After thirty minutes, lunch, or rather, "luncheon," as everyone here seemed to call it, came to an end.
And, if I'm being honest, I was disappointed in that fact. I had been so engrossed in the flavours and textures of the food that I had barely noticed the passing of time. I was enjoying the taste so much that I left my plate unfinished. I couldn't tell if the food was really that good or if I just wasn't used to anything nice. Either way, I couldn't wait for the next opportunity to experience another meal like that.
"You seemed to have enjoyed that." Beatrice... sitting opposite me, smiled, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm glad you liked it.
My happiness vanished in an instant.
"Of course, Maid Cecilia knows Lady Celeste's tastes." Cecilia, who was beside Beatrice, chimed in.
I turned to Lysirel, whose plate was completely empty. Actually, the plate itself was gone.
"I want seconds!" She exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Lysirel. Luncheon is finished." Lorelei reminded with a gentle yet firm tone.
"But—"
"No buts! Cynoria, please escort Lysirel to her room. She seems to have forgotten her manners." Lorelei instructed, her voice leaving no room for argument. Cynoria stood up and offered her arm to Lysirel, who pouted but relented. Lorelei turned back to me, a small smile playing on her lips.「いやシノリア、リシレルを部屋に案内してくれ。マナーを忘れてしまったようだ」ローレライは、反論の余地のない声で指示した。シノリアは立ち上がり、リシレルに腕を差し出すと、リシレルはふくれっ面をしたが、容赦しなかった。ローレライは私の方を振り返り、唇に小さな笑みを浮かべた。
"How did you enjoy your first meal in... days, really?"「初めての食事はいかがでしたか?何日も経ってる?」
I chuckled in happiness at Lorelei's comment, grateful for her understanding of my circumstances. It felt weird to chuckle at something.私はローレライの言葉に嬉しそうに笑い、彼女が私の状況を理解してくれたことに感謝した。何かに笑いかけるのは変な感じがした。
"It was delicious, thank you." I replied, feeling a strange, unfamiliar sense of warmth in my chest at her kindness.「美味しかったです、ありがとうございます」私は彼女の優しさに不思議な、見慣れない温もりを胸に感じながら答えた。
Gradually, the room emptied as everyone else began to leave. Butlers, maids, and guests—I believed—all filed out.次第に部屋は空になり、他の皆も去り始めた。執事も、侍女も、客人も――確か――全員出かけた。
It was only me, Lorelei, and Beatrice.私とローレライとベアトリスだけだった。
I took many short glances at Beatrice, wary of any move she made. I was sure she'd ask me to come to her room, which I was ready to decline. However, a thought crossed my mind.私はベアトリスをちらりと見たが、彼女の動きには警戒した。私は彼女が私に彼女の部屋に来るように頼むと確信していましたが、私はそれを断る準備ができていました。しかし、ある考えが頭をよぎりました。
Could I really say no? She was just a maid, but her stare made me feel small and powerless, like I used to with my old life's bullies.本当に断れるのか?彼女はただのメイドだったが、その視線は私を小さく無力に感じさせた。
I considered asking to go back to my room, but before I could, Beatrice's voice cut through my thoughts. I flinched hard, my body tensing up.部屋に戻ろうかとも思ったが、その前にベアトリスの声が私の思考を切り裂いた。私は激しく身をひるがえし、体を強張らせた。
