Demon Prince 12

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Chapter 12. Servants 3

Nice to meet you!

I am Lili, a member of the Rabbit People!

My mom works as a maid at the Demon Lord's castle, and even though I'm only ten, I got hired as an apprentice.

"Lili, you’ll be taking care of Jun-sama and Yuu-sama alongside Noella."

"Okay, got it!"

"It will be tough, but Noella will teach you well. You’re not much older than Jun-sama, so do your best."

Jun-sama is seven and Yuu-sama is four.

They chose me because they thought someone close in age would be good for them.

"So you’re Lili, Maria’s daughter. I am Noella."

"Yes! I start working today! Nice to meet you!"

"Such enthusiasm. Nice to meet you too."

"That’s my only good point! Please teach me everything!"

This is Noella... She has beautiful silver hair and red eyes. Tall and slender…

Her chest is about the same size as mine?

She’s very beautiful.

"First, let’s start by cleaning Jun-sama’s room."

"Yes!"

We head to Jun-sama’s room.

As expected, the Demon Lord’s castle is huge.

There are many rooms and expensive-looking artworks.

It’s so big I might get lost…

Knock, knock

"Come in."

"Excuse us, Jun-sama."

"Excuse us!"

Inside Jun-sama’s room, there were two children.

This one must be Jun-sama. The other girl must be Yuu-sama.

"Noella, what’s up?"

"We’re here to clean your room."

"I see. Thank you."

For a seven-year-old, Jun-sama is quite tall...

He has a cute face like a girl’s, with smooth hair. I’m a bit jealous since my hair is curly.

If he wasn’t dressed in boys’ clothes, he’d look like a girl.

"Jun-sama, Yuu-sama. This is Maria’s daughter, Lili. She’ll be serving you alongside me."

"I’m Lili! Nice to meet you!"

"Maria’s daughter, huh? I’m Jun. Nice to meet you. This is my sister, Yuu."

"I’m Yuu. Nice to meet you."

This smart-looking girl must be Yuu-sama.

I heard Jun-sama is very intelligent and talented, and it seems Yuu-sama is quite smart for a four-year-old.

She has striking hair with black and gold mixed together and heterochromatic eyes—green on the right and black on the left.

With such a refined face, she’ll grow up to be stunningly beautiful.

I might just end up being her backdrop. Sigh. But why is Yuu-sama looking at me like…

It feels like she’s sizing me up.

It’s a bit scary.

"While they’re cleaning, let’s practice magic in the garden. Come on, Yuu."

"Okay, big brother!"

But when Jun-sama takes her hand and invites her to practice magic, she immediately smiles.

It’s a big change from earlier.

"They’re really close siblings, aren’t they?"

"Yes. It’s heartwarming to watch. Let’s start cleaning."

Time to start cleaning!

At home, I helped with chores, so cleaning should be…

"No good. The sheets are wrinkled."

"Ouch."

"There’s still dirt here."

"Ouch."

"This spot is also not clean."

"Ouch."

Noella is strict…

But…

"Next is Yuu-sama’s room."

"Yes."

As my mom said, Noella teaches well.

And…

"You did well."

"Thank you!"

She praises me when I do well. She might be a kind person.

"Um, can I ask you something?"

"Yes. What is it?"

"Can I call you Noella-senpai?"

"Senpai…?"

Oops, she’s blinking in surprise. Did I say something weird?

"Senpai, huh? It doesn’t sound bad. I don’t mind."

"Yay! Nice to meet you, Noella-senpai!"

"Yes. Nice to meet you, Lili."

I think I’m starting to get along with Noella-senpai.

"Next is preparing lunch."

"Yes!"

"Normally, we maids eat after the Demon Lord and Lady Elisa, but when they can’t dine together, Jun-sama and Yuu-sama prefer us to eat with them."

"Really?"

That’s a bit unusual.

"Yes, Jun-sama thinks it’s more enjoyable."

"I see."

Usually, masters don’t eat with their servants.

But I’m glad we get to eat together.

"It might be unusual, but food tastes better when eaten together, right?"

"Hehe, indeed. Today, the Demon Lord and Lady Elisa are out, so let’s start preparing."

"Yes!"

Yay, I was really hungry—hehe.

"Let’s eat."

""""Let’s eat!""""

Lunch is ready, and it’s time to eat.

It looks delicious!

