After breakfast came everyone's leisurely free time.
As for Natsuki Subaru, the Shogun ordered him to remain at the mansion and work. Although the official master was Roswaal, due to her status he had no choice but to obey her instructions. Nor did he dare to disobey.
In the end, Natsuki Subaru was assigned the role of a mansion servant—something akin to a male attendant. His duties included cleaning areas such as the study, guest rooms, bathhouse, vacant rooms, and... the lavatories. Of course, he had to follow the orders of Ram, the head maid, effectively becoming her subordinate. For the entire morning, Ram personally guided him to familiarize himself with the environment. After that, he would be on his own.
And just like that, time passed until around five in the afternoon—
A faint golden hue had begun to bloom across the horizon. The blazing clouds cast their glow through the window and into the room where she sat, coating everything in a captivating wash of gold.
She sat alone upon the windowsill, her back resting lightly against the frame as she tilted her head to watch the descending sun. A trace of absentmindedness filled her violet eyes. Her shapely legs hung down, loosely entwined with one another. The golden light reflected subtly off the sheer texture of her black thigh-high stockings, while her high heels hung loosely from her toes, dangling as they tapped lightly against the floor from time to time, producing several crisp click sounds.
"Mm~ mm~ mmm~?"
With her forehead gently resting against the glass, she hummed a hometown melody in a soft voice. Anyone who heard it would likely find themselves drifting into a beautiful reverie.
[Isn't that... the tune of "The Homeward Heron"?]
Upon hearing her pleasant humming, Ei curved her lips slightly and asked.
The Shogun did not reply. She simply nodded faintly and continued humming.
[Are you missing Ayaka?]
Ei teased.
"...It is not longing. I merely recalled the dance Ayaka performed last time, and could not help but hum a little."
She stopped humming and answered. Then she pushed open the window, allowing the cool breeze to slip inside and brush against the smooth bangs of her violet hair.
[...So that means you do not miss her? If I tell her about this someday, she will be heartbroken.]
Ei continued to tease her.
"Do not twist my words... When did I say I did not miss her?"
She retorted, exasperated.
[Who was it that just said, "It is not longing"?]
Ei pressed.
"I only meant... haa... that my humming "The Homeward Heron" was not because I miss Ayaka."
[...Mm-hm.]
Ei responded perfunctorily.
"Ei~ do not tell her. She is perceptive and sensitive. Even a misunderstanding would cause her to overthink. I do not wish for her to worry."
[Relax~ I was only teasing you. I will not tell her.]
Ei laughed softly in reassurance.
"Haa... you are becoming more and more excessive."
She puffed her cheeks slightly in complaint.
[Sorry... Mother was wrong. It will not happen again.]
A streak of violet light emerged from her body, coalescing into the slender silhouette of a woman—though it did not fully take form, remaining instead as shimmering particles. The light wrapped around her in an embrace and nuzzled against her, as if asking her not to be angry.
"...Mm~ I forgive you."
Feeling the warmth of that luminous embrace, she flushed faintly and replied in a muffled voice.
Buzz~
In the next moment, the particles dispersed and returned to her body.
Soon, she began humming again, filling the room with her melodious song.
Knock knock~
Just then, a light knock sounded at the door. It was so gentle that, lost in her thoughts, she did not notice.
Knock knock~
Another soft knock followed.
Receiving no response, Ram quietly opened the door and stepped inside. The sight that greeted her was the violet-haired beauty seated against the windowsill, humming softly, bathed in the affectionate glow of dusk. Her profile was exquisite enough to shame the moon and flowers, her temperament serene and otherworldly.
"..."
Ram froze for a brief moment before regaining her composure. She quietly closed the door behind her, carried the tea to the desk, and set it down before walking back to her side.
"...?"
Sensing someone's presence nearby, she returned to her senses and turned to look at the pink-haired girl gazing at her.
"Ram..."
"Lady Shogun, my apologies... Ram knocked earlier but received no response, so..."
"It is fine... You need not treat me so formally. Simply behave as usual."
She shook her head gently, speaking in a soft tone.
"No. That day, it was Lady Shogun who saved Ram's life. This is Ram's repayment."
Ram replied.
"I merely happened to pass by at the time..."
"But you used an immense restorative art on a stranger like me. Regardless, please allow Ram to serve you."
