Sitting idly by Mia’s side had its limits. Before long, Claire noticed my absence in the water and dragged me back into the surf.
The sea in this world, much like the one in my previous life, was salty and slightly bitter. Claire’s exclamation of, *“Wow, it’s really salty!”* upon entering the water had a comedic undertone that lingered in the air. Even Alice, who had likely never visited the ocean before, timidly dipped her finger into the water for a taste. I made a mental note that, for the sake of preserving royal dignity, she would never utter those words aloud to anyone else.
Mia, who had stubbornly refused to join in, was eventually coaxed into the water as well. I did catch a glimpse of her forlornly setting down her tray of fruit, only for the sand to begin encroaching on it—a symbolic surrender. As is often the case, even the most steadfast claims of not entering the water eventually gave way, and soon enough, Mia was splashing and playing like the rest of us.
Leo, on the other hand, seemed increasingly aware of the attention drawn to him. He tried, unsuccessfully, to slip away from the group.
In a world where appearances often mirrored idealized game designs, everyone was naturally attractive. Yet, within this group were the "heroines," a collection of high-ranking and impossibly beautiful women. If the character Sylvia Fangryphon had existed in the original game, she would undoubtedly have been one of them as well.
Royalty, noble daughters, and heiresses—each woman here was almost untouchable, not just for their beauty but also for their social standing. Leo, a mere baron’s son, being among them invited envious and judgmental stares. He was, after all, the only male among a group of women clad in swimsuits.
The only one.
Jake, notably absent, was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Roti.
While it was easy to imagine Jake enjoying himself in the water, Roti was another story. In my mind, I could only picture her standing stiffly behind Jake, still wearing her maid’s headband, even in a black swimsuit.
---
My musings were cut short when I spotted them. Roti’s hair, unmistakable, disappeared behind a distant rock formation.
For any other pair, the imagination might conjure inappropriate scenarios. But this was Jake and Roti. Nothing of that sort would happen. They were two people, both deeply fond of each other, who somehow still kept a reserved distance.
I glanced back at the lively group before quietly slipping away.
What were those two talking about? Hopefully nothing too serious.
---
“...But ultimately, even that position is one granted by the logic of those who rule,” Roti’s voice drifted from behind the rocks.
“Accepting credit for something you haven’t earned is no different from the other noble heirs, is it?” she continued.
“That’s why you accept it first, use it to rise, and then build on your own accomplishments,” Jake replied, his tone measured.
Roti fell silent for a moment.
“This swimsuit... do you know how much it costs?” she eventually asked.
“Not really.”
“Honestly, neither do I. I simply picked it because I was told to. But I imagine it involves a significant amount of natural rubber and fabric, pressed and layered together. It’s not something meant for someone like me to wear—or even touch. Even this ‘break’ was arranged by you, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, I made it happen,” Jake admitted.
“And that’s precisely the point. All of this is possible because of you, young master. I...”
Roti trailed off, seemingly unable to finish her thought.
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---
“You two seem busy,” I interjected, stepping out from behind the rocks.
“Ah!” Roti flinched, startled by my sudden appearance.
“Apologies,” I said smoothly. “I couldn’t help but overhear.”
I turned to face Roti directly.
“Do you see the title I wish to bestow upon you as nothing more than charity?”
She averted her eyes, unable to respond.
“Let me ask you this. Do you believe that every gift, every opportunity Jake has given you—your position, your training, and yes, even this break—is undeserved?”
Roti remained silent.
I sighed, suppressing my frustration.
“Everything you’ve received has been because of who you are,” I told her firmly. “Had you been someone else—someone with a lesser character, someone who only wallowed in bitterness—you wouldn’t have been given these chances. You want something, don’t you?”
“...”
“When you achieve it, will you still dismiss it as a product of someone else’s kindness?”
---
The issues of social disparity, colonial exploitation, and the dehumanization inherent in systems like plantation labor weren’t something that could be resolved overnight. The noble class wouldn’t disappear in ten or even twenty years. These structures would remain, enabling exploitation simply by existing.
But in this imperfect system, would she remain a maid bound to a single household? Would she resign herself to unrequited feelings, watching Jake marry someone else?
Granted, Jake likely wouldn’t marry anyone else—but that wasn’t the point.
---
“Don’t overthink it,” I said, taking a step closer. “If an opportunity comes your way, seize it. A knight’s title offers far more freedom than servitude ever will.”
Roti’s lips parted slightly, surprise evident in her expression. Her eyes darted toward Jake, and I could almost hear her thoughts: *How does she know?*
How could I not? Even without knowledge of the original story, anyone watching these two would suspect as much. Their closeness was both obvious and, to some, alienating. It was one reason why Roti often found herself ostracized.
---
“Don’t settle for being second best or for mere proximity,” I said softly, ensuring only she could hear. “I dislike seeing those around me justify their unhappiness.”
Roti looked up at me, the shadow I cast covering her completely.
...Okay, perhaps I came off as a bit intimidating. That wasn’t the intent.
“Wanting something is enough of a reason,” I said. “You don’t need any other excuse.”
“...”
Still, Roti said nothing.
---
“Apologies for interrupting,” I said, stepping back. “I’ll leave you two to your conversation.”
I bowed slightly and turned to leave.
---
From a vantage point outside their view, another figure leaned casually against the rocks. Alice.
Though her earlier exclamation of “Eek!” had been erased, the complex expression on her face spoke volumes. She clearly had questions.
I raised a finger to my lips, signaling for her silence. Alice nodded, suppressing her curiosity for now.
Two princesses eavesdropping on a duke’s son. It was a scenario ripe for tarnishing royal dignity.
I gestured toward the beach, and Alice obediently followed.
---
“How are they?” Alice asked after we’d walked a good distance away, far enough that our voices wouldn’t carry.
“To be honest, I’m not sure,” I admitted.
I could only hope my words had resonated with Roti.
Would she interpret them politically, like Duke Lindborough might? Had I overstepped?
In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have interfered.
For the first time since returning to this world, I felt a pang of regret.