Chapter 26 - New Place, New Maids
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Soon, we reached the new residence. I haven't been barred from entering the Count's mansion, but having a place to have my own privacy sure is nice.
The maids were moving around busily, tending to their new workplace. They had been informed beforehand that we were arriving, so they were already in active mode now.
That said, I couldn't find the figure of Tracey anywhere. She had left soon after her arrival due to some sudden issues in her territory. Her parents had already delegated most duties to Tracey, so she had to be present there to deal with the issues as the face of the administration.
Well, she did look unwilling to leave, as she had hugged me tightly as she sobbed continuously, asking me to keep writing her letters.
If she had been here, we could have visited the new residence together. Well, let's not talk about this issue anymore. I can't act improperly in front of her. Unable to enjoy my newfound freedom for the sake of staying as the prim and proper 'elder sister'... no way! I refuse to yield anymore! My junior can't hold back either!
Sorry, Tracey. I am really, truly sorry for having such thoughts. You do your best to deal with those issues, while I keep myself busy dealing with...
Walking in beside Sarah, I observed the place closely. Everything inside looked neat, clean, and tidy. Mother made sure to have everything here new and pricey. Surely a result of my mother's excessive doting funds.
Hmm, kind of feels nice to have such a doting mom, spoiling me rotten at all times.
"Young Miss, the Mistress had asked the artisans to prepare a special bathing area for you. On a side note, eight people can enter the bath at once."
Just as I was feeling more grateful than ever for having such a nice mother, my eyes caught a maid dressed in simple clothes, not the mansion commissioned one, with a younger maid hiding behind her as she watched me with visible caution.
Hmm? What's up with these two?
As Sarah noticed me looking at the two maids, one similar in age to her and one younger, she spoke to me at once,
"Young Miss, those two are the newest hires. Um... they are children of some spies caught in our territory. Their parents switched sides and offered to work for us. The Count agreed, yet made their children work for us, to keep a close watch on them and to give them a deterrent against turning on us."
"These two have been arranged to work under you, being the younger ones amongst their batch. Those two are cousins, by the way. The elder one is called Eden, while the younger one is Janet."
As the two maids saw us focusing on them, the elder cousin continued to comfort the younger one,
"Janet, you must stay strong. We can't appear weak in front of our new Mistress."
The younger cousin nodded slowly as she spoke,
"I know, Sister Eden. Mommy and Daddy are okay now, right? Well, when can we return home? I miss my friends there. Would we never return home?"
Eden carefully wiped away the lingering tears in Janet's eyes as she spoke softly,
"Heh, even if we lost the luxury and status, all being alive is the most important, Janet."
The younger girl nodded as she asked again,
"Then, when will Mommy come back? I miss Mommy."
Edem looked like she wanted to comfort her younger cousin, yet she stopped when she saw us approaching. Janet quickly hid behind her elder cousin while Eden bowed respectfully as she spoke to me,
"Young Miss, please forgive my young cousin. She cannot yet understand her duties well. The two of us have nowhere else to go; hence, we look forward to serving you with all our hearts."
The two maids, with the same eyes yet slightly different facial features, acted more formally than before my arrival.
The younger cousin, Janet, had a pity-evoking face, her overall figure seeming like a small, kind animal. Meanwhile, Eden looked like a young lady from a prestigious family, trying to cosplay as a maid.
What a unique pair these two are. Did they assume that I would act tough on them as soon as I arrived to establish authority?
Heh, no way. Being forced by circumstances to do that when I was the heir would have been one thing, yet now that I am free to act on my will, why the hell would I do all that? I haven't gone insane yet!
I felt some pity welling up within me, seeing Janet, who looked too young to work as a maid. Her big eyes looked utterly devoid of filth as she desperately depended on her older cousin for support.
Ah! How I wish to set these two free at once. Alas, I am not the one calling the shots anymore. It's Father's decision, so it can't be helped. The least that I can do is to treat them well during their stay here.
I was initially surprised at the mismatch between their clothes and their presence, but now it all makes sense. The sudden shift from luxury to rags must have been a huge shocker for them. It's good that I noticed it earlier.
Well, the new top maid of this place, my dear Sarah, would surely treat them well, not with just pity but with proper respect and guidance towards their new role. At least, I haven't seen or heard Sarah bullying anyone else before.
Unlike the young and clueless-looking Janet, Eden seemed far more composed and confident. With her beautiful emerald green hair hanging down as it covered her modest chest... ahem!
Yup, maybe she still needs a few more years to grow well. Hope is what keeps the world running, right?
The short twintails looked cute on Janet, yet the straight long hair style suited Eden a lot more. If only they switched their hairstyles... no, what the hell was I thinking?!
Coming out of a daze, I ignored the self-sacrificing-spirit-filled Eden and began patting Janet's head softly as I spoke to her,
"Okay, we would all be fine. I have heard about you, Janet. You are welcome to my place. Although it might not be the best place in the City, it is still safer and warmer than most. Have no worries; you can rely on this Young Mistress. If you find anything troublesome, you can come to talk to me about it. And I am not just saying it to be polite. I promise and give you my word. You shall have my full attention. No need to have fear or worries here. Well, would you like to have some candy? Sarah, we should have a few left, right?"
The surprised young girl mechanically accepted my offering, making my smile even deeper.
Ah! So, cute~! I wanna hug her close so bad!
"Hehe, I hope that you find them tasty. Sarah, please give them some later too."
Sarah stared at my grinning face suspiciously for a while before she bowed in acknowledgment and replied,
"As you command, Young Miss."
The young girl looked up at her older cousin for guidance, who nodded at her in response.
Janet then smiled brightly for the first time of the day as she spoke,
"Thank you, Young Miss~!"
Haah... so healing... so pure...
Yup, must protect this smile for sure.
After patting the younger cousin well, I turned towards the nervous older maid and spoke gently to her,
"Eden, correct? Welcome to my residence. Sarah will surely guide you well. I am sure that she would treat Janet gently. As for you, though, you must learn well under her. There are not many restrictions here, but I hope that you will uphold the dignity of the house and act accordingly."
"Yes, Young Miss..."
Eden seemed surprised at my behaviour, perhaps having been tipped off by her companions before.
Well, I don't have to act like a demoness. I can be gentle too. Hmm, being a gentle and refined lady of a noble household... why does it seem ill-suited for me?
Janet buried her head into Eden's back shyly. The bond between the two cousins really warmed my heart, and after letting them head back to duty, I finally made my way to the long-awaited bath inspection!
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