Ram bowed to her. Then she gently placed both hands beneath hers, lifting her delicate hand as though inviting a lady to dance, slowly clasping it within her own.
"This is Ram's heartfelt wish."
Ram spoke tenderly.
"Haa... you know that I cannot remain here for long."
She said quietly.
"Yes. However, please allow Ram to care for you during this brief time. Of course, when Lady Emilia comes, Ram will step back."
Ram answered.
"What are you saying? Step back? You are both my friends in this place. There is no such thing as before or after. Do not speak that way again, understood?"
She smiled gently, lightly tapping Ram's forehead with her finger before drawing her closer when she instinctively retreated half a step out of etiquette.
"Lady Shogun..."
Looking at the violet-haired beauty before her—bathed in golden sunset light like an angel—moisture gathered faintly in Ram's eyes. She smiled and nodded.
The Shogun returned the smile. Then her gaze lifted to Ram's forehead, where something was missing. She raised her hand to brush aside the pink bangs, but paused briefly, as if silently asking permission.
"..."
Ram showed no resistance at all. She remained still and obedient as the Shogun gently touched her forehead, tracing the scar left where her horn had once been.
"Does it still hurt?"
A trace of complexity entered her eyes as she asked softly.
"It is much better now. Not as severe as at the beginning."
Ram shook her head and answered obediently. Even after the Shogun had treated her wound, the nights following the loss of her horn had been filled with pain. She would be unable to sleep, sometimes even jolting awake drenched in sweat.
"Be more careful next time. Do not let this happen again."
Her words carried unmistakable concern, and the face that could topple nations softened with tender warmth.
"Mm... Ram understands."
She nodded. In truth, she had done it to protect her younger sister, Rem. Though she felt somewhat apologetic toward the Shogun, if given the chance to do it again for her sister's sake, she would make the same choice.
"Ah, right. Lady Shogun, your tea."
Remembering the black tea she had set aside earlier, Ram walked over, poured a cup for her, and presented it with both hands.
"Thank you for your trouble."
She accepted the teacup, blew on it lightly, then took a delicate sip with her soft lips.
"..."
Ram watched her movements the entire time before smiling softly.
"Lady Shogun must be a young lady from a distinguished family, correct? Your temperament alone sets you apart from us entirely."
Ram asked with indulgent warmth.
"Not quite... I have yet to reach that level. However, in my homeland, there is someone who is a truly orthodox young lady of high birth."
In her mind appeared that "dangerous" little white heron as she spoke.
"Is that so? She must be an exceptional person."
Ram replied with a smile.
"...Mm, very exceptional."
"The song Lady Shogun was humming earlier—was that also from your homeland? It was beautiful... Ram found herself entranced."
Smoothing her skirt, Ram sat on the edge of the bed opposite her and asked.
"Yes. It is called 'The Homeward Heron.' Once, someone sang it for me."
She gazed at the gradually darkening sky, memories resurfacing.
"Was it that... 'distinguished young lady' you mentioned?"
Ram inquired.
"...A guess?"
She looked slightly surprised.
"Yes. Well~? How is Ram's sixth sense?"
Ram winked playfully at her and casually crossed one leg.
"Pfft... quite accurate. It was indeed her."
The Shogun smiled at her fondly.
"She must be a very beautiful lady, then?"
Ram asked.
"Mm... pure and immaculate as snow."
She took another sip of tea before straightening and closing the window firmly. After finishing the tea, she walked to the desk and set the empty cup down.
"Would you like another cup?"
Perceptive as ever, Ram stood, intending to pour more.
"Too much of anything is no good. That will be enough. Is there hot water prepared in the bath?"
She brushed her fingers lightly against her neck and asked as the thought occurred to her.
"Yes. It was prepared before I came."
Ram answered.
"Mm... I...///"
When it came to bathing, she felt a bit shy and could not bring herself to say it outright.
"You wish to bathe? Of course... please follow me, Lady Shogun."
Ram seemed to understand her hesitation and voiced it for her, stepping ahead to lead the way.
"Haa... thank you...///"
She exhaled softly, using her hair to conceal her slightly reddened ears before following after her.
How adorable, Shogun.
Within the Plane of Euthymia, Ei smiled indulgently.