I didn’t expect Jun-sama and Yuu-sama to eat the same food as us servants.

"It’s fine. This is tasty too."

I thought the Demon Lord’s children would be more aloof, but they’re not, which is a relief.

Today’s meal includes Jun-sama, Yuu-sama, Noella-senpai, her brother Sebas, and me.

Today’s food was prepared by Sebas.

It’s really delicious.

"Isn’t it usually the cooks who make the food?"

"I love cooking, so I help out sometimes."

Sebas seems a bit casual, but as Noella-senpai’s brother, he’s impressive.

Noella-senpai is a succubus, but Sebas is a demon.

With deep blue hair and black eyes, he looks quiet but speaks roughly. Still, he’s handsome.

"Sebas’s cooking is great."

"Thanks, Jun-sama."

"Please don’t praise my brother too much, Jun-sama. He tends to mess up when he gets cocky."

"What was that, Noe… Nothing."

Sebas seems to struggle with his sister.

He goes silent when she glares at him.

Lunch is over, and it’s time for the afternoon tasks.

"In the afternoon, we assist with Jun-sama and Yuu-sama’s studies or magic training."

"Uh…"

What should I do?

I can’t use magic… I have no aptitude for it…

"Noella-senpai, I can’t use magic…"

"You can’t?"

"Not at all…"

"I see… But today is a study day. You should learn with them. Sometimes, we have to protect our masters. You need to learn some skills."

"Yes…"

I’m not good at fighting, but I know I need to protect Jun-sama and Yuu-sama.

My mom said that too… I have to do my best.

I’m pretty good with a bow, but will that be enough?

After the brain-draining magic studies, it’s time to prepare the bath.

"We help Jun-sama and Yuu-sama in the bath."

"What?!"

Wait, isn’t that too soon for me?

"Do I have to join too?"

"Of course."

"But I’m a girl."

"I know."

"Noella-senpai, you’re a girl too, right?"

"Of course."

"And Jun-sama is a boy, right?"

"He’s cute but a boy."

I can’t find a way out…

"Listen, Lili."

"Y-Yes."

"As maids, we must respond perfectly to our masters’ needs. Whether it’s the bath, the bedroom, or the garden, we must comply perfectly."

"Wait a minute, Noella-senpai! That’s strange! Especially the last part! And wipe your drool!"

In this short time, my image of the capable Noella-senpai is crumbling…

"And I’m only ten."

"Jun-sama is seven. It balances out."

"Isn’t it too soon?"

"Yes, it might be a bit early… But Jun-sama is the son of the Demon Lord and Lady Elisa. It wouldn’t be surprising if he matures early…"

"No, that’s not right. I’ll bathe alone."

"Oh, Jun-sama."

Thank goodness, Jun-sama stopped her.

"Perfect timing, Jun-sama. Let’s go together…"

Or not. Do I have to brace myself?

"That’s enough, Noella."

Oh, this man is…

"Father…"

"Every time, Noella."

This is Noella and Sebas’s father, Sebastan.

"You must be Lili. Maria speaks highly of you."

"Yes, I’m Lili! Nice to meet you!"

He seems kind.

Sebastan is one of the oldest servants and is highly trusted by the Demon Lord.

With white hair and a neat beard, he’s the epitome of a butler.

He’s like the perfect butler from a romance novel.

"Now, Jun-sama, take your time. Lili, come with me."

"Yes!"

"Thank you, Sebastan."

"Ugh."

I thought I heard Noella-senpai clicking her tongue, but it must be my imagination.

Is this always how it is…

The first day was tough, but I managed to get through it.

With help from my mom and Sebastan, I made it.

And one day…

"Lili, I have a favor to ask..."

"What is it, Jun-sama?"

"Can I touch your ears and tail?!"

"What?"

Jun-sama’s eyes are sparkling.

For some reason, Noella-senpai and Yuu-sama’s eyes are also gleaming.

"No, that’s not…"

Noella-senpai is staring at me.

Her eyes are saying…

"A maid must always be ready…"

"Okay… go ahead…"

"Thank you!"

Why did it come to this…

"Oh, they’re so soft and warm. Fluffy and nice to touch…"

"Ouch."

Jun-sama, please don’t say such things!

"Thank you, Lili. Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes. I’m fine."

It’s a lie. I feel weak…

Did Jun-sama know?

It’s an old custom, but the ears and tail of beast people are only touched by their promised one…