"Eh?" I was quite shocked by her swift reply. She literally didn't even think about it.
"...Lenora."
"Don't bother trying to get me to promise something so foolish... because I will never do it," she said, looking intently at my eyes. Her expression was back to that indifferent one I didn't like. I liked when she was more expressive.
I took in her appearance—bushy hair, pale face, and parched lips. She was also quivering slightly. It seems she wanted to hide it, but it wasn't working. Wasn't she supposed to have ether?
So how the hell did she fall ill?
Hmm, maybe it completely ran out with the week she just stood outside. Maybe it was what kept her standing all through that time, plus the fact she didn't eat for such a long time. So her ether must have run out at the critical moment, thereby leaving her vulnerable to the elements.
But that aside, why the hell is she so firm on rejecting it?
"Listen, Lenora..."
"No, you listen, Master..."
"Eh?" I was really starting to lose at this point. No wonder Anderson was helpless against her. That firm gaze, unwavering determination combined with her looks and the fact she was obviously stronger than him—he would continuously forget she was supposed to be under his control.
"...I will never put myself before my master," she said with conviction.
"Lenora."
"Yes?"
"Who is your master?"
"Master Anderson..."
"And where is he?" I asked with a tilt of my head.
"...Here?" she replied with a tilt of her own head too. Did I mention that the gown did not hide anything? Sigh.
"Good. Now what is the first rule of a servant?"
"Put her master above everything..."
"Really...?" I was confused. That wasn't the rule from my memory as Lumiea. Or is it because this is a different place...?
NO.
"Lenora, I am being serious. Answer the question the way it should be."
"...The servant should always obey the master," she said, her head hung low in what appeared to be sadness and acceptance.
Yeah, I would have fallen for this act if I didn't see through her acts in all my memories as Anderson.
"This is an order from me, Lenora. Always think of yourself before you think of me. I don't care anymore if you want to stay with me—you can," as I said that, she looked at me, and I could see something in her eyes... though I couldn't quite place it. "...But you will have to obey this simple wish of mine," I said flatly. "Or I will no longer be able to stay with you." I said it firmly. At this, her eyes widened.
"Master would... leave me?" she asked. This time she sounded... odd.
Her eyes were disturbing too.
Hmm.
What's this feeling like I just stabbed myself in the foot?
Well. Whatever.
"...Master, you can't do that," she said with what appeared to be a frown, attempting to get up.
"I said don't move." I held her shoulders... fuck! Why is she this strong? Isn't she supposed to be sick?
"M-Master, you... you can't leave me... you can't... please..." She literally burst into tears.
Well, fuck this world. I don't understand why this maid is so attached to this degenerate. Thinking about it hurts my brain.
"Lenora... Listen—" She suddenly hugged me and pulled me onto the bed, hugging me tightly like I would disappear if she let go. I could feel her skin.
What the hell? I didn't think the fever had gotten to this level. She's literally burning up.
Wait.
"LENORA!" I shouted, and she shuddered.
"STOP USING YOUR ETHER. IT'S MAKING YOUR ILLNESS WORSE. I forbid it," I said, and her hold slightly loosened.
"...M-Master." She was really vulnerable at this point. I officially resign from trying to use logic to understand this situation. I mean, that look she gave me was something she always gave Anderson when he came back drunk and she smelled some girl on him... not even sure how she does it. If I didn't know better, I would say this girl is a dangerously obsessed red flag I should avoid at all costs. Good thing I know she is just a cute maid afraid of losing her master. There is no way someone like her can be a psycho... right? ...RIGHT?
I quickly held both her cheeks and made her look me in the eyes, my expression firm and with authority. I really have to get her off me. For a moment there, I felt like I was about to be chained... I think that happened in one of Larson's lifetimes... no, more than twice. It almost happened to Lumiea as well. The prince's fiancée went batshit crazy when he... 'I' rejected her and straight out said I had no interest in her. Tsk. She was one of the major reasons for his death. That simp of a fiancé suddenly felt that I was the one running after her.
Sigh.
"I won't leave you, Lenora. I just need you to be as obedient as possible. Can you do that for me?" I asked, and she slowly nodded.
"Now, rest." I said it matter-of-factly. As much as I wanted to get out of this position, I didn't. I just let her feel at ease and comfortable. That way she should fall asleep, and then I can sneak out.
"...Mm~ Master won't leave~ Ever~" I felt a chill run down my spine.
Sigh.
But seriously speaking, I should reduce this weight.