blair.
But she was afraid to bring up that incident. She was also fearful of disturbing Blair's now calm mood.
As she hesitated, her lips quivering, a chirping sound came from the basket. Naturally, her gaze drifted to that small, cute creature.
At that moment, Blair spoke to her.
"Do you like animals?"
"Ah, yes..."
"Then, would you mind looking after this little one when you have time?"
"Pardon?"
"I read in a book that pine martens live in groups. So I think it needs friends, but we can't bring in babies living well with their mothers to make friends for this one, can we? So I thought maybe we could make lots of human friends for it instead."
"Ah..."
"Of course, only if you're okay with it."
"Of, of course. Please leave it to me. I've been taking care of the cats in the garden too."
"Is that so? That's great."
Blair smiled brightly at Melly's answer. Seeing Blair valuing her opinion made Melly feel embarrassed.
Why couldn't she have made such a simple apology before, over mere words?
Melly bowed deeply to Blair.
"My lady. About that time... I'm truly sorry. I'm just an ignorant commoner who grew up without proper education, and I arrogantly overstepped my bounds. I'm really sorry. I wanted to apologize properly."
Blair blinked in surprise at the maid's sudden apology, then smiled gently and said,
"I accept your apology. Will you take good care of this little one in return?"
Melly had been prepared to accept any scolding if Blair had brought up that incident again. But what she received instead was an unexpectedly kind response.
Melly blinked, then nodded her head vigorously.
"Yes! I'll take good care of it."
"Oh, by the way, this little one's name is Pipi."
"Pipi... sir?"
"Yes. Doesn't it sound similar to its cry?"
Blair asked with a rather serious face. As if answering to its name, the marten chirped.
'...Our lady doesn't have a talent for naming, it seems.'
Melly bit her lip to suppress the laughter that threatened to burst out. Still, the name was quite cute. And the proud lady somehow seemed a bit cute too.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Search "child" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 170.