Chapter 7

It has been a week since my first day, and finally, all the cleaning is done.

At first, I was honestly worried that I wouldn't be able to finish cleaning such a large place, but it seems that if there are no obstacles like in the noble family's house, it can be done after all.

It seems I can maintain the clean state from now on as well.

"The cleaning of the mansion, as ordered, is complete!"

I went to the study with my chest puffed out to report to Prince Clovis.

"It's not finished yet."

"Huh?"

I tried to recall if there was any place I had forgotten to clean, my mind going blank with fear.

But I couldn't think of anything.

Then, the prince tapped his desk with his index finger.

"Finally, clean this room. I have business at the palace and will be leaving."

"Yes, sir."

"Let me tell you in advance, I will place a knight in front of the room. If you need to move heavy objects or anything else, you can ask him."

"Thank you."

After saying that, Prince Clovis left.

The study is a place with important documents. Even though a knight is standing at the door, it's quite an honor to be allowed to touch anything here. Thinking that I might be trusted a little, I felt motivated.

"I didn't ask when you'll be back, but I'll finish by then."

I rolled up my sleeves and started picking up the scattered papers on the floor.

After checking the beginning of the books, I arranged them by genre and title on the cart, and sorted the documents into boxes prepared by the knight. I didn't forget to label the boxes properly to make them easy to find.

There were some papers that looked like doodles, but I didn't throw them away and left them in an unsorted box. They might be codes.

By the time Prince Clovis returned, the sun had already set, and I had just finished mopping the floor.

"You're still here?"

"I'm sorry. I'll put away the mop and leave."

"No, I'm glad you waited."

After Prince Clovis instructed Sir Aslan to put away the mop, he slowly looked through the books and boxes of documents on the cart.

"I just checked the entrance, the empty rooms, and the corridors. This room was also spotless. Moreover, the way you organized the documents was very meticulous. You did a great job despite my unreasonable orders."

His voice was softer than ever, and his lips formed a gentle curve.

I was momentarily stunned, not understanding what he was saying. He had even changed the way he addressed me from "you" to "you" (a more respectful form).

"--- No, I'm not that great at all."

When was the last time I was praised directly? The unexpected kind words made my heart race, and my eyes began to sting.

I tried to be humble and control my emotions, but—

"I want to properly evaluate those who work hard and seriously. Being too humble is like denying my thoughts and words. Understand? Miss Nadia Masquar, I want to recognize your efforts. Please accept the praise."

"Prince Clovis, thank you."

I couldn't hold back anymore. When I realized it, my vision was already blurry, and several drops had fallen to the floor.

There was someone here who recognized me.

How happy this made me, I couldn't even understand the turmoil of warm emotions in my chest.

At that moment, a handkerchief was gently placed over my eyes.

"I didn't expect you to cry."

"I'm sorry. And for the handkerchief."

"I thought you were a bold young lady who would climb a ladder and wash your feet, but you cry so cutely."

"Cu... cute..."

Prince Clovis chuckled, and my tears stopped. Instead of joy, a wave of embarrassment rose.

I could only grip the handkerchief and look down.

"Miss Nadia, do you have a curfew?"

"No, there's no specific curfew."

"Then would you listen to me for a while?"

I sat on the sofa as he gestured, and Prince Clovis sat across from me, facing me over the table.

When Sir Aslan returned with a tea set, he served both the prince and me. "Please," he said, so I drank without hesitation. It was very delicious, the taste of a skilled person.

"Is it good? Nibel is very good at making tea."

"Yes, as you say."

"Due to certain circumstances, I don't like to have many people around me. As a result, Nibel can do not only the knight's job but also the butler's and coachman's jobs."

Prince Clovis placed his teacup on the saucer with a wry smile, then folded his long fingers on his knees and his expression darkened.

"I have given the same orders to every young lady before. However, you are the only one who didn't show any dissatisfaction, even considering my tendency to avoid people, and worked seriously until the end. Even though it was a test, I apologize for giving you such a humiliating job as a young lady."

Even someone as inexperienced in society and politics as me knew that the words of gratitude from a royal were heavy. At the same time, I knew that denying it with "It's nothing" would be very impolite.

So, wanting to return the prince's sincerity, I smiled honestly.

"It was fulfilling and enjoyable. I didn't feel humiliated at all."

Prince Clovis's eyes widened, and then he showed a confident smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"Indeed, you are different."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Of course."

"Hehe, thank you."

Ah, I'm so happy. I didn't know that being praised could be this joyful.

Moreover, Prince Clovis is truly a very sincere person, unlike the rumors. He gives fair evaluations. If I have to work, I want to work under this person.

"Your Highness, did I pass as a maid?"

"Well, I suppose so. I'll be counting on you from now on."

"Yes, I will do my best."

This way, I can live without worrying about the Masquar family.

That night, I had a slightly more luxurious dinner with Pearl and toasted with grape juice.