I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince

Chapter 350

"You were quite sharp with your words earlier. Telling me to die, calling me a damn son-obsessed fool, and I think there were other things as well."

"......."

"There was also something about being a blockhead or a puppet—some strange words that I couldn't quite understand. But I assume those were insults too, unless you have a habit of mixing compliments into your curses."

"...Those weren't that bad as far as curses go, Professor Harold."

"Even leaving aside the words I didn’t understand, I remember hearing some pretty harsh things. So, when exactly did you start thinking of me as a lunatic, son-obsessed fool?"

"......."@@@@

When did I start thinking of Harold as a crazed, son-obsessed maniac?

The answer was obvious. Of course, it was ever since my "previous life."

From the moment I played Luminor Academy, Harold had always been an insufferable character. Especially when I tried to clear Lilith’s route—thinking back on all the frustrating things I had to do back then, it made even more sense.

Clearing Lilith’s solo ending, getting her solo ending again in consecutive playthroughs, starting the second arc by rescuing Lilith, saving her right before the second arc ended, and then charging into the Blackwood estate near the end of the third arc. Breaking into the Blackwood estate before the second arc even started. Watching the harem ending, then the solo ending, and then trying everything possible to prevent Lilith from being ruined by Ethan.

And in every one of those routes, aside from Ethan, the most infuriating character related to Lilith was Harold.

He ruthlessly eliminated any threats to Ethan, while enabling Ethan’s every whim, allowing him to continue to degrade Lilith. He never stood up for her, never did anything to stop it, which left a terrible impression.

So, naturally, from the moment I first met Harold in this world, he was nothing more than a "crazy, son-obsessed, stone-hearted sword demon" to me.

'Honestly, I still feel pretty much the same way nowadays.'

It wasn’t Harold who had changed from his original character—it was Ethan.

Sure, because Ethan had changed, Harold no longer played the villain, but looking deeper, he was still someone who could become a villain again, depending on Ethan's actions.

To me, who had seen Harold in the original game, he would always be the fool who doted on his son and would do anything for him, no matter what.

'...Of course, I can’t tell Harold that directly, so I’ll have to come up with a plausible excuse.'

If I were seeing Harold for the first time in this world, what would make me think he was a "son-obsessed fool"?

When he punished Eiria, who had stolen Ethan’s belongings and the relics of Tanathia?

When he attached me to Ethan as his personal maid, using some strange excuse about being the only one who could see Ethan properly?

Or when he turned a blind eye, even after witnessing Ethan harassing me several times?

...No, none of that would be enough to think of him as particularly unique. Nobles tend to behave like that in any family. Calling him a "son-obsessed fool" based on that would be absurd.

No, there had to be something only Harold would do—something no other noble parent would.

Reflecting on the events of the past few years, I carefully started speaking, crafting my response.

"And besides, as you said, I’ve done things that could make me seem like a fool for Ethan. What other noble parent would become a professor just to follow their child to the academy?"

...Well, that’s a relief. It seems Harold is aware that he’s a bit crazy when it comes to his son.

I wasn’t sure which part of my answer he liked exactly, but at least it seemed I wouldn’t be losing my job as Ethan’s personal maid anytime soon.

At least Harold wasn’t one of those sneaky characters who says one thing but thinks another.

"A strong personality, someone who says whatever they’re thinking, and eyes that seem to see straight through people. You remind me so much of... someone I knew when I was younger."

"Excuse me?"

"...Never mind. Just take good care of Ethan from now on, Lilith."

"Ah, yes. Thank you...."

I wasn’t sure what Harold meant with his final remark, but it seemed like the situation had resolved safely.

I mentally patted myself on the back for my quick thinking as I sighed in relief.

—Tap.

"Now, you should head back. I’ve kept my son’s girlfriend with me for too long."

"G-Girlfriend...? I-I’m not in that kind of relationship with young master Ethan...."

"There’s no need to hide it from me. I’ve been certain ever since I saw the two of you at the estate last time. Have I ever interfered with you two meeting since then?"

"N-No, I don’t think so...."

"Well, Ethan doesn’t have a fiancée or anything official, so there’s no issue with you acting as his girlfriend. It wouldn’t be wise for me to meddle too much in my son’s personal affairs."

"...I understand."

...What just happened? It seems Harold just officially approved my temporary relationship with Ethan.

I wasn’t sure how the conversation had turned out like this, but I was satisfied with the fact that I’d managed to keep my position as Ethan’s personal maid.

As I was about to say my final goodbyes and part ways with Harold...

"Thank you very much for today’s lesson, Professor Harold. I’ll see you in the next class...."

"Get away from him this instant...! You, you thieving cat...!"

"......?"

"......?"

Both Harold and I turned in the direction of the familiar voice calling out from a distance.