Chapter 412

After the afternoon training session, I found myself in the Blackwood family’s grand bath. Thanks to Ethan’s consideration, I was able to relax in this luxurious tub instead of the small showers typically reserved for the servants. But despite the fine bath, my mood remained gloomy.

A week of bitter defeat wasn’t something a warm bath could easily wash away.

Splash, splash.

“Ahhh…”

…This is exhausting.

For a week now, I’d been sparring with Ethan, and yet I hadn’t found a single weakness. Even though we both used dual swords, Ethan seemed to see and react to so much more than I did. While my dagger had the disadvantage of a shorter reach, it also offered advantages in speed and endurance that should have helped.

But as I pondered how I might finally win a round against Ethan, I felt Isabel’s hands massaging my shoulders from behind.

“Still thinking about Master Ethan, Lilith?”

“Yes… though specifically about our sparring sessions.”

“It seems like you’ve been working hard with him lately. Did you two make some kind of bet?”

“…Not quite a bet. Just a reward of sorts if I do well.”

“Must be some reward if it has you working so hard you’re worn out every day.”

I couldn’t exactly explain the nature of my reward to my innocent friend, so I simply nodded in response. Isabel, fortunately, didn’t press for details. She just kept massaging my shoulders in silence.

Recently, after every sparring session, Isabel had been helping me with my bath. Apparently, Ethan had instructed her and Catarina to assist me, given that I often lacked the energy to wash up myself.

While being attended to by a fellow maid didn’t stir any inappropriate thoughts, it was definitely more comfortable to be washed than to wash myself.

“I feel bad for making you help with my bath every day.”

“Huh? I don’t mind at all! I’d gladly do this for you, even without Master Ethan’s instructions.”

“If you say it like that, it makes me feel a bit guilty. It’s a little strange for us maids to be bathing each other, don’t you think?”

“Well, we’re not exactly the same. And besides, I’ll probably keep doing this for you anyway.”

…

By “keep doing this,” she probably meant I’d continue training with Ethan until I was exhausted and needed help. I felt a bit mischievous, so I turned and started to massage her shoulders in return.

Squeeze!

“Ah, hey!”

“You need a massage too, Isabel. Let’s see how you like it.”

Squeeze, squeeze!

“Heehee! Stop it! It tickles, Lilith…!”

After some playful splashing in the tub, I stood up, feeling a bit lighter. With Isabel’s devoted care, washing even my body, I almost felt like the lady of Blackwood Estate. Not that I ever would be, of course.@@novelbin@@

“I remember when Master Ethan used to train intensely like you’re doing now.”

“Hm? Oh, you mean right before he joined the academy?”

“He was dedicated then, but I mean last summer. He was just as driven as you are now.”

“Last summer…?”

“Yes. It was the first time I know of that Master Ethan won a round against his father without a handicap.”

“Ah, yes, I remember now.”

…That brought back memories. Ethan had been dealing with the issues surrounding MacHart, and finally, he had time to… spend with me. I remember how I’d tried to entice him by getting into the same bath, hoping to spur on his desires a little.

Whatever effect that little seduction had had, it must have worked; not long after, Ethan had won his first match against Harold.

Wait, so Isabel sees me as acting like Ethan when he was raring to go…?

Does Isabel think I’m desperate to be with Ethan? Well, I couldn’t deny feeling frustrated over the lack of… intimacy lately, but did I really seem that eager?

…Surely not to that extent.

Our goals might be similar, but I wasn’t that desperate. Still, hearing Isabel’s thoughts helped ground me. It was like she’d given me a sense of clarity on how to focus my resolve.

“Thank you, Isabel. I needed that insight.”

“…Huh? Insight? I’m glad I helped, but I don’t recall saying anything special.”

It didn’t matter if she didn’t realize it; thanks to her offhand remarks, I felt my determination solidify.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Clang, clang, clang!

“Lilith, focus! Watch where my sword is going!”

“I… am watching!”

A week and a day after our sparring arrangement had begun, and Ethan was still offering me sincere advice as we clashed swords. He seemed genuinely invested in helping me claim a victory, entirely on my own terms.

Clang!

“Yes! Defend from the inside out! You’re getting there!”

“Ungh… ahhh!”

Watching Lilith throw herself into every attack, Ethan found himself reminded of his own past. He wasn’t imagining it. He knew exactly how she felt, given he had once trained just as hard to earn a night of… reward.

Though he still cherished those moments with Lilith as a driving force behind his training, it made him happy to see her fighting so hard for the same reward. It was a shared desire, not just his alone.

Clang, clang, clang!

“Ahhh! Ngh…!”

Of course, no amount of willpower or desire alone could bridge the gap between them. Ethan knew Lilith’s swordplay better than anyone, having sparred countless times and watched her every move.

He was certain that she wouldn’t be able to claim a victory before summer ended.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The speed’s impressive, but she’s too impatient, as if she’s being chased.

“Haah!”

At least she’s better at masking her movements, but it’s not enough to land a decisive blow.

Ethan genuinely wanted her to win, but that didn’t mean he would hold back. If he did, it would only insult her pride, and she had made it clear that she didn’t want him to go easy on her.

So, when he spotted an opening, he didn’t hesitate. He struck at her protective barrier.

Crash!

“Ah! Argh!”

With the sound of her barrier shattering, Lilith’s struggle came to an end for the day. Another afternoon spent clashing swords with no victories to show for it. He could only imagine her frustration, but he kept his voice steady and calm.

“You did well, Lilith.”

“Th-thank you, Master Ethan…”

Breathing heavily, she took his hand and rose to her feet for the final exchange of the session. Though she had been trying her hardest, she had yet to win even a single match.

After their final bow, Ethan headed to the Blackwood grand bath to relax, though today he was accompanied by another maid who followed silently behind him.