Chapter 253 The other side of the morning?
These events took place some hours before the last chapter.
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(POV: Akashic Records)
On the other side, dawn broke upon Lucretia and Simone's morning routine.
With the first light of day barely peeking over the horizon, Simone stirred from her slumber, stretching her limbs with a pleasant groan.
Simone murmured to herself, "I suppose it's time," as she gracefully rose from her bed.
In the corner of the room, a crystal on the nightstand was emitting a faint glow.
Simone focused her magical energy onto it, causing the light to cease its pulsating.
"( Lady Lucretia calls this an alarm. By infusing it with magical energy for a specific duration, the crystal converts seconds into hours. It seems to be working so far... After infusing it for 9 seconds, the crystal flashed consistently after 9 hours had passed. Lady Lucretia really is an innovative woman... )"
Satisfied with its stillness, she shed her flowing nightgown and slipped into her comfortable jogging clothes.
She pulled on her favorite hat before making her way towards the door.
However, her steps halted as she gazed upon Lucretia, still lost in peaceful slumber.
"( She should rest for just a few hours, and then I'll wake her... )"
Simone smiled gently.
As Simone departed their cozy abode, she was wandering out of the grand cabin nestled within the lush campus grounds, a place reserved exclusively for Lucretia and herself.
Unlike the other members of the staff who resided in their assigned quarters in the residential block, she and Lucretia chose this secluded retreat as their abode. n0velUsb.C0m
Her morning routine became a ritual.
An invigorating run around the campus.
The pounding of her footsteps echoed in the stillness.
Each stride allowed her to connect with the sprawling expanse of the school.
The run not only honed her physical fitness but also provided a respite for her mind, allowing her thoughts to flow freely and without constraint.
As she jogged along, concentrating on the path ahead, a familiar voice suddenly sounded.
"Simone!"
She continued running.
"Simone!!"
"Hm?"
Lumiere's enthusiastic call reached her ears, accompanied by his wave of greeting.
With a graceful turn, Simone faced the source of the voice.
She continued to jog on one spot.
Lumiere and Anastasia finally caught up to Simone.
Lumiere panted slightly, catching his breath as he smiled at her.
"Simone, Yo."
Simone, with an indifferent look, bowed her head respectfully.
"Good day," she greeted them politely,.
Lumiere shook his head, chuckling. "You don't have to do that, Simone."
Anastasia, standing beside Lumiere, mirrored his gesture and bowed her head as well.
"Greetings, Simone," she said.
Lumiere pulled back the hood of his hoodie, revealing his tied black hair. "I had no idea you were into early morning jogs," he admitted, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Simone nodded.
"Yes, I do," she replied, formal as always. "Although I tend to start a bit earlier than you two."
Which would explain why they hadn't met during Lumiere and Anastasia?s early morning jogs before now.
"Oh," Lumiere stopped rubbing his chin. "That's cool, I guess..."
Suddenly, Lumiere's gaze shifted, his eyes darting around as if he was searching for something.
Sensing his uneasiness, Simone spoke up. "Don't worry, Lady Lucretia isn't around today," she assured him.
Lumiere let out a sigh of relief, wiping the beads of sweat from his brow.
"Phew," he exclaimed, grateful.
"So, you really are scared of her, huh?" Simone asked, remaining calm.
Lumiere stammered, trying to brush off the suggestion.
"N-No, of course not," he denied.
Anastasia nodded several times. "You totally are."
"( Yep. )" (Lumiere)
"Which means, you don't like her anymore," said Simone.
"Eh?" he said.
Simone, straightforward as always. "Lady Lucretia... Do you like her?"
"I don't get it..." said Lumiere.
Anastasia, who was listening attentively, interjected, sounding slightly puzzled.
"Wait, am I missing something here? Why would you like Professor Lucretia?" she asked, seeking clarification.
Simone let out a small, knowing nod. "Never mind," she replied.
With a nod of farewell, Simone turned to continue her jog, her footsteps fading away in the distance.
Anastasia shook her head slightly, "Well that's weird."
"Yeah, tell me about it.." he replied.
...
Simone returned to the cabin.
She made her way swiftly towards her room.
With a gentle knock on the door, Simone entered, her steps cautious and respectful.
"Pardon my intrusion, Lady Lucretia," she greeted.
Lucretia, still in the midst of awakening, rubbed her left eye sleepily as she sat up in her bed. Her long, lustrous brown hair cascaded around her, a tangled mess.
"Ah, Simone, good morning," she replied, her voice husky from sleep.
Simone smiled warmly. "Good morning, Lady Lucretia," she responded.
She only ever smiled in the presence of Lucretia.
As Simone made her way towards the window, Lucretia lazily stood up, her huge nightgown brushing against the ground as she stretched out her arms, yawning widely.
The rays of sunlight flooded the room as Simone pulled the curtains apart, illuminating the space with a golden glow.
Simone's eyes darted down to Lucretia's clothing, a humble gesture to assist with dressing.
Gently, she pulled down Lucretia's nightgown to reveal her bare body.
Lucretia lacked voluptuous curves.
However, she possessed a beauty that charmed all who beheld her.
Easily, she was one of the kingdom's most beautiful women.
Lucretia was the lady that Simone served.
Originally, Simone and her father were poor commoners from the small village of Flute.
When Lucretia was eleven, she discovered the business potential of the village's resources, particularly a special type of black metal called Randite.
Simone and Lucretia crossed paths when Simone traveled to Flute.
This encounter became the turning point in Simone's life, leading her to become Lucretia's personal maid.
And as well, a close friend.
Simone gently opened the intricately carved drawers of Lady Lucretia's armoire, pulling out a fresh pair of delicate undergarments.
The black lace panties and matching brassiere, specially tailored for Lucretia's petite figure, was proof of the attention to detail that Simone had to every aspect of her lady?s life.
With utmost care, Simone assisted Lucretia in donning the lingerie, ensuring it fit snugly against her small waist and enhancing the subtle curves of her perky breasts.
Stepping back, Simone lowered her head in a respectful bow.
"Lady Lucretia, you look as elegant as always," she murmured.
There were a lot of men who had a thing for her elegant slender figure.
To Simone?s surprise, Lucretia's gaze wandered from her own chest to Simone's unassuming chest.
"Is anything the matter, Lady Lucretia?" she asked.
"Eh, can you come closer?" she requested.
Intrigued and slightly confused, Simone approached.
"So, is anything the ma..."
However, before she could even finish her sentence, Lucretia made her move, swiftly maneuvering behind Simone.
In a bold move, Lucretia reached out with both hands, cupping Simone's ample breasts, the touch firm yet surprisingly gentle.
Caught off guard, Simone gasped, a soft moan escaping her lips.
Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she stammered, her voice laced with a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
"W-What's the matter, Lady Lucretia?" she managed to utter.
Drawing in a longing breath, Lucretia released a wistful sigh, her hands lingering on Simone's breasts for a moment before retracting.
"Oh, Simone," she lamented softly. "If only my own breasts were as generous and plump as yours, yet still retain their youthful perkiness."
Simone's embarrassment heightened.
She only ever broke character around Lucretia because she knew who Simone really was.
In public however, Simone was the picture of competence as well as perfection.
Her voice trembled, the vulnerability palpable.
"My lady... I... I am flattered by your words," she confessed softly, her hand instinctively rising to cover her breasts. "But please, do not trouble yourself over such matters."
Gently, Lucretia cupped her small breasts.
"Why not... Doesn't Lumiere like big breasts...?"
"( Ah yes, the infamous topic... )" (Simone)