Chapter 61

I'm tired... Honestly, I'm already tired. I don't feel like the meeting with Lady Primera and Miss Scarlett tomorrow, and I'm not sure if I can handle the serious training that follows. As the head maid, I can't just not do it. I have to educate them properly as the head maid!

As long as I serve Lady Primera, I won't allow her to be embarrassed by anyone!

But that girl seems so strong-willed and has such a loud voice... Can't something be done about that? I feel intimidated.

Can't she be a bit more reserved? I'm not asking her to live in the shadows like me.

Honestly, if everyone lived as peacefully and quietly as I do, life wouldn't work, but is it a flaw of group living that we have to force ourselves to interact? Anyway, it all comes down to why it has to be me.

As an adult, I will do what I have to do!

"..."

As I left the maids' quarters, there's a garden. The castle is designed so that the garden hides the quarters (of course, it's in a place where guests can't come, but apparently it would look bad if the servants' houses were visible if someone got lost). There are people there. Well, basically, the garden is open, so the servants can use it for picnics or to admire the flowers, which is fine. Sometimes it's used as a date spot for female and male servants.

I only stayed here for the first two years before moving to the head maid's office in the palace... I don't even have time to reminisce. That's Aldar Saul, the royal guard, and... the palace guard knight, isn't it? The one who glared at Lauren, the princess's knight, in the carriage on the way to the Nashanda Marquess's residence. It was Ed, right? He looked like a musclehead, and I think he was one!

And... I can't remember his name, but the person I see behind him is a maid from the outer palace...?

What are they doing here during this busy period? They don't seem to be slacking off.

Oops, I shouldn't be so mean. I need to reflect.

What should I do? It feels like trouble, but if I notice and ignore it, I might get scolded by the head maid. But if I go over, it might turn into a big mess... However, I have to pass by there anyway... If I blend in with the onlookers, my presence will be noticed, and it will eventually get back to the head maid...

Hmm, are the royal guard Aldar Saul and the palace guard knight Ed acquainted?

Hmm. As I get closer... it doesn't feel like they're just acquaintances chatting.

There's a tense atmosphere... It feels like they're about to start a fight...

"What's that?"

"Oh, Miss Scarlett... Have you finished the documents?"

"I have, it was a piece of cake for me!!"

Hmm, is this girl actually competent? No, before that, her manner of speaking is a bit common... Suddenly, I feel a sense of familiarity. A piece of cake.

A beautiful, strong-willed girl saying "piece of cake" and looking a bit smug. Hmm, maybe she's a bit of a ditz but capable...? Thinking that, she might be kind of cute...

I glanced at the documents she thrust at me, and her handwriting is quite neat.

But... yeah, this would pass in the inner palace.

Okay, from now on, I'll focus on teaching her etiquette and how to write documents. Yeah, just deciding on a plan makes me feel more positive! Yes, we shouldn't take rumors at face value. What I told others applies to me too. Reflect, reflect.

"So, what's that?"

"Scarlett, watch your language. I will be your superior starting tomorrow."

"...What is it?"

"Yes, that's the right attitude. You learn quickly, which is a relief."

Is she being more honest? No, she's not hiding her dissatisfaction, and she probably realizes that losing her job as a maid would be a problem. Maybe the education will go well? No, no, I shouldn't be too optimistic. That's usually why things fail!

"So, what's the answer to your question? I don't know. When I came out, they were like that. The woman... I think she was a maid from the outer palace, but do you know her?"

"I don't. But I've seen her with that man a few times... I have."

"Right, in any case, we have to pass by there... Scarlett, too."

"Yes, of course. I can pass by even without you! I'm not a child!!"

Ah, maybe this girl isn't so bad. She has some quirks... No, no, I shouldn't be too optimistic. Even if her mental age is low, I have to treat her as an adult based on her actual age.

Watching her confidently walk ahead, I laughed to myself. I can't just stand here; I have to keep moving. The design for Lady Primera's garden party dress was happily accepted by the seamstress, and the Queen Mother is attending this time, so there are things to look forward to.

The fabric selection is done, but we still need to choose jewelry and other items. We also need to adjust the schedules and breaks for the maids and servants attending the party, and calculate bonuses. I just decided on a plan for Scarlett's education, but I need to work out the details.

I need to memorize the guests and their preferences for the garden party... and inform everyone... Ah, my head might explode. I hope I can handle it. Maina, Scarlett, and I...

There's so much to do... No, no, once this is over.

Then it will be peaceful until the winter birthday celebration of the Crown Prince! After that, it's the New Year's party.

It's a bit more relaxed because I'm not at the center of the festivities. In winter, I can go home and bring gifts for my mother-in-law and Merlek...

"Oh, Lady Yuria, what a coincidence!"

"..."

Oh no, why did he call out to me!!

I was trying to focus on my thoughts to pass by unnoticed!

That melting smile and greeting... Greeting... Ah, so sweet!!

Look! The maids around us are blushing!

And I'm the one who gets glared at afterward!!

No, no, it's not Aldar Saul's fault. He's known to be handsome and popular. Plus, he's from the prestigious Baum family, has decided to start a branch family, is serious, and doesn't play around, so he's a prime catch.

If a woman is friendly with him, she's seen as a rival by those who are interested in him.

Stop! I'm just a maid with no resistance to handsome men!!

If I could say that, it would be so much easier.

"Since you seem busy, let's talk another time!"

"Oh, no, please! I really need your help!"

...Wow. No hesitation.

That way of speaking and smiling, Aldar Saul has really dragged me into a mess.

What does he mean by "help"?

Tilting my head, he smiled again.

"You know Ed McKail, the palace guard, right? He says I'm a villain who toys with the maids..."

"What, toys...?"

That's not peaceful at all!!

Looking at Ed, who is standing protectively in front of the outer palace maid, his face is like a demon tile, and the maid, hiding behind him, seems to be crying... No, she looks like she's in trouble. She's quite skilled at not being seen by the men.

...This is definitely trouble!

He's dragged me into this, damn it! I'll have to negotiate with the head maid for a bonus later!!!

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