“Hmm… after this I still need to clean the hallways, and after lunch I’ve got dishwashing duties in the kitchen…”

As I walked, I mentally ran through the list of tasks Head Maid Shiloreen had given me.

I wasn’t really watching where I was going—

And that’s when it happened.

At the next corner, a yellow blur shot toward my right side like a missile—

and slammed into my waist.

“Oof—!!”

“Eep—!!”

I was knocked to the ground, and something small and soft fell into my arms.

“…Oww…”

Gritting my teeth through the pain, I squinted against the sunlight until I could make out the “missile.”

It was a young girl—

even smaller than me.

Her softly curled golden hair shimmered under the sun, giving her a dreamlike glow.

On her porcelain face sat perfect features, and her watery jade eyes brimmed with tears from the impact.

But even so, she bit her lip stubbornly—refusing to cry.

My heart skipped a beat.

…What is this ultra-adorable creature!?

An overwhelming urge to protect her surged within me.

Still, reason quickly caught up.

Her luxurious clothing alone told me that she was no ordinary child.

And those jade green eyes—just like the Duke’s.

That radiant golden hair—identical to the Duchess’s…

Her identity was clear as day:

Katarina Anisette, the Duke’s daughter.

“Young Lady, are you alright?”

I cradled her carefully as I helped her up.

“I-I’m fine…”

Despite clearly being on the verge of tears, she still tried to act tough.

Even that was painfully cute.

“Are you by yourself?”

Normally, nobles of her status—especially children—would never go unattended.

They were always accompanied by maids or guards.

“…”

She stayed silent, probably aware of that fact herself.

I understood it was best not to pry, especially with my experience taking care of my little sister.

So I changed the subject.

“Hmm… did you come to the garden to do something?”

“I… I wanted to pick some flowers for my mother!

She’s sick and can’t go outside, so I thought… I thought…”

So she snuck out on her own…

What a good girl.

Looking at the timid little thing twisting her fingers, I couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s very thoughtful of you.

What kind of flowers would you like?”

“Umm… the blue ones!

The ones that look like Mother’s eyes!”

“Blue, huh…”

Borage, baby blue eyes, gentian…

I knew exactly where to find them in the garden.

“Please, follow me.”

Maybe because I looked around her age, or maybe just out of sheer innocence, she followed me without hesitation.

…I get the feeling I could’ve lured her off with candy.

“Waaah~!”

The garden, expertly curated by the Duke’s gardeners, was an exquisite display of artistry.

Every bloom thrived in full color and fragrance.

“Sorry about this, Mister Gardener.”

I clasped my hands in silent apology.

We were about to mess up his hard work.

But honestly…

What man could possibly say no to this little girl’s sincere wish?

Besides, she was the Duke’s daughter.

Who in this mansion could refuse her?

Before long, she’d gathered a lovely bundle of flowers, her smile as radiant as the blooms themselves.

Suddenly, I had an idea.

I picked a few flowers out of her collection.

“Young Lady, if I may.”

My fingers weaved quickly, gently bending stems and wrapping them together.

In a few moments, a simple flower crown had formed in my hands.

“Here, this is for you.”

“Wow! It’s so pretty!!”

She beamed as her eyes sparkled with delight.

“Would you like to learn how to make one?”

“Yes, please!”

She nodded so hard her curls bounced.

“First, pinch the stem near the base.

Then take another flower…”

“Mm-hmm!”

“Twist the stem around into a loop like this—”

“Mm-hmm!”

“Perfect! Just like that! You’re doing great!”

“Mm-hmm!”

Katarina was quick on the uptake.

Soon, a flower crown was slowly taking shape in her tiny hands.

“All done!”

“You did wonderfully.”

She held up her finished crown high, her excitement practically glowing off her face.

…Something about this moment felt nostalgic.

Long ago…

I think I did something similar with my little sister.

Back before all the troubles began.

Back when each day was simple and happy.

Seeing Katarina’s smile brought me back to that time.

Warmth flooded my chest.

My face relaxed on its own—

and maybe, for the first time since I regained my memories…

my heart relaxed too.

“Eh?”

“Hmm?”

Katarina made a curious sound, and I suddenly realized—

My hand was on her head, gently patting her.

Ah—!

Because she reminded me of my sister, I must’ve done it unconsciously…!

I’m such an idiot!

How could someone like me lay hands on a noble girl!?

I quickly yanked my hand away and bowed at a perfect 90 degrees.

“U-Um! I’m so sorry, Young Lady!

I overstepped my bounds!

Please have mercy on this foolish, insolent servant—!”

“Why did you stop?”

“Eh?”

Now I was the one confused.

“Keep going.

Pat my head.”

“But… Young Lady… I’m just a maid…”

At that, she puffed up her cheeks.

“I said you can pat my head, so do it!”

“No, I… I really mustn’t…”

“Hmmph…”

Her cheeks puffed up even more, making her look just like an angry little pufferfish.

Suddenly, inspiration struck her.

She changed her tone:

“Then… I order you to pat my head!

That’s an order!“

“Uhh…”

As a servant, I couldn’t disobey a direct order from the Duke’s daughter.

But if the Duke ever found out I touched her, I was done for.

I was completely stuck…

I stared at the gold-haired pufferfish, utterly exasperated.

This girl…

She’s already abusing power at this age?

She’s gonna grow up to be such a handful.

“Hurry up!

Or I’ll go tell my father!”

“…Yes, Young Lady.”

There was no way out.

Better to delay death than face it now.

I gave up and placed my hand on her head.

To be fair, after years of patting my little sister, I was pretty good at this.

“Purr~ Purr~”

She closed her eyes and purred like a cat, thoroughly enjoying herself.

…Seeing her so content, all my earlier annoyance vanished.

“She really does look like her…”

Even the way she smiled felt just like my sister.

Just for this moment—

I felt like I’d gone back in time.

To those peaceful, happy days.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, Young Lady.”

I smiled gently in reply.

She didn’t ask again, and just kept enjoying her head pats.

And I—

for the first time since regaining my memories—

finally felt at peace.

Forget the Duke’s scolding.

Right now, this smile was what mattered most.

…And so, a few days later—

I was summoned to the Duke’s office.