Chapter 151 The Nosy Nursemaid
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After Ayumu Sanai thought he could finally retreat to the old government building in Keldan—having just finished drafting proposals with that sullen-faced secretary who clearly loathed his “suggestions”—he was intercepted by trouble in human form.
Her name was Marie. Once a nursemaid to three imperial princesses, now the one entrusted with their education, she was pushing fifty and wore her authority like armor. What infuriated Ayumu most was her history with him. At his very first meeting with Princess Ronafemia, Marie had brazenly interrupted and ruined the sacred moment. Later, she even summoned him for a long-winded lecture. “I must warn you… consider your station carefully.” According to her, even a mere exchange of words between an unmarried man and woman was shameless and improper.
(As if I’d ever dare get romantically involved with the second princess! I may be young and hormonal, but I’m not suicidal! What a pain.)
Still, Ayumu had answered politely, swallowing his annoyance. And that politeness turned out to be the worst mistake of all.
Because of it, Marie—disliked by almost everyone else in the Imperial Court and plagued by loneliness—decided she liked him. Ever since, she had been meddling constantly, latching onto him whenever possible. Excuses of “being busy” only soured her face and tightened her grip.
There was no escape.
”…And so I was saying, honestly, these young girls nowadays—hm? Are you even listening to me?”
Snapped back to reality, Ayumu nodded quickly. “Of course, Lady Marie. You were saying that the gossip journals printed in my domain are displeasing to you, yes?” Smooth words, proof he’d been paying attention despite his absentminded look.
”No, not that far,” Marie corrected. “I merely think it improper for maids of the Imperial Court to be reading such vulgar things…”
The problem was clear. Palace maids had fallen in love with the gossip magazines printed in Keldan—covering illicit romances, scandalous courtships, and the latest fashions and cosmetics. To Marie, it was an abomination.
As she droned on, a maid entered with a tray, setting down a cup of coffee before Ayumu. Following custom, he didn’t thank her, only sipped as if it were expected.
Coffee, not tea. Of course—this world had no tea. Perhaps undiscovered, perhaps nonexistent. Either way, coffee ruled.
He complimented the brew and, slyly, the hostess as well. “As expected of Lady Marie’s household. Your maid is clearly well-trained. This cup speaks volumes of her refined hospitality.” Always praise both host and servant. That was survival.
And so it went. He sipped, smiled, and nodded—for three long hours. By the end, roots felt ready to sprout from his backside.
”As I too am a busy man, I must take my leave, Lady Marie.”
Her face fell in disappointment, but Ayumu had no more time to waste. He drained his second black coffee of the day and, following custom, discreetly slipped a gold coin beneath the saucer as a tip for the maid.
Coffee itself cost nothing—the host covered that—but palace maids served more as honorary positions than livelihoods. Their families sent them to “study,” but stipends were paltry. Until they secured marriages, they survived on allowances or tips like this. The system ensured that even conversation carried expense, weeding out the poor and preserving imperial dignity through coin.
”By the way, Lady Marie,” Ayumu asked as he rose, “why are you so familiar with the contents of my Keldan journals?”
He had noticed—she knew each issue’s gossip in detail, sometimes more than he did.
”Why, of course,” she said primly. “Every time the young maids bring one in, I confiscate it. Naturally, I must read it myself. A proper lady must be vigilant, after all.”
”…”
Confiscate and read? She was consuming them cover to cover?!
You’ve got to be kidding me! You’re the nosiest gossip of them all!!
Ayumu swallowed his outburst, bowed politely instead, and at last slipped free of her clutches.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply