I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince

Chapter 402

Relieving Antonio’s guilt over holding the treasure I’d found was surprisingly simple: just let him help me find treasure as I had helped him.

I roughly remembered the hidden points where treasures were buried on Plyana Beach, so it wasn’t too difficult to create a situation where it seemed like I found a treasure thanks to Antonio’s assistance.

“Did this restaurant really exist around here?”

“It’s one of the places the professor mentioned on the first day of class. She said it would be nice to have a meal here if we were visiting Plyana Beach.”

“Is that so? I don’t remember hearing that.”

“That’s because you were too hot and out of it, Natalie. Miss Lilith is correct.”

“For a restaurant recommended by the professor, it doesn’t seem to be very crowded. Everyone must still be out searching for treasure.”

...That would make sense. They’re probably all trying to find at least one more treasure during mealtime to boost their grades.

“Since there are many options on the menu, how about everyone orders what they want, and we can sample a bit of everything?”

“Oh, I think that’s a great idea! It’s rare that we get to visit a beachside restaurant like this.”

“Yes, go ahead. I’ll cover the meal today, so don’t worry about the price.”

“Thank you, Prince Antonio!”

The professor of this marine studies class wanted us to use the treasure hunt to build camaraderie among teammates, not to get so caught up in grades that we lost sight of the vacation’s true purpose.

“Are you students from Luminar Academy?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Indeed, we are.”

“Here, this item is on the house.”

“...Huh?”

So it was also part of the professor’s plan to give out magical orbs to students who ordered from this restaurant she recommended.

“Professor Lucietta asked me to give this to any student who orders the ‘Plyana Beach Shrimp Curry.’ You’re the second group to come here today.”

“Oh, I see...”

“Thank you.”

I took the magical orb from the server with a puzzled expression. It seemed the hero’s group had already been here. He’d likely read my guide and followed my route.@@@@

...And even without that, Seraphina was with the hero’s group, so she probably figured out the hint from Professor Lucietta on her own.

“This was the menu item Lilith suggested, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then this magical orb should count as one Lilith found. She chose this restaurant, and she ordered the professor’s recommended menu item.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

“I agree as well!”

Thomas and Natalie were so engrossed in each other’s company that Agnes and I decided to leave them alone and rest in the shade instead.

“Thomas, it’s collapsing! Hold it up, quick!”

“Where? Honestly, isn’t everything about to fall?”

“Here, right here! Hold it tight!”

“...Ah, okay, I got it, Natalie...”

‘Ah, young love.’

Thinking back, Ethan and I had those moments too. Just holding hands used to make us blush with excitement.

...Or did we? Now that I think about it, maybe we skipped over some steps.

Instead of holding hands, I think we might’ve jumped straight to touching other things... Was it a kiss next? Or... hand-holding? It’s all a bit hazy.

‘What a jumbled order of events. How did we end up like this?’

Maybe skipping the steps is what lets us still feel that thrill even now when we look at each other.

While I was lost in thought, I noticed something cold touch my left cheek.

“Here, Lilith.”

“T-thank you?”

It was Ethan, handing me a cool, slightly damp wooden cup. When I turned, I saw him holding what looked like a slushie.

“Refreshing, isn’t it? I saw them selling these on the way back and got one.”

“Thank you, Master Ethan.”

“This class ends tomorrow, doesn’t it? I’ve actually enjoyed it quite a bit.”

“Well, we still have two days left of vacation after that, Master Ethan.”

“That’s true. But tomorrow’s the last time I’ll be spending it with them.”

He glanced over at Thomas and Natalie, who were still busy with their collapsing whale, and then at the hero’s harem building a rather impressive sandcastle nearby.

His once-guarded demeanor from the first semester had relaxed considerably over the term.

“We still have next semester, and next year too, Master Ethan.”

“I know.”

Had Ethan not harbored such strong suspicion toward the hero back in the first year, perhaps there’d be a place for us in the hero’s party now.

Thinking that, I watched as the sunset cast its orange hues across the fourth day.

“Thomas! It’s collapsing—hold it up!”

“I only have two hands! How am I supposed to hold up more?”

...and with it, Natalie’s sand creation—our group’s assignment.

I’d taken a picture before it collapsed, just in case. With how laid-back this class has been, it should suffice.