I was sold to a dangerous place in order to repay my parents' debt, and I ended up being bought by a vampire young lady. I became the feed for the beautiful maid. - Chapter 60

Maid’s love story

After concluding today’s lessons, we returned to the mansion and immediately engaged in our duties.

In a friendly competition to determine whose handmade bento was more delicious, Isaya-kun said that it was my win.

Overjoyed and unable to contain my delight, I leaped without reservation. Hearing those words, expressing appreciation for my handmade meal from someone I cared about, filled me with an indescribable happiness.

Following Isaya-kun’s lead, we both tasted each other’s bentos. 

Given that we both had the same teacher, her bento was also delicious, and I was truly impressed.

But throughout the day, I had a nagging doubt about Lilith.

I couldn’t bring myself to ask at school, not wanting others to hear, but now that Isaya-kun was out shopping at Jajimu-san’s request, it’s the perfect time to inquire.

Approaching Lilith, who was diligently wiping the reception room floor, I tried to open my mouth, my lips trembling with tension as if they were about to shake…

“Lilith, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“What is it, Saku-chan~?”

Her response mirrored her usual calm demeanor. 

Initially, I had tried to correct her somewhat drawn-out tone, but as there was no sign of improvement, I eventually gave up. 

I’d been worried when Lilith was feeling down before the sports festival to the point where my heart was filled with anxiety.

I was relieved that she had regained her spirits thanks to Isaya-kun defeating Bravehart-sama. However, her distance from Isaya-kun had changed since then.

At first, it was just a vague suspicion,and it didn’t take long for that suspicion, which persisted until yesterday, to turn into certainty today.  

I mustered the courage to speak and—

“—No, it’s nothing.”

“Is that so~?”

No, I couldn’t do it.Even with almost certainty, when it came to uttering the words, I hesitated.

If I mentioned this, my relationship with Lilith wouldn’t be the same as before. I feared the possibility of becoming completely alone if my relationship with someone I trusted soured. I despised my own cowardice.

It was at a time when I was tormented by this self-loathing that Lilith spoke up,

“Hey, Saku-chan, there’s something Lilith wants to tell you~”

“Something you want to tell me?”

Prompted by my question, Lilith nodded with a cheerful expression and then revealed,

“—Well, you see, Lilith has also fallen for Ikkun.”

“What?!”

I opened my eyes wide in surprise upon hearing the very question I was about to ask.

But I couldn’t blame her; After all, Isaya-kun was such a wonderful person. Considering what he did to resolve the matter with Bravehart-sama, it was only natural that she would develop feelings for him.

Huh?

“Lilith, what do you mean by ‘I’ve also’?It sounds as if there might be someone else…”

“Eh~? Saku-chan, you like Isaya-kun too, right?”

“—?!”

I felt a sudden rush of heat throughout my body as Lilith pointed out my feelings as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

H-how did she find out? 

Is it that easy to read me, like Dragnor-san did? 

Even though I’m good at keeping a poker face…

“Why are you making a face like that Saku-chan? Your expressions change so much depending on whether you’re talking to Ikkun or not, you know? It was clear from after the tea party.”

“Ugh…”

I could do nothing but emit a small groan in response to the evidence presented in Lilith’s explanation, given with a wry smile. 

I am aware that when talking to Isaya-kun, my heart is filled, and my expressions inadvertently soften.

I thought I was restraining myself, but apparently, it was quite noticeable even to others. This is truly unbecoming for a lady.

Lilith claims to have noticed after the tea party, but that was nearly two months ago. If that’s the case, Lilith intentionally teased Isaya-kun, fully aware of my feelings.

 This girl is really…!

“The love-struck maiden, Saku-chan, was so adorable~♪”

“…If you keep teasing him like that, Isaya-kun might start to dislike you.”

“It’s fine! On the day I realized, I confessed to Ikkun! He’s put the answer on hold though~”

“Isn’t that a bit too soon!?”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice in astonishment at the revelation that Lilith confessed on the same day she fell in love.

Even though it’s been nearly two months, I still haven’t mustered the courage—how unfair!

However, if Lilith has already conveyed her feelings, I reluctantly understand her actions today. While relieved to know that Isaya-kun has put off giving an answer, I can’t help but feel that it’s only a matter of time.

After all, Lilith is charming and cute, with a well-endowed figure. Although we may compete in appearance, I’m at a distinct disadvantage in social interactions.

I’ve been making my own attempts, but I could never be as bold as Lilith.

What if I approach him suddenly and he distances himself? I don’t want to be disliked out of selfish jealousy. Despite liking Isaya-kun, these thoughts always cross my mind, preventing me from taking that final step out of fear.

