After hesitating for such a long time, Damian teased me with a frustrated face.


    What are you trying to say? Speak up, Lize, its fine.


    Uh  erm, Ill try.


    Whew.


    Damian nodded.


    Having been slightly encouraged by him, I carefully continued to speak.


    If someone were to care for another person because they had a characteristic the person liked


    Characteristic? What exactly is that?


    There are many things. Like whether youre good at work or youre young. something like that.


    Somehow, feeling a little discouraged, I sighed and shrugged my shoulders.


    I wanted to rte my exnation to an analogy where if a female cksmith could create knives, she should be able to cut radish but chose not to do so.


    I then looked at Damian with a determined face and continued.


    However  the persons characteristics wontst forever and will disappear.


    And then?


    What would you think of the person?


    Waiting for Damians answer, I swallowed my saliva dry.


    However, Damians reaction was nd, nothing like I had expected.


    I thought he was tilting his head, but he asked me back.


    Well?


    Hey, Im serious! I eximed.


    Having said that, I quickly controlled my emotions and stopped being peeved.


    Seeing my reaction, Damian shrugged his shoulders lightly as it couldnt be helped and continued.


    Well, if the reason I have that person by my side is only because he or she has that characteristic


    Then what? I asked.


    Then, if that characteristic disappears, wouldnt I naturally be distant from that person?


    Thud.


    The mop fell from my hand, rolling on the floor beforeing to a halt in a terribly loud way.


    My heart sank and I stiffened on the spot.


    Damian freaked out.


    Lize, your face, its pale all of a sudden?!


    Oh, its okay. Please continue with your exnation, I said with a straight face.


    No, the exnation is not important  !


    The exnation is important.


    I guess my eyes were quite imposing, seeing how Damian reacted.


    Damian flinched his shoulders.


    Well, um, anyway.


    .  Because there is only one characteristic, its rare or unlikely to be close with that person, right?


    Really?


    Damian, who seemed to ponder for a moment, asked me.


    But is that always so?


    I blinked my eyes.


    Damian spoke calmly.


    Only you can understand it in your own way because you have spent time with this other person.


    Well, that makes sense, too.


    I looked at Damian with a doubtful look.


    Then, Damian returned my gaze with a surprised but slightly irritated face.


    I told you what I thought, why are you looking at me like that?


    No, my thoughts are partially correct, but


    In my situation, the other person is the mother of the Great Empire of Winsor, the majesty, the Empress.


    I guess at the very least, I could set my mind on the time we spent together and the rtionship we built during that time.


    After all, I think it would be morefortable to think of at least one good time we had together.


    In such a situation, if you want to be with that person no matter what, its okay, said Damian.


    I licked my dry lips and asked a question.


    In that case, what should I do?


    Well, isnt it easier to develop new and attractive characteristics?


    Damian answered lightly.


    Thats right.


    I was relieved a little.


    Yeah, I wasnt approaching it the wrong way at all!


    It seemed like a good idea in the long run.


    Ill continue to work hard and be apetent maid in the future.


    Even if Im no longer a child, the Empress may consider me a useful person!


    For a brief moment, I was drenched in such a proud feeling.


    Hey, Lize. This is my opinion, though.


    Pardon?


    I looked back at Damian.


    It was rare to see such a serious expression on his face.


    I dont know how to exin it, but that kind of rtionship


    Damian narrowed his brow and asked me back.


    Isnt it a little strange?