After making up her mind, Karin let Hayashi Maki freely tour the estate.
She herself took her three daughters to sit and chat over tea. Most of the questions to Louise came from her and from Cattleya and Éléonore.
"Louise, what do you think about Hayashi Maki's proposal of an engagement?"
Karin looked seriously at her youngest, wanting to know her thoughts.
At the word "engagement," Louise blushed at once.
"Mother… I… I haven't decided yet…"
"What's there to decide? He already told Mother he'll accept no one but you. Keep refusing and he'll go get engaged to some other woman!" Éléonore snapped.
"Ugh, he wouldn't!" Louise huffed—then her shoulders slumped. "Uuu… he might."
Never mind that woman from House Zerbst—Queen Charlotte (Tabitha) of Gallia had already snuck into his bed, for goodness' sake.
Cattleya looked at Louise's face and sighed, helpless.
"So why not just be honest, Louise? Mother's asking for your opinion—do you want to be engaged to him or not?"
"Um… I… I'll leave it to you, Mother. I… I don't object," Louise finally conceded.
She was a little afraid of Hayashi Maki leaving her. Moments ago she'd been fronting about how she could manage without him, but in truth she relied on this man a lot.
Seeing Louise agree, Karin smiled, patting her head.
"Good. When your father returns, we'll prepare for the engagement. And you, Cattleya—now that your health is better, we can put out word and start looking for a fiancé."
"Eh? Me? There's no rush, Mother… I'm not fully well yet," Cattleya said quickly, waving her hands. She didn't want to be engaged to another man. At the word, a scene flashed unbidden to mind—Hayashi Maki kissing her—and her cheeks reddened.
Watching her sister's bashful look, Louise pouted. That scoundrel—he must have made a move on Second Sister! Why else would she be so red?
"Very well. Once you're completely well, we'll revisit the topic. And you too, Éléonore—if Louise marries and you're still at home, it will look bad."
Éléonore nearly exploded at her mother's jab.
"It's not like I wanted this! He had no taste—that's all. He said he 'couldn't take it' and insisted on breaking it off—what could I do?"
She couldn't go begging him, could she? Her pride was as fierce as Louise's; she'd never do something so humiliating. Besides, who needs that man? Hayashi Maki was right—someone as outstanding as her would find an even better match, sooner or later.
Seeing her eldest so riled, Lady Karin felt another headache coming on. With the youngest's marriage settled, she was relieved; now it was the eldest who caused worry.
"Enough. In any case, you're grown—you have your own ideas. Decide for yourself. Your father and I will be your strongest backing. If anyone bullies you—hit back. If not, come find us. Your father and I will stand up for you," Karin said, impressively. The three girls felt warm at heart.
When she was young, Karin had been quite the spitfire—much like Louise, strong-willed. She once dressed as a man, played at being a knight, and flirted with Henrietta's mother; afterward, the two became close friends. With that connection, little Louise had become Princess Henrietta's playmate.
Unnoticed, the day passed. Night fell, and the Duke of Vallière was still too busy to return.
Hayashi Maki went back to the guest room and lay down to rest—when the door opened and a figure slipped inside, diving into his bed. The soft sensation made Hayashi Maki's heart stir.
"Siesta—is that you?"
"Mhm, it's me," the black-haired maid said, blushing as she curled into his arms, looking nervous.
"What brings you here all of a sudden? Can't sleep?" Hayashi Maki asked, concerned.
Siesta shot him a wounded look, her palm on his chest.
"It's you, Mr. Hayashi Maki—what are you thinking? I heard you're going to be engaged to Miss Vallière."
She wanted to ask—and what about me? You teased me—what happens now? Will you abandon me, a commoner maid?
Seeing her plaintive eyes, Hayashi Maki kissed her.
"Yes, I'm going to be engaged to Louise. But I won't give up on you… Siesta, you can only be mine. I know I'm greedy, but—mmph!"
She cut him off by pressing her lips to his. With those words, slipping into his bed tonight had been worth it. Being a concubine—she didn't mind. After all, Hayashi Maki was now a noble—a high duke. As he'd said when they first spoke, he'd made it happen: from commoner to someone the queen herself strove to win over. And Tabitha was a queen too—yet wanted to stay by his side. Siesta wasn't about to miss out on such a man.
Moreover, after he'd solved the problem of Count Mott coveting her, she owed him a massive debt of gratitude.
With the maid so forward, Hayashi Maki didn't stand on ceremony; his hand slid from her slender waist down to her smooth, fair thigh—
Suddenly Siesta gently pushed him back and caught his wandering hand.
"Siesta? What's wrong?" he asked, breathing a little hard.
She shook her head, still blushing.
"Nothing. I just think this isn't right—this isn't your own estate. And you'll be engaged to Miss Vallière soon. If she discovered this, she'd be upset. So… go where you should go, Mr. Hayashi Maki. Let me stand watch here tonight."
Looking at the earnest little maid, Hayashi Maki took a slow breath and kissed her. When they finally parted, he said, "Thank you, Siesta. When we're back at the estate and have time alone, you're not allowed to run away."
She nodded hard. "I won't. I'm already miserable enough letting Miss Vallière have this chance tonight. Next time I'll cling to you and won't let you go."
He ruffled her hair, then left the guest room and slipped toward Louise's chamber. He eased the door open, crossed to the bed, and slid under the covers—pulling her into his arms. Still a little flat, but soft nonetheless. The enchanting scent of the girl made the demon's desire surge.
He felt it was time to complete the contract—only then could Louise gain the power to use magic normally.
And then—
~~~
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