Tilea's Worries

Miless was troubled.

The other day, she received an invitation to dinner from Timu-chan's elder sister. Once again, it was on high-quality paper, sealed with a wax stamp—just the sort of refined paper you’d expect to see used for diplomatic correspondence between nations.

The content was an invitation to a meal.

The letter expressed gratitude for being Timu-chan's friend and mentioned that the writer wanted to talk about various things regarding Timu-chan, and as a token of appreciation, wanted to treat Miless to a meal. The writer earnestly requested Miless to come.

The writing, while polite, wasn’t particularly refined. There were awkward phrases and odd sentence structures. Not a single difficult word was used.

Yet, the feelings of the person who wrote it were clearly conveyed. The image of a kind, caring elder sister who deeply cares for Timu-chan emerged from the letter.

Miless preferred this kind of straightforward letter to one that tried to sound overly sophisticated.

Yes, she seemed like a really nice person. Someone Miless would like to get to know better.

From the letter, it seemed like the elder sister preferred peace over conflict. You could almost picture a peaceful future where the sisters happily ran a café together...

But that image didn’t match the current reality at all.

Right in front of Miless were several nobles who had opposed Timu-chan, now being forced to bow in submission, all kneeling in a line.

Ugh, it was a harsh and hostile world.

Anasie-senpai had rounded up those who had been plotting behind the scenes to get rid of Timu-chan.

Miless looked at the bowing figures.

Every single one of them was a high-ranking noble who had been strutting around the academy, bullying the weak and acting as if they owned the place.

Now, they were all completely exhausted, shadows of their former selves.

From what she heard, their prized bodyguards had been beaten down by Timu-chan, and their families were now tightly held by Anasie-senpai, who had gathered evidence of all their past misdeeds.

Politically, they were already at the mercy of the Anasie family. It wouldn’t be surprising if their entire families were imprisoned or executed at any moment.

And Timu-chan was wielding the Anasie family like an extension of her own power.

These nobles surely understood their fate was entirely in Timu-chan’s hands. One word from her, and their houses would be destroyed.

That must be why they were crying and desperately begging, tears and snot streaming down their faces.

Timu-chan, however, looked at them with disinterest, completely ignoring their pleas.

They were crying out so much their voices were hoarse, and their faces were a mess of tears and drool.

They brought this upon themselves…

Regardless, ignoring them won’t solve anything.

It’s time to decide whether to forgive them or punish them, and bring this matter to a conclusion.

"Camilla-sama, they are indeed scum. But since we haven’t suffered any harm, maybe you could at least hear them out?"

"Miless, these worms are not yet in a position to be granted words from Camilla-sama. They are far too arrogant, which is why Camilla-sama hasn’t spoken to them yet," Anasie-senpai interjected from the side.

She glared at the nobles.

Huh!? But they’re already kneeling and bowing...

Is this still considered arrogant?

"S-Stop it! We’re bowing as low as we can! What more do you want!?"

They had a point. Miless could understand their frustration.

While she stood there bewildered, trying to make sense of it, Anasie-senpai spoke again.

"Damn it, you thickheaded scum. Listen up—your heads are too high. This is the presence of Camilla-sama!"

Anasie-senpai began forcefully pushing down on the heads of the bowing nobles.

Their heads, already low to the ground, were pressed even lower by Anasie-senpai until they were practically lying flat on the ground.

Finally, their foreheads touched the ground.

"Now, you’re in the proper position to receive Camilla-sama’s words."

"Indeed, thank you, Anasie," Timu-chan said, nodding with satisfaction at their new posture.

"Um, what exactly is this…?"

"This is called ‘doge-né,’" Anasie-senpai explained.

"Doge-né!?"

"Miless, simply bowing is far too arrogant. In the presence of Camilla-sama, vermin like them should be on the same level as the ground."

Anasie-senpai’s explanation made sense. Their heads were indeed as low as they could go.

But still, isn’t this just lying face down?

As a gesture of submission, it’s a bit too novel. Without an explanation, you’d never understand what it’s supposed to mean.

But if Timu-chan and Anasie-senpai are satisfied, then I guess it’s fine.

