Chapter 205-3 Surely, Just Like A Certain Mask, No Matter How Many Times You Repeat It, You Won't Die, Will You？
"Thank you for your hard work, Master♪"
After tending to everyone, the head maid wrapped her arms around me and leaned into my chest. It was her way of thanking me—not with words, but through presence. She absorbed my warmth and calmed my tired body.
The senior maids had already begun cleaning up and taking the younger girls to rest. Things had finally settled down.
"...It's part of the job. If that makes them happy, I don't mind."
I pulled back slightly and gave her a look. Everyone works hard, and if this was enough to bring smiles to their faces, it was worth it. I didn't dislike seeing them so full of joy.
To be honest, compared to using ropes, wax, or any kind of pain as a reward... this felt a lot more human.
"...Still, I wonder why they prefer things like that."
Personally, I couldn't understand it. The marks, the requests, the strange preferences... I never said no, but I didn't get it either.
"Maybe it's a kind of compensation behavior?"
"Compensation?"
"Hehehe."
She covered her mouth as she laughed softly.
"Every little thing we receive from Master is a treasure. Even the faintest mark becomes a memory. It tells us that we were close to you. That we shared something precious."
She gently ran her fingers over her skin, where faint bite marks still lingered. Watching her quietly cherish those traces made me reflect a little.
Maybe I still had a lot to learn about what these girls really needed.
"...Is my body truly something so unsightly?"
She asked quietly, staring at the countless scars carved into her skin. When I replied, she shook her head firmly, denying the thought.
"Please don't jest. A mark of love... that burden belongs only to the one who chooses to love, Master."
As a servant, she spoke with dignity. It was natural, she said, for a subordinate to admire their master—but for a master to fall in love with their servant, that was an act that defied reason. She repeated it with unwavering conviction.
"Even so... wouldn't such marks be more comforting than the scars of war?"
Her body bore the evidence of terrible battles. Scars that seemed too grotesque to find peace. Yet perhaps, if they had been born from kindness rather than cruelty, they could become something to be cherished. Scars born from malice only deepened the pain whenever seen.
"Hehe... then, how about marrying the lady? If you're together, perhaps you'll share the same marks."
"Where is she? And... what about you?"
"Who knows? If you're afraid of being alone, just be patient. The proposal will come eventually. That's where it all begins."
"A ceremony, huh..."
The word stirred a distant memory. My vision dimmed for a moment as a wave of familiarity washed over me. How many times had I heard those words? It was the reason I had come to this estate. The purpose of her service. Of all their service.
"Master's body is vital for the ceremony. It is the key to our salvation..."
"So, you're all here to take care of me until then? I get it. You don't need to say more."
She had been the first to greet me when I awoke, memoryless and confused. That day, she told me that my existence was tied to the ritual—something essential and sacred. I was never told what it would truly involve or what it would do, but I believed her. Her sincerity, her kindness... even her clumsy care—it all drew me in. At some point, I found myself willing to risk everything for their sake.
But then, something clicked.
"...Wait. Based on what you're saying... I'm not going to die during the ceremony, right?"
She giggled softly.
With a mischievous smile, she stuck out her tongue as if realizing she'd skipped a critical detail. I felt my stomach sink. It was as if I had just been pranked. The kind of moment that made you question all your decisions up to now.
"Please rest easy. Nothing will harm you, Master. Think of it as something light and gentle."
"Then... why won't you explain it to me?"
"Because knowing too much may affect the outcome."
"I see..."
I wasn't convinced. But before I could press further, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, laughing softly. Her innocent smile—bright, honest—was strangely disarming. She had a way of making people want to spoil her, even though she was so much smaller and more fragile than me.
"...Forgive me. Let me comfort you instead. Enough that all your doubts fade away."
I apologized in turn, brushing her hair gently. She looked exhausted, and I offered her water, speaking softly as I did. She leaned into my hand, slowly drifting into sleep.
"This tastes awful. If I fall asleep now, I'll just wake up with a headache..."
"In that case... how about something soothing to help you sleep? Maybe something light to eat as well? You've only had liquids today, haven't you?"
"...You're right."
She nodded with a tired smile, relieved.
"Since it's summer, something cold and sweet would be perfect. Actually, I made milk kanten yesterday. I mixed in fruits like peach and let it chill thoroughly. Would you like it with coffee?"
"That sounds great."
I nodded. Her ideas were always well-timed and thoughtful.
"Then... Sara-san, Kuroe-san. Please prepare it."
Responding to her gentle call, the two maids entered the room. They moved with grace, quietly taking over her care. As she leaned back into their arms, something inside me felt a bit empty.
"Hehe... if you're lonely, let these two keep you company for now."
"Isn't it the master's job to be a little selfish sometimes?"
"Even punishments are part of a Master's duty."
"Don't forget that later, alright?"
"I'll be waiting."
It might have sounded like banter... but there was a certain weight to her words. A trap, perhaps. Once spoken, some promises can't be taken back. She taught me that.
"...Really. Don't forget."
"Hehe."
She left the room, her laughter trailing behind her like a playful ribbon. I felt defeated—like I'd been outplayed. The two maids who remained, Sara and Kuroe, stood quietly at my side, dressed in their distinctive Nanban-style uniforms.
"..."
"Master, please."
"Here as well."
They sensed the moment without a word. With silent grace, they approached. They unfastened their clothing and revealed themselves, smiles gentle but filled with anticipation.
It was a quiet offering.
I accepted it, as was expected of me.
I gently placed my hand on Kuroe's shoulder, guiding her closer. Her hair, once tied neatly, fell free as I touched it. The scent that lingered reminded me of summer rain—soft and nostalgic. With a touch, I leaned in, placing a whisper-light kiss near her neck, just enough to tease, not hurt.
She trembled slightly.
It wasn't about passion—it was about comfort, about connection. In this strange place, wrapped in unfamiliar customs and cryptic rituals, maybe this was all that kept us tethered.
Just for now... I let myself forget everything else.
...
...
"...I see. Was that what they call the Proust effect?"
The flavor, the scent, the faint feeling of déjà vu—it brought back something I couldn't quite name. Like a memory on the tip of my tongue. Her thoughtful preparation had a strangely medicinal effect on me.
Yet even as the warmth settled in, a single frustration lingered.
Wasn't there a faster-acting cure, dear sisters?
Fanart:<br>Princess Hina. It seems to be a modest and dignified princess => <a href="https://www.pixiv.net/artworks/131038066" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">here</a>
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