A Changed Lord

Libert-sama's transformation was met with skepticism at first.

I, Anna, was the first to brush it off as wishful thinking. Yet, reality unfolded right before my eyes. After breakfast, Libert-sama rose from his seat, his gaze fixed on me.

A chill ran down my spine, fearing the unknown. But with the whole family present, he wouldn't resort to violence... right? I silently prayed for him to stick to his newfound decency. The fear of pain lingered within me; I dreaded the stinging sensation on my cheeks or arms.

It wouldn't be the first time, but the fear remained, for I am weak.

Trembling and with closed eyes, I braced myself...

After a few seconds, murmurs from my co-workers filled the room, and as I dared to peek, I saw Libert-sama bowing with his right hand over his heart—a gesture denoting sincerity among the elite of high society. Shocked, I stared at this surreal sight, my mind struggling to comprehend.

"L-Libert-sama...! What are you doing-"

Confusion and fear clashed within me. I wanted to scream, but the words got stuck. I longed to reach out, force him to stand tall again, but I couldn't touch him without permission. A mental conflict overwhelmed me as everyone, maids and the family alike, awaited his explanation.

"I don't expect forgiveness for what I've done, Anna, nor should any of the maids think that is my intention. Instead, seek medical help for your scars. I know it's beyond your means, but worry not—I'll pay the bill for everyone to show I've truly changed."

Once again, shock seized the room as the Lord applauded his son for the first time since I was brought to this family.

"That's a good idea. Fetch the doctor yourself, Libert."

A glimmer of hope flickered in my mind, a potential first step in reshaping his tarnished reputation. Even if this were a political move, I found myself moved.

Call me a fool, but I never truly despised the boy I had watched over for years...

"I shall, Father. But before that..."

His piercing red eyes settled on me, and I couldn't help but gulp. It was instinct to brace for impact, yet I stood my ground, curiosity overriding fear. I wasn't disappointed.

"I apologize. I won't raise my hands on you or any other maid again. If I ever do, report it to my Father. Let him decide my punishment, because I don't deserve protection. Still, thank you for taking my side all this time. I truly appreciate it."

His words sent shockwaves through the room. Lily-sama stared at Libert-sama as if he were an alien, while her Mother and Father were both so shocked their eyes almost popped out of their sockets, but my focus remained on him. It felt as though the cheerful boy I once knew and loved had suddenly returned.

The emotional weight was so high, tears filled my eyes as I smiled genuinely.

"I... will follow your orders, Libert-sama."

Sobbing through the words, I covered my eyes, embarrassed but also glad.

Libert-sama, my master, had recognized my efforts for the first time.

Hope and joy surged within me, and my anxiousness all but vanished. In this moment, I let my guard down to the point of feeling incredibly weak all of a sudden.

I didn't even realize I was falling until I was about to hit the ground. But, in a surprising turn, Libert-sama caught me in his arms, cushioning the fall.

I gazed at his face, stunned for the third time. My cheeks now burned as red as an apple.

Though we maintained a master and servant relationship, being only 5 years older than Libert-sama meant I wasn't immune to such situations. After all, I was still a maiden.

"...Excuse me for touching you. I know you hate it, but please bear with it until I get you on a proper bed."

Suddenly, he lifted me off the ground. "Li-Libert-sama?!?" My voice reached an embarrassingly high pitch. I instinctively put my hands over his neck to avoid falling.

I wanted to clarify that I didn't hate his touch, that I felt warm in his hands. But I couldn't bring myself to say it.

Part of me felt a little afraid, but how could I feel anything but gratitude when he was the one who just protected me?

I hated myself for not being able to express my feelings.

Rather than further embarrassing myself, I covered my face in sheer embarrassment, realizing everyone was likely more shocked than I was. Before I knew it, I was in my bed, Libert-sama placing a blanket over me.

"You must be exhausted because of me. I'm sorry. Rest for today; you don't have to work."

That wasn't the case at all...! I was probably fainting because I finally felt my tension disappearing after years of terror...

I wanted to say it, but my throat betrayed me. Overwhelmed by my feelings, I had no strength left. I couldn't do anything as my eyelids grew heavy.

"Good night."

His words, almost a whisper, lulled me to sleep.

---

When I opened my eyes, a somewhat older woman was staring at my arms. I overheard her saying,

"...She needs to apply ointment for a few months before such scars can recover. As for the lighter ones, just a few weeks will be enough. As for the reason she fainted, it's likely she went through too many emotions at once, so when she felt at peace, her body also relaxed in response. It's nothing serious, so don't worry."

So, Libert-sama really called a doctor for us...

The doctor left upon seeing me awake, leaving me alone with Libert-sama. I tried to raise myself and greet him properly, but he stopped me while making sure he didn't touch me.

He still thought I hated his touch...

"Don't. Just focus on recovering. I hired some temporary workers for you and the other maids to recover, so take all the time you may need."

I felt a surge of gratitude that threatened to bring tears, but I held them back. Crying would only add more shame.

"Libert-sama, you didn't have to do this. I could..."

He shook his head.

"You don't understand, Anna. Instead of making you all work until you collapse, it's much more efficient to let you rest. When you are in your peak condition again, you will be able to work comfortably."

Libert-sama put so much effort for us...

"...Thank you, Libert-sama."

But he seemed to have more on his mind. He went silent for a few seconds, and I sensed his hesitation.

"If Libert-sama has something to ask of me, please do so. I may be a bit weak at the moment, but I am still your personal maid."

Determination dripped out of my words as I was ready to obey any order...

My words seemed to break his hesitation.

"Well, I was thinking. When you get better, I would like to treat you to a meal. I know it's not within my rights to ask this of you, and you may hate that kind of request from me, but if you could do this just once, I would be satisfied and I won't bother you again."

At first, I didn't understand what he meant, but after properly registering his words...

"..."

Did he just ask me out on a date?

Me? A lowly maid?

I felt like my world had just flipped as I blinked multiple times and pinched my cheek to assure myself I wasn't dreaming.

Understanding it was no dream, my face once again went crimson as I covered it.

"...If that is what Libert-sama wants, I would be honored to follow your order-"

I was interrupted.

"That is no order, Anna. I am not ordering you to accept my selfish request-"

I could have let him continue, but I just couldn't take it anymore as words left my mouth, erupting with my true feelings.

"Please, Libert-sama, take me out on a date...!"

I was so embarrassed I was almost to the brink of tears again. After uttering these words, I covered myself with the blanket as I trembled.

'How could I say such a thing...ugh...'

He didn't reply for a few seconds. I peeked just above the blankets to look at him, but it seemed he was still staring at me as he smiled.

"As long as you are fine with me, I would be honored."

I couldn't avoid nodding a little. I never could have expected this to unfold this way.

Is it alright for me to really start hoping things would change from now on?