Chapter 130: VOL 2 Chapter 75: Set a precedent.
"Young master, forgive me for my audacity..."
Upon seeing Eleonora and Sigrún dragging their feet as they walked into the ship, Seraphina turned to look at Erik and spoke in a serious tone. She bows deeply before quickly straightening up to continue speaking while firmly gazing at her young master.
"But the young lady and Master Silverwood were eagerly looking forward to this vacation, don't you think it's a bit petty of you to ignore them when they worked so hard to make it possible?"
Hearing his maid's calm words, Erik could not help but turn to look her in the eye for a moment, only to sigh and begin speaking in a serious and resolute tone. Unwilling to back down from his decision, fully prepared for whatever consequences might come.
"I understand what you mean, Seraphina, and it might truly seem like a childish whim, but I feel it's necessary to do this, as I believe it's important to set a precedent, no matter how small or childish it may seem.
"There's something I want to make very clear, and that is that I deserve respect, and my opinion matters when it comes to things related to my life. If I let this slide just like that, it's possible that in the future things could spiral out of control, and it could end very badly for everyone."
Hearing Erik's resolute words, Seraphina couldn't help but look at him in surprise, while inside the cruiser, Eleonora and Sigrún, who were eavesdropping on the conversation, exchanged stunned glances. Though they knew Erik was upset with them, they hadn't thought it was too serious, but now things seemed different, and they paid closer attention as Erik continued speaking.
"And that's especially true for someone like me, as there are things I deeply value, and I don't like anyone making decisions about them other than myself. Even though I understand that my masters are people of high status and are used to having the final say in everything, and they didn't act with ill intent, that doesn't change the fact that they made decisions about things that belong to me, which is very unpleasant for me."
A thoughtful Seraphina looked at Erik with eyes full of meaning, almost as if reflecting on his words, before asking in a slightly understanding tone after a moment.
"Young master, is your reluctance to accept money you didn't earn yourself perhaps because it would give someone else the power to make decisions for you?"
Hearing the question, Erik couldn't help but look at his maid with a hint of surprise in his expression, but he quickly smiled calmly and explained in a relaxed manner. Though the sensitive Seraphina didn't miss the slight trace of bitterness in his tone, just like the two beautiful Master-level women inside the ship.