Chapter 57. A Momentary Peace (3)

Hannah appeared cheerful as she smiled to Amelia.

“It has been a long time since Milady last attended an opera. Moreover, the play is ‘Camellia’—the story of love. How wonderful~”

Hannah’s cheeks were dyed red, even though she wasn’t the one attending. Amelia unintentionally smiled at that.

In fact, Amelia had seen countless operas. Be it in a previous life or now. However, it was either with her parents or by herself. This time was different. She was going to see it with her friends. She was sure she was going to enjoy it. Amelia thought so and smiled.

“The seats have been reserved by the Marquis through the courtesy of William. Edward and Bryan, too, will join us. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful time.”

Such was written in the letter. Not only Amelia, William was also invited.

William and opera… it surely couldn’t sound more amazing than this? Amelia was happy. Certainly, for two months after coming there, William treated Amelia like a gentleman. But William had always been preoccupied with work and hadn’t been able to spend time with Amelia properly.

That was why they never went on a date.

Moreover, Lewis and Hannah wouldn’t be accompanying her. As such, she would be alone with him until they reached the theater.

Just by imagining it, Amelia’s cheeks joyfully flushed crimson. It was as if she was were an ordinary eighteen-year-old maiden in love.

“—Opera?”

In a private dining room, three small chandeliers lined up over a space of roughly 30 tatami mats. Many portraits and landscape paintings were hung on the wall. The room had a large fireplace in the hallway and three large glass windows on the other side, overlooking the enchanting garden. The glass furniture in the corner of the room sparkled due to the morning sun shining through the window.

As of the previous day, William’s parents, the Marquis and his wife, went on a recreational trip. As such, only William and Amelia were present in the dining room. Next to them, Lewis and Hannah were sharing meals.

“Yes, Milady received an invitation from Ms. Carla.”

Hannah was tasked with representing Amelia. William brought a cup of morning tea to his lips. He pondered a little.

“—and the play is?”

William asked. His expression didn’t seem flattering.

That expression told her everything. He didn’t like opera. Amelia’s face slightly clouded. Hannah also seemed troubled. But that was when his skill as her maid appeared.

“It’s ‘Camellia’, Lord William. It seems that Edward and Bryan will also be attending. You’ve been busy for some time now. Why don’t take a breather from time to time?”

Hannah spoke in a polite tone, her smile refreshing. Lewis, too, opened his mouth to support her.

“Yes, William-sama. Taking a break now and then wouldn’t cause any harm, right? Even the Marquis and his wife do the same.”

Lewis smiled vibrantly. It seemed that William had finally took notice of Amelia’s expression.

William apologized and shyly lowered his face.

“I’m sorry, Amelia. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with you. However, whenever I watch an opera, I always fall asleep from fatigue. I still remember how everyone would always look at me with scorn…”

“…”

Hearing William’s words, Amelia, who pictured said scene in her mind, broke in laughter. Although no voice could be heard, William felt he could imagine the kind of cute laugh she would spill. William patted his chest.

“So, when is the opera?”

“Three days from now, it’s a little sudden, I know. But it’s held at the night, around the time you should be finished with your business.”

“I understand. Amelia, will you convey to Carla that I’ll attend?”

Amelia happily nodded to William. William smiled and continued.

“By the way, Amelia, do you have any plans today? Let’s visit the city, only the two of us. We haven’t had the chance to do so, right?”

“—!”

Amelia was beaming. She seemed very happy. William’s calm mask slightly loosened upon seeing an expression befitting of her age on her face.

“Alright, we shall depart one hour from now. Come to the entrance hall when you are ready.”

After saying so, William turned to Lewis and—

“—we shall have lunch outside. How about you sightsee with Hannah?”

“Ha?”

“Huh—!?”

—William said something outrageous.

Hannah sounded surprised. Lewis also seemed baffled at William’s sudden order. However, William maintained his full smile.

Lewis finally grasped his Master’s intentions—certainly, this guy hadn’t had the time to joke around lately. Oh, how he hated his Master’s jokes. He was annoyed. He would complain to him later, in private.

Besides, Lewis thought, there was no way Amelia’s maid would easily abide to such a ridiculous order—

“—!”

However.

When their lines of sight met, Hannah’s cheeks considerably reddened.

“…”

—no way.

It greatly confused Lewis. Certainly, he had acted like a gentleman to both Amelia and her maid. But… no way.

This time, he turned to Amelia.

But, unbelievable.

Even Amelia’s gaze was softer—and at the same time, expecting something. It contained an emotion Lewis thought he would never see two months ago.

Perhaps, that was Amelia’s true self the one Lewis kept wanting to see.

“…”

He couldn’t ruin it.

Lewis relented and smiled.

“Ms. Hannah, would you spend your time with me today?”

Such words earned him Hannah’s gentle smile.

“I, I was about to say the same! Thank you, and please!”

As usual, she responded with an energetic voice.