The Tired Maid

Chapter 3

'Mana is easier to understand than I thought.' you mused before flipping to the next page of the book, The History of Mana. For the past few days ever since you've reincarnated, you started reading numerous books in the library as much as you can. Despite having the memories of the old (Y/N), she wasn't taught relevant stuff that you would learn in a school. That was for the male nobility and the royal family male members.

You wrinkled your nose as you thought of it.

So far, you have finished the books regarding the kingdoms' history, mathematics, and science - which were a lot like in your old world - and now you were finishing up the last book regarding the history of mana.

Mana is an easier subject to understand as it doesn't rely on the status of oneself but rather on the soul. The common people have mediocre mana while the majority of the nobility have above-average amounts. No one knows why the mana gap between the classes is like that, but you have a theory that it depends on the deeds of your past life. If it truly depends on the soul, then the current person's past life is the reason why they have their current mana. An example is a commoner boy who played a big part in a war and is regarded as a hero, and in his next life, he will be born part of the nobility with a great amount of mana as if it was his reward from the heavens.

The only flaw about this is since the person couldn't remember their past life, they will let their surroundings affect their personality, resulting in becoming part of the crowd.

"It's kinda sad, really." you thought out loud.

You closed the book and placed it among the pile of books you've read, heaving a sigh. It's almost time for the end of Stella's etiquette classes, which means she'll have free time until her dance lessons. Luckily, you made some snacks for her if she gets hungry and a cup of water. You requested her to meet you in the library after her classes, which should be -

"(Y/N), why did you call me here?"

now.

"Good afternoon, your highness," you bowed to the princess. "I've asked you to come here for some extra lessons."

Stella tilted her head. "Extra lessons?" she looked around the library, eyes scrunched up in confusion. "But where's the teacher?"

"I'll be your teacher, your highness."

You watched as she blacked before stiffly turning to you, blinking incredulously. "You?" You nodded before getting the history book for beginners. "Shall we begin?"

—

" . . . Hence the founding of the Sollar kingdom and its prosperity - Your highness, are you okay?"

You owlishly blinked as you watched the princess stare at the books as if they had scriptures in another language, if this was a webtoon or a show, she would have swirly eyes. "Your highness?"

'I probably rushed things,' you thought, feeling apologetic to the princess.

Stella blinked her eyes and turned her attention to you. "I'm sorry, I blanked out at 'The Sollar Kingdom', could you repeat what you said in simpler terms?"

You felt your smile go blank. 'Ah, my dream life is a far, very far.'

You sighed. "Very well, I'll explain it to you in a way you could understand."

Your lessons continued for about thirty minutes before you noticed it was almost time for her dance lessons. "Your highness, you must go to the instructor now," you called Stella, who immediately left after thanking you. You forgot that people will have different ways of being taught and since this was Stella's first history class, it would be a while for her to digest.

You fixed the books to their respective shelves before gathering the plates and cups before leaving the library. When you handed them to the dish boys, you decided to observe the training grounds where the knights were training. Walking through the halls to the outside, you passed a few maids and butlers - greeting them as politely as you could - before one servant stopped you. "(Y/N)!"

You glanced behind to see a boy with dark hair that looked like he just got out of bed, mischievous amethyst eyes that slant slightly, and rose beige skin that glimmers in the sunlight. The boy wore the male attire of a servant with a two-tailed coat, a dress shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. Liam, was one of the old (Y/N)'s close friends since they had the same job. He was a mischievous and sarcastic boy that would make quips behind the noble and royalty - mostly the prince - back. Although, once you get to know him, you'll find a sweet and caring husband to be.

'(Y/N) should've picked this guy, at least he'll treat her right.'

Not only that, but Liam had a major crush on this (Y/N), making him one of your top three to pick for a husband - if you ever want one, that is.

You let a smile crawl up to your lips as you fully turned to the boy, who was now huffing for breath. "Hello Liam," you started, lifting your hand to smooth the unkempt strands on his head. "What brings you here?"

You couldn't tell if the flush was from the exercise or embarrassment but Liam flushed red to his neck before straightening himself. He cleared his throat. "It's nothing, I just wanted to talk to you. That's all." he averted his eyes. "We haven't seen each other ever since the . . . incident," You noticed he hesitated on that. "And I just missed talking to you, so. . ."

You had to refrain from laughing at how cute he was being, but you let your smile get wider as pat his cheek. "No matter how many times others say how rude you are rude, I'll always see an adorable boy." You ignored his squawk of protest as you dropped your hand to your side. "Maybe we can set up a little date before her highness's debut? So we can catch up?"

Liam's face brightened at the suggestion as a blush covered his cheeks. 'That'll be great!" he grinned. "I have so many things to tell you! Like how his highness almost -"

"Ahem."

Alerted by the new voice, you quickly located the source to find the subject of the talk himself, Prince Helios. He was leaning on one of the smooth quartz pillars that held the palace while crossing his arms. From the corner of your eye, you saw Liam didn't even freeze, instead, he looked relaxed if anything. Helios seemed to narrow his eyes further at the lack of fear on Liam's part before he started striding over to the two of you.

"Your highness," you curtsied when the prince was in front. Liam doing the same. When you stood up, Helios nodded at you before glaring at Liam. "I'm not surprised that you still have the gall to talk about my private moment."

"Don't you mean, embarrassing moments?" Liam lazily grinned at the prince, making the latter bristle. "Do not talk about that!" he ordered, flush coloring his cheeks. You tilted your head, what was the moment that made Helios embarrassed? Liam shrugged. "I won't talk about it in the palace, but outside," He glanced at you, grin growing into a playful smile. "I'm not restricted."

"Why you-!"

Before the prince could even continue, Liam ran in the opposite direction, leaving you and the prince alone. You quirked your lips in amusement as you looked at the livid prince. "Hmm, I wonder what could ever make the prince so flustered?" If possible, the prince flushed, even more, when he looked at you. "Keep this quiet," he demanded. You gave him a nonchalant shrug before zipping your mouth. "My lips are sealed."

Satisfied, he gave a grunt before leaving. You huffed a laugh at the retreating form of the prince. ' This might be more entertaining than I thought.'