Meanwhile,
in another room—
Cattleya was finally sharing a bed with her little sister Louise again.
Ever since they were young, whenever Louise was upset, Cattleya would soothe her gently and hold her as they slept.
But tonight, Louise couldn't fall asleep.
Maybe she'd gotten used to being bullied by a certain scoundrel before bed every night. Even with her gentle second sister beside her, she didn't drift off as peacefully as before.
"What are you thinking about, little Louise?"
Cattleya turned over, gazing at her sister with warmth.
"Mm… it's nothing, Sister Cattleya."
How could Louise admit she was thinking about him? Too embarrassing.
Cattleya smiled and stroked her hair.
"Little Louise is still as bad at lying as ever—your face already gave you away. Tell me, are you thinking about Hayashi Maki?"
"I am not thinking about him! Sister Cattleya, don't say that!"
Louise turned scarlet, denying on reflex. Her obvious lip-service made Cattleya chuckle.
"If you miss him, go to him."
"You've grown up, little Louise. It's alright with me—if you're getting engaged anyway, being a little closer is natural."
She comforted and encouraged her. She'd long noticed that Louise and Hayashi Maki were closer than she'd imagined. After all, Hayashi Maki's public role was her familiar; of course he'd be with his master.
Tempted by Cattleya's encouragement, Louise still shook her head.
"I'd rather not. It's been so long—I want to keep you company, Sister Cattleya."
"Um, Sister… are you really alright now? Don't push yourself. If anything feels off, I'll ask Hayashi Maki to come treat you right away."
Her sister's concern warmed Cattleya's heart. She hugged her petite sister gently.
"It's fine. I feel better than ever—I'll sleep soundly tonight."
Saying that, she remembered the "treatment" and her cheeks pinked on their own. No matter how you put it, he'd taken quite the advantage.
Seeing her sister's rosy face, Louise seemed to put two and two together; a hint of grievance crept into her eyes.
"Sister Cattleya… he didn't go too far, did he?"
Cattleya's body gave a little start—she was embarrassed, but she looked calmly at her tense sister.
"What do you mean, little Louise?"
"What else? He's lewd and a flirt. You're so beautiful and have such a good figure—I refuse to believe he behaved himself."
Cattleya's cheeks warmed; she sighed, then couldn't resist teasing her.
"What's this—are you jealous, little Louise?"
"I am not!" Louise denied again, flustered. "I'm just worried about you."
Cattleya lowered her head and kissed Louise's forehead, soothing her softly.
"It's alright. Mr. Hayashi Maki is very gentle. I don't mind at all. And he's changed my fate—let me live on, live healthy. Now I can go do the things I want to do. That's a blessing—and it's thanks to you, little Louise. I should thank you."
Hearing that, Louise buried her face in Sister Cattleya's chest and nuzzled in, clinging. Their mother had been too busy—and rather forceful—so it had always been Cattleya who comforted and looked after her. Now that Cattleya was well, Louise was truly happy.
"As long as you're well, Sister Cattleya, I'm satisfied."
"Alright, alright, no more clinging. I'm fine now—so little Louise should go where she ought to be." Cattleya pinched her cheek with a smile. "Don't keep him waiting."
"Mm… but…" Louise still wavered. Wouldn't it be shameless to go to his room on her own?
"What's there to hesitate about? Aren't you afraid another woman will beat you to him?" Cattleya reminded her.
Louise finally made up her mind.
"Okay, I understand, Sister. I'm going!"
"Mhm—go on."
Watching her sister leave, Cattleya touched her lips, blushing. She shook her head and closed her eyes. This feeling—free from pain—was like a dream.
…
At the guest-room door, Louise eased it open and slipped inside. In a flash she dove under the covers.
"First of all, it's not because I missed you that I came."
"It's just… your public identity is my familiar; as your master I should have my familiar at my side. Don't start getting the wrong idea!"
She fumbled for excuses even as she took the hand in the bed and leaned in with her lips—
But something felt wrong at once.
Hayashi Maki's body shouldn't be this soft… and smell this sweet.
She flipped back the quilt on instinct.
Her eyes met someone else's—and both cried out together.
"Siesta?! Why is it you?"
"Miss Vallière?!"
They stared, dumbstruck.
"You… you shameless little maid—why are you in Hayashi Maki's room, in his bed?" Louise demanded, cheeks puffed with fury.
Siesta blushed, suddenly guilty—but quickly put on a brave front.
"Mr. Hayashi Maki asked me to come! If Miss Vallière won't take the initiative, men get lonely. He loves being served by me!"
"S-served…?" Louise was stunned speechless, full of wounded indignation. She'd worked up her courage, left Sister Cattleya's warm embrace to come of her own accord—and he'd already found the maid to "do bad things." That philanderer—what did he take her for?
"And you, Miss Vallière—why are you here?" Siesta asked, suspicious.
"Me? O-of course he asked me to come too! Besides, I'm his master. It's perfectly normal for master and familiar to be together!" Louise declared, boldly staking her claim.
Her confidence returned in a flash. So what if the maid was taller and better-endowed? Louise still had plenty of room to grow! And she was a noble lady—how could she possibly lose to a commoner maid?