It’s the same as not questioning Lilith about her feelings towards Isaya-kun earlier. I am too vulnerable to conflicts with people I trust.

Could someone as cowardly as me really like someone as wonderful as Isaya-kun? My own inadequacies made me feel sick.

While I buried my face in my hands, overwhelmed by my own shortcomings, Lilith gently placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke softly.

“Don’t be so gloomy, Saku-chan. You like Ikkun so much that you can’t think of anyone else, right? No matter what happens, never betray those feelings.”

“Lilith…”

“You love Ikkun, don’t you?”

“…”

In a voice unusually gentle, Lilith threw a question my way, and suddenly, Isaya-kun’s smile flashed in my mind.

I want to be with him more, want him to laugh more, want to feel his touch more. Thinking about Isaya-kun, whom I like so much, tightens my chest with emotion.

Responding to the question, I silently nodded, my mind resonating with the swirling affection from the depths.

Even though I hadn’t confessed to him directly, just acknowledging my romantic feelings felt like my face was on fire.

“Mufufu~. Seeing the cute Saku-chan just now, even Ikkun wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“N-no way. I can’t say such things in front of Isaya-kun…!”

“In that case, Lilith gets to have him all to herself for a while~”

“Don’t tease me!”

Reprimanding Lilith for her teasing remarks, I, already flustered, find her impish demeanor quite challenging. 

However, she doesn’t seem to mind.

Her nonchalant attitude seems to assert her dominance, tempting me to end the conversation with a rebuttal. However, with an unanswered question still lingering, I reluctantly decided to inquire.

“…Lilith, I understand that you, um, like Isaya-kun. But why did you tell me? Are you planning to declare war or something?”

“Nope~. Lilith has a proposal for you~”

 “A proposal?”

Uncertain of her intentions, I glance at Lilith, who tilts her head with folded hands.

“How about the two of us surround Ikkun together~?”

“Surround…?”

“Yeah. In other words, the two of us become Isaya-kun’s girlfriends.”

!?”

I widen my eyes in surprise at the unexpected proposal.

Considering the idea of dating one on one, this suggestion is like scales falling from my eyes. Yet, it’s not a story I can readily accept.

“L-Lilith, is that really okay with you?”

“Of course~. Lilith wants to have him all to herself too~. But when Lilith realized that you like Ikkun, I felt something at the same time.”

“Something…?”

“When I knew that Isaya-kun has been like that from the start, I couldn’t help feeling like there won’t be any other girls appearing before or after us who’ll like him.”

“That’s…”

After all, Dragnor-san mentioned that, unlike boys, girls tend to show interest in Isaya-kun. Although Lilith and I, as the two major beauties, seem to act as a deterrent, the titles we found bothersome turn out to have their uses.

However, as Lilith points out, there’s no guarantee that other girls won’t develop feelings for Isaya-kun in the future. In that case, fortifying both sides with Lilith and me seems like a reasonable proposal.

This scenario is not entirely impossible. Similar to King Verzeld, who welcomed four wives, current laws do recognize polygamy and polyandry under specific conditions, provided there’s mutual consent.

However…

“Considering Isaya-kun’s character, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to see two-timing as insincere.”

Even if it might suit us, forcing a two-timing situation on Isaya-kun would be against his honest nature. If not for that, he might have harbored inappropriate feelings toward us after Lilith’s confession. It’s precisely because of his sincerity that I find myself so enamored.

Of course, if there’s a chance for us to be in a relationship with him, I want that. Ideally, we’d date while respecting each other’s feelings. Forcing ourselves and risking rejection might backfire.

When I share these thoughts, Lilith agrees, saying, “That makes sense~.”

“So, what Lilith and Saku-chan need to do is not quarrel but collaborate, right? Work together to make Ikkun like us?”

“S-Sure.”

While there are reservations, I find it better to have Lilith’s cooperation rather than hesitate alone. Maybe with Lilith’s help, we can make Isaya-kun aware of us before the confession.

With a faint hope in my heart, I accept Lilith’s proposal.

“Hehe~. So, once again, we’re friends who like the same person~♪”

“Let me make it clear; if Isaya-kun rejects the idea of two-timing, I won’t bear any grudges.”

“Of course! Let’s both do our best!”

“Alright.”

While I’m a bit exasperated by Lilith’s optimistic tone, I realize it’s better than bickering and falling out. We return to our room, resuming the cleaning tasks.

As the summer break approaches, it becomes a perfect time to make Isaya-kun aware of our feelings. However, getting too absorbed in romance wouldn’t befit a maid. There’s also Lady Elina’s birthday party at the end of next month.

Even with the expected busy summer, it might turn out to be the most enjoyable memory for me.

With these thoughts in mind, we continue our room-cleaning duties…