Chapter 14[1/2]: Maison Couture (2)

//Maison Couture (2)//

I've officially entered the Couture mansion, after all this time. The layout map shown just above the manorial staircase, resembles a more chateau-like large country house layout than a manor or castle the original game developers were aiming for, so this was just like the simulations.

The interior of the entire house is designed to give off a more Victorian library-style vibe. There are two main halls, one on the right, and one on the left, just from entrance. They lead to branches of corridors that lead to the kitchen, two parallel living rooms, a restroom, even; the main dining hall, guest rooms for visiting noblemen and women, and a personal maid's room(Right beside it, the sleeping area for the maids and their personal family chef's, Mr. Alfons Becker.)

Tonight, I'll be sleeping inside the maids' room, surprisingly. Do they think having a perverted, stalking commoner near the proximity of their sadistic ojou-sama daughter(let alone letting me in their home), the one being stalked is a good idea? I'm surely not being over-the-top right now, I should go to sleep.

[While Aiko was daydreaming, Couture was right behind the door, staring with genuine cruel, mortifying eyes, almost like a death glare, it does not give off the 'softy' vibe that the young woman usually shows off. Is this the end for our protagonist? Has the proclaimed rival of Aiko Collins finally realize, rather, broken off from the leash that pulls her back from attempting to finally go her own way, maybe even too far from how extremely light her 'harassment' to Collins daily compares to most cases of bullying in modern high schools across the world in 2020?]

"Go die, commoner."

[Tomorrow, inside the Couture mansion.]

I'm currently talking to Garmunton's minister of finance, Sir Jacques Couture. A cheery and fairly friendly old nobleman, for his position in the hierarchy! Ms. Clara Page is with us in the living room, as well.

"Quel un surpris! You are the young lady that have been teaching my daughter about magic, correct? My gratitude."

"Yes.. I am, m'lord, I am very thankful, as well."

"Oh, do not hesitate on calling me by that title, Ms. Collins. Rather call me by, 'sire', if you shall."

"I am truly greatful, sire. I've been invited so sudden here, a commoner like me, to teach Couture-sama late at night, I cannot say that I was not overjoyed."

"Yes, I hope you have not minded. But I must ask you something before anything, Ms. Collins."

"Yes.. sire?"

"Has my daughter been acting rather strangely towards her student mates?"

Sire Jacques suddenly changed tone, in a matter of words. From a high pitch to one that sounds omnious, deep, and underlying voice awaiting a genuine answer. I'm sweating, profusely, at that.

"Hmm.. Not at all, sire Jacques-sama. In fact, she has been very friendly towards her classmates, especially I. Me and my close friends have been very talkative with her, she especially prefers my presence."

"..."

"Oh my, as expected from my little princess! I knew she would have been in the presence of great friends. Thank you for continuing to interact with Emie, in behalf of the Couture house, we have much thanks."

"Truthfully, in my behalf as well, as m'lord says." Ms. Clara remarks.

I saw Emie-sama peek by the corner by the other side of the hallway with an unusual.. death glare. My gut instinct seem to malfunction, and I don't have a good feeling on what's to come.

On the other side of the hallway leads to the garden and playground area meant for Melanie-chan, Emie-sama's younger sibling I met a week back, if I can recall.

She suddenly vanished from sight, I was luckily able to take a glimpse on her, walking across the hallway to my right, that was before looking down on me, still as frightening. I'm starting to worry about her.

Melanie-chan suddenly appears out of nowhere.

"Dad! Dad!"

"Oh?! Ai-neechan is here, too?"

"That's true, Princess Melanie. Come on here, what do you want to eat for today?"

"Umm!"

"Pardon me, Sire Couture, Ms. Clara, Melanie-chan, may I go to the restroo-"

"You shall go, Ms. Collins, the restrooms are by the maids' bedroom." Ms. Clara sounding in a rush pardons me. Sir Jacques gives me a nod.

Just wonderful, I'll be looking for her, this time. I think I know why she acted like that all of a sudden today. I'll be confronting her for a bit, pardon.

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Upcoming Chapter 14[2/2]: Maison Couture (2)