Chapter 25: Unexpected Arrangements

Narumi's body eased into the warm water of his private bathtub, finding solace and relaxation after a long day's work. He closed his eyes and sighed contently, unaware of the peculiar changes occurring around him.

As the young maid's hands continued to massage his shoulders, Narumi couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The touch seemed delicate, almost fragile, and he couldn't understand why the maid's strength seemed insufficient.

Curiosity piqued, Narumi spoke up, his voice laced with confusion. "You don't need to hold back, you know. Use more pressure. I won't be hurt." The small maid nodded eagerly, her eyes shimmering with determination. "Yes! I'll do my best for Narumi-nii-sama!" She attempted to apply more force to the massage, but her efforts still fell short.

Narumi's curiosity turned to alarm as he slowly turned around in the bathtub, his gaze meeting the innocent blue eyes and twintails of the young maid before him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing and found himself stunned into silence for several seconds.

"Seraphina... Princess Seraphina! Why are you here? And why are you calling me Narumi-nii-sama?" Narumi's voice trembled with a mix of surprise and concern as he realized the true identity of the small maid standing before him.

Seraphina, her innocent blue eyes widening with a bright smile, clasped her hands together in front of her chest. Her blue maid clothes made her even more adorable. "My elder brother, the king of Dustmoon Kingdom, instructed me to become Narumi-nii-sama's maid little sister!"

Narumi's shock quickly transformed into a mixture of worry and compassion. He reached out to Seraphina, gently stroking her head, his voice filled with understanding and caution. "Princess Seraphina, is this really okay for you? Setting aside the little sister role, being a maid is hard work, you know? You don't need to force yourself. If you don't like it, please decline, and I'll talk to the king on your behalf, alright?"

Tears welled up in Seraphina's eyes, her face turning somewhat sad as she averted her gaze. "Does that mean Narumi-nii-sama doesn't want me around? I... I also enjoy doing housework. I believe I can help Narumi-nii-sama even if it's just a little, and it can strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms without marriage."

Narumi's heart softened as he realized the depth of Seraphina's desires and her sense of duty as a princess. Seraphina had always been one of his favorite characters in the Loli Princess Novel, so if someone were to ask him whether he wanted her to be near him or not, he would say "yes" without any hesitation.

However, he knew that this decision would likely cause discontentment for Christina. He needed to find a way to convince Christina and address this matter later. For now, he focused on resolving the situation at hand. Narumi gently held Seraphina's small hands in his, offering reassurance and support.

"I understand, Princess Seraphina, no... my maid little sister Seraphina," Narumi said sincerely. "I truly appreciate your willingness to do your best for your people and your kingdom. But first, let's step out of the bath and have a proper discussion." Seraphina's tears subsided, replaced by a glimmer of hope. She smiled cutely at Narumi. "Thank you, Narumi-nii-sama. I will do my best in everything you ask of me. Please treat me well."

As they stepped out of the bathtub, Seraphina, her innocent eyes shining with sincerity, fetched a soft towel and began gently wiping Narumi's body. Her touch was delicate and careful, as if she were handling something precious. Narumi, feeling a mix of gratitude and awkwardness, couldn't help but blush. He smiled warmly at Seraphina, his eyes filled with appreciation.

"Thank you, Seraphina," Narumi said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated."

Once Narumi was dry, Seraphina helped him with dressing, her nimble fingers expertly fastening the buttons and adjusting his attire. Her attention to detail and genuine concern were evident in her actions. Narumi couldn't help but admire her dedication, even though he knew the challenges that lay ahead.

After completing their tasks, Narumi and Seraphina walked hand in hand, their steps light and cheerful, as they made their way back to Narumi's room. They settled together on a comfortable couch, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Narumi looked at Seraphina with a gentle expression, eager to hear more about her aspirations and the duties she wished to undertake as his maid little sister.

"So, Seraphina," Narumi said, his voice filled with genuine interest, "tell me more about your dreams and the responsibilities you wish to fulfill as my maid little sister."

Seraphina's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she began sharing her ideas and plans, her gestures animated and expressive. Her innocent voice carried an air of excitement and determination.

"Narumi-nii-sama, I wish to take care of the household chores, ensuring that everything is in order and running smoothly. I also want to assist you with your work, helping you focus and achieve your goals. And most importantly, I want to be there for you as a family and support you in any way I can."

Narumi listened attentively, captivated by her passion and innocence. He offered words of encouragement and support along the way, fostering an environment of trust and camaraderie. The room filled with their laughter and joyful conversation as they forged a deeper connection.

"Ufufu, Lord Narumi is truly skilled at capturing a girl's heart. This will make for an interesting topic at the maid gathering tea party tonight." She had cleverly switched places with Princess Seraphina during Narumi's shoulder massage, curious to see how he would react. However, when her eyes met with Narumi's, a sense of unease washed over her, and she awkwardly turned away.

In that moment, Narumi couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected turn of events. Despite the challenges it might bring, he knew that having Seraphina by his side would be a valuable asset. He would find a way to navigate the complexities of his relationships and ensure that harmony prevailed among those he held dear. With Seraphina's innocence and dedication, he felt confident that together, they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.