I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 4
The maid grinned playfully. Rufus stared intently at her.
She looked even younger than him, and her petite figure made her seem like a doll. Her hair, a pale ivory color, sparkled strand by strand in the sunlight like dew-kissed grass, and her smile etched around her rosy lips was warmer than spring.
“…Why are you telling me this?”
Rufus looked directly at the maid, who appeared younger than himself.
Today was the first time that he met the girl. She was a perfect stranger, yet the maid had revealed without hesitation that she was a saintess.
Saints received special treatment. Being born as a saint in the Kingdom of Hevania was considered a great blessing. Numerous noble families, temples, and even the royal family were eager to claim saints as their own. However, this maid, who had been born a saint, was living in such a lowly position.
What could be the reason?
For some unknown reason, she had clearly hidden her identity as a saint until now. But now, she had revealed it to a complete stranger.
People are unpredictable. Rufus could use her identity to gain favor with the king or, on the contrary, kidnap her and sell her to a noble.
Was she foolish, or was she crazy?
“A reason? Well, of course, it’s because of you.”
The maid looked at Rufus and smiled.
“Because of me?”
“Yes. You’re a precious person to me.”
Precious person?
Rufus unconsciously tilted his head in confusion. The maid nodded.
“You don’t understand yet, do you? But you’re the one who will share my destiny.”
“…I don’t understand what you mean.”
“That’s okay. You don’t have to understand it. Anyway, you’ll come back to me.”
The maid playfully grinned.
“And another reason I’ll give you is that there’s this look in your eyes that seemed like you were about face death right then and there.”
“A look?”
“Exactly. An expression that seemed like you were in agony, even though you weren’t really going to die anytime soon.”
Did he really look like that? He felt exposed, and his inner turmoil flared up.
“So, I told you because when you see someone in agony, it’s only natural to help them, right?”
The maid smiled as brightly as a sunflower.
“…”
Rufus couldn’t say a word. Emotions welled up inside him, too deep for words.
In his mind, he saw the faces of his grandmother and younger brother.
A sense of relief, hope, and a new dream.
If he could live after battling with demons.
If he could return with his limbs intact.
Maybe. Just maybe…
“Then, cheer up from now on. Don’t be too tense. After all, as a noble, you probably have strong magic, right?”
Having said that, the maid began to walk back towards where she had left her broom.
“Wait.”
Rufus hurriedly grabbed the hem of her sleeve.
“What’s your name?”
“My name?”
The maid’s eyes widened for a moment, but only briefly.
“I’m Sarubia.”
She quickly broke into an affectionate smile.
“Sarubia.”
“Yes, my name is Sarubia.”
Standing there with an awkward posture, Sarubia let out a small laugh.
“Strange name, isn’t it? Sarubia is definitely a red flower, but my hair is ivory.”
“It’s not strange at all. I will remember your name.
“You don’t have to. Just remember that I am a maid working in Princess Sordid’s palace.”
“No, I will certainly remember your name. After the demon extermination is over, I will definitely repay your kindness.”
Rufus insisted firmly. In the face of his persistence, Sarubia sighed softly.
“Well, if you insist, I won’t stop you. But can you do it now?”
“Now?”
“Yes, I have a request.”
This time, Rufus looked puzzled.
He was practically a pauper, with nothing to his name. Other than his modest title of baron that he would inherit, he had nothing valuable to offer. What could he possibly do for this maid?
Nothing.
He had nothing to give. Therefore, he prepared himself to politely apologize for not being able to fulfill any request she might have.
“Kiss me, please.”
“What?”
“I said you wanted to repay the favor, right? I want to kiss you.”
Sarubia playfully grinned.
“…”
Rufus blinked.
It was an answer he hadn’t expected at all.
Rufus had been preparing himself mentally. He was ready to hear any request, even to buy a house in the capital city for her.
But a kiss? This was completely unexpected.
