Life as a Tower Maid: Locked up with the Prince - Chapter 28

TM has been completely translated on Patreon

Chapter 28

Translator: Yonnee

—

After seeing Albert picking up his fork, with a serious face, I shook my head.

“Prince, when eating this you have to use your hands.”

“Is there a reason I must do that?”

“Well, you can eat it with a fork… But it’ll be a bit uncomfortable. If you want to eat while avoiding the bones, I recommend this method.”

I picked up a chicken wing with my hands.

Then, I took a bite at the thick, but crispy skin and into the juicy, salty flesh and chewed them together.

You think that’s all? There’s also the soy sauce that was marinated into the flesh. Ahh, what a fantastic combo.

I’m so happy!

“Prince, I was born for only this moment.”

“You’re amazing at making silly comments now.”

“I’ve improved a lot, right? Thank you. I try my best.”

I felt a whole lot better because I was eating something delicious.

I looked carefully at Albert. There’s no one who hates fried chicken. But even so, people had different tastes.

Albert held the chicken leg in his hands, then he bit into the crispy chicken.

The sound of the crispy skin tearing apart was like music to my ears. No, actually, Albert’s face made it all the more melodious.

“Oh, the corners of Your Highness’ lips went up.”

That’s the expression that appears only when Albert’s in a good mood!

“Don’t you feel better now after eating something so delicious?”

“Perhaps.”

“You look more relaxed than before. I think I’m right.”

“Does it look that way?”

“Yes, very much.”

“You’re the only one who thinks that.”

The atmosphere became relaxed, and now we were exchanging light jokes.

I realized that Albert was still avoiding to answer, but I wasn’t going to point that out.

As long as he felt better. Or even if it’s later, since he might not feel better right away.

Everyone needed time to sort through their feelings. Time was a great help.

After his short meal, Albert came back from washing his hands. He didn’t eat much.

Still, I was grateful that he was staying by my side even if only to watch me eat.

As I ate fried chicken, my joy was palpable on my face.

When Albert had just been watching me for a while, he propped his chin up with one hand and asked.

“How can you be so honest?”

“This tower is a place where anyone can be honest.”

“What kind of place is this?”

I decided to answer truthfully, in a way that could be considered as blasé. There’s no reason to hide something like this.

“Mmh, it’s a place completely far away from people’s gazes, and I don’t have to keep up with manners and social propriety while I’m in here.”

I was no different from the other characters in the novel, nor the other young ladies here.

But I can be honest here because I am in the tower.

It was like magic, in a way.

It would otherwise be impossible for a prince and a maid to regard each other as just a man and a woman.

Since this was a space where only the two of us existed, I could sometimes say what I wanted to say and act the way I wanted to act.

Oh, of course, that’s also the only reason I could get him to sign the contract where he promised not to kill me.

If we had been outside, I might have just cowered and trembled with anxiety over the fact that I could die soon.

In front of him, I would be just like the others, a lowly person who was shaking in fear and saying only good things to appease him.

“Honestly, if it wasn’t for that contract, Your Highness would have cut my neck by now. Who would let such an arrogant maid live?”

“You’re very good at figuring out your situation.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness.”

I laughed at Albert’s words and chewed on some fries.

The still-warm fries were crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside.

As I munched on them, I mumbled and said what I’ve been wanting to say.

“I hope the food that we’re eating now can comfort Your Highness even a little.”

“……”

“Even if you don’t express it, I know it’s difficult.”

Albert patted my head.

“Thanks.”

Whenever he did this, I felt like I was a cat he was raising.

It didn’t feel too bad because it seemed like he had accepted what I said.

And he was expressing it through this touch.

Oh, I remembered what I hadn’t said today.

“Prince, do you know?”

“What is it?”

“Your Highness is handsome today as well.”

“Haha.”

Albert burst into laughter again. It felt good to know that I could make him laugh.

* * *

Later that evening—

Rosé had already gone up to the attic, and Albert remained alone in this room.

He could see the moon through the small window.

Behind his eyes, he could still see the dead.

He saw the faces of the people who were trying to protest the false accusations on him and his unfair imprisonment.

Albert hoped that his anger and resentment would not disappear in time.

He took a moment to close his eyes, mourning for the lives lost.

“I wish you peace.”

In the future, they would be the first to be honored in this country.

The tip of the want flickered. It was a signal that Liam was calling.

After his short prayer towards the dead, Albert picked up the wand.

Mana buzzed around him, and the light from the wand projected a person’s face in the air.

“What about the magic tower?”

[ We’ve gathered all the mages on the list who participated in locking Your Highness up, and I’ve taken care of about half of them. The rest are being searched for. ]

“Great job.”

At this, Liam bowed his head.

Liam Masen.

Known as the Duke of Masen. He was originally in the neutral party, but he turned to support Albert after not being able to stomach Rosteratu’s actions that went beyond the limit.

And now, he was Albert’s greatest supporter.

[ I know that Your Highness is going to be truly sorrowful about what happened today. I do hope that the time comes when Your Highness can come out as soon as possible. ]

“No, I’m alright. Don’t worry and just focus on your work.

[ Yes, but… ]

Liam hesitated for a moment, but Albert asked right away.

“What is it?”

[ I believe that Your Highness will have to come out for a while. ]

Albert breathed out heavily.

He felt a new sense of responsibility weighing on him.

The time for him to leave behind this life where he was almost disconnected from the world and to return to his reality… it was gradually approaching.