Miless took another look at the nobles lying flat on the ground.

Even in that position, they were mumbling something.

However, with their faces pressed against the ground, it was impossible to understand what they were saying.

"Raise your heads."

At Timu-chan’s command, the nobles lifted their faces, but they couldn’t raise their heads much, so they remained in an awkward, turtle-like position. They resumed their desperate pleas.

Sigh... What a sight.

Not long ago, these people had been enjoying their positions of power, bullying others with their authority. And now, here they were, cowering before a commoner like Timu-chan, lying flat on the ground.

With their faces pressed against the dirt, they were in no position to resist. They could only flap their mouths and beg for forgiveness.

It was an utterly humiliating position for a noble to be in. When you think about it, doge-né is the ultimate posture of defeat.

"This doge-né is something else, isn’t it?"

"Indeed. I was shocked when I first learned about it from my elder sister. It was a real eye-opener. Who knew there was a posture even lower than bowing?"

"Haha…"

"Fufu, Miless, you seem impressed. As expected of my elder sister."

When Timu-chan elaborated further, she mentioned that there was an even more extreme form of subservience called the Inugami-ke, which took bowing to its ultimate form.

The method…

Ugh, the more I hear about it, the more it sends chills down my spine. It’s terrifying.

"Noooo!!"

The nobles who had been lying flat on the ground screamed in terror when they heard about the fate of the Inugami-ke.

They cried and pleaded for their lives with renewed desperation. Their desperation now was on a whole other level.

I completely understood their feelings. No one would want to die in such a horrible way.

Having thrown away all pride, the nobles eventually offered all of their hidden wealth and pledged to devote everything they had to Timu-chan, for the rest of their lives.

Their spirits were truly broken. From now on, they would be at Timu-chan’s beck and call.

Timu-chan responded by saying, "I shall keep you as livestock."

It was a complete master-slave relationship.

Honestly, I didn’t know what to think anymore.

What’s certain is that the tale of the Inugami-ke was the final push that made them submit so easily.

Doge-né and Inugami-ke... These are methods of subjugation I’ve never even heard of before. The fact that Timu-chan’s elder sister came up with them…

Once again, the image of Timu-chan’s elder sister wavered in my mind.

I really can’t figure out who she is.

Days passed with Miless mulling over the image of Timu-chan’s elder sister...

And then, the day of the dinner arrived.

Miless followed the directions on the map.

The place was in a corner of the West Street. It was a street where shops and residential houses coexisted—a far cry from the district where noble mansions were concentrated. It was an area full of commoner houses.

However, considering that Timu-chan lived here, there might be an extraordinary mansion standing there.

With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, Miless finally arrived at her destination.

...Hmm, just an ordinary house.

To be precise, it was a regular restaurant.

The sign read "Belm Restaurant." The menu of the day was written on a board propped up beside the door.

The appearance of the place was unremarkable. It was a reasonably sized establishment. However, being a restaurant, the surrounding area was spotlessly clean.

The well-maintained entrance gave a good impression, and the colorful flowers planted nearby added a cheerful touch. If Miless didn’t know any better, she would have been drawn to this charming shop and would have become a regular.

But this was Timu-chan’s home. She couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Of course, it was her first time being invited to Timu-chan’s house, so there was some excitement.

However, just thinking about meeting Timu-chan’s elder sister made her throat go dry and her breathing difficult. Anxiety and nervousness filled most of her heart.

Miless had heard countless stories about Timu-chan’s elder sister. Even if you took them with a grain of salt, she was an extraordinary person.

Swallowing hard, Miless reached out to the doorknob.

Her hand trembled with nervousness and anxiety.

Once she stepped through this door, there was no turning

 back...

"Miless, what are you doing, loitering at the entrance of the store?"

"A-Ah, Camilla-sama!"

While Miless was hesitating at the entrance, Timu-chan appeared.

Timu-chan in casual clothes looked so cute!

Her hair was styled in twin-tails, and she was dressed in a frilly outfit. While her uniform looked good on her, this outfit was adorable too.

"M-Miless!"

"Eh? Is something wrong?"

"What on earth are you wearing?"

