Chapter 11

Eleanor possesses magic in this life, which she did not have in her previous life. However, she has only a little magic, enough to create a small flame or a gentle breeze.

Those who possess greater magic can become special occupations such as magic knights or mages. Since magic users are rare, if Eleanor had more magic, she wouldn't be living such a leisurely life now. She would have been recommended by the country to enter an academy to study magic.

"Being able to make a fire like this, it's really a great help. Magic is amazing. I can even fill a glass with water. Ham-chan said that even though he has magic, it's sealed. I didn't understand the word 'sealed,' so Ham-chan explained it to me."

Eleanor often thinks of the young Alexei in her daily life.

"I want to see Ham-chan looking well just once."

Eleanor doesn't know that this wish will soon come true.

On the day of their fateful reunion, Eleanor was spending her time alone in the annex as usual. After breakfast, while embroidering a ribbon for a corner mouse, the door knocker rang. Thinking no one should be coming today, Eleanor answered, and a maid from the main house responded.

Eleanor put down her embroidery needle and ribbon on the old table and opened the door. There were the elderly maid who served her stepmother and a young maid she had never seen before.

"Miss Eleanor, you have been ordered by the master to attend the ball held at the royal palace today."

The unsmiling maid, without any greeting, informed Eleanor, the mistress of the annex, and then entered with the young maid. The maid gave various instructions to the other maids and finally warned Eleanor.

"Once you are ready, wait quietly in the main hall at the entrance of the main house. Make sure not to keep the master waiting."

With that, she left the annex. The remaining young maids began dressing Eleanor in a red dress, styling her hair, and applying makeup.

"It's a ball today, isn't it? I've only been to one before, but there's supposed to be really delicious food. But a lady shouldn't eat too much. Why am I a lady, anyway?"

Eleanor sighed wistfully, thinking about the food. Her long lashes and melancholic face were very alluring, and even the maids, who were of the same sex, felt their hearts race.

"I hate corsets. If I'm squeezed like this, I can't enjoy the food."

Eleanor, who didn't want to go to the ball, didn't show a single smile even when beautifully dressed. Instead, she looked wistful. One of the red-haired, freckled maids couldn't help but speak to Eleanor.

"Miss Eleanor, is there something you are dissatisfied with?"

In response to this question, Eleanor shook her head.

"... No. ... It's fine."

After answering, she fell silent again.

"I'm not good with ladylike words. It takes so much time to speak the way I was taught."

Seeing Eleanor's state, the maids who were dressing her for the first time suspected that Eleanor might be mistreated by the lady in the main house.

"Miss Eleanor, how long have you been living in this annex?"

"Such a question is unusual! Did I do something wrong?"

Eleanor paused and slowly answered.

"... Since my mother, the previous lady, passed away."

"How should I explain this? It's like I was driven out by my stepmother, but I don't really have any complaints. This place is comfortable."

While hesitating and looking around, the maid started speaking on her own.

"Miss Eleanor's mother passed away, and the current lady came. Because Miss Eleanor is the child of the previous lady, you were sent here... all alone..."

Confused by the weeping maid, Eleanor asked for their names.

"... What are your names?"

The red-haired, freckled maid was Lila, and the chestnut-haired, plump maid was Larisa. Both were eighteen years old.

"... That's nice. Beautiful names."

The divine beauty of Eleanor's gentle smile made both of them fall in love. At this moment, both became Eleanor's devotees.

"Miss Eleanor, your preparations are complete. We need to clean up. If we are late, Miss Eleanor will be scolded."

Eleanor nodded at the maid's words and headed to the main house.