The dinner ended sooner than expected, and Ronan took his leave first.
He wanted to see something. His attention remained on Lucia.
As expected, Lucia followed behind him.
Ronan didn't miss what that meant. Instead of staying with his father and sister like the head maid was supposed to, she came alongside him.
There was definitely some type of deeper relationship between the older maid and Ronan that he didn't know about.
But that wasn't enough to trust her.
Ronan had to test her.
"Lucia," Ronan called out to the maid. "What did you think of the dinner?"
"May I ask what you mean, Young Master?"
"Don't worry, Lucia. I do not have any hidden meaning behind that question. It's a simple question."
That was a lie. There was a hidden meaning behind the question.
"I think…" Lucia started, unable to figure out what to say. "I think Young Master has changed."
Ronan smiled as he turned to her, one eyebrow cocked up.
"Oh? How so?"
"I caught you reading Young Master… that is completely unlike you. And the way you stood up to your father– The Lord. It was very peculiar. It was very unlike you."
"Unlike me, you say? You act as if you know me."
Ronan made sure his tone was very precise. Teasing enough so it couldn't be taken seriously, but serious enough to invoke a reaction.
And invoke a reaction it did.
"Don't insult me, Young Master," Lucia huffed. "I am certain out of everyone in this household, I am the one who knows the Young Master the best."
Ronan didn't say anything, allowing her to continue.
"I have taken care of the Young Master since he was a child. Since I was but a lowly maid in this grand family. Even when everyone considered you as trash, even if everyone now thinks you're useless – I know the Young Master well. I know deep down you are a kind young boy, and I will not lose faith in you so easily!"
Lucia was very passionate.
Ronan internally smirked.
He was learning more about the personal dynamics between himself and the head maid, and he was correct in his assumption that the head maid, Lucia, and himself had a deeper relationship than just maid and master.
Ronan was aware of one thing – his mother had died when he was born. Perhaps Lucia had taken over the role of a mother figure in his life?
Whatever the case was, this was very useful information.
"You flatter me, Lucia. If we are to be honest, you have more respect in this household than I do."
Ronan laughed bitterly.
Lucia shook her head.
"Don't say that, Young Master. If it weren't for you doing all those things when you were a child to save me from the wrath of the previous head maid, perhaps I would not be here now."
Lucia's tone was solemn and grateful.
Ronan smiled.
"I simply did what was necessary back then."
Lucia's tone turned warm, as if she had reunited with someone long forgotten.
"Young Master, I have much hope for you. I am certain you will pass the entrance exam and prove Lord Ashbourne wrong."
There it is.
It was subtle, but Lucia showed favor towards Ronan over Lord Ashbourne.
Ronan walked by Lucia in silence, the older maid understanding the deep conversation was now over. She had a content expression on her face.
When Ronan reached the room, he stopped in front of his door, turning to Lucia.
"Lucia… I have a favor to ask of you."
"A favor…?"
Ronan nodded, his expression calm.
"That's right. Nothing too difficult… just something I'd like to keep between us."
"Of course, young master."
There was no hesitation.
Ronan nodded.
"I will be training tonight…" he paused. "Alone."
Lucia's eyes widened.
Ronan continued.
"And I will be leaving the Ashbourne premises. I'd like you to keep this between us."
Lucia's expression didn't instantly change, but he saw it. The way she gripped her maid outfit.
"Alone… Young Master?"
"Yes. And I would prefer if you would keep it a secret if asked."
She paused.
"I believe that may not be wise."
Lucia stated her hesitation with the offer… but her voice didn't carry defiance.
Ronan tilted his head slightly.
"Why not?"
Lucia's brows furrowed.
"Young Master… you are not experienced with mana. And on top of that, you wish to leave the premises. Forgive me for feeling like this may not be the best idea."
"You're afraid something will go wrong."
"That's right–"
"It won't."
Ronan cut her off.
Lucia hesitated.
"Young Master, that is not something you can guarantee," she replied. "If Lord Ashbourne were to find out I allowed you to do this–"
"So it's about responsibility?" Ronan asked, as if he understood where she was coming from, if that were the case.
Lucia shook her head.
"Only partially… but also if I allowed you to go out on your own and you got injured, I'm not sure I could forgive myself either."
"So this is about my safety?"
Lucia nodded silently, unable to look him in the eyes.
Ronan took a step forward and grabbed Lucia's shoulders lightly.
"Lucia… you said you trust me," Ronan forced her to look him in the eye. "If I want to pass the exam in two days, I need to do this."
Lucia didn't respond.
"You said that I have changed, isn't that right?"
Lucia's lips parted, but I cut her off before she could speak.
"Then trust me to know what I am doing. And let me put my trust in you."
Ronan held her gaze.
Lucia seemed incredibly shocked by his sudden speech.
But he didn't push further.
This decision had to be hers.
At the end of the day, that was what decided if he could make use of her or not.
He had to leave room for her to refuse.
"...Very well."
Lucia exhaled.
"But please be back before midnight."
Ronan grinned.
"I can promise that much."