My clothes!?

Yes, that's right.

I had been invited to a dinner by Timu-chan’s elder sister. In the letter, it was mentioned that casual attire would be fine. But considering that the invitation came from the same terrifying person who invented the "doge-né" bow—and not to mention, Timu-chan’s elder sister, the queen among queens—I couldn’t possibly show up in just casual clothes. So I put on a formal dress, the kind reserved for high-ranking noble or royal parties.

"Well, it’s not exactly casual because—"

"Miless, even though she said casual attire was fine, there’s a limit. Did you really come in such rags? This is an invitation from my esteemed elder sister... although, since she specified casual, I guess this is acceptable. But still..."

Sorry to burst your bubble, Timu-chan, but this is my best outfit.

I could feel a bit of a disconnect in our thinking.

Hmm, I knew it. I shouldn’t have taken the letter at face value. Even if it says it's an informal gathering, proper manners will probably still be expected.

"Camilla-sama, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Well, about the manners for today’s dinner... how formal should I be?"

"Hmm, as per my elder sister’s instructions, you don’t need to worry about formality. It’s completely informal."

"Really?"

"Of course. My elder sister’s commands are absolute."

"Okay, but I should at least observe some basic manners, right?"

"That’s true. Just follow the etiquette we learned in that recent class."

"Y-You mean the class on the highest level of manners required for an audience with the king...?"

"Exactly, that level should suffice for today."

N-No way.

I can't rely on Timu-chan, who adores her elder sister, for this. I’ll just have to figure it out myself by analyzing her sister’s personality.

"Um, Camilla-sama, what kind of person is your elder sister? Is she strict about manners and etiquette?"

"Miless, how many times must I tell you? My elder sister does not concern herself with such trivial matters. She is great and merciful."

"Right, I remember now."

"Indeed. Even someone as insignificant as you, akin to a mere microbe, will be treated with love by my elder sister."

"I-I see..."

"Miless, today you shall learn the proper conduct of a slave."

Alright, I've made up my mind.

I'll greet her with the most formal bow I can muster.

With that, Timu-chan went inside, saying she needed to help with the cooking preparations. If Timu-chan is entrusted with such tasks, her sister must truly be an incredible person.

Timu-chan has likely already informed her sister that I’ve arrived. I can't keep hesitating here.

I steeled myself and stepped inside the shop.

"Welcome!"

A beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes greeted me.

A warm smile!?

And she’s beautiful. A hundred out of a hundred people would call her beautiful.

Her golden hair shone, unlike Timu-chan’s silver hair. She didn’t radiate that sharp, cutting aura like Timu-chan either. This person exuded a classical beauty.

Could this be Timu-chan’s elder sister? Is this Tilea?

She’s nothing like what I imagined. Completely different. Unbelievably different! 

"U-Um, excuse me, are you Tilea-sama?"

"Yes, that’s me."

...This is her!?

Timu-chan had described her as the most majestic, profound, and powerful being—a ruler among rulers.

But looking at her, I couldn't believe it.

Wait! This isn’t right.

I was just standing there, stunned.

I quickly knelt down and offered a deep, formal bow.

"I-I apologize for the rudeness! I am Miless Vincent, the daughter of the Third Royal Equerry, Vincent Kuza. I am deeply honored to be invited to your residence. It is a great—"

"Oh my, what an impressive introduction. Wow, I'm really surprised. As expected of a lady from a noble family."

"Y-Yes?"

I accidentally looked up at her without permission.

Tilea stood there, looking at me with a slightly puzzled expression.

Wait! This is wrong.

"I-I apologize for the rudeness. Once again, I—"

"Ah, stop, stop! There’s no need to be so formal."

"But... um..."

I didn’t want to offend her and end up like the victims of the Inugami-ke.

"Oh, don’t be so nervous. I’m just a commoner, far below someone with your noble title."

"Commoner...?"

Yes, she’s definitely like Timu-chan. While the way she speaks is different, there’s absolutely no deference towards the royal family’s titles or positions.

No, that’s not quite it. Tilea isn’t even interested in the royal family or the nobility.

