I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 507: Lull (2)

Thud, thud, thud.

Ethan repeatedly banged his head against the floor, apologizing so fervently that the entire room seemed to vibrate with each impact. I couldn’t help but sit up on the bed, alarmed by his intense behavior.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Lilith! I doubted you! I was so full of suspicion because I couldn’t trust you! And if I had just spoken up in the first place, none of this would have happened!”

“I-I understand, Young Lord Ethan, so please get up! I... I’m really fine. If anything, it was my own foolish misunderstanding that led to all this...”

“No, it’s entirely my fault! I’m nothing but a selfish fool, only thinking of myself, and I’ve wronged you in a way I can never repay! Ignorance is no excuse for what I’ve done!”

“N-no... If you put it that way, then I should be the one apologizing! This all happened because I didn’t know you had no intentions of finding a fiancée. I’m the one who should apologize...”

“No, Lilith, you have nothing to apologize for... This is all on me...”

“No, if we’re assigning blame, then I’m at least a hundred times more at fault than you...”

Each time I tried to lift him from the floor, he stubbornly lowered his head again, as if determined to continue. Even though I felt more responsible, he wouldn’t allow me to apologize, insisting on taking all the blame himself.

“No, Lilith! This /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ is my fault! You have nothing to apologize for!”

“If we’re being precise, I was the one who didn’t trust you first, so I bear the greater responsibility...”

“That’s because I never told you the truth! Please, I’m begging you, don’t apologize!”

“If that’s the case, then Young Lord Ethan, please, stop apologizing as well...”

With a firm but gentle grip, he held me by the shoulders, lifting me off the floor. I wasn’t exactly in a position to resist; given that I wasn’t alone, and his strength easily overpowered mine, I had no choice but to lie back down on the bed.

“Just stay lying down, Lilith. Please... let me atone for my sins quietly.”

“I told you, there’s no need for atonement! I’m not angry at you, Young Lord Ethan!”

“It’s not about you being angry. I can’t forgive myself. I’ve watched you all this time, shared such deep love, and still failed to understand your true feelings. It makes me want to die just thinking about it.”

“Please don’t say things like that, Young Lord! You shouldn’t even think about something so dreadful!”

“Let’s be honest, Lilith. Surely you don’t want to look at me anymore, right? Who would want to be with a man who locks up the mother of his child in a cold cell and starves her? Right?”

“I’ve told you countless times, that’s not true! Since learning you intended to make me your wife, I’ve only felt regret... so please don’t...”

What should I do?

I thought he had calmed down, but it seemed like Ethan had grown even more extreme in his thinking. Of course, the things he did would be unacceptable in any normal relationship. But ultimately, this was my fault too, so he shouldn’t have to bear the entire burden of responsibility.

When he spoke about wanting to end his own life, a chilling reminder of that haunting dream of mine flashed through my mind, making my heart sink.

‘If you hate me so much you want to kill me, I don’t mind dying.’

Remembering the sinister smile he had in that dream, I feared he might truly do something drastic if left alone. Wanting to reassure him that I still cared, I lifted my head and pressed my lips against his.

Kiss.

“...Huh?!”

Surprised by the sudden kiss, Ethan instinctively pulled back, his face a picture of shock. Then, as if realizing what he had done, he started apologizing again.

“L-Lilith, I-I didn’t expect you to kiss me so suddenly... I’m sorry, I just got flustered...”

“Young Lord Ethan.”

“...Yes, Lilith?”

“If you truly wish to make amends... then please, don’t pull away this time.”

“...”

Kiss.

I brought my face closer to his once more, sealing our lips in a kiss that reignited memories of our once-passionate love. Even after months, his lips were still warm and soft, and I allowed myself to savor the feeling, intertwining our tongues slowly and tenderly.

Lick, lick.

“...”

Smack, smack.

“...”

Creak.

“Lilith, I brought the warm milk you asked....”

“...”

“...”

“...Pardon me...”

Isabel had entered briefly but quickly retreated, leaving us alone once she realized the situation. Thanks to her, we could continue our moment in uninterrupted peace.

Though hesitant at first, Ethan’s kiss grew more fervent. He placed a hand behind my head, pulling me closer as we deepened the kiss, both of us reliving the emotions we once shared.

Smooch.

“Hah... hah...”

“...Hah...”

We eventually pulled away, breathless from the intense kiss. Ethan’s once-pale face was now flushed with life, while my own cheeks burned.

“Do you understand now, Young Lord Ethan? I still hold these feelings for you.”

“Yes... I understand completely.”

“Do you really think, after all this, that I wouldn’t want to see you? Or that I’d wish for harm to come to you?”

“...I’m sorry, Lilith. I won’t say things like that again.”

“As long as you understand.”

At least he seemed more at ease now. If he had continued to spiral like that, we wouldn’t have been able to hold a real conversation. It struck me how his impatience reminded me a bit of myself. In a way, it felt like we were truly two of a kind.

A week passed since Ethan and I had that emotional reconciliation, each acknowledging our own faults.

According to the timeline, it was now around the end of the first semester of the fourth year at Luminor Academy. Realizing that Ethan hadn’t been able to graduate because of all this, I felt a pang of worry. But Harold assured me he had taken care of it, so I could finally relax.

“So, Young Lord Ethan... I mean, Ethan, is currently on a leave of absence, right?”

“Yes, Miss Lilith. And Lord Harold has also arranged your leave, so you can return to school whenever you’re ready.”

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“That’s a relief, truly.”

Knowing that this issue was resolved eased my mind. I had been anxious, thinking that Ethan’s education might have been impacted because of me.

And to hear that I could also return to my studies whenever I was ready... it brought a sense of comfort. Graduating from Luminor Academy alongside Ethan would be a joy.

...Although returning next semester wasn’t an option for me just yet.

“I suppose I won’t be able to re-enroll until sometime next year.”

“Yes, for your health, it’s best for you to stay here for at least another semester.”

“It’s fortunate, though. I never thought Lord Harold’s position as an academy professor would be so useful.”

“I’m also grateful to my father. If he hadn’t pushed me, I wouldn’t have had the courage to leave and search for you.”

“Hm, I see.”

Since earlier, it felt like Ethan and I had swapped roles, with him acting as my personal butler now. This arrangement was his idea, a way for him to make amends.

Since I had spent almost a decade as Ethan’s personal maid, I’d suggested that he act as my butler whenever we were alone.

Not that I desired this—it was purely for Ethan’s benefit. Without something like this, he wouldn’t feel like he was truly making up for his actions, which might end up frustrating him further.

“Ethan, it’s about time for my bath. Could I trouble you for assistance today as well?”

“Yes, Miss Lilith.”

“I’m feeling a bit weak... would you mind carrying me? Perhaps in a princess carry?”

“Anything you wish, Miss Lilith.”

...Not that I was enjoying this situation or anything. Really, it was just because Ethan insisted.