I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 11

"Lady Maerie, you have guests."

The spoonful of oatmeal paused right before it entered my mouth, my previous just-awoken face twisting into a frown.

"Clara... can't you bring me some good news for once?" I asked exasperatedly.

Clara, who was in a bowing position, raised her head up slightly and gave me a confused expression.

Isn't this good news? She must be thinking to herself.

Good news? No. A normal guest would sent a news of them coming. The only guests that wouldn't would be the group. Obviously, this shows their disregard of me.

Of course, I was the one who told them it was okay in the first place, but seriously...

I sighed before I lowered the spoon. "Guests, who are they?"

Why am I asking? I already know who they might be.

"They are Sir Reynolds and Sir Carter, my Lady."

No one important, then.

"Fine. Have them wait in the lounge," I told her, failing to keep the contempt and unwillingness from my face, "I'll finish my breakfast in the meantime."

This time she kept her emotions to herself, bowing again. As she left, a small maid came up to the table with a tray of fruit, leaving me to indulge myself for little while.

•••

I wiped my mouth clean as I made my way to the lounge.

These days, I've been able to eat breakfast comfortably at the table. At the age of seven, I'd escape early in the morning to go look at the knights practice. Or, if I could, I'd pick up a (wooden) sword myself and flimsily practice.

However, because I half-heartedly practiced and only did so to show off, I never became a master of sword wielding.

Perhaps it was for the better. I don't feel a tie to it, since I've no longer a need to prove myself to the twerps. Now I can eat a proper breakfast and enjoy the delicious cooking of our manor's head chef.

I found myself standing outside of the doorway to the lounge, drooling over the images of the fluffy pancakes and delicious crepés that I've had this past week. I only remembered where I was when Clara had coughed lightly behind me.

"Ah, right," I muttered, wiping my mouth one last time before handing it off to Clara.

I signaled a butler to open the door while I prepared my host smile. My face immediately revealed a gentle and polite grin, flashing it at Fredrick and Allen pointedly as I walked in.

"Fredrick, Allen — how wonderful to see you," I greeted, "to what do I owe this pleasure?"

What pleasure? I snorted in my head.

"Hello, Maerie," returned Allen, nodding his head as he placed his cup of tea down.

Fredrick looked up from stuffing his face with cookies, his hand waving at me. "Hey Maerie!"

I could feel my face becoming taut as I watched the crumbs on his fingers fly around. I went to sit down, accepting the offering of orange blossom tea from Clara.

Patience, Maerie, patience.

"I came because my Dad came back from the neighboring country," Fredrick said, grabbing another snack, "I figured you might want to go and hear him tell the King what happened over there."

I paused at his words.

Ah? What is this?

"Neighboring country?" My eyebrows knitted together.

Fredrick released a confirming grunt. "Yeah, remember I told you? He went on a expedition to the newly formed neighboring country. You told me you wanted to know when he got back so you can hear about it."

Expedition? Neighboring country?

Since when did this happen?

I had troubled understanding, but I cleared my face with another smile.

"Oh, I remember! I've been sick for so long, I must've forgotten..." I laughed, sipping my tea.

"Well he's back, so are you gonna come?" Fredrick questioned, licking his fingers "clean."

I could feel the grimace itching to show, so I quickly took another sip. "Mm, I don't know. I'd probably have to ask Mother."

Fredrick and Allen, who has been unsurprisingly quiet, both paused and looked at me. Fredrick stared incredulously while Allen seemed taken aback slightly.

I refrained from coughing.

I, who never asked for permission from anyone, decided to ask permission to go from my Mother, who I've had a strained relationship with according to outsiders. To them, it's unexpected and rather out of character. Inwardly, I released an awkward sigh.

This is natural! Character development! It's not that weird.

...Is it?

Clearing my throat, I placed my tea cup down on the table in front of me.

"It'll only take a second," I continued, "I'm sure Mother won't mind me going out for a bit. Just wait here."

Without giving them a chance to respond, I got up and left the room quickly. Clara knew to tell maids to replenish the refreshments before she trailed after.

Note: This author wants to ask — how does her readers pronounce Maerie? This author personally pronounces it as Ma-ree as she writes...