If she were truly a commoner, she would either shrink back or grovel. But there was none of that tension in Tilea at all.

"A-Are you really just a commoner?"

"Yes, a genuine commoner. A proud one at that."

A proud commoner!? I knew it!

"Could it be that you’re secretly of royal descent?"

"No way. That’s not what I meant. I’m saying that bloodlines and family status don’t matter."

"Family status doesn’t matter...?"

"That’s right. Today is not about that. I’ve invited you purely because you’re Timu’s friend. You’re not here to boast about your noble status, right?"

"O-Of course not. That’s not my intention at all."

"Good. Today’s going to be fun."

"Th-Thank you. I’m very glad to be invited."

She thinks of me as Timu-chan’s friend. That alone made me happy.

I couldn’t help but smile.

"Fufu, though, I do have a bit of an ulterior motive. It’s not just about saying thanks."

Tilea smiled slyly.

A chill ran down my spine.

She’s Timu-chan’s elder sister, the one who’s planning to take control of the academy with overwhelming charisma. She didn't invite me here just because I'm Timu-chan’s friend.

What’s the real purpose behind inviting me?

Worry began to cloud my thoughts.

"W-What’s your goal?"

C-Could it be, just as Timu-chan said, she wants to turn me into a slave or a puppet?

"Fufu, yes, I do have a goal... I want more than just to thank you. If I’m being greedy, I’d like to become friends with you too."

"F-Friends?"

"Yes. I was curious about what kind of girl would show up, but now I’m relieved. You’re someone I can trust with Timu."

"E-Eh!? Me?"

"Timu was so happy when she said you were her friend, wasn’t she? I want you to keep being her friend. And I hope you’ll become my friend too."

"Heh."

"Well, think about it. But for now, let’s just enjoy the meal."

She’s a nice person. Just like in the letter.

"Um, Tilea-sama..."

"Oh, come on, enough with the ‘-sama.’ Just call me Tilea."

"No, that’s too much to ask."

"I told you, there’s no need to be so tense. Oh, I see. You’re the type who can’t call someone older than you by their name alone, right?"

"Y-Yes. But—"

It’s not just about age.

I was as scared of you as I would be of a demon king, and yet, here you are, breaking down all my preconceived notions in the best way possible.

"Alright then. How about calling me Tilea-san or Tilea-neesan, whichever you prefer?"

I don’t dislike people like her. In fact, I like them. If I hadn’t heard what Timu-chan said, I’d probably already be friends with her.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course! You can even call me Tilea-chi if you want."

Tilea-chi is a bit... uh, yeah.

"Then... Tilea-san?"

"Yes, yes, that’s fine. Let’s relax and enjoy today!"

"Y-Yes."

"Hmm, you’re still tense. Relax, relax!"

"Okay, Tilea-san."

I let go of some of my tension.

"Good, that’s better. Once again, I’m Tilea, Timu’s sister. I’m really happy to meet one of Timu’s friends."

"Really?"

"Of course! I’m so happy, I could burst! Let’s have a great time together!"

She’s trying to put me at ease with her cheerful greeting.

Tilea-san is so full of energy. Is she really Timu-chan’s elder sister?

She’s so different from the way Timu-chan described her. My mind can hardly keep up.

"Hehe, did I mess up?"

When I didn’t respond, she scratched her cheek awkwardly.

Fufu, her actions made me smile naturally.

Tilea-san is so kind. I could tell she was trying to ease my nervousness.

There’s something endearing about her slightly silly side... Wait, what am I thinking! I can’t let my guard down! This is Timu-chan’s elder sister, the Queen

 of Queens, the person who came up with the doge-né and the Inugami-ke.

I lightly slapped my cheeks to regain my composure.

"Tilea-sama, once again, thank you for inviting me."

"Ugh, back to that formal tone... Oh well. Standing around talking isn’t the best. Miless-chan, have a seat."

She invited me to sit with the friendliness of a neighborhood aunt.

I really can’t figure her out. She has this charm that makes me want to get closer to her.

For now, I sat down at the table, determined not to make any mistakes.

Soon after, Timu-chan, now dressed in a maid outfit, brought out the food. The feast was just beginning.