I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 4

The Third Prince, Allen Carter, Fredrick Reynolds, Christopher Jäger, and Henry Fitzgerald all sat patiently in the guest room.

They all came here as asked by Maerie, and usually, it wouldn't take but a minute for her to come barreling down to the guest room. Usually it was in her tomboy outfits, but occasionally she'd come in her nightgown.

Ah, those incidents were truly a spectacle to see.

"I wonder what's taking Maerie so long. We've been here for thirty minutes and have yet to see or hear her," Henry wondered out loud, taking gracious sips of the tea that the servants prepared.

"She usually comes pretty quickly, huh?" agreed Fredrick, munching on the cookies beside the tea pot.

The Third Prince was silent like usual, and his close friend Allen only gave a smile in regards to their words.

"Don't you think she's a little different after yesterday?" Christopher looked apprehensive as he spoke, unsure if the others would agree.

"Different?" The Third Prince looked at Christopher, eyes blank as he waited for the sandy haired boy to continue.

Christopher was caught off guard by His Highness's question and stammered, "Huh? Oh, uh, I mean, when she woke up, wasn't she very quiet? Usually after an accident, she just pops up like nothing happened."

"She was struck by lightning; I don't think her reaction is very unusual," frowned Allen.

"Maybe you're right," Christopher muttered in response, looking at the cookies on the table that were quickly being devoured by Fredrick.

"Could she have changed?" asked the Third Prince.

The rest of them glanced at him, who still kept his poker face despite his probing question. Allen seemed faintly surprised at His Highness's response.

"Noah—?"

They were distracted by the servants walking in with more snacks and drinks. Following them was Maerie's personal maid, Clara. Shortly behind her was Maerie.

Uh... was that Maerie?

The question seemed to fill the room as they all stared at the girl who seemed to have a slightly more feminine appearance. Her peach blossom eyes seemed a bit enhanced by the eyeliner and mascara she wore. A faint pink was present on her cheeks as well as a pink tint on her lips. Overall, it was a simple yet pretty look. Even the servants, who were the most familiar with the Young Miss, were startled at the change in aesthetic.

The Young Miss, who wore pants and dress shirts, started to wear dresses? And to top it off, she wore makeup?

What exactly happened?!

"Good morning, I'm sorry for my late arrival." Maerie gave them a soft smile, one that was perfect for a host.

Though the boys were bewildered, Allen pulled his attention away to give a quick glance at the Third Prince.

His poker face was as strong as ever, but... did Allen see a bit of uncertainty in his eyes?

•••

Hah.... is it really that weird that I dressed up to greet them like this?

I sat in the armchair chair that was empty, plastering a smile on my face for them. They all gave me looks that told me they were unaccustomed with the behavior I was showing.

I guess it is unnatural. When I think back on the ways I've greeted them... oh, boy. Inwardly, I shook my head. Nevermind, today I'll start cutting off ties.

I'll begin with distancing myself.

"Maerie, how are you feeling?"

I glanced at Henry, who had set down his cup of tea. His brown eyes seemed to be looking for more than a simple answer. I just shot a smile his way.

"Pardon? Oh, after yesterday. Well, I've been better. Thank you for your concern," I quipped, taking my cup of tea from Clara's hands.

As I sipped, a silence followed. I grimaced at the earl tea, waving Clara over.

"Can you replace my tea with orange blossom tea? Make it a bit sweet, too," I whispered in her ear. "Oh, and take it to my room. I'll be heading there soon anyways."

It's only been ten minutes and I already want to leave. Begrudgingly, I turned back to face the boys. Once again, I plastered that fake host smile onto my face.

"Let me say this: thank you all for coming. I appreciate your visits despite my unreasonable request," I laughed lightly behind my hand, "Starting tomorrow, you won't have to come back."

They collectively shot me a bewildered look, minus the Third Prince, of course.

I'm starting to get annoyed by the confusion they constantly show on their faces. I understand how you feel, but please don't look at me like I've said something outrageous.

"Are we not welcomed?" The Third Prince seemed a bit bored.

Yes! I wanted to say, but instead I widened my eyes. "Why would you think that? Your Highness, you and everyone else are welcomed. However, I seemed to being coming down with a fever. It wouldn't be wise for you all to accompany while I'm sick."

"You do look a little red," commented Fredrick.

That's just the blush, you mongrel.

I could feel the smile becoming strained on my face, so I covered it up with a cough. Clearing my throat, I stood up and curtsied.

"I certainly am a bit flushed. It's time for me to retire to my bed, I apologize for being unable to accompany you any longer," my voice started to turn monotonous, so I quickly wrapped it up, "Until we meet next time. Good evening."

It looked like they wanted to say more, but I swiftly turned away. Clara had long since returned and was waiting by the door.

"Clara, make sure they each get escorted to their carriages. They are guests and should be treated as such." I made my tone as pleasant as I could, but I couldn't resist differentiating them from what I've previously called them.

A bit too petty?

Clara nodded. "Right away, Young Miss."

She then gestured towards the other maids in the room, who each escort them out. I trod along towards my room, not bothering to look back at them.

After a minute, I brought up my hand to my mouth to cough a few times. Clara had repeatedly check my forehead every time.

"Young Miss, you seem a bit warm," she said in a worried tone.

I waved her off. "Perhaps I'm feeling a bit stuffy. I was struck by lightning yesterday."

She backed down, following me quietly as I immediately went to sleep after reaching my room.