“Th-That won’t do. They’re still kittens…and I’m sure they’ll do their part once they’re grown.”
Maxi held the kittens protectively against her chest. She knew that it was a regular practice for domesticated animals to be cast aside if they did not serve their purpose, but Maxi had always hated this cruel treatment of animals. The wretched circumstances of those helpless creatures seemed too similar to her own.
Seeing Maxi’s stony expression, Ludis gave her a gentle smile and said, “Even if I wanted to do what the cook suggested, my lady, it would be impossible to starve these little ones. The maidservants take turns sneaking them snacks, and even the knights secretly throw the kittens food whenever they slink around under the tables. Just look at how plump this one has gotten.”
Ludis picked Ron up, showing off his belly. Maxi giggled at the sight of the cat’s soft body dangling like dough.
“Is it all right for them to be roaming about the c-castle already? What if people unintentionally kick them?”
“We only let them roam the kitchen or the quarters, so they should be safe, my lady. And they’re quick on their feet.”
Shaking the mouse doll, Maxi glanced down at the othertwo kittens, their adorable faces content. Stroking their soft fur always made her weary heart feel a little better.
“Shall I bring you your meal now, my lady?”
“Is it…that time already?” Maxi asked, looking out the window. The sun had already reached its peak. “I-I do not feel hungry, though….”
“His lordship clearly instructed that we ensure you do not skip any meals,” Ludis replied firmly. She began placing the kittens inside their basket, earning rebellious mewls of protest.
Maxi suppressed a sigh. It was clear that in Riftan’s mind, she was a woman as fragile as a chick. He had always been overprotective, but the way he fretted over her now bordered on obsessive.
Even the simplest activities, like reading in bed, made him worry. What if she got a paper cut, or her muscles were strained from holding a particularly heavy tome? He fussed over the silliest things, so much so that it was beginning to wear down her patience.
Not that I dislike it…
After more than twenty years of cruel treatment, Maxi could not deny that she took some pleasure in the attention. Being doted on certainly made her happy. Still, she was tired of being treated like an infant.
“I will fetch your lunch from the kitchen, my lady.”
“Th-Thank you.”
Ludis left, taking the kittens with her so that they would not be able to destroy any of the expensive furniture or carpets. Maxi sighed and seated herself at her desk. A half-burned candle, a bowl of fruit, and a messy pile of tomes on magic were scattered across the surface. Maxi flipped througha few pages of one of the books, thinking she should read while waiting for her meal, but quickly found herself losing interest. After realizing that being the lady of the castle was the only role Riftan would allow her to play, she no longer felt the motivation to study.
Maxi rested her chin on her hand and let out a deep sigh. The castle’s other residents were occupied with the road construction, and even the guests were busy touring Anatol. Being the sole person shut up in her chambers inadvertently reminded Maxi of the past, when she had been locked away at Croyso Castle, hidden from sight. Whenever she had dared to walk the halls and accidentally caught the attention of a guest, her father would—
“Maximilian, it’s me. May I come in for a moment?”
The sudden voice jolted Maxi to her feet, and she hastily strode to the door. She was surprised to see Princess Agnes, looking regal in a white dress, standing alone in the corridor. The princess smiled and said, “I apologize for the sudden visit, but I have hardly seen you of late. I hope you understand.”
Maxi’s face flushed with embarrassment. The guests had traveled from distant lands, and showing hospitality was one of Maxi’s most important duties as the lady of the castle. Being absent from the dining hall over the past few days was practically an insult to her guests.
“P-Please forgive my neglect, Your Highness. I-I have been recuperating….”
“Heavens, have you not yet recovered from the mana depletion?”
“No, I-I am…all right now, but…Riftan is being overprotective,” Maxi mumbled.
The princess’s brow furrowed slightly before she heaved a sigh and said, “I thought that might be the case. I’ve noticed how unreasonable he can be when it comes to you. He must not know that it’s also bad for you to stay in your room the whole day. How will you regain your strength if you do not move around?” With a conspiratorial smile, the princess stepped closer to Maxi. “On that note, why don’t you join me for an excursion today?”
“A-An excursion?”
“Today is the start of the Spring Festival, remember? The one we heard about when we went to the market.”
The princess took a couple of steps back and twirled gracefully. Maxi’s eyes grew round when she saw a girdle of twisted blue fabric fluttering over the princess’s skirt. It was only then that Maxi remembered.
“Do you still have the girdle I gave you?” asked Agnes.
“Y-Yes, but…” Maxi trailed off, her expression troubled. “I do not think…Riftan would a-allow me to leave the castle.”
