Chapter 7

"Miss Sisilia, please make sure to contact us if you ever need to talk about anything!!"

"We are always on Miss Sisilia's side!!"

As I waved back to Eliza and the others, who were waving goodbye to the carriage with a flourish, I tried hard to hold back my tears.

Before I knew it, the day of my first job had arrived. I was about to dive into the rough seas of the world.

Feeling a bit lonely as their figures disappeared, I sat down and thought to myself, it's not very common for a former viscount's daughter to have all her belongings fit into just one large trunk, and I smiled wryly.

Of course, I had a few dresses for formal occasions and some accessories like hats and shoes, as befitting a young woman.

But I probably wouldn't have the chance to wear such frilly and flashy things as a commoner, and if I didn't wear them, it would be a waste to bring them. The servant's room isn't that big, after all.

I hurriedly called an antique dealer, had them take everything that could be sold, and exchanged it for money. The remaining items, except for those that Eliza and the Jones family could use, were neatly disposed of.

Even though I was shortchanged and the value in Japanese terms didn't even reach 100,000 yen, having no money at all was too scary. This amount was a fortune for me now.

If I were to be disliked by Miss Sara, I might lose my job as a nanny. Having some money on hand would give me peace of mind.

Given her frail health, she might be a frail and delicate beauty, sighing while looking out the window, saying something like, "When that leaf falls, I will die too..."

She might be the type who envies people's health and ends up being mean. In such cases, the more mature side should be more understanding.

I, like Eliza, have a soft spot for emotions. I was determined to take good care of her and help her become lively and healthy! I was definitely determined.

"– Ah, um, nice to meet you. I am Sisilia Ark, and I will be in your service from today."

After arriving at the Grosroad Marquess's house, I was led to the servant's room by Marilyn, the head maid (a strict-looking woman in her 50s with red hair tied up in a bun. The sexy image I had of Marilyn was completely absent, which was a bit disappointing).

The room was simple, about six tatami mats in size, with a desk, bed, bookshelf, and wardrobe. It was clean and well-maintained, and I had my own private room. It was fitting for a marquess's household.

After unpacking my belongings and changing into the maid's uniform—a black long dress with an apron—and setting my headpiece, I felt a sense of determination to start my work.

"Then, I will introduce you to Miss Sara. As a former viscount's daughter, you should know the proper etiquette, so please be careful not to be rude."

"Understood."

Marilyn, who seemed intimidating at first, did not look down on me, a fallen noble, and treated me normally. I had expected some snide remarks, but there were none. I realized she was a fair person.

She would certainly scold me if I made a mistake at work, but that's only natural. She wasn't the type to criticize someone for their circumstances.

It was good to have a competent superior. I needed to get used to my job quickly and become a useful person.

However, when I visited Miss Sara's room, no one was there.

"…Oh, perhaps she's outside…"

I was told that there was a swing and a sandbox in the courtyard, and she sometimes played there during the day.

I wondered if it was okay for her to play outside, given her frail health. It was winter, after all. Maybe it was only when she felt well?

But when I saw Miss Sara playing on the swing, my concept of frail health was completely shattered.

She had a plump and willful body.

Sara, I think, was about 25 kilograms, but she was quite slim. Based on that, she might weigh over 40 kilograms. No, maybe even as much as two Saras. At the very least, it was a weight that made me hesitate to pick her up. Her form was reminiscent of a bag of rice, and I was inwardly overwhelmed.

The frail, withered body I had imagined was just a misconception. But where was the frailness?

Ah, maybe she wasn't fat, but had a disease affecting her internal organs, causing her to swell due to medication. It's not right to judge by appearance.

Still, she was incredibly cute. Her hair was fluffy platinum blonde, and her large emerald green eyes were doll-like. Her skin was smooth and white like porcelain, and she would grow into a beautiful woman if she grew taller.

"I am Sara. Who are you?"

She looked at me while swinging.

"I am Sisilia. Please take care of me, Miss Sara."

I bowed.

"Okay. Nice to meet you. – Sisilia, I'm sleepy. Can you take me to my room?"

I inwardly flinched. Was this the start of my ordeal?

"Please take care of it, Sisilia."

Marilyn, thinking the introduction was over, returned to her work, and I almost cried. Wait, Marilyn, don't go!

"…Understood. Would you like me to carry you on my back?"

If I carried her on my back, I could manage. …I hoped.

I squatted and turned my back to her.

"Okay!"

She got off the swing and came over, and a considerable weight settled on my back.

"…Excuse me."

I had never felt such tension while standing up.

I couldn't afford to fall with the marquess's daughter on my back. If I injured her, I would be fired on my first day.

I stood up without showing that my legs were trembling and walked as if nothing was wrong.

In my previous life, I had watched a TV special on Mount Everest climbing with my husband, and we were amazed that the backpacks weighed nearly 20 kilograms. Even without climbing, carrying an estimated 40 kilograms was tough. My back, my back.

No, Miss Sara, don't fall asleep now.

When I lost my strength, the weight seemed to increase even more.

I couldn't do this with the muscles of a pampered young lady. I needed to train more.

Indeed, if the maids were all older, this work would be dangerous. It was natural to need young strength.

I carried Miss Sara, who was like a bag of rice, to her room, helped her wash her hands, change her clothes, and put her to bed. When I returned to my room, the pain in my back and the trembling in my knees didn't subside for a while.

"For something like this…"

I called out softly.

"I can't give up over something like this!!"

Maid Sisilia, this is just the beginning.